Zastava_101

What it is: The second generation of Lincoln’s entry-level front-drive sedan, based on the mid-size Ford Fusion.

Why it matters: Having discarded its moribund Mercury division, Ford is making a serious investment in Lincoln to raise its luxury-car credibility. The MKZ leads the charge.

Platform: Shared with the Ford Fusion and Mondeo, the new MKZ will debut the company’s CD4 global architecture.

Powertrain: One of  Ford’s new, turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinders—a 240-hp 2.0-liter—is expected to replace the current 3.5-liter V-6. It will be mated to Ford’s six-speed dual-clutch automatic. All-wheel drive will be an option, as will a gasoline-electric hybrid, whose gas-burning component is yet to be determined.

Competition: Acura TL, Audi A4, BMW 3-series, Infiniti G37, Mercedes-Benz C-class, Volkswagen CC.

What might go wrong: Can a four-cylinder Lincoln compete in this prestigious class?

Estimated arrival and price: Spring 2012 as a 2013 model, from about $37,000.


http://www.caranddriver.com/features...n_mkz_-feature

Knight Rider

I don't know... the front end seems too bland

Zastava_101

It looks to me like they just added current MKZ's front end to the current Mondeo.

hi5.0

No EB V6 or V6 at all? Needs a bit more power to be a more credible member of the class it aspires to compete in.

codeman94

I Despise the new Lincoln grill.

UnrealFord

I hate stamping out the Hoods and fenders,

rhumb

A touch bland in overall form, but worse, still a bit tall and slab-sided -- needs to excise about an inch or two from below the beltline to elongate its overall look and proportions to add some dynamism to its form. At present, it looks a bit thick, pudgy and high-waisted -- what about a return to the slim, trim, elegant lines of the early-mid '60's. White, as rendered, is not a very good color for this design.

At the very least, there should be a 300+hp 3.7 V6 in the engine room, but to be truly competitive in this very competitive class (with a very discerning clientele), an Egoboost motor with 350+hp and AWD is really needed (ummmm, SHO drivetrain?).

Moosetang

Relax about the pic, not representative of what the car will be.

It's worth noting that the A4 "only" offers a turbo 4 as well, and like some of the others there's noting to stop Ford offering a higher-performance model after the base MKZ is established.

Insiders are saying the Linc could be an all-EcoBoost brand starting with this car.

future9er24

Not a bad idea putting the EB4 in there, but its going to need the EB6 and AWD to compete with the more higher end models in that list..

especially if it wants to take on the 3series

SyNRG

ditto on this.

hopefully for the mkz, the engine lineup will look like this:

• EB I4 / 240hp fwd
• EB V6 / 300hp awd w/ manual tranny as well
• EB v6 / 365hp awd manual & powershift w/ shift paddles avail (m3 competitor

cdynaco

But its so fugly...

Zastava_101

Ford doesn't really need a EcoBoost V6 to get that kind of power. 3.7L in a Mustang, Edge, MKX ... is rated at 305 hp.

Red Jay

anyone else kinda getting tired of seeing that front end? i really wouldnt be suprised to know if all Lincoln vehicles have interchangleable parts on the front end.

future9er24

eh, its a corporate face and it sure as heck aint the worst one out there. I've liked lincolns new direction

SVTJayC

I gotta be honest. Lincoln isn't even close to competing in this segment. Their answer to the 3 series is a FWD Fusion with better leather? That's the same tried and failed half aced approach they've been using for 25 years. The Mustang is a closer competitor to the 3 series than ANYTHING Lincoln has ever produced. I can't imagine why Ford keeps this brand around. It seems like a nice big piece of fat that can be cut on the way to making this company run at peak efficiency.

Zastava_101

It's an easy way to make a profit - fancy Fusion = big price = bigger profit.

SVTJayC

Except that nobody buys them. So no profit.

Zastava_101

Lincoln sold 22,500 MKZs last year. And that was a bad year for MKZ, Lincoln usually sells ~30,000-35,000 of them each year.

So somebody is still buying them and Ford is still making a profit while investing pretty much nothing. Sounds like a good deal to me.

MustangGuy

The rear quarter view is hideous. Looks like they cut off the rear end. I hope they do not use the "diaper" look bumper as in the Mustang, Taurus and 2013 Fusion-Mondeo (spy shots). The tucked in sides of the rear bumper is really dreadful especially on a luxury car.

watchdevil

I would not worry. This is a composite chop made by that magazine by simply putting an MKZ front on a current Mondeo photo. It does not represent the actual product. The new MKZ is supposed to look very distinct from the next Fusion.