Latest Articles by pamelapamela

New Lincoln Design Evolves With Time

Mon, 08 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600

Lincoln turns 90. To celebrate its survival in the automotive industry and to rescue itself, Lincoln launches brand new design direction. Lincoln's new design is expected to excite experts and enthusiasts alike. Said design is imbibed in all-new Lincoln MKR.

Lincoln new design consists of 7 distinct cues that include the striking bow-wave grille. Said feature is prominent in the new MKR concept car. The new grille was based on that of 1941 Lincoln Continental auto parts. The automaker anticipates that said feature would be such a great hit. It will hit the showrooms next year. “We’ve basically accelerated its development,” said Derrick Kuzak, the global product development chief at Ford.

Lincoln MKR is a premium four-door coupe design that is based on the Ford Mustang D2C platform. The car launches the TwinForce 3.5L twin-turbo, direct-injection gasoline V6. Said engine is capable of running on E85 ethanol. It is capable of 415-hp, and 400 pound-feet of torque.

“I thought it was stunning,” said Erich Merkle, director of automotive forecasting at IRN Inc., in Grand Rapids. “Love it. I think it’s great. Those voluptuous lines — the long hood. Those are the things that make a great American car. Now they have to produce it. I don’t want to be tempted with any more rear-wheel-drive concepts. I want to see it in the next three to four years or sooner if possible.”

Kuzak had no plants to combine 7 cues in one car. He noted, “We would never use all 7 on an individual vehicle..….otherwise you get to such uniformity that you don’t have an individual expression for each of your vehicles. Typically we’d have three to four.”

Nine years ago, Lincoln was tagged as the best-selling luxury brand in the United States. It is in close competition with its longtime rival - Cadillac. Also, in 1998, Lincoln sold more than 187,000 cars and trucks. This has boosted its standing in the automotive world. Lincoln Navigator auto parts proved to be excellent to make up a functional vehicle. However, in the last few years, the brand stumbled with Ford. This time around, Lincoln is struggling hard to bring back its lost reputation.

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Pamela Hewitt is marketing consultant of a successful auto body shop in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This 39 year old is also a prolific writer, contributing automotive related articles to various publications. She is also an offroad enthusiast.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Zephyr's Out, MKZ's Here To Stay

Thu, 04 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600

Lincoln MKZ, originally called Zephyr, is a midsize luxury car that has entertained a number of significant improvements. The automaker revived its Zephyr name for the model year 2006. However, for the 2007 model year it uses the MKZ name. Now that Zephyr is out MKZ is expected to stay.

MKZ, built at Ford's Hermosillo, Mexico plant, gets a more powerful engine and upgraded steering and suspension. The changes to 1930s Lincoln Zephyr parts made the vehicle lively, bright and high-performance without compromising smooth and quiet ride. Its interior is especially designed to be quiet. In fact, it is quieter than the Lexus ES 350 sedan. The car is given 3.5-liter V-6 engine, AWD, and a thrilling interior. Its steering is modified to be direct and its suspension a bit firmer. Ford intends to produce a hybrid drivetrain in the near future.

The vehicle uses Mazda 6's CD3 platform. It also shares 35 percent of its body panels with Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. It also uses some of 2000 Lincoln LS parts to boost its style. Nevertheless, car features like the 600 W THX sound system with 14 speakers are distinctively MKZs.

The 2006 Zephyr debuted at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It went on sale in fall of 2005. The car uses 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 engine and Aisin-made 6-speed automatic transmission. It produced 221 horsepower and got 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) in the city and 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km) on the highway. The upgraded Duratect engine is not available in the Milan triplets and MKZ's Fusion. The 2007 MKZ, on the one hand, was introduced at the Chicago Auto Show. The car was given the new 6-speed Ford 6F transmission, which was co-developed with General Motors in place of the Aisin unit.

