Exclusive: 2016 Lincoln MKS Rendered, Detailed!

The second generation of the Lincoln MKS, Which We rendered using info from sources intimately familiar with its development. Designed under the leadership of Max Wolff who previously worked at Cadillac, and Holden before that-the ICC epitomizes the future of the brand's styling direction. Its conservative lines and the 1970s-inspired kink in the rear shoulder line and side windows are not going to wow anyone, but they are an attempt at creating an "American" style, as well as some familial resemblance with the MKC crossover. Moreover, there are sufficient amounts of chrome that cater to those ever-important Chinese tastes. However, there is little commonality with the MKZ sedan, whose futuristic, concept-like style apparently will not lead anywhere. The ICC, of course, will be offered with the upmarket Black Label interior themes launched in Pebble Beach earlier this month.

The MKS is a crucial model in re-establishing Lincoln as a viable premium competitor in the U.S., where it was the top-selling luxury brand in 1998 but has fallen woefully behind the competition since. Ford’s luxury arm had a market share of just 0.57 percent in 2012, making it the eighth-bestselling brand in its segment. Moreover, Lincoln will begin selling vehicles in China late next year, the first serious attempt to venture beyond its home market.

Powertrain: The 2016 Lincoln MKS will be offered with a new 2.9-liter EcoBoosted V-6 codenamed Nano, and the proven 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. The latter powerplant will match or exceed the Taurus SHO's 365 horsepower, and we expect the smaller V-6 to produce in the realm of 300 horses. Initially, gearchanges will be handled by a six-speed automatic, but eventually the ICC should be the recipient of the nine-speed auto that's being jointly developed by Ford and GM. Power will be routed to the front wheels, but all-wheel drive will be an option-and very likely mandatory when paired to the 3.5-liter. 

Competition: Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, the Lexus ES. 

Estimated arrival and Price: The 2016 Lincoln MKS will land on showroom floors in late 2015 as a 2016 model. Expect the base price to increase by a few thousand dollars from today's $ 41.320.