Lincoln is in the process of overhauling its lineup, as well as introducing some brand new additions, and the next model we’re likely to see completely renewed is the MKS. The new car is being styled under the guidance of former Cadillac designer Max Wolff and will keep key Lincoln traits such as a winged grille, EcoBoost engine and standard front-wheel drive.
Development of the car is already well underway, with test mules based on a stretched Ford Fusion platform spotted in the U.S. recently. The current MKS uses a platform shared with the Ford Taurus. Incidentally, the next Taurus will also ride on the stretched Fusion platform.
Car and Driver managed to source photos of one of the test mules, which show a stretched Fusion wearing a multi-slatted grille similar to that found on the latest MKZ. Hope of Ford developing a new rear-wheel-drive platform for its Lincoln brand is fading fast, however, Car and Driver is also claiming that Lincoln may still launch a rear-wheel-drive coupe, perhaps based on the 2015 Ford Mustang platform.
Two engine options are expected to be offered for the new MKS: the current model’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, rated at 355 horsepower, and a new 2.9-liter EcoBoost V-6, delivering in the vicinity of 300 horsepower. Matched to either engine is said to be a six-speed automatic though this will eventually be upgraded to a nine-speed unit being developed jointly by Ford and General Motors. All-wheel drive will remain an option.
So when might we see the new MKS in showrooms? The likely bet is sometime in late 2015, making it a 2016 model.
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