Lincoln Concept Models Including MK9 and Mark X Going up for Auction

If you're looking to add a Lincoln concept model to your collection, here's your chance as a total of five design studies from the past decade will be offered for sale by Ford Motor Company at the RM's Sports & Classics of Monterey auction on August 12th. The proceeds raised through the sale will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and The Children's Center, an organization that is based in Michigan, USA.

The five Lincoln concept models up for sale are the 2001 MK9 coupe; 2004 Aviator SUV; 2005 MKS sedan; 2003 Navicross coupe crossover and last but not least, the Mark X which was a hardtop-convertible proposal for Lincoln's version of the Ford Thunderbird.

Bear in mind that even though all cars except the Navicross have are drivable, none can be registered for highway use in the States. Follow the break for a short description (from RM) and pricing estimates for each concept model.

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2011 Lincoln MKT pictures

2011 Lincoln MKT continues to offer luxury crossover shoppers Lincoln�s signature design in an inviting three-row configuration, with intuitive technologies that will make customers� lives easier � including available Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Warning with Brake Support, Active Park Assist and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS�) with Cross Traffic Alert

� The Lincoln MKT offers two fuel-efficient engine choices: a powerful 268 horsepower 3.7-liter V-6 or a 3.5-liter EcoBoost� V-6 engine that delivers even more performance with 355 horsepower, without compromising its fuel economy

� An unbeatable list of features comes standard on every Lincoln MKT, including a fixed glass roof, 10GB music jukebox, 110-volt power outlet, push-button start and the award-winning Lincoln SYNC� voice-activated communications and entertainment system

Lincoln continues to offer full-size luxury crossover customers a premium choice in the 2011 Lincoln MKT, a three-row crossover that delivers an optimal blend of distinctive design, interior spaciousness, fuel economy and technology.

Standard on every Lincoln MKT is the brand�s signature design � complete with a split-wing grille, a beveled chamfer along the vehicle�s shoulder line, a flowing cantrail that frames the greenhouse and full-width horizontal taillamps that span the subtly curved weight-saving magnesium liftgate that adds visual character while protecting generous rear cargo space.
Lincoln MKT craftsmanship is reflected in precise panel margins and in the high tactile quality of interior surfaces and trim. Inside, high-quality materials and precision-stitched craftsmanship are evident on every surface � from the leather-trimmed seating surfaces and floating armrests to the optional flow-through second-row center console and standard jewel-like acrylic instrument cluster with LED white lighting.
MKT buyers can choose between six- and seven-passenger models with two different second-row seating configurations. A standard 60/ 40 split folding rear bench seat features heated outboard seating positions. Power �fold and tumble� second-row bucket or captain�s seats, with heating, cooling and power-assisted lumbar adjustment are also available. A rear console-mounted five-quart-capacity refrigerator is available in the six-passenger seating configuration
Premium amenities include a standard fixed glass Panoramic Vista Roof� with power-assisted front and rear sunshades � or the available Power Panoramic Vista Roof that opens for an expansive open-air experience. An available dual headrest Family Entertainment System with twin 7-inch DVD playback screens offers individual or simultaneous programming to second-row passengers, and available Active Park Assist allows perfect, hands-free parallel parking every time.

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2011 Lincoln MKX

Once a song is tagged and customers dock their iPod to the SYNC system, the �tagged� song information will transfer to that iPod. When the iPod is then synced to iTunes, a playlist of tagged songs will appear. Up to 100 tags on SYNC can be stored until the iPod is connected. When an iPod is connected, the tags are transferred from SYNC to the iPod. Customers then can preview, purchase and download tagged songs from the iTunes Store, if they so choose.

One significant benefit of HD Radio technology is that the sound quality of the broadcast is dramatically better because of the digital transmission � FM sounds like a CD and AM sounds like today�s FM broadcasts. Plus, unlike analog broadcasts, digital broadcasts aren�t susceptible to interference, fadeout and other issues.

The flowing exterior design of the 2011 Lincoln MKX provides the perfect complement to the luxury crossover�s industry-leading technology and class-exclusive features.

�The 2011 Lincoln MKX will be a real standout in the Lincoln showroom,� said Doyle Letson, chief designer. �The addition of the new split-wing grille, a key to Lincoln signature DNA, is just the start. The 2011 MKX has the best proportions of any Lincoln we have.

�The fender line, with the raised arch over the front wheel, as well as the lower rocker detail with beautifully tapered bright detail that runs the length of the vehicle, makes a dramatic difference in side view,� he added.

New for the 2011 model is an updated rear taillamp treatment. The lamps are now two distinct pieces that employ an indirect LED system that hides the light source while allowing the light intensity to shine through. The reverse sensors of the Blind Spot Information System are integrated into the reflectors while the Lincoln star sits proudly on a new appliqu�. The 4-inch oval exhaust tips, significantly larger on the 2011 Lincoln MKX, also increase the unique luxury crossover�s presence.

The new 18- and 20-inch wheels are more dynamic and expressive. Instead of a familiar linear or blocky appearance, the wheels encompass a variety of undulating and complex shapes that help the 2011 Lincoln MKX appear always in motion. The vibrant wheel shapes again underscore the enhanced craftsmanship and attention to detail found throughout the 2011 Lincoln MKX.

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Union of Concerned Scientists Releases 2011 Hybrid Scorecard: Prius = Good, Touareg Hybrid = Bad

The Union of Concerned Scientist, a non-profit science advocacy group in the U.S., has released its second annual Hybrid Scorecard. The organisation criticised hybrid car manufacturers for not delivering on the technology�s promise, for placing performance above fuel efficiency and environmental benefit and burdening hybrids with features that put them out of the price range of average Americans.
A total of 34 hybrid vehicles from the 2011 to 2012 model year were tested for their fuel efficiency, environmental impact, value-for-money and their so-called �forced-feature premium�. The latter is features that don�t improve fuel efficiency but probably make the cars more appealing to money-conscious consumers.

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Mercedes-Benz Tops Secret Shopper Study of U.S. Dealers, Lincoln Places Last in Luxury Segment

Mercedes-Benz dealers were number one for customer treatment in the US according to an independent study by survey company Pied Piper. The California-based company hired 3,524 �secret shoppers� and sent them to US dealerships in order to determine how their salesmen were performing in anything from explaining a car�s features to closing a deal.
This is the third year in a row that Mercedes-Benz, which looks set to top the sales charts this year in the luxury segment, has topped Pied Piper�s study.

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Lincoln Drops Price of 2012 MKT with EcoBoost V6 by $3,000

Lincoln has introduced the 2012 model year version of its not-so-successful MKT three-row crossover. While there are no equipment or styling changes, the Detroit automaker has reshuffled the MKT�s lineup by dropping the all-wheel drive model with the naturally-aspirated 3.7-liter V6 from the range and reducing the price of the AWD version with the 355HP 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 by $3,000 to $46,295.

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