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Next Lincoln Navigator to drop V8 in favor of V6, but Ford Expedition might get both

A great many buyers fled from full-size body-on-frame SUVs to car-based crossovers in large measure to save fuel. But that doesn't mean there's still not a buying audience for more traditional truck-based utility vehicles, and those consumers doubtlessly wouldn't mind saving some dollars at the pump, too. According to Motor Trend, those shoppers might be in luck.
That's because the magazine has confirmed that Ford isn't walking away from the full-size SUV segment, and it's poised to do something about its offerings' economy ratings, too. According to MT, global Lincoln director Matt VanDyke has hinted that the next Navigator may drop two cylinders and go with a V6 model - the current model gets just 14 miles per gallon in the city and 20 on the highway from its 5.4-liter V8. The obvious fitment would be Ford's 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, an engine that has spread like kudzu throughout the rest of the Blue Oval's large vehicle lineup.
Downsized turbocharged engines like Ford's EcoBoost franchise have come under fire as of late for not delivering their EPA fuel economy ratings, but their benefits extend beyond consumption - the 3.5L offers superior power and a better torque curve than the naturally aspirated V8. MT also suggests that Ford's 3.7-liter V6 could form the base engine for the next Navi - it has similar horsepower but a lot less torque than the current 5.4L. That may be less of a problem with the next generation tipped to go on a diet, which could level the playing field somewhat.

Lincoln's first shipment of cars arrives in China

It has been two years since Lincoln first announced its plans to expand into China, and the first models destined for sale in the giant automotive market just came off the boat in Shanghai on September 10. It's going to be a few weeks before Chinese buyers actually have the chance to get behind the wheel, though.
The first two models being offered to China are the MKZ and MKC, as seen arriving in these photos, and they are going to be sold at dealers that look more like hotels than traditional showrooms. The first four are opening in Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou in October, with a grand unveiling of the new brand to Chinese consumers later that month. By the end of the year, Lincoln wants to have eight dealers operating in seven cities. By 2016, the automaker wants to have a lineup of five models available in the People's Republic.
"This is the culmination of months of teamwork and collaboration both in North America and here in China," said Robert Parker, President of Lincoln China, in the company's release.

Junkyard Gem: 1977 Lincoln Continental Mark V

For the 1977 model year, Ford debuted the new Lincoln Continental Mark V, one of the biggest of the personal luxury coupes that were all the rage during the era. While 400 pounds lighter than its Mark IV predecessor, the Mark V was still a thirsty, 4,652-pound symbol of American exceptionalism. Here's an example of a first-year Mark V, spotted in a San Francisco Bay Area self-service wrecking yard. If we are to judge from the sun-baked interior, top-down rust, and moss growing on the bodywork, this car spent at least 20 years decaying outdoors before coming here. Still, flashes of its original opulence may be seen here and there. For example, the Cartier clock (which probably failed by about 1983). There were Cartier Edition Mark Vs (along with Givenchy and Pucci versions), but all the Mark Vs got the Cartier clocks. With the 1973 Oil Crisis just a few years behind and the 1979 Oil Crisis a couple of years ahead, some attempt to improve fuel economy was needed in the engine compartment. This car has the 400-cubic-inch version of the 351 Cleveland V8, rated at 179 woefully inadequate horsepower and 329 good-enough pound-feet of torque. Outside of California, the 208-horse 460-cubic-inch V8 was an option. These cars were very comfortable on the highway, with their soft springs and cushy seats. No, the wood isn't real. Worth restoring? No way, not when you can find nice one-owner examples for four figures. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. "To its owner, Continental Mark V is more than a new car. It's a Mark of tradition." Related Video: Featured Gallery Junked 1977 Lincoln Continental Mark V View 25 Photos Auto News Lincoln Luxury