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2006 Lincoln Mark LT Preview

Big Rigging in a Lincoln

The Mark LT concept truck, soon to become a 2006 model when it goes into production next year, is Fords second attempt to launch a full-size pickup truck in its Lincoln Mercury division. The poor-selling Lincoln Blackwood, which was based on the old F-150 pickup, was discontinued after two years of production. Still, it didnt deter the company from trying again, this time off of the new F-150.

The Mark LT will combine Lincolns luxury features and the usefulness of the new F-150, OConnor said.

"The Mark LT has functionality which, for whatever reason, (the Blackwood)

Unfazed by the poor results of the Lincoln Blackwood, Ford is introducing another full-size pickup truck in its Lincoln Mercury division. (Photo: Lincoln)

was designed with little functionality--it wasnt offered as a 4x4," he noted. "Pickup drivers want functionality. So, its got a full bed and a full interior. Nothing is compromised in it and weve learned from experience."

The pickup will be called a "Mark" because thats the name that Lincoln

Unlike the Blackwood, the Mark LT has been designed not just for looks, but functionality. (Photo: Lincoln)

has traditionally reserved for vehicles that offer the ultimate in personal luxury transportation to its customers, added Lincoln Mercury President Darrel Hazel.

At the front of the Atlantic Pearl colored Mark LT concept is a chrome waterfall grille, with a Lincoln star that gets illuminated at night. It also has other touches of chrome on the exterior, from the shiny bumpers, to bright body side cladding that looks like "shining

Based on the new Ford F-150, the Mark LT will feature a 5.4-liter, 3-valve Triton V8 engine offered in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations. (Photo: Lincoln)

armor," to the 20-inch spokes wheels, door handles and mirror caps. Even the trucks box has chrome rail moldings, a styling enhancement that is carried over to the twin exhaust tips.

The use of chrome gives the LT a look of "rugged elegance," said J Mays, Ford Vice President, Design.

Based on the all-new F-150 architecture--meaning that it has a fully-boxed, hydro-formed frame that greatly stiffens the pickups ride while vastly improving its occupant crash

The Triton V8 engine will provide the Mark LT with 300 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 365 foot-pounds of torque at 3,750 rpm. (Photo: Lincoln)

protection, the Mark LT has the strength to act like a truck. Added to that will be a 5.4-liter, 3-valve Triton V8 engine offered in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations. With 300 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 365 foot-pounds of torque at 3,750 rpm, it has a towing capacity of 8,900 pounds, equivalent to a horse trailer or a small yacht, plus a payload capacity of 1,620 pounds.

With a 46-foot turning radius, the Mark LT makes a tighter turning circle than a Dodge Ram Quad Cab, though a Chevy Silverado with Quadrasteer would run circles around it (or should I say within its turning radius).

The

The Mark LT, inside and out, is covered head to toe in traditional Lincoln luxury. (Photo: Lincoln)

Lincoln pickup will be equipped with standard four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, and standard electronic brake force distribution (EBD), which manages the brake force between the front and rear wheels to reduce braking distances, especially handy when towing.

The truck has a double wishbone front suspension to handle bumps with ease and a Hotchkiss-design rear suspension with outboard shocks for a softer ride without compromising its towing and hauling capabilities.

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