This is the first time Lincoln has used its signature designation, Mark, on a pickup truck. The manufacturer chose the name "because the Mark LT upholds the tradition of a vehicle that stands apart from all others."
Lincoln is banking that this new truck will be as successful as other vehicles that have shared the designation, including Edsel Ford's first Continental, the Mark I, and the 1956 Continental Mark II.
Here's a statement from Darryl Hazel, Lincoln-Mercury president:
- "The Mark LT offers a level of luxury and sophistication never before seen in a pickup truck," said Darryl Hazel, Lincoln-Mercury president. "This is a Lincoln for people who own land and have active lifestyles.
The Mark LT was derived from the Ford F-150. It will be available in 4X2 and 4X4 configurations, with four full-size doors and a 5.5 foot box.
The truck introduced at NAIAS is said to be a close approximation of the truck we'll see on dealer's lots in 2005, but changes always take place prior to production.
DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS
Plenty of Glitter
- A hefty band of chrome wraps the length of the truck.
- 20-inch chrome-plated wheels with the Lincoln star at their centers.
- More chrome wrapping the tail lamps, tailgate and other areas.
- The intro truck's steel blue exterior highlights all the chrome.
Interior Design
- Lots of lightly colored, anti-scratch leather covering the headliner, steering wheel, seats, center console and door panel.
- Sheepskin flooring.
- Metallic finish theme continues inside with the center stack, ends of the instrument panel, center console housing, cup holders and steering wheel spokes, all in a sterling matte silver finish.
- Textured aluminum accenting divides the door panels and surrounds the climate and audio controls.
- A translucent core mineral creates a dark chrome effect on the air vents, door handles, and in other areas.
- The gauge cluster features Lincoln’s signature white lighting, black background with white numerals, darkened chrome bezels and a textured aluminum background that matches the center stack.
- Special French styled pleating, with front and rear seats also bearing a quilted pattern insert.
Under the Hood
- A 5.4-liter, 3-valve Triton™ V-8 engine that produces 300 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 365 foot-pounds of torque at 3,750 rpm.
Frame and Suspension
The Mark LT is built on a stable hydroformed frame that forms a closed "box" section, as opposed to the traditional "C" frame rail design. The result is increased stiffness and stronger attachment points for the body and suspension for excellent handling and a quiet ride.
Both 4x2 and 4x4 models use a coil-over-shock, long-spindle double wishbone front suspension with a cast aluminum lower control arm.
The Mark LT features gripping bushings to mount the front stabilizer bar. This design keeps the bushing compressed against the stabilizer bar, allowing the bushings to twist with it. The bushings are soft in response to road impacts, but stiff for cornering capability.
The front track is 67.0 inches wide, which helps increase stability while braking, reduce tire wear and enhance handling and steering precision.
The Hotchkiss-design rear suspension has been optimized with rear shock absorbers placed outboard of the frame rails, a pickup truck segment trait shared only with Ford’s new F-150. The outboard rear shocks are positioned to maximize their effect at reducing body lean, particularly during lane changes. Because of this massive leverage advantage, the shocks can be tuned for a smoother ride.
Steering and Brakes
- The rack-and-pinion steering system used in the Mark LT is the largest, strongest and most rugged ever used by Lincoln. The steering system also makes for a relatively tight 46-foot turning circle.
- Standard four-wheel disc brakes, four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake force distribution (EBD) are standard.
Lincoln states the new truck will offer excellent towing capabilities.
What the manufacturer promises to give us is a truck with all the luxuries you want in an SUV, but with the capabilities that only a pickup truck can deliver. It will be interesting to follow the Mark LT's development as it moves forward towards production, then final delivery to consumers.
Go to the Lincoln Mark LT Photo Gallery.
Source: Ford Motor Company press release.