Changes made to Zephyr parts include the improved "waterfall" grille. The automaker equipped MKZ with a grille that shows 7 teeth (Zephyr uses 9) on either site of its central emblem. This feature is mated to chrome trim on the beltline and mirrors. The car also boasts its hefty 17-inch alloy wheels.

Today, MKZ's closest rivals include Acura TSX, BMW 3-Series, Cadillac CTS, Lexus ES and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The car is for auto enthusiasts to seize and enjoy.

Lincoln MKR Concept, Unleashed

Thu, 04 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600

This week’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit has something exquisite to offer – all-new Lincoln MKR, a four-door four-seater coupe concept. Said vehicle hold the key to the future of automaker’s design. The automaker likened the model to “a train of an elegant gown.”

According to Peter Horbury, Ford's head of design for the Americas, Lincoln designers will choose from these seven defining Lincoln characteristics to create a family resemblance among the brand's vehicles. Sometimes, designers will use three of the magic seven elements. Sometimes they will use five. Or more. Or less. The 415-horsepower, rear-drive Lincoln MKR show car uses all seven of 'em.

Lincoln MKR shares the D2C platform with Ford Mustang. TwinForce engine family is introduced in the car. The engine is a 3.5L engine twin-turbo, direct-injection gasoline V6, which is also capable of running on bioethanol. It produces 415 horsepower and 400 pound-feet if torque.

"The Lincoln MKR Concept is sophisticated and modern, resembling an athlete — extremely strong and fit but looks elegant in a tuxedo," said Horbury. "This concept is the ultimate expression of elegant simplicity consistent with the world's best Lincolns, and this new design language will lead us forward in the growing premium segment."

The 7 magnificent design features of MKR are: 1. clean and uncluttered body surfaces; 2. dynamic beltline; 3. surface running parallel to the beltline; 4. a twin-port "bow-wave" front grille inspired by the 1941 Continental Cabriolet; 5. stunning headlamps; 6. a substantial C-pillar that smoothly transitions into the roof; and 7. a pronounced roof rail.

The concept car is also equipped with Lincoln independent rear suspension mated to MacPherson struts. With regards, the interior of the car, the concept made use of environmentally-friendly and renewable materials that include cashmere leather, mohair carpet, oak instrument panel and seat cushion. THX-II is also featured in the car. Said feature is the trade name for hi-fi sound system reproduction that is recommended for theaters, car audio systems, gaming consoles, and more.

The next flagship sedan of Lincoln is the production version of MKS, which uses upgraded Lincoln LS 2002 parts. It will make its debut in 2008. The flagship sedan is greatly influenced by the MKR concept.

Give Your Vehicle The Promise Of Maintenance

Tue, 02 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600

Maintenance would certainly be the best thing you can give your car this New Year. It would be most especially good if you seem to have neglected one of the major important things that you should fulfill as the owner of the car. You may have made your vehicle look pretty new with regular changing of Lincoln Mark IV parts but it would never be enough. Deep below the hood of your car, that is where you should really take quite a closer look.

According to the Car Care Council, if you do maintain your vehicle regularly, you would be having one car that would be the envy of most vehicle owners. You see, a well maintained vehicle would be able to respond well to your commands. Its performance would be very much maintain or even improve through time. You can also count on your vehicle to be safe and you can count on your Lincoln to be reliable despite the changing of years. Plus, you get to save much on those very expensive bills you would be getting once you bring your car to some car shop. Neglecting your vehicle really does ask you to pay a lot.

For the New Year, you can put a list near the spot where you put your car keys. At least, the list would actually remind you of the things you need to do so as to maintain the kind of performance and safety that your vehicle has when you first owned it.

Do make sure that you get to do monthly check ups of the tire pressure. Also, while you are doing that, spend some time checking your tires. If they are already worn out, then you should wisely know that you would also need to change them. It would not hurt if you also check the lights and the bulbs of your car as well as the windshield washer fluid.

