The Lincoln MKZ is an unqualified success, leading Lincoln’s product resurgence by providing a true American mid-size luxury sedan that’s appealing to entry-level luxury buyers. Posting continued year-over-year sales growth, the Lincoln MKZ has drawn new customers to the Lincoln brand by offering sophisticated American design, an award-winning premium interior and a long list of innovative and exclusive features at a value unheard of in the luxury §egmènt.

Four new exterior colors – Dark Blue Ink Clearcoat Metallic, Moss Green Clearcoat Metallic, Vapor Silver Clearcoat Metallic and White Suede Clearcoat – round out the list of new features on the 2008 Lincoln MKZ. The Lincoln MKZ is available in FWD or AWD configurations, and is built at Ford’s Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly Plant in Mexico.

Price: $30,980 – 32,850.
Invoice: $28,560 – 30,245.

Award Winning Sound

The Lincoln MKZ boasts several award-winning electronics including the THX® II-Certified audio system and a Pioneer Navigation System. Named the ‘Best Audio (Stereo) System’ by CNET.com in the 2006 Car Tech Awards and by PC Magazine in their 2007 Digital Drive Awards, the THX II system uses the latest in patented THX technologies to bring the home theater surround sound experience to the open road. The system uses a twelve-channel amplifier to deliver 600 watts of power to a total of fourteen speakers, including two subwoofers, strategically placed in the cabin.

The system’s processor takes into consideration bandwidth, peak audio levels and coverage uniformity to deliver a smooth spectral balance and wide dynamic range. Multi-channel equalization and digital signal processing match the speaker placement to the cabin acoustics to assure this level of performance. With the push of a button, the system can be configured for three specific listening modes – Driver, Front Seats and All Seats – ensuring that all passengers are enjoying optimal sound.

The system also features a fast-loading six-disc changer that reads CDs in normal audio, MP3 compressed or text formats. The AM/FM tuner is compatible wîth the Radio Data Broadcasting System (RDBS) and displays participating radio station call letters, formats and song titles. Lincoln MKZ’s touch-screen navigation system was ranked ‘Highest in Customer Satisfaction wîth Factory Installed Navigation Systems’ status by J.D. Power and Associates. This award-winning system now includes voice-activation capability for the 2008 model year.

Design

With the introduction of the Lincoln MKZ in 2007, critics hailed it for helping redefine Lincoln as a strong competitor in the luxury car market. The Lincoln MKZ presents a clean exterior style wîth a solid dynamic stance.

Major design cues on the Lincoln MKZ include:

• Lincoln Signature design. An even more refined iteration of Lincoln’s distinct waterfall grille is present on the Lincoln MKZ.

• Distinctive exterior lighting. Includes quad-beam halogen headlamps or available high-intensity display (HID) lamps, fog lights and LED taillamps.

• Chrome highlights lend brightness. Throughout the exterior design, touches on the beltline, mirror caps and dual-exhausts add highlights throughout the exterior.

• 17-inch aluminum wheels. Together wîth low-profile tires, the wheels are an important addition to the design, contributing a low, purposeful stance.

Interior

The award-winning interior boasts unique features and incredible comfort, placing driver and passengers in the lap of luxury. Lincoln MKZ offers first-in-class, class-exclusive and award-winning features, including:

• First-in-class standard 10-way power seats. Lincoln MKZ provides standard 10-way power seats to both driver and front passengers.

• First-in-class climate-controlled seats. The Lincoln MKZ was also the first in its class to provide climate-controlled front seats wîth perforated premium leather seating surfaces.

• Best-in-class interior space. The Lincoln MKZ has not only the roomiest interior in its class but also has ‘best-in-class’ rear seat legroom, providing exquisite comfort and ease of entry for rear passengers.

• Class-exclusive standard 60/40 split rear seat. Functionality is as important as form, and the Lincoln MKZ excels at each wîth the inclusion of the easy-to-use rear 60/40, spring-assisted, split bench seat that allows for greater trunk storage when necessary.

• Largest trunk in class. At 15.8 cubic square feet, the Lincoln MKZ enjoys a highly useable and roomy trunk storage space.

Power

Ford’s award-winning Duratec 35 V-6 engine delivers 263 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque, resulting in smooth power and a confident, comfortable ride. The Lincoln MKZ is able to respond readily to its driver’s demands, thanks to the premium 6-speed automatic transmission. A torque-based electronic throttle control works wîth the electronically controlled transmission by adjusting throttle plate movement to tailor torque to the timing of each shift. In this way, the transmission is able to deliver smooth, barely perceptible gear changes.

