the new duratecs do not have the racy engine sounds the older ones (see contour svt) do.
the mks is a 3.7, no?
i have heard that the manual mode is slow to repsond but in pure auto mode, ford is supposed to have fixed slow shifting. my taurus x which i think has a similar transmission shifts light years quicker than all my other fords have.
the mks does not knock one out in terms of design, but the interior especially has a quiet sense of substance about it that is nice to see return to domestic products. its substantial, and the leather quality is very good for any make. was it the standard leather or the optional bridges of weir leather?
to some degree its more appropriate for ford to chase this type of car instead of mercedes and bmw. this as you say is perhaps in line with buick or acura or whatever. to me, its the car you get when you might intend to check out a lexus ES or GS, but decide the ES is too girlie and the GS you find is indeed a pretender. So you pick a substantial and comfortable car that feels like you got a good buy compared to other lux cars and got some of the substance and performance and nice amenities and don't have to bear the burden of the stigma that goes with it. i.e. drive a BMW you're a prick, drive an Audi you are a stuffy uptight wad, drive a lexus you are a poseur.
i do admit though, i can't wait to see how this car is transformed with the ecoboost.
i would like to see them put more effort into the center stack. i also want to see a bolder front end design.
no one will ever compare this car to a CTSv and that is at the same time a blessing and a curse.
did you give the audio system a listen?