The new Chrysler logo

Chrysler–maker of the funky PT Cruiser wagon, the Town and Country minivan, and the Pacifica midsize crossover–will be unveiling its new logo at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show. That’s still a couple more months down the road, so let’s thank some resourceful netizens for being able to acquire a copy from the patents site.

The logo retains the chrome winged structure of its predecessor, albeit with an edgier, more unified design. Interestingly, the Pentastar image is out again, it seems.

The Detroit Auto Show, formally-known as the North American International Auto Show, will be held from January 11 through 24.

So we start our North America International Auto Show catch-up series with the details on the 2010 Lincoln MKT luxury crossover, which debuted last week at the ongoing Detroit show.

The 2010 Lincoln MKT Crossover

The concept debuted two years ago at the NAIAS, too, and Lincoln upheld its plan to make the final model by the 2010 production year.

Exterior

When the concept first popped up, we always thought it was going to be one of those love-it-or-hate-it designs. Here comes the production model, and it still leaves us undecided whether to go nuts over the exterior or, well… go nuts.

Let’s just go ahead and say it: The front is HUGE. Naturally, the grille and the headlights are huge, too. Love the stylized grille design, though. As for the rest of the exterior, it’s pretty much run-of-the-mill crossover design, and we daresay it looks even bland. It’s a very sleek design overall, however, with the beveled edges and elegant window framing.

Silver, black, and red colorways were on display at the auto show.

Interior

The interior features true luxury vehicle stuff: seats that are trimmed with genuine leather and equipped with floating armrests, a central console for the second row of seats, and an instrument panel lined with LED detailing. There’s a folding rear bench seat and a refrigerator mounted on the rear console.

Customers can also choose between 7-seat or 8-seat options. There’s also the option to go for the fixe panoramic roof or a power roof.

Technical Specs

The basic MKT package, which starts at $44,995, is a front-wheel drive model with the standard petrol 3.7-liter Duratec V6 engine capable of 268 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque.

The $49,995 variant features all-wheel drive and the more powerful EcoBoost powertrain. This setup goes for upwards of 355 horsepower with 350 lb-ft of torque. Lincoln is banking on this v8-comparable output at v6 fuel economy to draw consumer interest.

The MKT also features adaptive cruise control, Ford’s new Active Park Assist system, keyless entry, adaptive headlamps, Blind Spot Information System, reverse camera system, driver preference settings using MyKey, navigation system, and Cross Traffic Alert.  There’s also a new rear suspension system that drastically improves shock absorption. Owners will also enjoy the 5.1 surround sound system, which is equipped with 14 THX II speakers.

Conclusion

The make-or-break element for the 2010 Lincoln MKT is the design. When it debuted last week, reception on the car’s exterior has been mixed. However, the MKT really is a feature-packed luxury crossover targeted at mid-range consumers. It’s got a load of the latest technology in it and, along with added performance and comfort, should be able to provide considerable value for money. Who knows, it might even be able to give its contemporary, the Ford Flex (with which it shares the same platform), a run for its money.

Sources: Motor Authority, Left Lane News

The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse

Many experts believe that the global financial crisis will continue in 2009, and that the automotive industry won’t be able to recover until 2010. There are many developments that point to these expectations, including massive cutbacks on manpower and production, car show commitment cancellations by big-name automakers, and the dropping of several car models.

But the people here at Crossomotive will remain optimistic.

We hope to see more interesting crossover concepts debuting at 2009’s initial car show offerings, first and foremost among which is the currently-ongoing North American International Auto Show in Detroit. We expect greener crossovers that cater to the flagging market’s demands of environment-friendly and cost-efficient vehicles. We’re sure that automakers recognize the direction they have to make to survive this troubling time, and we trust that they will make the necessary adjustments to usher in a new era of automotive excellence and innovation.

ETA: After the Obama inauguration, it is clear that the new President of the United States of America will try to transform the nation to better adapt to a changing economic landscape. This, of course, involves the many industries of America, not the least of which is the automotive industry. With Detroit’s bailout plan set in motion, we can only hope that automakers step up and make the most of this second chance.