Today is a big day for Lincoln as the manufacturer unveiled the all-new MKZ, a car that marks a key milestone in brand’s reinvention. As expected, the 2013 Lincoln MKZ is a production version of the MKZ Concept unveiled back in January at the Detroit Auto Show. The design of the car looks really impressive and as you can see from the photo and features crafted headlamps that include energy-efficient LED lighting, new full-width taillamp graphic, rearview mirrors that stand on door-mounted, sculpted pedestals as well as a split-wing grille, which was first seen on the 1938 Lincoln-Zephyr. At the interior, the MKZ features bold architectural elements, rich natural materials and fine details. Innovation is the word that describes the interior as the MKZ comes with a new contemporary five-button interface that replaces the traditional mechanical transmission shift lever.
The individual buttons of Push Button Shift engage Park, Neutral, Reverse, and forward gears in two modes, Drive and Sport. Moreover, the interior features a full-color 10.1-inch LCD instrument cluster operates with the latest version of SYNC with MyLincoln Touch. Furthermore, we find premium-grade, supple leather covers all seating surfaces but also a standard 11-speaker audiophile entertainment system and cabin air filtration, plus heated front seats (with the driver's featuring 10-way power controls), remote start capabilities and Active Noise Control. Still, an optional THX II Certified Car Audio System is a Lincoln-exclusive that features 700 watts, 14 channels and 14 speakers.
The most interesting feature is the retractable panoramic roof and Lincoln expects to boost sales with it. Under the hood, we find a 2.0-liter I4 FWD/AWD delivering 240 hp and 270 lb.-ft of torque (projected fuel economy: FWD 22 mpg city/33 mph highway). Moreover, a 3.7-liter V6 FWD/AWD is available, delivering 300 hp (projected fuel economy for the AWD version is 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway). The MKZ Hybrid will be powered by a 2.0 liter I4 delivering 141 hp and an electric motor delivering 47 hp and 129 lb.-ft. (engine only). In terms of safety, the 2013 Lincoln MKZ features the Lane Keeping System, a suite of advanced driving aids that helps drivers avoid drifting from their lane due to distraction or fatigue. Available radar-based (ultrasonic) driving aids further enhance the driving experience. Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support each use a long-range radar system that scans in front of the vehicle. Active park assist and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert use multiple short-range wide-angle radar sensors. Class-exclusive available inflatable rear safety belts supplement eight standard airbags.
