Currently reading: New York motor show 2012: Lincoln MKZ
The Lincoln MKZ marks the brand's renaissance, according to officials

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ saloon has made its debut at the New York motor show today.

Lincoln claims the D-segment saloon marks a key milestone in the reinvention of the Lincoln brand. “The new Lincoln MKZ represents the future of Lincoln in both style and substance, said Jim Farley, Lincoln’s group vice president. “It is proof of our commitment to deliver a new breed of Lincolns for a new generation of Lincoln clients; motor cars that are distinctive, elegant, full of technology and a delight to own”.

The production model appears virtually identical to the MKZ Concept revealed at the Detroit motor show in January. It has a sweeping roofline, a steeply raked windscreen and a more flowing appearance. It is 10 per cent more aerodynamically efficient than the car it replaces. Its split-wing grille is a new interpretation of the design feature dating back to the 1938 Lincoln Zephyr.

Lincoln Drive Control is standard-fit. It controls the adaptive damping, steering, transmission and traction and stability control systems. Lincoln says the damping is monitored 500 times a second. The MKZ features a “refined strut” front suspension setup, with all-new integral link rear suspension.

Three engines will be offered at launch. The entry-level 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine produces 240bhp and 270lb ft of torque. Lincoln says the engine “delivers the performance of a traditional V6 along with expected segment-leading fuel economy that is at least 3mpg better than the closest competitor”. A 3.7-litre V6 produces 300bhp and 277lb ft, 37bhp and 28lb ft more than the engine it replaces. Both engines are fitted with a six-speed auto. Front- and rear-wheel drive configurations are offered.

Lincoln MKZs equipped with the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder hybrid are predicted to become North America’s most fuel-efficient premium saloons.

MyLincoln Touch, the marque’s version of MyFord Touch, is fitted as standard. It combines entertainment, climate and navigation features. Phones and MP3 players can be easily connected and operated via voice controls or buttons on the steering wheel.

Other available technology includes lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, collision warning with brake support, active park assist and blind spot monitoring. The MKZ's optional retractable panoramic roof measures 15.2-sq ft and is one of the largest openings available on any saloon.

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dukeofurl 6 April 2012

Re: New York motor show: Lincoln MKZ

Dark Isle wrote:
I always thought Lincolns were really bland and generic
You can see one every day, as it is just a new grill on the Ford Mondeo ( hatchback body without hatch) The sister car the Ford Fusion is also based on the Mondeo and is more obvious. The current US model is based on the superseded Mazda 6 and the new Mondeo version is slightly bigger. This is all obvious from the "One Ford" philosophy. They arent going to have different cars for the same segment

mrcliodCi 3 April 2012

Re: New York motor show: Lincoln MKZ

disco.stu wrote:
I can't see a transmission lever on the console, so maybe it does have a column shift?

Just had a look - it has a push-button auto.

If you look closely at the upper edge of the centre console on the driver's side (LHD), you'll see a series of push buttons marked 'P-R-N-D-S.'

I must say that the interior is very stylish and a world away from the Town Car, which could be taken as an example of old-school Lincoln.

As others have said, though, the MkZ is a much smaller car than the Town Car. As far as I know, the MkT is the Town Car's replacement. It is a rather strange-looking Ecoboost V6-powered crossover.

Lincoln dealers are working through unsold Town Car stock for the time being, so if anyone wants one, they had better be quick. Gutless V8, column-shift auto and slidey bench seats; they are the real deal.

sirwiggum 3 April 2012

Re: New York motor show: Lincoln MKZ

Cheltenhamshire wrote:

The defacto replacement for the Town Car is the MKS and MKT.

Although you can still buy a Town Car.

Yep, they made a limo based on the MKT crossover. A bit like having a Nissan Qashcow wedding car.