Motor Authority - blog Category: MKZ

Lincoln will reportedly be taking a new approach to what sort of vehicles it produces, with plans to downsize vehicles in the wake of flailing sales of the Navigator SUV and other large cars. The new approach will see the American brand focusing on cars that will likely be the smallest Lincolns ever, an approach that some other luxury rivals have shied away from in fear of a U.S. market not ready for smaller cars yet.

For the immediate future, Lincoln could be planning a number of surprises to help return the brand to prominence. Spearheading this approach is rumored to be a new compact Lincoln based on a Ford platform, most likely the... Lincoln will reportedly be taking a new approach to what sort of vehicles it produces, with plans to downsize vehicles in the wake of flailing sales of the Navigator SUV and other large cars. The new approach will see the American brand focusing on cars that will likely be the smallest Lincolns ever, an approach that some other luxury rivals have shied away from in fear of a U.S. market not ready for smaller cars yet. For the immediate future, Lincoln could be planning a number of surprises to help return the brand to prominence. Spearheading this approach is rumored to be a new compact Lincoln based on a Ford platform, most likely the Focus' global platform, but whether or not Lincoln is sure of such a move remains uncertain. The brand has already explored the possibility of smaller cars for city dwellers via its concepts, but turning them into production vehicles could be a risk that Lincoln is not willing to take. Meanwhile, more likely to appear is a compact crossover based on an existing Ford platform that speculators are predicting could appear as early as 2011. While Lincoln is keeping its cards close to its chest, the smaller crossover could provide a change in brand image for Lincoln that would allow consumers to see the company capable of producing smaller cars. As for Lincoln's existing models, the MKZ sedan will be getting redesigned in 2012 or 2013, and will sit on Ford's global mid-size architecture alongside other mid-sized Ford models, reports Automotive News. The MKS meanwhile will get an exterior revamp close to the end of 2011, while a major upgrade is scheduled for 2014 or 2015. Lincoln's Navigator in the meantime has an uncertain future, and whether or not the company retains the massive SUV is anyone's guess - although with the discontinuation of earlier plans to upgrade the Navigator in 2011 we wouldn't be too surprised if it eventually goes the way of the Lincoln Town Car, which is almost certainly going to be scrapped after 2011. Read More

Rounding out Ford’s trio of updated midsize sedans at last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show was the new Lincoln MKZ, which like its Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan siblings received a new face, restyled interior, and more standard features for the 2010.

Ford has now added a new rage-topping trim level for the MKZ titled the Executive Appearance Package. The accessories package adds more traditional luxury appointments and expands the range of Lincoln MKZ option packages.

The features include Dark Charcoal or Cashmere colored trim, Bridge of Weir leather seats, unique door trim with stitching, a new center-console armrest insert,... Rounding out Ford’s trio of updated midsize sedans at last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show was the new Lincoln MKZ, which like its Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan siblings received a new face, restyled interior, and more standard features for the 2010. Ford has now added a new rage-topping trim level for the MKZ titled the Executive Appearance Package. The accessories package adds more traditional luxury appointments and expands the range of Lincoln MKZ option packages. The features include Dark Charcoal or Cashmere colored trim, Bridge of Weir leather seats, unique door trim with stitching, a new center-console armrest insert, genuine Swirl Walnut wood used for the instrument panel accents and console, and finally floor mats with an embossed Lincoln star logo. Executive Appearance Package is also available with new exterior colors, including Tuxedo Black, White Platinum, Brilliant Silver, Sterling Gray and Sangria Red. Customers also 17in machined aluminum or chrome wheels as standard, with larger 18in polished aluminum wheels available as an option. Power comes from the familiar 3.5L V6 Duratec engine, delivering 263hp (196kW) and 249lb-ft (337Nm) of torque. The engine uses a compact, lightweight dual-overhead cam valvetrain for peak power and smooth operation at high RPMs. It also incorporates intake variable cam timing to optimize valve timing for a smooth idle and a broader torque curve. Pricing should be revealed closer to the launch of the Executive Appearance Package in the late summer.2010 Lincoln MKZ Executive Appearance Package Read More

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently updated its testing regime to better reflect the outcomes of real-world accidents, namely to simulate the result of an accident between different sized vehicles. This saw ratings for many small cars revised downwards and reinforced the age old adage that size does matter when it comes to crash safety.

