2008 L.A. Auto Show: 2010 Lincoln MKZ

• Competes with: Honda Accord, Saab 9-3, Acura TSX
• Looks like: Lincoln will be adding the MKS grille to every product from here on out
• Drivetrain: 263-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with six-speed automatic
• Hits dealerships: Spring 2009

Ford’s trio of midsize sedans is topped by the Lincoln model, the MKZ. The previous MKZ didn’t do much to distinguish itself from its less-expensive Ford and Mercury siblings, but the 2010 edition looks to add more luxury touches inside to help set itself apart.

The dashboard is definitely different, with the LCD navigation screen mounted high on the dash, unlike its low position in the Fusion and Milan. This is the same exceptional unit found in the larger Lincoln MKS. Also borrowed from the MKS are the upgraded leather seats. Lincoln says that leather is the same covering that’s found in the MKS, which we found exceptionally comfortable.

Big Apple Makes a Switch, Lincoln Town Car Will Vanish

Though less popular these days, the Lincoln Town Car has long been a staple of New York City's professional class, carrying passengers — or their employers — who could afford the service in style.

Now New York and its mayor have issued a deadline on fleet vehicles — which includes everything from taxis to Town Cars — that get under 25 mpg. On Jan. 1, all new vehicles entering the city’s local car service must have an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 mpg. That number increases to 30 mpg in 2010 in hopes of doubling the fleetwide average to around 40 mpg by 2017, a move that would cut transportation-related emissions by 2% and overall carbon dioxide emissions by .5%.

The Lincoln Town Car has long been a favored vehicle because of its durability, roominess, luxury and relative low cost (independent drivers pay between $15,000 and $25,000 for a new one), but with an average of 16 mpg in the city due to its heavy frame and a V-8 engine, it doesn't come close to making the city's new fuel economy rules.

Cars.com Faceoff: 2009 Hyundai Genesis, 2009 Lincoln MKS, 2008 Buick Lucerne Super

They're big, they're comfortable and they're pricey. The full-size sedans that came under the scrutiny of our team of reviewers all have their advantages and winning features, but, alas, only one could come out on top. Mike Hanley, Joe Wiesenfelder and David Thomas pit the 2008 Buick Lucerne, 2009 Hyundai Genesis and 2009 Lincoln MKS against each other in a test of fuel economy, drivability and, of course, country-club cred. To find out which pampering bad boy comes out on top in their book, check out the full faceoff on Cars.com.

Cars.comparison: Living Large — Full-Size Sedans (Cars.com)

Cars.com Reviews 2009 Lincoln MKS

Lincoln hasn't exactly overwhelmed car shoppers lately, with products that have failed to match competitors from Lexus and Infiniti, but Cars.com reviewer David Thomas sees promise in the all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS. Distinctive and a good value compared to the competition, the MKS seems to have found a niche that it’s already exploiting; it was Lincoln’s best-selling model in July. Thomas points to an expansive interior, improved technology and its relative value as the primary factors in the MKS' early success. Click on the link to read his full review.

2009 Lincoln MKS Expert Review

Cars.com Videos: 2009 Lincoln MKS, 2009 Hyundai Genesis, 2009 Ford Flex

2009 Lincoln MKS: The all-new sedan’s styling is a hit, and the MKS delivers on its good looks with a lot of value for its $37,655 starting price tag, reviewer David Thomas says.

2009 Hyundai Genesis: Hyundai does the impossible, wowing senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder with its first foray into the “luxury” car market.

2009 Ford Flex: The large crossover offers lots of legroom in its spacious cabin, but Joe says the Flex is missing some key interior features.

View and share all of Cars.com’s videos via YouTube.

What Lincoln and Mercury Will Look Like in 2010

Earlier we took a peek at what Ford’s future lineup is expected to look like after today’s announcement about integrating European models into the U.S. sales channel. Ford also announced that it would stand behind its Lincoln and Mercury brands. There had been rumors that at least Mercury might meet its maker thanks to Ford’s tough economic times, but now it’s slated to get a unique small car in 2010. Below is our look at what the two companies will field in the near future.

Recall Alert: 2008 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX

Ford is recalling 142 model-year 2008 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers with all-wheel drive due to a faulty fuel tank. This is a relatively small number of units for a recall, but because the issue could lead to fuel leakage and fire, we felt it should be highlighted. 

Through June, Ford has sold 68,727 Edge and 17,563 MKX crossovers this year.

To find out if your vehicle is involved in the recall, contact Ford at 866-437-7332.

Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX 2008 Models Recalled (US Recall News)

Neil Young: Electric Car Pioneer?

We may be overstating it, but Neil Young is going electric — with his car. The rock legend has always been vocal about his beliefs, whether that be with antiwar records or his hugely popular Bridge School benefit concerts. Now he's working with a mechanic from Wichita, Kan., to retrofit his beloved 1959 Lincoln Continental convertible to electric power.

Converting that classic — and large — car to electric power is proving difficult, and the story below provides a few anecdotes about near-misses due to a strange layout of controls — they modulate power from the backseat. The cost? $120,000. So far.

Seems like they're a long way from making this a mainstream process, as Young had hoped his experiment could serve to be.

Rocker Young working with Wichita mechanic on electric car (KansasCity.com)

Lincoln MKT Heading to Production

We were mildly surprised to learn today that Lincoln is moving forward with plans to build a production version of the MKT concept shown at the Detroit auto show this past January. The company has confirmed with the Detroit News that it will also discontinue the Mark LT pickup.

The MKT will be based on the same platform as the upcoming Ford Flex and will most likely have a third row of seats, unlike the two-row concept. We expect it to keep the radical-looking grille, but Ford says the design is still in the early stages of testing with focus groups.

With the MKT in the lineup, Lincoln hopes to solidify its renaissance. With it, the new MKS flagship sedan and the popular MKX crossover, the company has three fresh products. The aging Navigator recently got a refresh, while the MKZ — based on the Ford Fusion — seems like the odd car out of this revamped lineup.

As for the MKT, perhaps Lincoln is looking to score a home run like Buick recently did with its Enclave crossover. Do you think the MKT and MKS will help Lincoln’s lineup?

Ford polishes its U.S. luxury brand (Detroit News)

Recall Alert: 2006-08 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator

Ford announced today it is recalling nearly 124,000 2007-08 Ford Explorers and Lincoln Navigators for faulty door handles, and 57,000 2006-07 Navigator and Ford Expedition SUVs, plus Ford E-150, E-250 and E-350 vans, for faulty fuel pumps.

The first recall impacts the most consumers and involves a spring system inside the door handles of the SUVs. The springs could break and prevent the handles from springing back to a closed position. Because of the defect, the latches could open during a side-impact crash.

The other recall deals with a faulty fuel hose in the 5.4-liter V-8 engine that can crack and leak fuel and possibly lead to a fire.

No injuries or accidents have been reported due to either problem, but dealers will replace all parts for both recalls at no cost. Letters will go out to owners over the next two months. Contact Ford at 800-392-3673 for more information.

Ford Recalling 180,000 SUVs and Vans (CNNMoney)