2011 Lincoln MKX with Fresh Looks, New 3.7-Liter V6 and Button-Free Environment Premieres in Detroit

FoMoCo lifted the covers off its heavily revised 2011 Lincoln MKX at the Detroit Auto Show today. Lincoln's Ford Edge-based mid-size crossover has received a hefty makeover with new sheetmetal, a refreshed interior that ditches conventional buttons and knobs for an array of capacitive-touch controls, chassis improvements and a new 3.7-liter V7 engine.

From the outside, the 2011 model year MKX is recognizable by its MKT-inspired fascia with the huge split grille, the sculptured front wheel arches, the new tailgate and tail lamp assembly, and freshly designed alloy wheels.

The interior has also been revamped boasting a new design and upgraded materials and trim. However, the most significant change concerns the adoption of the firm's "MyLincoln Touch" interface that replaces traditional vehicle buttons, knobs and gauges with LCD screens and touch-sensitive controls like those found on cell phones and MP3 players.

Underneath the hood, the MKX's 3.5-liter V6 has been replaced by Ford's new 3.7-liter V6 that is shared with the 2011 Mustang V6. It produces 305 horsepower and 280 ft.-lb. of torque and is linked to a six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission returning up to 25mpg on the highway.

Other improvements for the 2011 model year MKX include the more powerful four-wheel disc brakes, the retuned suspension and the addition of Hill Start Assist, which reduces rollback on hills and Trailer Sway Control, which provides greater towing stability when equipped with the available trailer tow package.

The 2011 Lincoln MKX will be built at Ford's Oakville Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada, with sales set to begin this summer.