Four times a year, try to make sure that you change the engine oil and its filter. Other things you may want to also check would include the other fluids in the car like the automatic transmission fluid, the brake fluid, and the power steering fluid. The battery and the cables should also be checked.

Survey Reveals Important Information About Drunk Drivers

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600

It is not a secret anymore that drunk drivers have become one of the main causes of vehicle accidents, crashes and collisions. Who knows? You might even have had your share of drunk drivers who have cost you not much (like getting delayed or having to buy a couple new Lincoln LS aftermarket parts) to having you spend thousands on having your bruises healed or buying a new vehicle.

A survey was currently done by the Century Council and the study was mainly focused on the important things the public needs to know about repeat drunk drivers. What are repeat drunk drivers? Well, these are actually those people who have been drinking and driving since who knows when. They also have already been caught or have already been involved in accidents because of drinking and driving and would still yet have to learn their lesson.

When these repeat drunk drivers were asked what would “definitely make me stop drinking and driving”, the Century Council was able to actually spot three main actions that these people have disclosed during the survey. Some 76 per cent said that a year’s worth of mandatory jail time could make them stop. Three quarters of the respondents shared that a mandatory fine of $10,000 could make them stop drinking and driving while another seventy per cent said that if their vehicles had ignition interlocks, it could help them stop their habits. Aside from these around 54 per cent of those who answered the survey said that they were very likely to actually change their ways so much so that they would not have to be arrested of driving under the influence.

The conclusion of the survey from Century Council said that despite the quite high number of drunk drivers, the numbers still reveal and reflect that law enforcement and the judicial system of the country are still in place and are still working perfectly. This would very much be a relief for those people who have started not to believe in these legal powers.

However, there is an interesting twist to the survey. Some eighty per cent of the respondents shared that they do worry about those other drivers who also do drunk driving.

Ford Starts Shipping Delayed Edge, Lincoln MKX

Fri, 15 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600

Ford Motor Co. started shipping its Edge and Lincoln MKX to dealers Thursday. It can be recalled that the distribution of the mentioned Ford vehicles were delayed due to unspecified manufacturing problems at the Oakville assembly plant in Oakville, Ontario.

In mid-November the automaker relayed to its dealers the late arrivals of the two vehicles. The automaker further noted that delivery of the vehicles can be already be had in mid-December, in place of late November, as originally intended.

Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX are two of the crucial vehicles of the automaker. They are engineered to assuage the enduring health of the ailing reputation of the automaker. From the meticulous designing, to production and distribution, the automaker ensures that the workflow is no less than efficient.

With regards other automakers, it can be noted that other auto giants have had identical high-profile delays in the past. The delay is resorted to ensure the quality of the auto parts that make up the vehicles. Toyota, which is ranked next to GM, has also incurred delay in the past. It has started selling its Lexus RX 400h and Highlander hybrid sport utility vehicles later than expected.

Observers in the industry say that there is nothing unusual about the delay because the crossovers will be using new engine, transmission, and body shop. For instance, MKX will do away with custom auto parts Lincoln Aviator. Instead, it will be utilizing more sophisticated technology and materials to enhance power, performance, flexibility, handling, and convenience.

According to auto analysts, Ford is counting on the mentioned vehicles to replace sales doldrums of Explorers and other SUVs. They noted that the automaker has to make good this time to save is declining sales and popularity among car purchasers. Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas, has been promoting Edge as the most important vehicle of the automaker that could act as the saving grace of the company. Analysts further noted that the automaker cannot risk bumping into even slight quality problems with its new crossovers because it would be detrimental to its ailing reputation.

Now that the vehicles are being shipped to dealers, the automakers ensure state-of-the-art uncompromised quality.

Ford Redefines Lincoln Triad

Tue, 28 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0600

In connection with its turnaround plan, ford will also focus on redefining Lincoln brands. To that effect, Ford earlier presented to the press 3 redesigned models of Lincolns- MKZ, MKX and Navigator. The three vehicles come in with an enhanced new look to redefine the American luxury cars. In addition, these Lincoln vehicles were allowed to be experienced by the press people present in said event.

