Photos: 2009 Lincoln MKS debut

The "double-wing grille" is taken from the 1941 Lincoln Continental, although this one is bisected by a bold Lincoln badge. The hood forms a smooth line with the fenders and grille, while the headlight casings were designed to be unobtrusive. The HID headlamps are dual function, capable of high and low beams in a single unit, preserving the simplified look of the car.

As with the hood, Lincoln kept the sides clean and uncluttered, borrowing a styling cue from the 1956 Lincoln Continental. When viewed up close, the car doesn't seem particularly long, but it has plenty of passenger room. The C-pillar is wide, also echoing the old Continental.

All the rear lights on the MKS are LEDs, making for a simple tail and reverse light structure that blends well with the rear fenders. Dual tail pipes add a high-performance note to this luxury sedan.

The MKS gets an advanced new powerplant, a 3.7-liter direct-injection turbocharged V-6. The car is also available with front or all-wheel-drive. Fuel economy is estimated at 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Its emissions rating is particularly good, earning a ULEV II rating from California's Air Resources Board.

Lincoln put a lot of work into making the car quiet. When opened, the moon roof has a mesh wind guard in front to reduce wind noise and turbulence in the cabin. The windshield and front-side windows are double-paned to provide better noise insulation.

Adhering to today's trend for bigger wheels, the MKS comes standard with 18-inch rims, but it can be fitted with 19-inch, seen here, or 20-inch rims.

The MKS gets the Microsoft-developed Sync system--first rolled out in the Ford Focus--which combines Bluetooth hands-free cell phone use with MP3 player integration. Better yet, THX designed a 5.1 surround sound system for the car. You can set the car to make the THX logo sound whenever you start the car.