Lincoln MKT Heading to Production

We were mildly surprised to learn today that Lincoln is moving forward with plans to build a production version of the MKT concept shown at the Detroit auto show this past January. The company has confirmed with the Detroit News that it will also discontinue the Mark LT pickup.

The MKT will be based on the same platform as the upcoming Ford Flex and will most likely have a third row of seats, unlike the two-row concept. We expect it to keep the radical-looking grille, but Ford says the design is still in the early stages of testing with focus groups.

With the MKT in the lineup, Lincoln hopes to solidify its renaissance. With it, the new MKS flagship sedan and the popular MKX crossover, the company has three fresh products. The aging Navigator recently got a refresh, while the MKZ — based on the Ford Fusion — seems like the odd car out of this revamped lineup.

As for the MKT, perhaps Lincoln is looking to score a home run like Buick recently did with its Enclave crossover. Do you think the MKT and MKS will help Lincoln’s lineup?

Ford polishes its U.S. luxury brand (Detroit News)