Friday March 23, 2007 SGN.org |
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Volume 35 Issue 12 |
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Saturday, Aug 30, 2008
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| Zero to Sixty |
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by Jake Jay -
SGN Contributing Writer A lot of excitement has been generated this year by the new Crossover SUVs. The standard SUVs use a truck frame and get a truck-like ride and low fuel economy. The Crossovers are car-based, boast a smoother ride and better fuel economy. I stopped by Freedom Lincoln-Mercury in Renton to test the Lincoln's entry into the Crossover market. The first thing I noticed about the 2007 Lincoln MKX was the absolutely quiet ride, the vehicle itself doesn't huff, puff and rattle like so many SUVs, and Ford technology has eliminated the traffic noise. How has Ford done it? For starters there is an acoustic laminated windshield, with additional layers of sound absorbing material molded right into the metal frame. The MKX takes extraordinary measures to reduce noise. Aerodynamically "tuned" side view mirrors create virtually no wind noise. Advanced door seals and a sound barrier in the wheel housings eliminate so much noise that you can talk in a regular voice to passengers in the rear seats. You can also hear the sound system. And what a system it is! A built in 6-CD changer eliminates fumbling for a CD while driving. There are 14 precisely placed speakers that offer incredible sound. I blasted the volume with hip-hop and there was no distortion. The base was fantastically crisp. The standard audio input jack in the center console allows you to plug in your MP3 player and play it through the vehicle's system. Once you have experienced the surround sound in the MKX, other systems sound flat. When you experience the luxury extras available on the MKX, you know you're riding in a Lincoln. A large forward moonroof that is 3 times the average moonroof size and a fixed rear sunroof offer panoramic viewing possibilities and a sun-filled breezy ride on nice Seattle afternoons. The moonroof sports a wind buffer, so riders in the back seats don't get too breezy. The THX navigational system is superior to earlier systems I've seen in other cars The touch-screen is easy to use. The amount of information contained in the North American CD that loads it is really amazing. Looking for a suitable restaurant on a road trip has never been easier or more accurate. As a safety measure, you can only program the system from a fully parked vehicle. Sirius satellite radio is built in, and you have the option of two independent DVD players built into the back of the front driver and passenger seats. The driver and the passenger in the front seat have independent climate controls. If you like it hot and your Partner likes it cool, you'll harmonize in the MKX. The front and rear seats are heated, and the front seats are also cooled for those hot August days. The leather-trimmed seats are incredibly comfortable, due to a new seat contour design. The special contours help reduce pressure points and fatigue on long summer drives and those getaway mid-winter trips to Palm Springs, or to follow the White Party circuit. The MKX has powerful capabilities thanks to the all-new 3.5L Duratee V-6 engine. It produces a lively 265 hp and 250 lb.-ft. of torque. An all-new, class-exclusive 6-speed automatic transmission actually adapts to your particular driving style to tailor shifts accordingly! The final impression I took from the MKX, was one of classic design, maneuverability and innovation. It's beautiful to look at, easy to drive and full of surprises. The base price of $35,770 and the 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway makes this Lincoln a winner. And with all the extras to choose from it's a win-win for Ford and the consumer. GMC ACADIA Wendell, at Gee Pontiac Buick, showed me GMC's latest entry into the Crossover market. The GMC Acadia, already a popular vehicle, gives a smooth drive. The 6-speed automatic transmission is remarkably quiet. 18" tires result in outstanding traction, balance and braking. The tight turning radius is a huge improvement over standard SUVs. The International styling is up to date and attractive. Inside the vehicle, there is comfortable seating throughout and the 3rd row seating is remarkable spacious. GM's exclusive Smart Side seating system means easy access to the 3rd row. Upgrades include a rear power liftgate, rear cargo audio controls and XM Satellite radio. An oversized dual sunroof is also available. The safety features are impressive. Head curtain side airbags protect outboard passengers in all 3 rows. A stability control system eliminates rollover problems. OnStar is installed on all Acadias, with one year of free service. The Acadia is loaded with environmental features that are especially appreciated in Seattle, one of the nation's greenest cities. The Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery system saves 875,560 gallons of gasoline over the expected life on one model year of production. Over 19,650 tons of plastic parts from one model year of production are now marked for recycling. The extended life engine coolant saves more than 11 quarts of engine coolant per vehicle over its expected life. The 3.6L High Feature V6 engine meets the Federal Bin 5 standard and the Oil Life Monitoring system can save 4.2 million quarts of oil over the expected life of one model year. Iridium tipped spark plugs have extended spark plug life from 50,000 miles to 100,000 miles saving up to 660,000 spark plugs over the life of one model year of production. The transmission fluid now endures for the life of the vehicle. This equates to over one million quarts of transmission fuel saved per model year of production. A Regulated Voltage Control is incorporated into the design of the GMC Acadia, which nets 8.2 million gallons of gasoline saved in one model year. |
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