Lincoln MKZ
One of the cars presented was Lincoln MKZ, a midsize luxury sedan, which was previously called Zephyr. Though there is still a number of Lincoln Zephyr car parts incorporated in the car, most of them are upgraded auto parts. The primary difference of MKZ is in the powertrain. The car boasts its reliable 3.5-liter, 265-hp Duratec V6, which is shared with other Ford vehicles in the 2007 model year. The car is also given an optional all-wheel-drive mated to all-new 6-speed automatic transmission that was designed in cooperation with General Motors.

The new features of MKZ made the car more powerful and sophisticated. However, some of the journalists who experienced the new car complained about its lack of manual mode for an otherwise superb transmission.

Lincoln MKX
MKX, on one hand, is a crossover utility vehicle that can be likened to Ford Edge. However, the former is pricier than the latter. It also appears that MKX is substantially dressier with better ergonomics and more distinctive styling. The drivetrain of MKX is similar to that of new MKZ. Adaptive headlights mated to halogen low beams are remarkable. The latter can be used to light the road around the corner.

Lincoln Navigator
With the fresh redesign brought about by sophisticated Lincoln Navigator performance parts, the luxury SUV from the automaker is meant to become more civilized. Navigator boasts its 5.4-liter V8 mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission to generate 300 horsepower. The automaker also claims that the new Navigator has a 7 percent increase in fuel efficiency. In addition, Navigator also features comfortable heated and cooled front seats.

The new Navigator is now on sale however; the long-wheelbase L variant will go on sale this coming February.

Tips For Safe Driving These Holidays

Fri, 24 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0600

Are you planning on taking that long drive to your parents’ (or grandparents’) house for the holidays? Or that trip to that ski resort with your friends?

You may have had all the details ready and just waiting for that day to arrive. However, have you ever checked if your Lincoln Mark III used auto parts are still in good and in working condition? If not, then perhaps it would be time for you to replace them. Yes, right now, even before you take on that long and much awaited trip this coming holiday season.

Many organizations and groups who do advocate for better and safer driving despite winter road conditions are reminding the thousands and even millions of drivers in the nation to actually make sure that their vehicles are ready to take that trek. After all, the sudden drop in temperature could really do change the condition of your vehicle without you even noticing it. And yes, your vehicle could act up in the middle of your trip without much of your knowing.

According to one expert in the auto field, the American Automobile Association (or the AAA), they do estimate that there are more than thirty eight million Americans who would be taking that holiday trip. They would approximately take around fifty or more miles from their home. And most of these travelers would be taking their vehicles on their trips.

To make sure that you are safe and sound and would arrive at your destination still in one piece, one thing that you should check is your tires. Make sure that they are just right for the winter travel. There are different types of tires and these have been made not just to catch your attention but for safety and for various types of weather and road conditions.

Before you take your vehicle for that trip to your holiday destination, check the air pressures of the tires. Make sure that they are not overinflated and also not underinflated. If you drive a vehicle with such tires, chances are that they might not work out just right and could also lead to a blown tire. Plus, your expenses on gas could also go to escalating heights.

Get Intimate with the 2007 Lincoln MKX

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0600

Lincoln's rivals swarm the auto industry and to compete with them, the automaker has to set forth a powerful lineup. To do so, Lincoln launched its MKX crossover. According to enthusiasts who experience the drive feel and performance of MKX, the vehicle is significant to establish the credibility and brand equity of Lincoln.

Lincoln MKX was originally intended to replace Aviator, which was introduced in 2003. The latter was built exclusively at Ford's St. Louis Assembly plant in Hazelwood, Missouri. Unfortunately, its production ended after two years. Aviator Lincoln parts are inspired by Lincoln Navigator body parts.

