2003 Lincoln Navigator Base Sport Utility 4-door 5.4l on 2040-cars

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Weekly Recap: New bosses try to jump-start Cadillac and Lincoln

Both of America's domestic luxury brands seem to be stuck in neutral.
It's ironic that Cadillac and Lincoln got new bosses within days of each other this month. It's also a commentary on the fact both of America's domestic luxury brands seem to be stuck in neutral.

2015 Lincoln MKC aims to rejuvenate the brand... again

Ford is slowly but surely attempting to revitalize the Lincoln brand, with the new MKZ sedan pointing the way forward for the Blue Oval's struggling luxury division. Here at the LA Auto Show, Lincoln is showing the next new product that aims to give the brand new life, the 2015 MKC crossover.
The MKC is based on the trusty Ford Escape, but this is far more than just a rebadge job. Lincoln has used completely new sheetmetal here, with the brand's familiar split-wing grille front and center, and a classy, wraparound tailgate with super slim taillamps that span the width of the hatchback. It's one of the better applications of Lincoln's new design language we've seen thus far, and the end result is a taut-looking crossover that is at the same time both modern and luxurious-looking.
Further differentiating itself from the Escape, the MKC packs an all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, good for 275 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. (On the base end, Ford's 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with 240 hp and 270 lb-ft is available.) The MKC also uses a new Continuously Controlled Damping adaptive suspension, and is available with both front- and all-wheel drive.

Ford abandons MyFord Touch, all hail Sync 3 infotainment [w/video]

MyFord Touch has been among the most widely disdained automotive infotainment systems on the market, practically since its introduction in 2010. Consumer Reports was among the most vocal critics, all but advocating its lynching by an angry mob armed with torches and pitchforks. Not surprisingly, then, after such a critical walloping, Ford has finally decided to say goodbye to the unloved tech, declaring the end of MyFord Touch branding in favor of Sync 3 for its upcoming, all-new system. Ford is promising everything you would expect from Sync 3, including faster response time, better voice-command integration, easier controls and a more useable interface. The screen layout includes fewer items to make them easier to discern, and the icons are made from large, high-contrast buttons. There's also a dedicated tab for apps at the bottom of the screen in addition to those for audio, climate, phone and navigation. Another useful feature is the fact that Sync 3 can download improvements over your home Wi-Fi for easier updates. In addition to the revamped interface, the software running behind the scenes is a big change too. Rather than MyFord Touch's Microsoft-sourced system, Sync 3 uses the Blackberry-owned QNX, according to Automotive News. Such a switch was rumored earlier this year. Drivers still have to live with MyFord Touch a little longer, though. According to Automotive News, Ford said that the change to Sync 3 will happen during the 2016 model year with complete integration into the lineup by the end of the 2016 calendar year. It will come standard on Titanium trim models and as a separate option will be priced in line with the current MyFord Touch. The Sync 3 brand will carry over to Lincoln, too, but with a different look. The gallery above shows a few more looks at the interface, and we invite you to scroll down to watch a video of Sync 3 in action and to read Ford's press release about it, below. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.