The 2011 Navigator will be powered by a 5.4 liter, three-valve Triton V-8, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, which generates 300 horsepower and 365 foot-pounds of torque. A wide-ratio, six-speed transmission has smaller steps between gears than a typical four-speed automatic, offering improved shift quality and faster acceleration. Considering that that the 2008 Navigator got a very low 12 mpg in the city and only 18 on the highway, Lincoln knew this is something that must be improved. Unique software has been engineered to regulate gas consumption by using aggressive deceleration fuel shut-off delivering considerable fuel savings with no extra effort from the driver. This complex fuel strategy is being added to many Ford products to help improve fuel economy across the board including the Ford F-150, which offers unsurpassed fuel economy and capability in the light duty truck segment. Ford was able to increase fuel economy by almost 15% on the big SUV by implementing these technologies.
The big news for the 2011 Lincoln Navigator is the option of a diesel engine, again a sign of improved fuel economy. The only sign that this isn't the run-of-the-mill Lincoln Navigator is a dual exhaust coming out the passenger side the Navigator, a fairly clear indication that Ford's new 4.4-liter diesel engine is lurking under the Navigator's hood. The 4.4-liter V-8 Diesel is closely related to the 3.6-liter turbodiesel installed in European Jaguars and Land Rovers and is being designed in-house to be built at the automaker's Chihuahua, Mexico engine plant. Compared to the current 5.4-liter V-8 the new diesel is said to achieve nine percent more horsepower, 15 percent more lb-ft. of torque, and 20 percent better fuel economy, respectively. The automaker says 0 to 60 times in the two engines will be about the same. In addition, a urea injection system is being developed along the lines of Mercedes' Bluetec diesels to keep the new 4.4-liter running clean.
Standard on the 2011 Navigator will be a power lift gate, heated and cooled front seats, PowerFold third-row seats, cap-less fuel filler, Rear View Camera, flexible fuel-capable V-8 engine, rain-sensing wipers; perimeter anti-theft alarm, integrated four-button key fob, Lincoln SYNC' and a 14-speaker THX II-Certified audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio. The 2011 Navigator will also be use Ford's improved navigation system with Travel Link.
The standard Rear View Camera System in the rear lift gate handle activates when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, giving the driver a clear view behind the vehicle or for ease of hooking up trailers. The video image is displayed in the self-dimming rearview mirror on the standard Navigator or through the instrument panel next generation navigation system on the Elite package.
The navigation system on the 2011 Navigator will use SIRIUS Travel Link', which gives drivers and passengers access to up-to-the-minute information and entertainment through the vehicle's navigation system. Working through the standard feature SIRIUS satellite radio network, Travel Link off ers uninterrupted, coast-to-coast coverage of real-time traffic data; weather reports; fuel options sorted by price or distance from more than 120,000 gas stations; major league pro and college sports as well as movie listings from more than 4,500 theaters. There will be a variety of special packages available including the Monochrome Limited Edition Package which features unique badging, along with body-color exterior accents including lower grille, lower bodyside cladding, and power folding heated memory mirrors with puddle lamps. The Elite Package includes the moonroof; next generation navigation system; power running boards; rear seat entertainment system and the Rear View Camera display in the navigation system.
Lincoln's short-wheelbase SUV seats eight with one-hand flip-down center-row seating and an optional third-row seat that powers down to a flat-load floor. The three-row L stretches to 223.3 inches on a 131-inch wheelbase and has 25 cubic feet more cargo capacity. There's added sound deadening under the carpet, thicker glass, and an acoustic windshield. In the front, the seats are 10-way power adjustable, and adjustable pedals add to the driver's comfort. Leather and wood accents are found throughout the cabin. Cargo space increases to 54.5 cubic feet when the standard power-folding third-row seats are flipped down. The second row also folds flat. With both rows down, the Navigator has 103.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
The 2011 Lincoln Navigator diesel will sport dual exhaust pipes. The SUV's most prominent feature is its grille. It's an eggcrate design with a large horizontal bar running through the Lincoln logo. The Navigator is 208.4 inches long, making it longer than both the Escalade and QX56. Power-folding running boards are available
SUV's have historically been best-sellers at domestic dealerships and the bread and butter of the Detroit Three that is until the economy (and gas prices) decided other wise. For a look back, read an overview of Lincoln Navigator models. Lincoln will respond with a Navigator that, not only has improved mileage, but also the option of a fuel friendly diesel powertrain. The Navigator conventional gas engine, thanks to a combination of architectural changes and systems engineering enhancements, will increase its fuel efficiency to an EPA-estimated 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway on 4X2 models. The diesel variant of the Navigator should arrive fresh for 2011. The 2011 Lincoln Navigator should be available late 2010 with an estimated price ranging around $50,000. Visit our Lincoln Navigator Facebook page for more information.
