2010 Lincoln MKT

2010 Lincoln MKT

Episode 2918
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

The new management at Ford has pledged to rebuild Lincoln to its former glory as a top-flight luxury brand.  Given how far down Lincoln’s status has fallen, that will be no small feat.  But, Lincoln is making progress.  On the heels of the well received MKS sedan comes this MKT, their first full size crossover utility.  So, let’s see if the MKT is indeed another step in the right direction.

The three-row 2010 Lincoln MKT takes its showroom place one slot above the midsize, two-row MKX crossover. First seen as a concept at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, the MKT is a decidedly luxurious people-mover that still targets common family concerns. But, being an upscale CUV, it also boasts a lot of technology.

Sharing a platform with the capable Ford Flex, the MKT is the first ground-up vehicle using Lincoln’s latest design language. Still, at first glance, the MKT takes on a lumbering and overstated appearance, with its overdone reincarnation of the classic Lincoln Zephyr grille. Adaptive HID headlights are standard. The look is much improved in profile with far more flow and show than the boxy Flex. Well-sculpted body surfaces and large 19 or 20-inch wheels give the MKT a truly premium image. Likewise, the brawny rear end with roof spoiler, jewel-like taillights, and dual chrome exhausts.

Securicode keyless entry opens a modern and inviting cabin that seats six or seven. Handsome wood trim and upscale amenities abound. Gauges and controls are smart, sophisticated, but more intuitive than import rivals. Deeply padded, leather-trimmed 12-way power front seating includes heating, cooling, and driver’s side memory. Optional is adaptive cruise with collision warning, and Active Park Assist. Rather than radar, it uses ultrasonic sensors to allow hands-free parallel parking. It’s the easiest to use self-park system yet.

Atop the broad center stack is an eight-inch touch screen that displays audio and tri-zone climate controls, as well as standard back-up camera image. The optional nav system has real time traffic, weather, and local gasoline pricing. A 10-speaker hard drive audio system is standard, as is voice-prompted Ford SYNC with new 911 Assist.

Like Flex, the second row has limo-like legroom. Standard is a three-passenger split bench, with a pair of fold-and-tumble heated and cooled bucket seats optional. They allow for an available rear console-mounted refrigerator. The two-person, split-third row bench is tight for adults, but is ideal for children. Raise the standard power liftgate for plenty of cargo room: 39.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and 75.9 cubic feet with all seats down.

Raise the MKT’s hood for a choice of two engines. Standard is Ford’s familiar 3.7-liter V6, with 268 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Our MKT housed Ford’s new 3.5-liter Ecoboost twin-turbo direct-injected V6. It yields a V8-like 355 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. A front-drive six-speed automatic with manual mode is standard. EcoBoost adds all-wheel drive.

Even with V8 power, Ecoboost also claims V6 fuel economy. Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 16 city/22 highway. Unfortunately, our test loop of 18.7 miles per gallon of regular is the best we could do. Our MKT’s Energy Impact Score is a pretty high at 19 barrels of oil consumed per year, with a Carbon Footprint that measures 10.2 annual tons of C02. The EcoBoost really showed its stuff at the track: 0 to 60 in only 6.1 seconds—that’s three seconds faster than a Buick Enclave—and the quarter mile in 14.7 seconds at 97 miles per hour.

We were further blown away by the MKT’s ability to handle its two-and-a-half-ton weight in corners.  Armed with electronic stability, traction, and roll control, it doesn’t feel nearly so massive in the midst of a slalom exercise.  Yes, there is still some body roll, but it’s less than most vehicles this size. Stopping power comes from four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Brake Assist. Halts averaged a reasonable 130 feet from 60 to 0. On everyday roads, the MKT provides the comfort and quiet necessary for carting the family around town or away on long road trips.

MKT prices range from $44,995 in front-wheel drive, to $49,995 for all-wheel drive EcoBoost. The 2010 Lincoln MKT is indeed another step in the right direction in restoring the luster of this fabled American luxury brand. The MKT may be Lincoln’s first full-size crossover, but it delivers like a veteran.

Specifications

  • Engine: 3.5-Liter Ecoboost Twin-turbo Direct-injected V6
  • Horsepower: 355
  • Torque: 350 Lb Feet
  • 0-60 MPH: 6.1 Seconds
  • 1/4 Mile: 14.7 Seconds @ 97 MPH
  • 60-0 MPH: 130 Feet
  • EPA: 16 MPG City/ 22 MPG Highway
  • Mixed Loop: 18.7 MPG
  • Energy Impact: 19.0 Barrels Oil/Yr
  • CO2 Emissions: 10.2 Tons/Yr
2023 Genesis Electrified GV70

2023 Genesis Electrified GV70

Genesis Waves Their Magic EV Wand Yet Again

Episode 4303
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

The Genesis Electrified GV70 is not only the 3rd all-electric vehicle offering from Hyundai’s luxury division, but it’s also the first Genesis model to be built here in the US. You know, the GV70 was already a big hit with both critics and buyers, so let’s find out if a big pack of batteries and American workers can take it to the next level.

