New MKZ starts Lincoln's revitalization

(April 3, 2012) NEW YORK — The all-new Lincoln MKZ makes its debut at the New York International Auto Show this week, marking a key milestone in Lincoln’s reinvention. “The new Lincoln MKZ represents the future of Lincoln in both style and substance,” said Jim Farley, Group Vice President, Global Marketing, Sales and Service.

“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 2013 Lincoln MKZ will enter the midsize luxury segment later this year.
 
It is the first Lincoln created by a dedicated team in its new Lincoln Design Studio. With a sweeping profile, MKZ incorporates one of the world’s widest-opening retractable glass roofs. Lincoln Drive Control is an intelligent system that delivers a refined ride and engaging driving dynamics. Standard Lincoln Drive Control intuitively integrates multiple systems (engine, transmission, body and chassis) to deliver totally new Lincoln driving quality.
 
MKZ innovations include a distinct Push Button Shift gear selector that enables flowing and architectural center console design.
 
A quiet, well-appointed interior is enhanced by standard Active Noise Control, genuine wood trim, full LCD instrumentation, heated front seats and SYNC with MyLincoln Touch.

The MKZ offers three distinct powertrains. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost delivers the performance of a traditional V6 along with expected segment-leading fuel economy that is at least 3 mpg better than the closest competitor. This engine delivers a projected 20-percent increase in highway fuel economy versus the 2012 MKZ.
 
Emphasizing performance and efficiency, the optional 3.7-liter V6 produces significantly more power (37 horsepower and 28 lb.-ft. of torque) than the previous MKZ V6 while improving fuel economy approximately 5 percent.
 

Maximizing fuel efficiency, the optional 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain is expected to enable the 2013 MKZ Hybrid to remain North America’s most fuel-efficient premium sedan. The 2012 MKZ Hybrid is rated at 41 city mpg, 36 highway mpg.
 
Non-hybrid models utilize a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel add to the performance driving experience of the MKZ.

The new Lincoln MKZ offers the Lane Keeping System, a suite of advanced driving aids that helps drivers avoid drifting from their lane due to distraction or fatigue. Consisting of Lane Keeping Aid, Lane Keeping Alert and Driver Assist, the Lane Keeping System utilizes a mono-vision camera integrated into the rearview mirror to read the lane markers ahead. For a more complete description of the Lane Keeping System, click here.
 
Available radar-based (ultrasonic) driving aids further enhance the driving experience. Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision W
arning with Brake Support each use a long-range radar system that scans in front of the vehicle, automatically adjusting to traffic speed and providing a visual and audible alert when a potential front-end collision is detected.
 
Active park assist and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert use multiple short-range wide-angle radar sensors. Each function provides a distinct benefit, ranging from making parallel parking easier to warning of oncoming vehicles while backing out of a parking space.
 
SYNC with MyLincoln Touch is standard in the new MKZ. The combined system makes it easier to use the entertainment, climate and available navigation features as well as devices brought into the car (e.g., phones, PDA, MP3 players). Twin five-way controls on the steering wheel manage essential systems, and many functions can be voice-activated via SYNC.
 
Standard SYNC Services make turn-by-turn directions available via one button push and simple voice commands. Continually improving voice recognition software learns user voices, improving the efficiency of voice commands.