[blankster]

MKC: Introduced in 2014, the compact MKC will have a relatively short first generation. Expect major changes, including the brand’s new grille, in 2018, just ahead of the redesign for its Ford sibling, the Escape. Production is expected to shift to Mexico at that time, giving Ford more capacity to build Escapes in Louisville, Ky.

 

[todd92]

Source? Although the electric razor grill is now inevitable, I'm not sure there will otherwise be a 'major' redesign. The 3-4 year point in the product cycle is usually when a 'facelift' occurs.

 

[jprski]

MKC: Introduced in 2014, the compact MKC will have a relatively short first generation. Expect major changes, including the brand’s new grille, in 2018, just ahead of the redesign for its Ford sibling, the Escape. Production is expected to shift to Mexico at that time, giving Ford more capacity to build Escapes in Louisville, Ky.

Ford shifting MKC production to Mexico? Do you have a link to the article you got this from? Thanks.

 

[blankster]

http://www.autonews.com/article/201...t-starts-with-continental?X-IgnoreUserAgent=1

 

[todd92]

Thanks, seems like a legit source. We'll see what actually happens.

 

[blankster]

It's an industry publication. Looks like model year 2019 in 2018. I suspect the MKC and the Escape will part company when the next generation Escspe is due. Lincoln is slowly parting ways with the image of being rebadged upscale Fords. Continental will lead the way.

 

[bkrell]

The MKZ's interior was restyled slightly when it got the new grill and engines. I bet we get something similar. Regarding the Continental, doesn't it still carry a bit of Taurus DNA? Isn't that why it's front/awd?

 

[blankster]

The MKZ's interior was restyled slightly when it got the new grill and engines. I bet we get something similar. Regarding the Continental, doesn't it still carry a bit of Taurus DNA? Isn't that why it's front/awd?

MKZ is based off the Ford Fusion and got mid-cycle refresh like the Fusion for 2017. Fusion and MKZ are built in the same plant in Mexico. Escape just got a MCR and then gets a complete redesign for MY 2019 (so is the plan). The next MKC may not be so heavily based off of the Escape next time since they will be built in different plants. I believe the MKC (our generation) was an experiment to see if it can be successful so to keep development costs down they used the Escape as the platform and plant. Remember there were questions on whether Lincoln would survive. Going forward the MKC may break that close Escape tie and be based off of a new platform. Regarding the Continental, it will be built in the same plant as the Mustang and I don't think there will be any Taurus DNA. From what I read the Continental will be more related to the Fusion/MKZ than the Taurus. The former MKS (discontinued) was based off the Taurus and was built in the Taurus plant (just like the Explorer). For that reason the MKS was not a real success.

 

[bkrell]

Right Fusion, not Taurus but still...don't know what that bodes for the future of Lincoln.

 

[blankster]

Right Fusion, not Taurus but still...don't know what that bodes for the future of Lincoln.

I think Lincoln will continue to separate itself from Ford as time goes on. Note for 2017 the absence of Ecoboost badges on Lincoln vehicles.