For the 2023 model year, the Genesis GV70 utility has gone electric. And like the Electrified G80 sedan before it, Genesis has integrated an all-electric drivetrain into its existing platform seamlessly and effectively.

Now, it may look almost exactly like the sleek and sophisticated internal combustion powered GV70 SUV that arrived just last year. But packed underneath it all, is the GV60’s next-gen propulsion system that uses a pair of electric motors delivering standard all-wheel drive and 429-horsepower. Both the front and rear-mounted electric motors are 160-kW and produce a combined 516 lb-ft. of torque, relying on energy from a 77.4-kWh battery. Full 350-kW charging capability will get the battery to 80% in just 18-minutes. The Electrified GV70 is rated to travel 236-miles between those charging sessions.

But based on our driving loop, we’d say more is easily possible as we were on pace for over 250-miles; making it an overachiever, much like the G80.

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The approach to the interior is not so much a heavy-handed blast of over-the-top luxury, rather just a soothing blend of high-quality metal and leather materials with soft tones, subtle ambient light, and an airy feel that ultimately delivers a very comforting experience.

There’s an available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, along with a 14.5-inch touchscreen that houses standard navigation, and it also has a rotary style control on the console if you prefer that, just don’t confuse it with the rotary gear selector like we did. Lexicon audio, quilted leather, and a suede headliner come with the Prestige package that also includes active noise control and white brake calipers.

Regen braking paddles mounted on the back of the steering wheel allow for adjusting amounts of regen up to full 1-pedal driving; or you can let Smart Regen take control, gathering data from past driving history, navigation, and road conditions to determine the appropriate amount of braking. Drive modes include Comfort, Eco, Sport, Sport +, and Custom, and Genesis has added some additional sound deadening for this EV.

Based on the incredibly quiet, smooth, and steady highway ride we experienced, we weren’t sure what to expect when we pulled this GV70 up to the line at our Mason Dixon Dragway test track.

Well, not much calmness or serenity here, as this thing absolutely blasted off the line like a rocket, hitting 60 in just 3.9-seconds. That’s almost a full 2-seconds quicker than last year’s 2.5-liter turbo-equipped GV70. It’s hard to beat performance-tuned EVs when it comes to torque delivery, and like the GV60, there’s a boost button on the steering wheel that delivers an additional 54-horsepower for a thrilling 10-seconds, helping us clear the ¼ in 12.4-seconds at 112 miles-per-hour.

The low center of gravity, an electronically controlled suspension, and a Disconnector Actuator System that allows for 2-wheel or 4-wheel-drive operation depending on circumstances, helped keep the Electrified GV70 well-planted through our handling course, and provided a livelier feel than the ICE version.

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Substantial side bolstering of the front seats kept us settled in place very nicely. Great steering feel, very little body roll, and only minor amounts of understeer at its limits. Brakes were equally as sporting, with good feedback and stability, despite the noticeable nosedive that typically accompanies stopping 5,000-lbs. of utility vehicle in just 111-feet, 6-feet shorter than the standard GV70.

There are some subtle changes outside for this Electrified version of the GV70; it gets unique 20-inch wheels, and as in the G80, the signature crest grille gets an aerodynamic makeover, nicely integrating the charging port. Same 2-line lighting theme up front, and in back, where the rear bumper is reshaped now that there are no tailpipes. Cargo area is well finished with thoughtful use of space; at 28.7 cubic-ft. with a max of 56.5, capacity is down a tiny bit, but a small storage bin up front under the hood more than makes up for it.

At 37-kWh/100 miles, the Electrified GV70 rates a good efficiency score. Pricing starts at $66,975, about 20-grand over a base ICE GV70, and 3-years of free charging at Electrify America charging stations is included.

Genesis is slowly but surely electrifying their lineup, and the 2023 Electrified GV70 is not just another step in the process, but further proof that carmakers can progress to EVs without upsetting the entire apple cart of their brand. Forward thinking but staying classy, just what we’ve come to expect from Genesis.

Specifications

  • Motor Setup: Dual 160-kW Motors
  • Horsepower: 429
  • 0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds
  • 60-0 Braking: 111 feet (avg)
  • MW Range: ~254 miles
  • Battery Size: 77.4-kWh
  • Torque: 516 lb-ft.
  • 1/4 Mile: 12.4-seconds at 112 mph
  • EPA Range: 234 miles
  • Efficiency: 37 kWh/ 100 miles