Ford Edge Will Get First I4 EcoBoost Engine

What you see is the 2010 Ford Edge. At the 2010 Chicago Auto Show a refreshed 2011 Edge will make its debut and feature an all new engine.

Ford’s EcoBoost engine technology, introduced last summer in the Lincoln MKS, Ford Taurus, and Lincoln MKT, will soon get expanded to other vehicle lines. That original 3.5L V6 represents the first of a family of direct injection, turbocharged engines, with a 2.0L I4 up next. The smaller engine will find its way under the hood of the Ford Edge, a medium sized crossover model.

The Importance of EcoBoost

EcoBoost is important for a number of reasons. First of all, the technology squeezes more horsepower and torque out of a smaller engine, giving it the ability to work as efficiently as a larger motor. Secondly, the engine burns cleaner, resulting in fewer harmful emissions. Thirdly, EcoBoost is more fuel efficient, allowing drivers to enjoy the mileage benefits of a smaller engine, while receiving the power of a larger one.

The 2011 Ford Edge will make its bow at this year’s Chicago Auto Show. According to The Detroit News, this model will also be the first to feature the automaker’s MyFord Touch system, an arrangement which replaces most of the standard gauges, switches and knobs with full-color computer screens and sensitive to the touch buttons.

Mid-Cycle Refresh and More

The changes made for the Ford Edge represents a mid-cycle refresh, with the nose, hood, and windshield tweaked accordingly. But underneath the hood, the base 3.0L V6 will be replaced by the 2.0L I4 EcoBoost, offering similar power levels as the engine it replaces but with improved fuel economy. The optional 3.5L V6 remains; but engines will be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Last month, Ford unveiled its refreshed Lincoln MKX, the luxury version of the Ford Edge. It, too, is receiving a significant mid-cycle upgrade, but Ford has not announced whether an EcoBoost engine will be made available for that model when it goes on sale later this year.

Both the Ford and the Lincoln are built at the company’s Oakville Assembly Plant in Ontario, with the Edge ranked as the top selling midsize crossover model.

Other Ford Motor News

In other news, Ford’s January 2010 US car sales increased by 25 percent over January 2009, on the strength of fleet sales. Retail sales were actually down for the month, but the fleet sales helped Ford record the best month over month improvement among the Big Six automakers. Ford also replaced Toyota as the second best selling brand in the US as the Japanese automaker saw its sales decline in the face of a recall and sales halt.

Lincoln MKX Receives Mid-Cycle Upgrade

2011 Lincoln MKX

The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) officially opens to the general public this Friday, but thanks to two intensive press preview days, the wraps have been taken off of everything that is new, exciting, and different on display at the Cobo Center in Detroit.

2011 Lincoln MKX Refresh

The Ford Motor Company took advantage of the show being in its own backyard (world headquarters are located in nearby Dearborn) with two Ford brand press conferences on Monday followed by its Lincoln press conference on Tuesday. And it was at that Tuesday conference where the 2011 Lincoln MKX was rolled out, an important mid-cycle refresh for this midsize crossover.

Change is what the 2011 MKX is all about, evident everywhere actually, a striking improvement over the 2007-2010 MKX.

The now trademark Lincoln split-wing grille gives the MKX an aggressive new face, a look similar to what is found on the larger MKT crossover along with the MKZ and MKS sedans. A new fender line has been incorporated with a newly raised arch seen over the front wheels. The exterior changes continue to the rear where the tail lamps feature a pair of distinct pieces. Larger exhaust tips round out the changes bringing up the rear.

2010 Lincoln MKX

Complementing Lincoln Crossovers

If you were to place the MKX next to the MKT you would see that Lincoln has gone to great lengths to make these crossovers share a common look. That bodes well for Lincoln as sales for the MKT are on the rise. In fact, at the Lincoln press conference Ford CEO Alan Mulally said that Lincoln sales are up 30 percent over the past five years, a clear indication that breathing new life into Ford’s luxury brand is paying off.

Inside, the MKX is all about taking its quality and luxury levels up a notch. According to company sources, the MKX is quieter than competitive vehicles from Lexus and Audi while offering better attention to cabin detail including new foam and sew styles on the climate-controlled leather seats with aluminum accents used throughout including on the doors and the instrument panel.

Like the Lincoln MKT, the Lincoln MKX makes good use of wood accents which can be found on the doors, dashboard, and steering wheel. The entire interior, as it were, has been brought up to reflect current Lincoln quality and design standards, with careful attention to detail such as subtle changes to vent brightwork, stitching, ambient lighting, and other touches.

