2011 LA Auto Show Lincoln Refreshes

The flagship MKS sedan isn’t the only revamped Lincoln model on display at the 2011 LA Motor Show. The MKT crossover has also received a makeover to bring it in line with the rest of the brand’s offerings.

Like the MKS, the MKT now has an all-new split front grille with more densely placed vertical slats and reshaped bumper.

Max Wolff, Lincoln design director, says: “The effort behind the new look was to change the proportion of the MKT from the front view. We helped make it feel wider and a bit less tall, less vertical. The execution of the new MKT’s grille is a lot more refined an elegant.”

Inside, Lincoln claims that the changes it has made to the three-row interior, which is still available in six- and seven-seat configurations, give it a more luxurious, as well as technologically advanced feel.

Noticeable upgrades include the new instrument panel with a central speedometer flanked by two configurable 4.2-inch LCD screens that are controlled via steering wheel-mounted buttons.

An 8-inch LCD touch screen in the center console enables the driver and front passenger to view, as well as to control, the climate control and the upgraded MyLincoln Touch infotainment system. The latter, apart from its usual functions, can be combined with either the standard 210-Watt audio system of the optional THX II-certified, 700-Watt one with SiriusXM satellite radio.

In the powertrain front, the base 3.7-liter V6 has received a 32HP boost, for a total of 300HP, while the 3.5-liter, 355HP EcoBoost V6 carries on unchanged.

The most important change as far as the MKT mechanical components are concerned is the addition of the Continuously Controlled Damping system on the EcoBoost model.

The system receives data from 46 sources and can make 500 calculations per second, adjusting the suspension’s settings in just 11 milliseconds.

The MKT, which goes on sale in the States in spring 2012, is also available with the Drive Control system that offers three driving modes: Normal, Comfort and Sport. In the Comfort setting, the MKT’s suspension is up to 15% more compliant than the (default) Normal, while selecting the Sport mode stiffens up the dampers by 25-30% for better handling.

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Facelifted 2013 Volkswagen CC Makes its World

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What’s in a name? Not much, according to William Shakespeare who in Romeo and Juliet, wrote, “A rose by any other name would still smell as sweet”.

Apparently, Volkswagen does not feel the same way. That is why when the time came to freshen up its four-year old Passat CC sports saloon, it chose to delete the “Passat” moniker from its name in order to signal its upmarket move and severe any ties with the mid-size family sedan.

To reinforce its point, VW has made some changes to the styling of the 2013 CC that made its world debut this week at the LA Motor Show.

While the main bodywork stays the same, the front end of the CC sports a new chrome grille, redesigned headlamps with LED daytime running lights and a different bumper. It’s a similar story at the rear end that gains LED tail lamps and new boot and bumper designs.

The cabin features new climate controls and trim options, stainless steel door sills – and that’s about it on the design department. However, one significant upgrade in the 2013 CC is that there is now seating for five, with a three-seat rear bench taking the place of two individual buckets.

There are no changes to the engine line-up, which in the States, includes a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 200HP and a 280HP 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6, both with direct injection tech.

What has changed compared to the outgoing model is the addition of driver assistance systems, such as the Side Assist Plus with Lane Assist that warns you of vehicles in the car’s blind spots and, if necessary, makes the required direction changes to avoid an accident.

The updated 2013 CC, which will be launched first in Germany in February and subsequently in the rest of Europe and the U.S, can also be ordered with Dynamic Light Assist and a (rather useful, we guess) traffic sign detection system.

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