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Sunday, 17 November, 2013 5:47 PM
All-New
2015 Lincoln MKC provides Fresh Choice for Small Premium Utility
customers
MKC
will introduce the all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost® turbocharged
four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of
torque
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| Photo
credit: Lincoln Motor Company |
The
Lincoln Motor Company introduces the all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC small
premium utility vehicle, the second of four all-new Lincoln vehicles
to fuel the brand’s reinvention.
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LOS
ANGELES -- The Lincoln Motor Company’s reinvention
takes a major step forward today with the unveiling of the all-new
2015 Lincoln MKC small premium utility vehicle.
The
Lincoln MKC is a unique creation from the ground up with an assortment
of first-in-class features. Its all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost®
engine offers excellent performance while its ingeniously implemented
wraparound liftgate is an example of masterful customer convenience.
The
luxurious interior embraces driver and passengers alike, and its
new and innovative technology personalizes the MKC ownership experience.
Lincoln MKC follows the MKZ sedan to become the second all-new Lincoln
in as many years as the brand continues its reinvention.
“Lincoln
MKC is a perfect blend of inspired automotive design and dynamic
driving performance in a segment that has grown in popularity in
recent years,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president of
Ford global marketing, sales and service and Lincoln. “As
a challenger luxury brand, entering this segment is a natural next
step for us. MKC will do more than just compete – it will
change the way people think about Lincoln.”
Building
the right vehicle at the right time
Lincoln
MKC – first introduced as a concept vehicle at the 2013 North
American International Auto Show in Detroit – represents a
critical milestone in the company’s plan to expand its lineup.
Arriving
on the heels of the all-new and successful 2013 Lincoln MKZ sedan,
MKC becomes the second new vehicle in the brand’s plans to
introduce four new luxury vehicles by 2016.
MKC
gives Lincoln a compelling offering in the small premium utility
vehicle segment, the fastest-growing part of the luxury market.
The segment has grown by 25 percent since 2012 and by more than
200 percent since 2009. The segment growth is being driven by new
luxury buyers who are coming into affluence, as well as by current
luxury owners who are moving from larger vehicles to smaller ones
as their life desires change.
With
MKC, Lincoln continues its move toward targeting a younger, more
diverse customer. The vehicle also positions Lincoln to resonate
with drivers in desirable markets on the East and West coasts.
Designed
to inspire inside and out
The
Lincoln design team faced the dual challenge of creating a standout
vehicle in a competitive field, while further refining the Lincoln
design DNA that started with the 2013 MKZ. From its signature split-wing
grille to its uniquely crafted, hands-free wraparound liftgate,
the Lincoln DNA is evident.
“Our
design team worked tirelessly to create a vehicle that attracts
new customers to the brand while meeting the expectations of longtime
Lincoln drivers,” said Max Wolff, director, Lincoln Design.
“The execution of the new liftgate is a prime example of how
a premium design element can create a better customer experience.”
MKC
presents a sleek, sculpted body that helps it stand out among peers.
Its high beltline and low shoulders create a sturdy, athletic presence,
while features such as soft exterior lighting, pedestal side-view
mirrors and an available panoramic, all-glass Vista Roof® give
the vehicle a luxurious, sophisticated personality.
The
unique design also carries through to the interior, where craftsmanship
and high-tech combine to offer a warm, luxurious environment. An
architecturally unique instrument panel showcases Lincoln’s
signature push-button gear shifter, which provides an open, inviting
interior space. Plush leathers with French stitching, and available
Bridge of Weir leather and real wood trim accentuate MKC’s
elegance and grace.
“We
gave attention to every detail to convey a stylish, fashion-oriented
vehicle,” said Soo Kang, Lincoln interior design chief. “Our
use of colors, materials, stitching – every detail was considered
to create an overall luxurious experience.”
To
be more consistent with the Lincoln driving experience, an all-new
Lincoln steering wheel debuts on MKC and will be available on all
future Lincoln vehicles. This highly tactile leather-wrapped wheel
provides better feeling and control and puts the brand’s new
design DNA in the driver’s hands.
