The new MKX looks like a totally different vehicle when seen from the front. The front fascia has been freshened up and the redesigned split wing grille gives it a distinctive look. The headlamps receive an HID treatment while the tail lamps use LED. The hood and more contoured lines of the sides give it a more aggressive stance. The oval exhaust tips give it a sportier appeal.

The Lincoln MXK has a Ford V-6 3.7L Duratec power plant under its hood. The engine makes use of new systems like the Ti-VCT or Twin Independent Camshaft Timing to give the car some more power and torque without sacrificing excellent fuel economy.

The new MKX has a better output of 305 horsepower with a 280 lb-ft of torque. The numbers are 15% (for the horsepower) and 12% (torque) better than the previous release. The powerful engine is paired with an automatic transmission with six speeds with an option to go on pseudo manual mode. The 2011 MKX has a fuel rating of up to 25 mile per gallon while cruising on the highway.

Inside the MKX, the most noticeable change is the instrument panel which has been upgraded to a touch-sensitive design. The new technology replaces traditional center-stack switches and knobs, giving a connected driver experience.

The first sales of the new Lincoln MKX is plotted to come before the end of 2010.

Lincoln might have some surprises for its market in the near future to push the brand back to prominence. There is a loud buzz that the car maker is planning to release a compact which will be deriving its DNA from Ford. There hasn’t been any confirmation though if it will be used as the global platform for the Focus.

The car manufacturer have concept cars exploring the idea of providing smaller cars for consumers but these vehicles still need to go into production. Experts are not sure if Lincoln will roll the dice and take the risk to assemble these vehicles.

There is also a speculation that by 2011, Lincoln will be releasing a small crossover using the Ford platform. This compact crossover may change the image of the brand in the market giving consumers a hint that they can supply smaller cars with better fuel economy and lesser environmental impact.

Some of the current units like the MKZ sedan will have a redesign by 2012 or 2013. The MKS will have a facelift as early as 2011 and a major architectural overhaul is expected 3 or 4 years after.

The future of the Lincoln Navigator remains uncertain at the moment. It is not yet clear if it will get some revamp in design or whether the company will still retain it for its future lineup.