LUXURIOUS 2011 LINCOLN MKZ DELIVERS A POWERFUL, FEATURE-RICH EXPERIENCE; NEW HYBRID MODEL
07/09/2010
Lincoln
An elegant exterior design, a luxurious interior, exceptional performance and an ultra-smooth, quiet ride: Designers artfully packaged each of these classic Lincoln characteristics together in a premium midsize sedan to create the 2011 Lincoln MKZ.
For 2011, customers accustomed to signature high-end features are treated to exclusive technologies including an available voice-activated navigation system with HD Radio(R), Lincoln SYNC(R) voice-activated communications and infotainment system, and MyKey(TM) programmable vehicle key, among others.
And, new for 2011, Lincoln introduces its first hybrid - the new 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid - a premium midsize car poised to be the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America.
All-new Hybrid model
The new 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid expected to deliver at 41 mpg in the city when it goes on sale in the fall of 2010. This new premium midsize sedan hybrid joins Ford's growing lineup of hybrids, including the Ford Fusion Hybrid - 2010 North American Car of the Year and America's most fuel-efficient sedan - plus the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Milan and Mariner Hybrids.
The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid's projected fuel economy tops its nearest competitor - the 2010 Lexus HS 250h - by 6 mpg. It also trumps the Lexus with room for one more passenger, and more standard luxury and segment-exclusive safety features.
Using Ford's second-generation hybrid technology, the 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle I-4 hybrid engine was named one of Ward's 2010 "10 Best Engines." The system combines the best attributes of the gasoline engine and electric battery-driven motor to deliver optimal performance and fuel economy.
Industry-leading fuel economy comes without sacrificing power. The combined gasoline engine and electric motor provide 191 net horsepower. Plus, the pure electric mode on the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid extends to 47 mph - compared with the Lexus HS 250h battery-only mode, which reaches just 25 mph.
The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid also comes standard with the company's highly successful interactive technology called SmartGauge(TM) with EcoGuide, a system that provides real-time information to help drivers maximize fuel efficiency and coaches drivers on how to optimize hybrid performance. SmartGauge gives drivers enhanced positive feedback on long-term fuel efficiency and driving performance through the "growth" of virtual small flowers on the system's right-most screen. Lincoln's white flowers, inspired by apple blossoms, remain permanently unless long-term fuel economy is reset.
Standard premium technologies
The 2011 Lincoln MKZ comes standard with all the features buyers would expect from a world-class midsize luxury sedan, and some that are unavailable anywhere else. Examples include Lincoln SYNC, which provides an omnipresent link to contacts and information. In addition to Bluetooth(R) phone, audible text and MP3 capabilities, Lincoln customers also can access Vehicle Health Report and 911 Assist(TM).
SYNC with Traffic, Directions & Information leverages industry-leading voice-recognition software, integrated GPS technology and a customer's Bluetooth-capable mobile phone. New SYNC applications provide simple hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving directions, and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports and weather.
For 2011, the available voice-activated navigation system gains HD Radio technology. HD Radio enables more listening options and digital sound quality. No additional equipment or cost is involved: To use HD Radio, listeners simply tune in their favorite station. If the station is broadcasting with HD Radio technology, the system automatically picks up the signal and will transition to digital audio once decoded.
MyKey is a Lincoln-exclusive feature that allows owners to limit speed and audio volume to encourage teens to drive safer and improve fuel efficiency. MyKey encourages seat belt use, provides earlier low-fuel warnings, and can be programmed to sound chimes at 45, 55 and 65 mph.
Class-leading interior experience
The elegant interior of Lincoln MKZ starts with the seats, equipped with multiple memory functions enable passengers to fine-tune and recall their positions.
Many luxury vehicles offer only a heated and ventilated seating system; competitive designs simply recycle cabin air without actually modifying temperature. In the Lincoln MKZ, a thermal engine, operated independently of the vehicle's climate control system, heats or cools the air and then circulates it to the seatbacks and cushions.
As a finishing touch, seats are draped in standard Bridge of Weir leather. The world-renowned luxury leather from Scotland 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.
To further improve on the sense of elegance, cabin noise levels are minimized through extensive refinement. The 2011 Lincoln MKZ benefits from noise, vibration and harshness control actions that include:
An acoustic laminated windshield that features a layer of sound-absorbent vinyl sandwiched between two sheets of glass to soften noise levels
Precision body and door sealing to reduce wind noise
Expandable stuffers in the fenders and pillars
Constrained layer damping material on the entire floor to reduce road noise
An acoustic headliner to further deaden interior noise
Performance coupled with fuel economy
The award-winning 3.5-liter Duratec V-6 powers the 2011 Lincoln MKZ, delivering 263 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 249 ft.-lb. of torque at 4,500 rpm on regular gasoline while still projected to remain among the segment leaders in fuel economy with 18 mpg in the city and 27 highway projected for the front-wheel-drive model.
The 3.5-liter V-6 uses a compact, lightweight dual-overhead-cam valvetrain for peak power and smooth operation at high rpm. 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 MKZ engineering team also concentrated on the engine mount subsystem, tuning to precisely balance the sound between sportiness and luxury. A high 10.3:1 compression ratio and aluminum cylinder heads designed for high airflow and optimized combustion help complete the package, supporting the engine's ability to deliver great performance and fuel economy along with low emissions.
A six-speed SelectShift Automatic(TM) transmission is standard on all 2011 Lincoln MKZ models except Hybrid. Six forward speeds allow the transmission to provide a combination of low initial gearing for excellent acceleration and taller top gears for better highway mileage.
The SelectShift Automatic also 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.
Ride smoothness coupled with agile handling
Lincoln engineers designed the rear suspension lower control arm control point to move the roll center closer to the center of gravity, which balances ride and handling characteristics. A hydraulic variable-flow steering pump changes the flow rate at lower speeds to give good response and ease parking efforts, while still maintaining a tight turning circle.
Lincoln MKZ's available all-wheel-drive (AWD) system uses an electromechanical clutch and employs two basic modes of torque transfer - preemptive torque (before wheel slip) and slip-control torque (after wheel slip). This dual system gives the driver confidence in any situation, while the AWD suspension is specially tuned to be neutral when cornering.
The AWD system works in harmony with brake traction control to deliver confidence to Lincoln MKZ drivers. AdvanceTrac(R) with Electronic Stability Control - which is standard on every new Lincoln MKZ - keeps drivers in command as well.
Lincoln MKZ safety technologies
Standard and available 2011 Lincoln MKZ safety features include:
AdvanceTrac with Electronic Stability Control with brake-actuated traction control
Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and side air curtains
Personal Safety System(TM), a suite of safety technologies, including dual-stage front airbags for the driver and front seat passenger, seat belt pretensioners, load-limiting retractors, seat position sensing and crash severity sensing
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
SOS Post-Crash Alert System(TM) that flashes signal lights and sounds horn in the event of an accident
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether anchors for CHildren) system on rear seating positions
Lincoln MKZ technology and connectivity features
Standard and available 2011 Lincoln MKZ technology features include:
SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system with Traffic, Directions & Information
SIRIUS(R) satellite radio with initial six-month subscription
THX(R) II Certified Car Audio System with 5.1 surround sound
Voice-activated navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link(TM) and HD Radio
Rear View Camera System to aid rear visibility while backing up
Easy Fuel(R) Capless Fuel-Filler System
Integrated Blind Spot Mirrors for better blind-spot visibility
MyKey programmable vehicle key
Ambient lighting allowing drivers to change interior lighting color palette
Steering wheel audio controls
Lincoln MKZ is built at Ford's Hermosillo (Mexico) Stamping and Assembly Plant.