2011 LINCOLN MKX USES ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY TO PRODUCE BEST-IN-CLASS HORSEPOWER, FUEL ECONOMY

2011 Lincoln MKX
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• The 2011 Lincoln MKX boasts best-in-class 305 horsepower – 40 more than the outgoing product – versus all V6 competitors with best-in-class fuel economy of any luxury midsize crossover, delivering 19 mpg in city driving and 26 mpg on the highway
• The new 3.7-liter V6 employs several fuel-efficient strategies that also improve performance, including twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT), aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff and battery management

The 2011 Lincoln MKX, with industry-first MyLincoln Touch™ driver connect technology, is a high-tech showcase. That is true of the luxury crossover’s powertrain as well.

Its new 3.7-liter V6 employs advanced technology and clever control strategies to increase horsepower and fuel economy to best-in-class levels.

“Fuel economy continues to be at the top of customers’ minds,” said Greg Johnson, Lincoln powertrain manager. “But customers refuse to compromise on power. With the 2011 Lincoln MKX, they won’t have to. We’re delivering best-in-class power and best-in-class fuel economy.”

2011 Lincoln MKX customers will enjoy a luxury crossover that delivers best-in-class horsepower and torque versus all V6 competitors with best-in-class 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Horsepower has been increased to 305 – a 40 horsepower increase compared with the outgoing product – while fuel economy is improved 1 mpg in each category.

2011 Lincoln MKX vs. the Competition*

*All numbers EPA-estimated. Best-in-class numbers in bold

Advanced engine technology, clever control strategies and a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission combine to create a powertrain that efficiently produces increased levels of power and performance with improved fuel economy. Next-generation tires are key as well.

Engineers and designers examined all aspects of the popular midsize crossover and optimized them piece by piece, system by system. This intensive approach to detail has paid dividends.

Here’s a quick look at some of the key reasons why the 2011 MKX delivers class-leading power and fuel economy:

• Advanced technology: New for 2011 is twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT), which allows on-the-fly adjustment to the engine’s airflow for maximum efficiency. This leads to better fuel economy – approximately a 3 to 4 percent improvement from this strategy alone.
• New engine hardware: The 3.7-liter V6 adds piston-cooling jets and polished valvetrain buckets and combines them with an improved intake manifold and cylinder head with increased port flow to optimize the system as a whole. The piston-cooling jets spray oil on the underside of the pistons and enable faster oil warm-up and a higher compression ratio. The polished valvetrain buckets reduce friction, which in turn aids fuel economy and also improves durability (wear) of the cam and bucket tappet. The improved intake manifold and cylinder head optimizes engine airflow.
• Lower idle speed: Engine idle speed was reduced from 620 to 600 rpm to save fuel.
• Aerodynamic optimizations: Underbody shielding and tire spoilers were added to help create a more efficient aerodynamic shape. Also, the grille openings were optimized to reduce excess airflow to the engine compartment, thus reducing drag.
• Fuel shutoff: The 2011 MKX employs an aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff control system, which shuts off the engine when the customer doesn’t command engine torque – such as decelerating at freeway speeds.
• Variable-displacement steering pump: Unlike a conventional hydraulic pump, which draws constant power from the engine whenever it is running, this system varies the amount of steering assist based on engine speed, anticipating the driver’s need for steering assist.
• Battery management system: The new MKX also uses smart charging. Normally the alternator continuously charges the battery, which wastes energy. Smart charging increases the alternator output when braking or decelerating, converting the vehicle’s motion energy into electric energy without using additional fuel. The recovered energy then goes to recharge the battery so that it can be used later.
• Electrical load shedding: This new feature shuts off devices if they are left on with the key in the accessory position. This saves battery life and keeps the battery from going dead, aiding reliable starts.
• Reliable starts: The one-touch starting in the 2011 MKX enables starts of around seven-tenths of a second with precise fuel delivery for maximum fuel economy and minimal emissions.
• New tires: The 2011 MKX adds next-generation 18-inch tires. Just as the new powertrain produces increased power and better fuel economy, the new tires have been engineered to provide better performance and grip while also increasing fuel economy through improved construction and compound.

“The key to the performance gains and fuel economy with the 2011 Lincoln MKX is that we don’t look at power and fuel economy as being mutually exclusive,” said Mazen Hammoud, powertrain calibrations manager. “Instead, we focus on optimizing every component, every system and every control in the powertrain for greater efficiency overall.”

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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 159,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

Aug. 23, 2010