Lincoln's Surprising Bustle Back Crossover

Car fans who follow the ever changing automotive industry got an eyeful at this year's auto shows. Making the rounds at shows in Detroit, Chicago, New York, and elsewhere was one of the most striking vehicles presented - the Lincoln MKT crossover concept.

That vehicle, thought by some to be a mock up of future cars to come, looks like it will receive its own time in the spotlight. Thanks to a sneak preview this month at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Show, Lincoln fans will see the stunning crossover on the road before the end of 2009.

The 2010 Lincoln MKT

Based on the same platform which powers the Ford Flex, the Lincoln MKT will share little else, offering distinct styling that is polar opposite to the look of the boxy Flex. Specifically, many of the styling cues from the MKT are expected to be retained including its split waterfall grill, curvaceous body, and its bustle trunk. The latter touch will remind people of the bustle-back Cadillac Seville of the early 1980s, a unique car with controversial styling.

The reasoning for building the MKT is simple: some people need the carrying capacity (seven passengers) found in a vehicle of this type, the attendant luxury appointments, and they want good gas mileage. For anyone who owns the big Lincoln Navigator SUV, the MKT will offer similar amenities but provide a 50% increase in fuel economy - certainly a compelling reason to bring the MKT to market.

Radical Styling Meets Advanced Engineering

Though Ford is mum as far as interior particulars, the concept MKT did reveal a few things that will likely find its way into the production model: the crossover will ride on huge tires, feature Lincoln's center stack dashboard display, and be powered by a 3.7L V6 EcoBoost engine. This new engine will be the largest engine available for the model, providing V8 power while giving V6 fuel economy.

Lincoln Is On A Roll

Lincoln is on a revival, having hit its low point a few years back as Ford concentrated pouring money into other luxury brands it owned and has since sold including Aston Martin, Jaguar, and Land Rover. With more money available to help out Lincoln, the dull image of this luxury marque is slowly being sharpened first with the MKS sedan released earlier this year and next with the introduction of a crossover like no other.