2015 Taurus Mule Pictures on Car and Driver

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What It Is: A Frankenstein test mule assembled for evaluating what we think will eventually become the 2015 Lincoln MKS. Sometimes in development, an altered version of a known vehicle—in this case, a Ford Fusion—will be used as a baseline to gather data for an upcoming model before the styling is finalized. This particular mule makes use of the Fusion’s CD4 platform that’s been modified to emulate the beefier stance of the MKS’s platform, and the somewhat-crudely attached derriere replicates the general aero shape of the future MKS. It may look like a botched Fusion, but this mule consists of a number of powertrain and aerodynamic fittings that will preview the next-generation MKS.

Why It Matters: Serving as the brand’s flagship, a new MKS provides Lincoln with another, nay, its best opportunity yet to insist that it’s more than just a collection of overpriced and fully loaded Fords. As Ford’s lineup continues to get more attractive and more inundated with optional features, the necessity of Lincoln’s existence becomes less and less.

Platform: Our best intelligence suggests that the next-gen MKS will arrive on Ford’s D3/D4 platform, which underpins the current MKS, the MKT, the Ford Taurus, the Ford Flex, and the Ford Explorer. There are rumors that the MKS could be the first full-size vehicle to make the jump to Ford’s CD4 platform, which serves as the foundation for the Fusion and the MKZ. We’re not as convinced about such a scenario as any cost savings realized in sharing this platform would be negated by the large number of changes that would be required in order to handle the MKS’s larger dimensions.

Powertrain: We expect that base-engine duties will be served by Ford’s 3.7-liter V-6, likely joined by the 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder and the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 as optional powerplants. Our photographer claims this particular mule exhibited a “strong engine and exhaust note,” which could indicate the availability of Ford’s upcoming Nano range of V-6 engines—although we’re told these new mills likely won’t be available until at least a year or two after launch. The choice of front- and all-wheel-drive versions will continue.

Competition: Acura RLX, Cadillac XTS, Infiniti M, Lexus LS.

Estimated Arrival and Price: Considering this mule appears to be in its infancy, we don’t expect the new MKS to be revealed until some time next year. Pricing shouldn’t be affected too much by the redesign, but expect the current base price of $43,765 to inflate by a few grand. View Photo Gallery

It's clearly an Attribute Prototype cobbled together from a lengthened and widened Fusion,
love the add on rear wheel arch extensions. Pity they didn't use Falcon instead...