The enhanced THX® II Certified Audio System, an industry-first
featuring THX-distributed bass technology and 14 right-, center-
and left-slot speaker assemblies, is available. The state-of-the-art
audio system delivers a rich, immersive surround sound experience
that reproduces music as it was mixed in the studio.
SYNC®
with MyLincoln Touch™ enables drivers to personalize MKC by
using voice-activated commands or simple touch controls on the class-exclusive
8-inch touch screen. Knobs and buttons on the center console provide
additional and easy access to control the air conditioning and sound
system.
Lincoln
luxury meets dynamic performance
When
equipped with the all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, MKC offers
a projected 275 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 300 lb.-ft. of torque
at 3,000 rpm, according to preliminary test data. Class-exclusive
Active Grille Shutters are designed to help improve MKC fuel efficiency
at highway speeds.
MKC
comes standard with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged
engine, projected to produce 240 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 270
lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm, according to preliminary test data.
This makes Lincoln MKC an all-EcoBoost vehicle.
MKC
comes standard with front-wheel drive and 18-inch wheels. Drivers
can upgrade to Lincoln’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and 19-inch
wheels for enhanced cornering and handling and an even sportier
look.
The
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system also includes Continuously Controlled
Damping. Drivers can use Lincoln Drive Control to select from sport,
comfort and normal drive modes to cater to their driving mood. CCD
constantly monitors the road; the suspension reacts on average within
20 milliseconds, providing a smooth ride with enhanced handling.
CCD
also is available in the standard front-wheel drive configuration
of MKC.
“The
width of MKC’s track has been set to allow the designers the
freedom to create a planted stance for the vehicle, and it provided
engineers the opportunity to minimize body roll and give the vehicle
a more sporty feel,” said Lisa Drake, MKC chief engineer.
Technology
provides protection, confidence
MKC
offers advanced technology such as collision warning with brake
support, a Lane-Keeping System and driver assist to help drivers
avoid common accidents. The collision warning system is designed
to alert the driver if it detects a potential front-end crash. The
system issues an audible alert in the cabin, a visual alert on the
windshield and automatic brake assist sensitivity.
MKC
introduces available park-out assist technology, a class-exclusive
feature that enhances the vehicle’s active park assist capabilities.
Where active park assist helps guide drivers into tight parallel
parking situations, park-out assist steers drivers out of tight
parking spots.
The
vehicle’s Lane-Keeping System uses rearview mirror-mounted
cameras to identify lane markers and help drivers avoid unintentionally
straying from their lane. If the system detects a driver’s
alertness level dropping below a given threshold, a warning is issued
via a chime and a pop-up message appears on the left-hand cluster
screen.
MKC
also offers a Blind Spot Information System, which continuously
monitors the vehicle’s blind spots with radar sensors, and
class-exclusive cross-traffic alert, which detects traffic as the
vehicle backs from a parking space.
Driver
confidence and safety is furthered by the inclusion of seven standard
airbags, including a class-exclusive driver’s knee airbag.
In preparing MKC for the road, the vehicle was subjected to 5,000
virtual and real-world crash tests and a variety of conditions.
Experience
Lincoln’s uniquely warm reception
MKC
will greet owners with exclusive Approach Detection, which senses
when an owner is near and responds by illuminating “welcome
mats” on the ground next to both front doors. Simultaneously,
headlamps, taillamps and door handles glow with soft lighting tuned
to complement the vehicle’s exterior color.
MKC
will be the first Lincoln to have always-on built-in connectivity,
allowing owners to utilize a smartphone app to control the vehicle.
With the MyLincoln Mobile™ app, MKC owners can start, lock,
unlock and locate the vehicle, as well as schedule a remote start
event for a set time.
Drivers
also can use the app to place a call for roadside assistance, monitor
the vehicle’s fuel level, check tire pressure and battery
status, and program engine start times to allow the vehicle to heat
or cool to comfortable levels.
Lincoln
MKC production is slated to begin in the second quarter of 2014
at Louisville Assembly Plant in Louisville, Ky. Vehicles are due
in showrooms next summer.
Source:
The Lincoln Motor Company
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| Photo
credit: Lincoln Motor Company |
Featuring
an architecturally unique instrument panel that showcases Lincoln’s
signature push-button gear shifter, the Lincoln MKC small premium
utility creates an open, welcoming interior.
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