First Drive Review of 2019 Nautilus - Semi-Preview of Edge ST

[Rimcrim]

Autoblog has posted a new first drive review of the 2019 Nautilus and touches on some of the same things that the Edge ST will have, such as the increased engine power, 8 speed transmission, stop-start system and suspension.

 

I expect the Edge ST will have a differently tuned transmission and suspension, but still some good impressions here that may translate somewhat to the Edge.

 

https://www.autoblog.com/2018/09/21/2019-lincoln-nautilus-first-drive-review-5d3we8x/

 

 

• The considerably more powerful twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 remains optional, rated 335 hp at 5500 rpm and 380 lb-ft of torque at 3250 rpm. It also benefits from a new eight-speed automatic, which improves its fuel economy from 17 mpg to 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg to 27 mpg on the highway.
• As expected, the V6 is noticeably quicker, with a surge of power at 3,000 rpm and a strong pull up to six grand. This engine uses a different eight-speed (both are designed and built by Ford, according to engineer Jim Pfeiffer), and its unique gearing is well-matched to the V6. Paddle shifters are standard, and both engines have very smooth stop-start systems.
  
• Select S (Sport) instead of D (Drive), and the Nautilus gets a bit more steering effort and tighter throttle response. It also remaps the transmission for more aggressive gear selection, which includes downshifting under hard braking.
  
• On the twisty two-lanes around Castaic Lake, which are smooth as glass, the Nautilus could keep a satisfying pace. Its all-wheel drive and 265/40R21-sized tires providing admirable grip, and there's plenty of power to get you to the next corner. Lincoln revised the suspension damping and changed the rear suspension bushings, but its engineers say the goal was to improve the ride, not to add handling performance. I'd say they achieved both.

[akirby]

That’s the same power level as the current MKX 2.7L.