At this year’s Detroit Auto Show Lincoln is presenting a refreshed version of they luxury crossover, the MKX.
We have to say even though nothing major has been performed at the exterior, the proportions are much better and the overall aspect has been greatly improved, but the real changes regarding the 2011 Lincoln MKX are at the interior.
Besides the fact that the 2011 Lincoln MKX says goodbye to buttons, featuring a number of touch sensitive sliders, it has also been fitted with the MyLincoln Touch which is basically the MyFord Touch, a display that lets passengers interact with media and also act as an interface to the navigation and climate control systems.
Also apart from all the futuristic gadgets the 2011 Lincoln MKX has made a big step forward when it comes to materials, with the automaker using leather, aluminium and wood in a subtle, elegant way.
The 2011 Lincoln MKX price has not been announced yet.
Lincoln press release :
Detroit, Jan. 12, 2010 – The addition of the new MyLincoln Touch driver connect technology to the 2011 Lincoln MKX provided a tremendous opportunity for the vehicle’s design team to redefine its premium interior.
Standard on the popular luxury crossover, this class-exclusive system allows users seamless and easy access to media or vehicle information at the tip of their fingers through the full-color 8-inch touch screen, five-way switches on the steering wheel or voice commands.
“MyLincoln Touch represents technology that ushers in a new era of how people interact with media and information in their vehicles,” said Jim Smithbauer, interior design manager. “The 2011 Lincoln MKX interior had to reflect this tremendous leap forward. For us, that meant an even greater emphasis on what defines Lincoln DNA: luxury, craftsmanship, genuine materials and sharper execution.”
The MyLincoln Touch displays in both the center stack and in the instrument cluster receive an innovative treatment befitting this luxury leader. In the center stack, the full-color 8-inch touch-screen LCD (liquid crystal display) provides interface to multimedia and climate control systems through full touch-sense switches on the finish panel. Unique to Lincoln is a touch-sensitive slider feature with LED chaser lights to adjust fan speed and volume. At night, signature Lincoln White illuminating indicators enhance each touchpoint.
The new wrapped and stitched instrument panel conveys Lincoln style. The stitching carries through on the center console rails, integrating seamlessly with a dramatic flowing center stack, further echoing the signature Lincoln split bow on the front grille. Lincoln style is reinforced in the dark, bronze-like finish highlighted by a chrome frame, giving the appearance that the center screen is floating.
The two full-color 4.2-inch LCD screens in the instrument cluster are surrounded by chrome trim to reflect Lincoln style. The left LCD includes traditional vehicle information such as trip odometers, average fuel economy and vehicle settings. The right LCD allows customers to interface with multimedia technology. Each screen is accessed through respective five-way switches on the steering wheel.
The new Media Hub allows customers to integrate standard Lincoln SYNC®, the award-winning, fully integrated, voice-activated in-car communications and entertainment system for mobile phones and digital music players. The Media Hub seamlessly connects the center stack and the independent console bins; its push-push lid allows personal electronics devices to remain hidden and includes two USB 2.0 ports, video input jacks and an SD card reader.
Improved craftsmanship and materials throughout the interior
Subtle details that bring out Lincoln standards of quality and excellence include brightwork on the vents, genuine stitching on the doors and softer armrests with upgraded materials. The cupholders, with available ambient lighting, are found beneath the independent sliding leather-covered console lids, which feature decorative stitching. A power tilt/telescoping steering column and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel are available.
All-new leather-trimmed seats, comfort sections and standard tuxedo stripe embrace the new Lincoln DNA sew style. The new Limited Edition Package extends style further with premium leather-trimmed seats in Bronze Metallic with tuxedo stripe and Charcoal Black piping, unique aluminum appliqués and premium floor mats with the distinctive MKX logo. Charcoal Black and Stone are the environments.
More genuine aluminum appliqués are standard, with aluminum accents on the door added to the spears on the instrument panel. Customers also can opt for shantung aluminum. Shantung is a type of silk, sometimes used in sports coats for a rugged yet refined look.
The available wood accents on the steering wheel, dashboard and doors add character and form and are available in Olive Ash or Walnut Swirl; each selection has a livelier, natural appearance, adding even more character to the interior. With either choice, the spears on the dashboard and upper doors contribute to harmonious lines, reinforcing the flowing, vibrant design.
“The upgraded materials plus the refined execution just by themselves raise the bar for the 2011 Lincoln MKX,” Smithbauer said. “Adding MyLincoln Touch completes the package.”
