[car fanatics]

Ford
Photo: Copyright 2012 Vic Handa Photography / Car Fanatics Forum
June 28, 2012
By: CF staff

Better handling, increased power, improved fuel efficiency, additional standard equipment, more refinement and new technologies that help drivers reduce accident risks provide luxury customers with important new reasons to consider Lincoln and its flagship sedan, the new MKS.

The full-size Lincoln MKS sports an updated, sleeker style for 2013 that headlines a range of improvements that rivals more expensive luxury-class contenders.

Throughout 13 decades of the automobile’s development, suspension engineers have worked tirelessly to find an ideal balance between smooth ride and satisfying, confident handling. Traditionally, smooth-riding cars have not handled well, and sharp-handling cars have ridden harshly.

The new Lincoln MKS solves this dilemma and stands out as the only car in its segment to have Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) as standard equipment.

“The CCD system in the 2013 MKS helps deliver an exciting driving experience for the driver that is comfortable, smooth and quiet, while at the same time dynamic and involving,” said Scott Tobin, Director, Lincoln Product Development.

Standard CCD delivers a more confident drive experience that introduces a key new Lincoln DNA – the balance of ride comfort and impressive handling.

Regardless of road conditions, drivers will enjoy a markedly smoother, more controlled ride because CCD is always tuning and refining the ride quality. The result of some 4,000 hours of development time, CCD delivers its on-road benefit by significantly extending the chassis’ capabilities compared to a chassis with non-adjustable struts and shock absorbers, known as “dampers” by chassis engineers.

Compared with the fixed-rate dampers fitted to the 2012 MKS, the new CCD dampers for the 2013 MKS offer dramatically expanded control range.

CCD utilizes an array of 46 inputs to feed data to a sophisticated control unit that continuously monitors more than 23,000 packets of information per second. Algorithms react to the data by calculating the optimal damping force every 2 milliseconds or 500 times per second. The system commands damping force changes 20 times per second (20Hz). On average, large damper force adjustments (such as firm to soft) occur in just 11 milliseconds. For engineers, mechanical actions that occur in less than 13 milliseconds are considered real-time actions.

The system’s powerful processing speed and fast-acting mechanicals enable CCD to constantly read the road surface and continuously adjust damping rates in real time across the three selectable ranges – Sport, Normal and Comfort. CCD operates so quickly that it can react pre-emptively.

CCD recognizes, for example, when the car is encountering a pothole and can instantly tighten damper control to prevent the wheel and tire from experiencing the full depth of the pothole. Typically, the damping rate increases by more than 150 percent versus the system’s softest setting, helping to smooth out an otherwise harsh and jarring event. The system is so quick that inputs received at the front wheels are then used to prepare the rear wheels to deliver a more refined driving experience.

“CCD is always active, and it underpins the expanded dynamic capabilities of the new MKS,” said Brian Naspinsky, Lincoln Vehicle Integration engineer. “CCD makes it possible to provide a smoother, more controlled ride over virtually any road surface in part by reducing body roll by up to 20 percent. CCD also improves handling. Understeer on the MKS has been reduced by approximately 25 percent, so the car feels more eager and ready to respond.”

The premium engine for 2013 remains the twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, an engine that provides V8 performance with the fuel economy of a V6. The EcoBoost V6 earned a place on Ward’s 2010 “10 Best Engines” list the year it was introduced.

The 3.5-liter gasoline turbo direct-injected (GTDI) engine produces a projected 365 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and an expansive torque curve that plateaus at 350 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,500 to 5,250 rpm. Fuel economy of the EcoBoost/all-wheel-drive powertrain is projected to be 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.


The optional EcoBoost V6 is the most powerful V6 among MKS competitors, producing 55 more horsepower than the Audi A6’s optional supercharged 3.0-liter V6 and 65 more horsepower than the BMW 5-Series’ optional turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6.

“The engine combinations for the 2013 Lincoln MKS deliver an unbeatable combination of more refined power and enhanced fuel economy,” said Greg Johnson, Lincoln powertrain manager. “The 2013 Lincoln MKS has been engineered to deliver performance feel that’s smooth, effortless and confident.”

[McLovin]

Nice.
And why do we only see pics in silver. Boring.
Yet we only see XTS in maroon or black.

LOL, kind of like the chubby chick that wears dark only.

[G8mike]

Still heartbroke that I missed this one.

Great pics, and I've gotta say that Ford's display has it all over Toyota's. Ford's are all sharper, brighter and the 'flip' between daytime and night time for the nav and stereo is absolutely brilliant.

'Yota needs to up their game in this department, as does just about everyone else...

[Thed]

That's the MKT...

[McLovin]

Yah, MKS interior at night is fabulous.

Sounds like the improvements really transform the MKS, making it far more engaging to drive.
Even the base V6 is a compelling luxury package.

[McLovin]

Yah, MKS interior at night is fabulous.

Sounds like the improvements really transform the MKS, making it far more engaging to drive.
Even the base V6 is a compelling luxury package.

[Gixser995]

That front end is not picture friendly. It looks better in person.

Great pics, though!