2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost: 17/24 MPG, 355 HP, price start from $4

The Lincoln MKS has been a sales success for Ford, with the regular V6 version launched last year racking up thousands of sales and regaining market share lost mainly to Cadillac in the recent past.

Lincoln is now expanding the MKS range with the 355-hp twin-turbocharged MKS EcoBoost sedan, which will goes on sale later this summer. The car will carry a base price of $48,585 (including an $825 destination fee), which may seem like a substantial leap over the $38,000 starting price of the base V6 model but its economy and power say otherwise.

“The Lincoln MKS EcoBoost series provides customers the best combination in style, technology and power,” said Pei-Wen Hsu, Lincoln MKS Marketing manager. “An EcoBoost appearance package also will be available, offering customers a more aggressive and sporty look that further differentiates the Lincoln MKS from other competitors.”

The Lincoln MKS EcoBoost is the first of Ford model to feature an EcoBoost powerplant but it certainly won’t be the last as Ford plans to have the option available on 90% of its North American lineup by 2012. The EcoBoost 3.5L V6 engine delivers a peak 355hp (265kW) at 5,700rpm and 350ft-lb (474Nm) of torque from 3,500rpm, as well as a substantially saving in fuel consumption.

Thanks to a combination of direct-injection and turbocharging technology, a 10-15% fuel-economy benefit is expected versus normally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 engines in the same competitive class. According to Ford, the Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost engine will deliver more power and better highway efficiency (25mpg) than the 2009 Lexus GS460 (24mpg) or 2009 Infiniti M45 (21 mpg). Initial estimates put its fuel-economy at around 17mpg in the city and 24mpg on the highway.

Standard features include 19in wheels, adaptive HID headlights, a rear-window power sunshade, and AWD. Optional goodies include 20in chrome wheels, EcoBoost badging, illuminated door sill plates, and plush floor mats.