This past November’s Los Angeles Auto Show served as a showcase to the future as Lincoln proudly introduced the newly-redesigned and restyled 2013 MKS and MKT models to critical observers and eager enthusiasts. And while it’s all but impossible to achieve universal acclaim, the overall response was one of positive approval.

Both front and back, the 2013 Lincoln MKS provides a fresh, attractive new look, accented with a reshaped hood that gives it a “cleaner” look, according to Motor Trend magazine. They went on to state that increasing the number of grille slats, revising the lower front fascia, and adding black headlight trim “differentiate the refreshed 2013 Lincoln MKS” from its previous incarnation. The rear view is also a departure from the recent past with the focal point now being the distinctive Lincoln brand logo, as the license plate area has been relocated to the bottom of the bumper. Retouched tail lights add the final accents to this stylish new design.

“It’s very exciting to see what Lincoln is creating,” says Lou Evans, Sales Manager at Hassett of Wantagh, Long Island’s number one volume Ford Lincoln dealer (based on the 2009/2010 calendar year retail sales for Long Island from the Ford Sales Report). “The company has rededicated itself to innovative design and technology, and re-established its position as a world leader in the luxury vehicle market. The 2013 MKS Sedan and MKT Crossover are clear evidence their efforts are really paying off.”

While a major portion of the 2013 MKT’s appearance remains from the 2012 model — after all, why fix what isn’t broken — the most notable visual refinement is the sleaker, statelier slats. At the same time, this remarkable three-row crossover improved the performance and economy of its 3.7-liter V-6 model, which now delivers 300hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, significant increases over last year, with a slight improvement in highway miles per gallon.

In addition to their stylish differences, the MKS and MKT share several exciting new features that make driving safer, simpler, and a lot more pleasurable.

For 2013, Lincoln has introduced a revolutionary new “Lane Keeping System”, which does precisely what it says…it helps drivers maintain their position while driving. When activated, it notifies a driver drifting out of a lane by vibrating, while simultaneously applying a steering torque that alerts him or her to move back into their lane. Working in tandem with this system is Lincoln’s “Blind Spot Monitoring” feature which, using radar-based sensors that scan blind spots for neighboring vehicles, helps prevent accidents while merging or changing lanes. When one is detected, an LED is activated on the sideview mirror to warn the driver. Visual and audible warnings are also activated when going in reverse if a moving vehicle is detected within a 45-foot range from either side, which is extremely useful backing out of driveways and parking spaces.

Another major addition to both models for 2013 is Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD). A real-time system that monitors and adjusts suspension settings up to 500 times per second, CCD delivers a level of comfort expected in a luxury sedan plus the sporty handling sadly lacking in most competitive models.

Of course, it’s impossible to comment on the 2013 MKS and MKT without recognizing the manufacturer’s SYNC® with MyLincoln Touch™ performance upgrade. In every way, choice is the word with this advanced, customizable technology. Phone, entertainment, temperature, and all available navigation options are instantly available through two color LCD cluster screens, as well as a striking eight-inch LCD touch screen in the center stack. Naturally, each display can be configured to display just the information a driver desires at any given time. So they can play any device they want, when they want. The media hub features two USB ports, an SD card reader, and RCA video input jacks, making it simple to access a world of media opportunities, charge a smart phone, even create a Wi-Fi® hot spot by connecting a Bluetooth®-enabled phone.

“Both 2013 editions are expected to be available sometime around mid-2012, and personally I can’t wait,” Evans admits. “Actually, everyone at Hassett is looking forward to their arrival. And once our customers get to see and test drive them, I know they’ll find new homes very quickly.”

Be sure to check this website regularly for updates on the Lincoln 2013 MKS and MKT.