The new tests haven’t managed to negatively impact on the new 2010 Lincoln MKZ, however, as the midsized saloon has just been awarded the Institute’s Top Safety Pick award. Significant improvements in protection for people in rear crashes highlight the latest changes... The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently updated its testing regime to better reflect the outcomes of real-world accidents, namely to simulate the result of an accident between different sized vehicles. This saw ratings for many small cars revised downwards and reinforced the age old adage that size does matter when it comes to crash safety. The new tests haven’t managed to negatively impact on the new 2010 Lincoln MKZ, however, as the midsized saloon has just been awarded the Institute’s Top Safety Pick award. Significant improvements in protection for people in rear crashes highlight the latest changes incorporated in the new model, with most of the praise being awarded for the car’s new seat designs. To qualify for the Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of good in the Institute's front, side, and rear tests and be equipped with electronic stability control. Criteria to win are tough because the award is intended to drive continued safety improvements such as top crash test ratings and the rapid addition of electronic stability control, which on the MKZ is fitted as standard. Incidentally, when it comes to safety, Ford (and its Lincoln and Mercury subsidiaries) is one of the leaders in the industry. Last year Ford topped the list of carmakers with the highest number of Top Safety Pick awards, with no less than 16 titles to its name. Other cars that performed strongly in the midsize sedan segment include the Acura TL, BMW 3-series, Audi A4, and the MKZ’s sisters – The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. The latest round of testing also awarded the Mercedes Benz R-Class (only models built after September 2008) with a Top Safety Pick as well.2010 Lincoln MKZ Read More

Rounding out Ford’s trio of updated mid-size sedans at last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show was the new Lincoln MKZ, which like its Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan siblings has received a new face, restyled interior, and more standard features for the 2010.

Ford has revealed pricing for the midsize sedan, with the base FWD model coming in at $34,965 including destination and delivery. Upgrade to the AWD model and you’re looking at a base price of $36,855. For an additional $1,295, you can opt for the Sport Appearance Package, which adds stiffer springs and larger stabilizer bars, 18in ‘Euroflange’ polished wheels,... Rounding out Ford’s trio of updated mid-size sedans at last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show was the new Lincoln MKZ, which like its Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan siblings has received a new face, restyled interior, and more standard features for the 2010. Ford has revealed pricing for the midsize sedan, with the base FWD model coming in at $34,965 including destination and delivery. Upgrade to the AWD model and you’re looking at a base price of $36,855. For an additional $1,295, you can opt for the Sport Appearance Package, which adds stiffer springs and larger stabilizer bars, 18in ‘Euroflange’ polished wheels, darkened grille and headlamps, and an interior with contrasting piping. The car is also available with segment-exclusive features, including a blind sport monitoring system and cross traffic reverse sensors. The blind spot system uses two multiple-beam radar modules behind the rear fenders. Indicator lights in the outside rear-view mirror on both sides of the vehicle warn the driver when a vehicle enters the defined blind-spot zone, extending from the side mirror to 10 feet behind the vehicle and 10 feet away from the vehicle. The cross traffic feature uses the same radar sensors to alert the driver of approaching traffic while in reverse and backing out of a parking spot. The CTA tracks up to 65 feet on either side of the vehicle and warns the driver through both audible and visual alerts. In addition to this, the MKZ picks up Ford’s SYNC interface technology, voice-activated satnav, keyless entry and adaptive HID headlamps. Styling changes include a new split-wing grille and thinner wraparound head lamps for a wider, sportier look. In the rear, the car features a new decklid with wider LED taillamps accentuating its width. Inside, the cabin is adorned with genuine aluminum and wood trim (depending on the package), and features an all-new instrument panel, ambient lighting, Bridge of Weir leather. Power comes from the familiar 3.5L V6 Duratec engine, delivering 263hp and 249lb-ft of torque. The engine uses a compact, lightweight dual-overhead cam valvetrain for peak power and smooth operation at high RPMs. The engine also incorporates intake variable cam timing to optimize valve timing for a smooth idle and a broader torque curve. The six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, with either FWD or optional AWD, is standard on the new saloon. The end result of the updated powertrain is faster acceleration, with the 0-60mph dash now taking 7.1 seconds, down from 7.7 seconds in the existing model. Production will take place at Ford’s Hermosillo plant in Mexico, and should be arriving in showrooms within the next couple of months.2010 Lincoln MKZ Read More