Ford has been bragging about its EcoBoost engine for so long, readers will be forgiven for thinking the engine is already in production. It’s not yet, but that will change this summer when the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 introduced at the 2009 Detroit auto show makes its way into the Lincoln MKS and MKT, as well as the Ford Flex and Taurus.
Ford says that, with 355 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, the EcoBoost has the power of a 4.6-liter V-8. Certainly not Ford’s own 4.6-liter V-8, though, as the EcoBoost handily outmuscles the 4.6-liter V-8 found in the 2010 Mustang GT by 40 hp and 25 lb-ft.
With the boosted MKS, Ford’s sights are set on other luxury sedans like the Infiniti M45 (325 hp, 326 lb-ft) and the Lexus GS460 (342 hp, 339 lb-ft). Ford also boasts that the MKS with EcoBoost will get better fuel efficiency than its competitors. Although not officially certified by the EPA yet, fuel-economy expectations for the MKS with EcoBoost are 16 mpg city and 25 highway.
Mated to the V-6 will be an upgraded version of the six-speed automatic already enlisted for duty in the naturally aspirated MKS engine bay, and if power alone doesn’t say “sporty” to you, Lincoln hopes steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles will. Or perhaps the available appearance package will help, although Lincoln isn’t currently sharing any details on it. Like the turbocharged MKT crossover also announced in Detroit, boosted MKS sedans will only be available with all-wheel drive.
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