DEARBORN, MI – The new Lincoln flagship sedan, MKS, features an all new fully independent suspension (IRS), that includes stamped steel lower control arms and cast aluminum upper control arms. It is mounted to a fully-isolated sub frame to reduce noise and vibration. A unique design places vertically-mounted shock absorbers at the outboard end of the suspension arms, near the wheels. This configuration increases the motion ratio of the suspension allowing for a more precise tuning while also facilitating the larger wheels and tires.

Moving the shocks outward and positioning them vertically increases suspension travel in a positive way. The shocks alone can now handle a larger portion of the load requiring less suspension damping to isolate road noise and vibration from the cabin.

The MacPherson strut and rear-facing L-shaped lower control arm front suspension also mounts to a fully-isolated sub frame. The suspension geometry was designed to maximize suspension travel and tuned to work in harmony with the rear suspension. Together, the new front and rear suspension design can accommodate class-exclusive, 20-inch wheels and tires.

The Lincoln MKS comes standard with four-wheel ventilated disc brakes (12.25-in front and 12.75-in. rear discs) with ABS and power rack-and-pinion steering.

Standard wheels and tires are 18 x 7.5-inch painted, cast aluminum, 10-spoke wheels, and P235/55R 18 all-season radials. Additional choices include an available 19 x 8-inch premium painted 10-spoke cast aluminum wheel or a 19 x 8-inch bright machined 10-spoke painted cast aluminum wheel both with P255/45R 19 all-season radials.

A 20 x 8-inch, 11-spoke polished cast aluminum wheel and P245/45R 20 all-season radials will be available after launch.

The body structure of the Lincoln MKS was optimized for strength and stiffness. Along with noteworthy crash performance, the solid structure also delivers the smooth, quiet ride.

The high-end sound package centers on a new technology that’s a first for Lincoln and the MKS. An injection-molded rubber dash panel runs from the floor, just under the carpet, up to the top of the dash and back over the cowl. The injection-molded part fits snuggly to the steel dash panel to provide a barrier for unwanted wind and powertrain noise. The same technology is used inside the rear wheel wells.

The shape of the new MKS was massaged in the wind tunnel to help with airflow and reduce wind noise. In fact, the team went through more than 50 iterations of the design of the sunroof until they had a unit that is the quietest in its class.

The Lincoln’s new 3.7L V-6 engine also plays an important role in the overall sound of the vehicle.

The 2009 Lincoln MKS is the first of many Lincoln products that will offer the Next-Generation SecuriCode Keyless Entry Keypad. The keypad shares its technology with the iPod and iPhone, using the same supplier, Quantum Research, for the processors and algorithms.

Touch-sensitive electronics are mounted behind a sturdy acrylic cover. The door appliqué is made via a two-shot injection molding process. The clear acrylic, with a 40 percent black tint, is shot first, followed by the black acrylic that makes the shape of the B-pillar appliqué. The electronics mount behind the B-pillar appliqué. The graphic panel is the same color black as the B-pillar, blending the entire unit together making it nearly invisible.