Lincoln first showed us the MKT Concept at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, so it’s quite fitting that our spy photographers have once against spotted the road-going version just in time for the 2009 show. It remains unclear if the production version of the MKT will be forward display at this month’s NAIAS, but as the latest shots show, the luxury crossover is definitely nearing production ready.

Despite the presence of some light camouflage, Lincoln’s signature waterfall grille be able to be clearly seen — the very same that was used on the MKT Concept. Overall, the MKT - which is being developed under the codename D472 - is expected to largely mirror the styling of the MKT Concept.

Inside we can see a black and tan interior with wood accents on the dash and aluminum accents on the doors. We also see a power telescoping steering wheel. While a large Nav screen is in place, most of the center stack trim pieces don’t seem to be in place on this prototype just yet.

Ford exec Mark Fields described the MKT concept as “…full-size premium utility offers the comfort of a treat sedan, the spaciousness and flexibility of a full-size utility and the performance of a sporty roadster…,” and we think – by the looks of this prototype – that Ford is staying rather close to the concept for this production luxury utility vehicle.

Look for the base model MKT to be powered by a 270 horsepower 3.7L V6, while the range-topping model will be powered by a 340 horsepower, 340 lb-ft version of Ford’s EcoBoost 3.5L V6.

The MKT’s face appears to be heavily inspired by the MKR sedan concept. Of course, many of the MKR’s design cues were passed along to the production MKS, so the company’s two newest offerings should look nice side-by-side at Lincoln dealers.

Interestingly, the MKT concept appeared to wish a unique touch-screen interface in the center console, but so far Ford has made no comment on the technology. It’s besides not known if the feature is intended despite production.

The Lincoln MKT should hit the market in fall of 2009, with annual production in the mid-20,000 unit range, according to Automotive News. The MKT will be produced along side the Flex at Ford’s Oakville, Ontario,plant.

Source: www.leftlanenews.com

Nissan is looking to keep the buzz alive on its recently debuted 370Z sports coupe and has announced that NISMO performance versions are indeed headed to the United States. The NISMO S-Tune 370Z will hit U.S. showrooms this June.

Details of the U.S.-spec NISMO S-Tune 370Z still remain a secret, but we already know of two NISMO 370Z models earmarked for the Japanese market – a base NISMO S-Tune Aero Package and the up-level NISMO S-Tune Performance Package.

Like the passing from hand to hand 350Z NISMO package, the 370Z reading will focus on overall performance rather than just focusing on engine modifications. The top level Performance Package will likely see a slight bump in power, but don’t expect much over the 340 horsepower mark.

Nissan failed to mention how much the NISMO package would add to the price of a 370Z, but we expect pricing information to be released closer to the car’s June launch.

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Source: www.leftlanenews.com

Since gas topped $4 a gallon earlier this year, new car sales have been on a constant decline. Sales hit memoir lows in October, which many analysts thought was rock bottom – until November’s results came out. The same pattern will likely emerge this month as December sales figures are expected to make November’s results look like a walk in the park.

According to an Edmunds report, new car sales will hit their lowest annual sales rate of 2008 during the month of December. Per Edmunds’ prediction, December’s annual sales rate will total just 9.8 million units – 500,000 units short of November’s final tally and the lowest seen since August 1982, according to Automotive News.

And things won’t be getting any easier in 2009. A looser credit market should financing available to more buyers, but a rocky economy will likely keep shoppers out of new car showrooms. “We thought the bottom was October. Then we thought it was November. It seemed like maybe it’s December, but we’re not so sure anymore,” Jesse Toprak, Edmunds’ executive director of labor analysis told Automotive News.

Edmunds’ report finds that Chrysler will see the biggest drop off in sales for December, down 45.6 percent, followed by Nissan with a 42.1 percent declines and General Motors with a 39.3 percent slip. Toyota, Honda and Ford will round out the top six biggest losers, through declines of 38.8 percent, 37.7 percent and 33.8 percent, respectively.

Automakers are expected to post official results on January 5th.

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Source: www.leftlanenews.com