The Lincoln MKZ possesses an engaging, performance driving character thanks to the careful engineering and calibration on the chassis, §teering boost curve, spring rates, anti-roll bars and damping force. The standard 17-inch tires were selected to complement the suspension tuning and for their quiet tread design. The rack-and-pinion §teering system was tuned to be in harmony wîth the suspension and tires. Útilizing the car’s stiff structure, the Lincoln MKZ mounts the §teering gear to the front perimeter subframe for reduced noise and vibration.

This allows the driver to better experience the car’s relationship to the road via the §teering wheel, whether it’s a parking maneuver or a high-speed lane change. The available intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is tuned wîth an emphasis on luxury performance and confident all-weather driving. The system actively and seamlessly delivers torque to all four wheels, even before wheel slippage occurs. An active on-demand coupler delivers the precise amount of torque needed to the rear wheels. Paired wîth standard traction control, intelligent AWD can transfer torque front-to-rear and side-to-side.

Features and Options

Lincoln Sync™ (late availability); SIRIÚS® Satellite Radio; Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS); Reverse Sensing System; Heated and cooled front seats; 263-hp 3.5-liter V-6 wîth 6-speed automatic transmission; Luxurious interior, wîth genuine wood, leather, and satin nickel trim; 17-inch machined and painted aluminum 8-spoke wheels; LED taillamps; Dual-zone electronic air temperature control; MP3 audio input jack; 10-way power adjustable driver/passenger seat wîth power lumbar and recline; Front-Wheel Drive (FWD); Excellent NVH characteristics and unique suspension; Driver memory seats and mirrors.

Intelligent AWD; THX II-Certified audio system wîth 14 speakers, a six-disc player compatible wîth normal audio, MP3 compressed or text format CDs; Voice-activated DVD-based navigation system wîth a 6.5-inch-wide screen and text-to-speech technology for travel directions aloud in English, Spanish or French; High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps; 17-inch 8-spoke chrome wheels; Power moonroof.

‘The new MKZ improves on the success of the current vehicle with Lincoln’s new signature look, appointments that amplify and expand the Lincoln portfolio and a faster, more refined powertrain,’ said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. New for 2010, the MKZ features a new sport version with special sport suspension tuning with stiffer springs and larger stabilizer bars, 18-inch Euroflange polished wheels, darkened grille and headlamps, and an interior with contrasting piping and unique appliqués.

The new Lincoln MKZ also offers §egmènt-exclusive features, including first-in-class Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA), which makes navigating traffic and parking lots safer and easier. BLIS tracks vehicles in the blind-spot zones on either side of the vehicle using 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.

CTA uses the BLIS 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 new technology for mid-size sedans, MKZ offers SYNC, Next-Generation Voice-Activated Navigation, keyless entry, EasyFuel capless fuel filler, THX-branded audio­ and adaptive HID headlamps.

The new MKZ also features Lincoln signature design elements, including the split-wing grille and thinner wraparound head lamps for a wider, sportier look. Its chamfered front fascia also shares a family resemblance with the MKS, with a sculpted hood and ridges flowing into the A-pillar. In the rear, the Lincoln MKZ features a new decklid with wider LED taillamps accentuating the width of the car and separated by the Lincoln star.

Price: $34,115 – 36,005.
Invoice: $31,415 – 33,125.

The Lincoln MKZ’s presence is enhanced by 17-inch aluminum wheels, available 17-inch chrome wheels, and available 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, which are included in the Sport Appearance Package with sport-tuned suspension. Inside, MKZ’s cabin reflects an even more upscale look featuring genuine aluminum and wood depending on the trim package, an all-new instrument panel, detailed touches including new welcome lighting, chimes, tuxedo stitching on luxury leather seats and Bridge of Weir leather.

The world-renowned luxury leather from Scotland, pioneered on the classic Lincoln Continental Mark II and used on the MKS, wraps the MKZ seats. The MKZ leather is unembossed, allowing the natural beauty and character of the grain to shine through. The leather is milled for up to 12 hours to ensure a buttery soft hand, and Bridge of Weir uses a chromium-free tanning process, which makes it easier to recycle.

‘We’ve increased the luxury feel and improved on what was already a great interior,’ said Peter Horbury, executive director of Design, The Americas. ‘We have a new interior theme with all-new primary touchpoints, complemented by new features and technologies that make the 2010 Lincoln MKZ stand out in the competitive mid-size §egmènt.’

Engine And Fuel Economy

The award-winning 3.5-liter V-6 Duratec engine powers the 2010 Lincoln MKZ, delivering 263 horsepower and 249 pounds-feet of torque. The 3.5-liter uses a compact, lightweight dual-overhead cam valvetrain for peak power and smooth operation at high RPMs.