And consider this point: what you have in the 2011 Lincoln MKX is a mid-cycle refresh – this is not an all new model, rather a major makeover.

Introducing MyLincoln Touch

Of course, I would be negligent if I failed to mention the evolution of Lincoln entertainment and navigation as found in MyLincoln Touch. Powered by Lincoln SYNC, this is a state of the art system that does away with traditional vehicle buttons, knobs and gauges, replacing them with clear, crisp LCD screens and five-way buttons much like those found on cell phones and MP3 players.

Lincoln says that the screens can be personalized to display information relevant to each individual driver using a simple button click, voice command or touch screen tap.

Yes, “on the go” technology has arrived in the cabin of the Lincoln MKX, likely to be intimidating for those not technologically adept, but something that will be embraced by tech savvy thirty-something drivers, exactly the shopper Lincoln is appealing to with the MKX. Just keep your eyes on the road and no one will get hurt – which is the smart thinking behind Lincoln’s technology.

October 2010 Release

Buyers will have to wait until October 2010 to get behind the wheel of a 2011 Lincoln MKX. I will have more information about this updated Lincoln about that time, a vastly improved five passenger crossover which will retail from just under $40,000.

Source: Ford Motor Company

Insuring Your Lincoln For Less Money

Finding low cost car insurance for your luxury Lincoln is as easy as a few clicks of the mouse. Make sure that your classic Lincoln has adequate coverage!

You happen to own one of America’s premium luxury car brands, but that doesn’t mean you must pay a fortune for your automobile insurance. True, Lincolns are not low cost cars but you shouldn’t have to pay an excessive amount for your Lincoln car insurance either. Are you looking for better insurance coverage for your car? Do you want details that could save you as much as $500 per year on your Lincoln car insurance? If you answered yes to either question then please continue reading as I have important information that can result in significant savings for you.

Over the past few years, the Lincoln line up has been updated to compete much more effectively for luxury car buyers. Although not currently building cars that compete on the same level as Audi, Infiniti, and Mercedes, Lincoln is popular with drivers who desire luxury without paying a premium for that privilege.

Auto Insurance Considerations

The age of your Lincoln and coverage sought will go a long way top determine what your car insurance rate will be. Additionally, there are several other things which will decide what you will pay:

• Your age — younger drivers as well as unmarried drivers generally pay more for insurance.

• Your personal health – your health history can be a factor when determining insurance.

• Your driving record – a clean driving record should give you the best rates.

• Your address – rates can vary from zip code to zip code. Make certain that you give correct information when applying for car insurance.

• Your deductibles – the higher the deductible, the lower the premium. Consider a higher deductible especially if you can absorb the cost of a small impact.

• Your Lincoln’s age – as our cars age, insurance rates will generally drop. If you own a classic Lincoln, make sure that your coverage is adequate to cover the current value of your car.

• Your annual miles driven – if you drive well below the industry average of 12-15000 miles annually, then you should receive a break.

• …and more!

When purchasing Lincoln car insurance there are various insurance components that comprise the entire insurance policy including:

• Liability insurance – This component protects you in the event that you have an accident, specifically if you damage property or hurt someone else in the accident. The more coverage you have, the better you are protected against legal claims that could arise against you.

• Collision insurance – If your Lincoln gets damaged, do you have insurance to cover repairs? Any vehicle with a value of $5000 or more should have collision insurance. You will be required to have this type of coverage if your car is being financed through a financing company.

• Comprehensive insurance – This insurance component protects you in the event of some other loss including theft, wind damage, vandalism, etc.

Other parts of the insurance puzzle include insurance against an under insured or uninsured motorist in addition to medical insurance in the event you lose work, etc. Of course, you must determine what insurance works best for you. The key to all insurance is for you to reduce your risk, so don’t skimp on coverage.

Shop Online For Easy Quote Comparison

Finding cost effective Lincoln car insurance can be done by calling various agencies for a price quote or, if you are pressed for time and want to see multiple quotes at once, by visiting a quality on-line car insurance quote company such as Insure.com which can turn up the information that you need. Should you always choose the company with the lowest rates? That is usually advisable, but only if they can also provide the agent assistance you need when you need it. You can obtain that information by visiting a consumer satisfaction site discussing insurance companies, contacting your state’s consumers’ affairs department, or by asking friends who are satisfied customers of the car insurance company that interests you.

Yes, affordable Lincoln car insurance is within reach. Do a little on-line research and you could turn up savings of $100, $250, even $500 or more annually.