Car enthusiasts are positive about the MKX auto parts. Initial impressions regarding the powertrain are positive. The 3.5-liter V6 engine of the car is complimented by a superb 6-speed automatic transmission that provides reasonable acceleration from a standstill, holding the lower gears to avoid untimely shifts. Previously, the aficionados requested that the acceleration of the car be increased significantly hence; Lincoln offered downshift from sixth to fourth or even third if necessary.

Mighty rivals of Lincoln MKX in the luxury crossover SUV segment are Cadillac SRX, BMW X3, Lexus RX, and Acura MDX. Lincoln MKX performance parts are specially designed to deliver better ergonomics, style, comfort and performance. The huge Vista Roof transforms into glass, the controls are made simple and easy to use moreover; the occupants of the car are expected to enjoy every bit of the drive.

The 2007 Lincoln MKX went on sale this month. It boasts its CD3 platform, which is shared with Mazda CX-7 and CX-9, Ford Edge, Ford Fusion, Mazda CX-7 and CX-9, Mazda6, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ. MKX use truck underpinnings like its predecessor – Aviator.

Lincoln MKX, MKZ and Ford Edge use the 3.5 L Duratec 35 V6 engine of Ford. Said engine generates 265 horsepower (198 kW) and 250 ft•lbf (339 N•m). It is mated to the new 6F 6-speed automatic transmission which was co-developed with General Motors.

Lincoln MKX is a dynamic crossover SUV that provides comfortable and controlled ride. It also absorbs imperfection without compromising the vehicle's stability. The overall impressions of the car enthusiasts after experiencing Lincoln MKX were very good. In fact, they schedule a full road test in the near future to relive the experience.

Lincoln Launches 'DREAMS' TV Ad Campaign

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0600

Lincoln has launched its 'Dreams' TV ad campaign for Navigator and all-new Lincoln MKX, which are scheduled to debut later this year. Said ads will be featuring Dwyane Wade of NBA Championship-winning Miami Heat and Rocco Dispirito, nationally-recognized gourmet chef and author.

The "Advancing the American Dream" ad campaign, which is created by Y&R Detroit, is aimed at reaching both the heart and the mind of potential Lincoln customers and encouraging them to pursue their dreams. The goal is to convey the power of dreams and inspire people to experience their dreams. As the its tagline goes - "Reach Higher."

Lincoln's new ad campaign is composed of 4 distinct commercials that will debut this summer and fall. The first commercial is called "anthem." The 60-second commercial showcases a series of individuals with different dreams and aspirations. "Hoops" is another commercial that features NBA All-Star Dwyane Wade. In the latter part of the commercial Wade said, "My dream is to leave the world better than I found it."

“Bounty" features celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito. DiSpirito’s dream statement is, “My dream is to offer the best of everything to everybody.” This spot will run concurrent with the launch of the Lincoln MKX later this year. Finally, the "ditch" is made for Lincoln MKZ. The driver says, "My dream is to ditch the corner office."

"Lincoln will use the ‘Dreams’ platform to speak to people achieving success on their own terms,” said Al Giombetti, President of Ford and Lincoln Mercury. “We will make 'Dreams' the Lincoln brand's largest and most comprehensive marketing drive in more than a decade as we launch the Lincoln MKZ, our first all-wheel drive car, the Lincoln MKX, our first crossover and the most luxurious and refined Lincoln Navigator ever."

“Lincolns are the reward for people who are achieving their dreams, and they are seeking unique and elegant designs to celebrate their success," continued Giombetti. "Our designers and engineers are inspired by this vision."

Lincoln Navigator body parts are upgraded to suit the redesigned version of the vehicle. Lincoln MKX, on the other hand, is the first vehicle to utilize the automaker's new naming convention that eliminates conventional names in favor of the European and Asian.

"Navigator established the full-size luxury SUV segment and has been a hit ever since," added Giombetti. "Now, we’re offering customers the most quiet, comfortable and sophisticated Navigator ever – along with a new extended length Navigator L with even more cargo room."