First Look: 2010 Lincoln Mark LT Is For Mexico Only
Say ¡Hola! to the new 2010 Lincoln Mark LT that we first spied . Lackluster sales led to the removal of the Mark LT from Lincoln's U.S. lineup in 2008 but it was a relative success in Mexico, so the decision was made to continue production of the high-end hauler for Mexican truck buyers willing to pay a premium for the Lincoln logo.
"The Lincoln Mark LT has been Lincoln's best-selling vehicle in Mexico," Lincoln spokesperson Mark Schirmer told PickupTrucks.com. "The Mark LT has sold almost 6,000 units in Mexico since its launch in 2005. In the U.S., the Mark LT only accounted for around 5% of total sales on average."
Lincoln also sells the MKZ, MKS, MKX and Navigator in Mexico.
Other than the Mark LT's huge double-waterfall grille and Lincoln star badges, U.S. buyer's aren't missing out on much. The Mexican truck's American counterpart is the luxurious new 2009-10 Ford F-150 .
"In the US, we decided to stretch the F-150 nameplate and drop the Lincolnversion," said Schirmer. "Lincoln's emphasis [in the U.S.] is now focused on our cars and crossovers, like the MKZ and all-new MKT."
The Ford F-150 is also sold in Mexico (where it's called the Lobo, Spanish for 'Wolf') but the Platinum trim package isn't available. The Mark LT is the premium Ford pickup South of the Border.
Power is provided by the Lobo's 5.4-liter V-8 that's rated at 310 horsepower and 365 pounds-feet of torque. The Mark LT can tow up to 10,000 pounds and haul up to 1,695 pounds. Buyers can choose a 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot cargo box. The interior offers rich leather seats and ambient lighting in the cupholders and footwells plus many other fancy features, like the Sync infotainment system and Sony audio. Safety features include Ford's front and side airbags, a reinforced roof and electronic stability control with rollover mitigation.
The 2010 Lincoln Mark LT is manufactured at Ford's Dearborn Truck Plant in Michigan. It goes on sale in Mexico later this month. Pricing hasn't been announced.
