Market Snapshot

WHAT'S NEW FOR LINCOLN IN 2008?

According to The Car Connection, here is what's new for Lincoln in 2008:

2008 Lincoln MKZ
This entry-level sedan will return for 2008 with a lot of updates, including a retro-styled cabin. The MKZ name replaced the Zephyr name, which had only lasted for one year. The 3.5L V6 will carry over for the 2008 model, with 263 hp and 249 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine will be coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive will be an option. The new engine will run on regular 87-octane gasoline and, according to The Car Connection, is one of the most powerful engines in its class.

For 2008, the MKZ has added standard Sirius satellite radio. And later in the year, the Ford-Microsoft Sync hands-free communications and entertainment system will be standard. Also for standard for 2008 are a reverse-sensing system, premium leather seats with heating and cooling functions and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Ten-way power seats are also standard, along with 17-inch tires, side and curtain airbags, an iPod jack and LED taillamps. The optional navigation system is voice-activated. Also optional is a THX II-certified audio system with 14 speakers, high-intensity discharge headlamps and a power sunroof.

2008 Lincoln Navigator
The Navigator returns for 2008 with two editions—standard and long wheelbase. The long wheelbase is 14.7 inches longer than the standard model and has 25 cubic feet more storage capacity. The 2007 model was completely redesigned, and the 2008 model’s updates are mostly related to comfort and convenience. It will include a standard power liftgate and standard heated and cooled front seats. 

The 2008 model will be equipped with independent suspension and a 300-hp, 5.4L V8 with six-speed automatic transmission. Both rear- and four-wheel-drive versions will be available. The maximum tow rating will be 9,100 lbs. Some new options for 2008 include a Monochrome Limited Edition Package which includes new outer trim and cladding, power folding side mirrors and unique badging. The interior for the Monochrome package includes black carpet and floormats, black wood trim and black leather insert seats and the Lincoln logo stitched on the headrests.

Also standard for 2008 are Sirius satellite radio, a power-folding third row seat, a rearview camera and a THX II-certified audio system. The standard Navigator has 103.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the all seats folded down, and the L version has 128.2 cubic feet of space. Some of the standalone options include 20-inch chromed aluminum wheels, premium leather seats, power running boards, a power moonroof and rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

2008 Lincoln MKX
The MKX, Lincoln’s crossover, is powered by a 3.5L, 263-hp V6 with six-speed automatic transmission.  Front-wheel drive is standard on the MKX, with all-wheel drive being an option. Anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control and side-curtain airbags are also standard. Sirius satellite radio is standard for 2008, as are heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a 14-speaker 600-watt THX audio system with surround sound and a DVD-based GPS navigational system. Also included are adaptive projector-beam headlights that pivot as the vehicle turns and a reverse-sensing system.

Ford’s Sync system will arrive for the MKX later in the year. The Sync system uses Bluetooth technology along with a touch screen to control communications and entertainment. New for 2008 is a Limited package. This package features 20-inch chrome wheels, chrome door handles, ebony wood accents and premium leather seats. The Monochrome Limited Edition Package, which is also found on the 2008 Navigator, will also be available. An Elite package will include voice-activated navigation system, Vista roof and THX II-certified audio system. Some of the standalone options include: Vista roof; roof-rack side rails; rear-seat DVD entertainment system; 20-inch chrome-clad wheels; and voice-activated DVD navigational system.

2008 Lincoln Mark LT
The Mark LT is Lincoln’s fullsize luxury pickup. For 2008, Sirius satellite radio will be standard.  Options will include a rearview mirror camera, remote start system and a monochrome appearance package with body-color grille surrounded by body-color bumpers and 20-inch seven-spoke chromed wheels.

The powertrain and trim levels carry over from the 2007 model year. The same 5.4L, 300-hp V8 with electronic throttle control will still be found under the hood. The maximum-rated towing capacity for the Mark LT is 8,900 lbs. Standard is the four-speed automatic transmission. The suspension of the Mark LT is softened up relative to the F-Series, according to The Car Connection. The Mark LT is available in both rear- and four-wheel drive, and four-wheel antilock disc brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution are standard.
 
Sources:  Padgett, Marty. (July 3, 2007). “2008 Lincoln MKZ: What’s New: Behind the Waterfall Grille, Better Details.” The Car Connection. Retrieved July 6, 2007, from www.thecarconnection.com.

Padgett, Marty. (July 5, 2007). “2008 Lincoln Navigator: What’s New: Lincoln’s Big SUV Looks Backward for 2008.” The Car Connection. Retrieved July 6, 2007, from www.thecarconnection.com.

Padgett, Marty. (July 5, 2007). “2008 Lincoln MKX: What’s New: Blinging in the New Year With More Trim.” The Car Connection. Retrieved July 6, 2007, from www.thecarconnection.com.

Padgett, Marty. (July 5, 2007). “2008 Lincoln Mark LT: What’s New: A Snazzy Truck Adds Luxe Features.” The Car Connection. Retrieved July 6, 2007, from www.thecarconnection.com.