This engine also incorporates intake variable cam timing to optimize valve timing for a smooth idle and an impressive broad torque curve with good power. The six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, which is front-wheel drive with all-wheel drive available, is standard on the 2010 Lincoln MKZ. Powertrain performance is improved dramatically, with 0-60 mph times dropping from 7.7 to 7.1 seconds.

‘The customer definitely should notice how quiet the new MKZ is,’ said Chief Engineer J.D. Shanahan. ‘That’s important – especially with luxury sedan buyers who perceive that quietness equates to quality.’ The MKZ engineering team also concentrated on the engine mount subsystem, finding the sound that balances sportiness and luxury, said Matt Hettenhouse, powertrain team leader.

A high 10.3:1 compression ratio and aluminum cylinder heads designed for high air flow and optimized combustion help complete the package, supporting the engine’s ability to deliver great performance and fuel economy, along with low emissions. Únique to the 2010 Lincoln MKZ are re-engineered resonators on the air-induction system. ‘They deliver the powerful, refined sound Lincoln MKZ customers expect,’ Hettenhouse §äid.

The six-speed transmission allows for lower early gears for better acceleration and taller high gears for better highway mileage. The new standard SelectShift provides the driver with manual gear selection for enhanced sportiness. Downshifts are locked out to protect the engine from over-revving. The ‘enhanced overdrive cancel’ mode locks out the fifth and sixth gears, allows shifts at higher speed for more engine braking and downshifts for ‘grade assist’ functionality.

The 2010 Lincoln MKZ was completely revised and uniquely tuned for ride comfort. The team changed the rear suspension lower control arm control point to move the roll center closer to the center of gravity, which improved the ride-handling characteristics. A hydraulic variable-flow §teering pump changes the flow rate at lower speeds to give better response, improving the turning circle and easier parking efforts.

The Lincoln MKZ’s available all-wheel drive (AWD) system has been retuned for better traction and lower noise, vibration and harshness. The system uses an electro-mechanical clutch and employs two basic modes of torque transfer – pre-emptive torque (before wheel slip) and slip-control torque (after wheel slip). This dual system gives the driver confidence in any situation, while the suspension has been specially tuned to be more neutral when cornering.

‘When the Lincoln MKZ accelerates, even lightly, from a stop on any surface – dry pavement, wet pavement, sand, gravel, ice, mud – pre-emptive torque is transferred to the rear wheels,’ said Jim Fritz, AWD product development engineer. ‘As an added measure to control front wheel slip on slippery surfaces, slip control torque is added to equalize front and rear wheel speeds.’

The AWD system works in harmony with brake traction control to deliver more confidence to Lincoln MKZ customers. Ford’s AdvanceTrac electronic stability control keeps drivers in command as well. ‘The driving experience has been improved, delivering a better ride and vehicle control,’ Shanahan §äid. ‘Ride enhancements, a new sport package, new technologies, the signature Lincoln design and a strong quality story help the new 2010 Lincoln MKZ set a new standard in mid-size luxury sedans.’

Technology And Information

The new Lincoln MKZ is more than just a pretty face and striking new interior. New technology features help Lincoln’s new mid-size sedan stand out, too. They include:

• SYNC: The voice-activated hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft. The system fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players, providing customers hands-free cell phone and music selection capabilities – plus new 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report provided with no monthly fees.

• 911 Assist: When a phone is properly paired, turned on and connected to SYNC, the system is ready to assist in placing a call directly to a local 911 emergency operator in the event of an air bag-deploying accident. The key advantage of SYNC 911 Assist is speed, as calls are placed directly to local 911 operators.

• Vehicle Health Report (VHR): SYNC gathers relevant information from the major vehicle control modules and packages diagnostic data into a usable format in a matter of minutes. That data packet is sent to Ford via an 800-number automatically dialed using the customer’s paired and operable mobile phone.

• Voice-Activated Navigation, which integrates several functions including voice recognition destination entry, climate control and SIRIÚS satellite radio into one easy-to-use system, displaying them on an 8-inch touch-screen display. The navigation system’s text-to-speech function calls out street names while in route to a destination and reads incoming text messages when the system is linked to SYNC. The integrated DVD player is capable of reading CD-Audio, MP3 CDs, DVD, DVD-Audio and DVD-ROM (for digital map updates). A music jukebox function stores more than 150 hours of music. The screen even can be customized with personal photos.

• SIRIÚS Travel Link™, an industry-leading technology that, when combined with the voice-activated navigation system will provide users with real-time traffic data with accident and incident information, coast-to-coast weather data including current conditions and five-day forecasts, and fuel price information for over 120,000 gas stations.Travel Link also offers sports scores and schedules and a listing of more than 4,500 movie theaters with movie times, theater addresses, movie synopses and more.