One could easily argue the upcoming MKS sedan is the most important vehicle to Lincoln's solvency in the modern era. Debuted as a concept at the Detroit Auto Show in early 2006 (see
gallery for reference), the sedan received a luke warm reaction that was tempered further when it was discovered the production model wouldn't be offered with a V8. Regardless, we're ready to give the MKS the benefit of the doubt until the production version shows up. Proof that Lincoln's on its way to that day have just surfaced in the form of these first spy shots of a Lincoln MKS mule taken by the spy fiends at KGP Photography.
The mule is actually wearing sheetmetal that looks production ready, and the most apparent change that's been made to the concept on its way to production is a new grille that reflects the double-wing design that's slated to become standard fare across the Lincoln lineup in the future. The taillights have also been altered and feature a clear lens with red LEDs.
The real question we want answered is what's under the hood? The MKS is a large, all-wheel drive sedan that will need a potent powerplant behind that winged grille to keep things moving. We're hoping for a production version of the TwinForce engine that debuted in the
Lincoln MKR concept this year. A twin-turbo version of the new 3.5L V6 would provide plenty of oomph to make us forget those extra two cylinders. Chances are, however, we'll likely see a larger, 3.7L version of the new corporate V6 offered in the MKS.
[Source: Winding Road]
