( MA ) - Lincoln surprised show goers at last January's NAIAS with the unveiling of the new MKT concept vehicle, which officials claimed was a preview of a new flagship for Ford's premium division. The MKT is based around Ford's Flex crossover but despite most of the engineering work being complete there's still some doubt as to whether the Lincoln variant will be given the green light.
A Ford engineer close to project, which is internally referred to D472, revealed to The Detroit News that design work for the final model has already started but no production details have been confirmed as yet. Ford's official statement, meanwhile, is that it will base its decision after displaying a production prototype to a consumer panel.
"We're showing it in front of customers," Ford spokesman Mark Schirmer told reporters. "The company is actively pursuing a luxury crossover for Lincoln."
Officials also confirmed that the Lincoln Mark LT pickup will be discontinued at the end of this model year in order to make room for a flagship version of the F150 pickup. Engineers are also reportedly working on a new RWD sedan based on the previous MKR concept, which is tipped to arrive in the second half of next year.