2010 Lincoln MKZ

[!!!TED!!!]

2010 LINCOLN MKZ

Pictures from Autoblog:

2010 LINCOLN MKZ PRESS PICTURES

2010 LINCOLN MKZ LIVE PICTURES

PRESS RELEASE

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 19, 2008 – Customers who have come to equate Lincoln with elegant, modern design, unparalleled comfort, unrivaled features and top quality have still more reason to favor the brand: the new 2010 Lincoln MKZ mid-size sedan.

"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, unique grille, darkened headlamps, a decklid MKZ badge with a red "Z" and an interior with contrasting piping and unique appliqués.

The new Lincoln MKZ also offers segment-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, Easy Fuel™ capless fuel filler, THX-branded audio¬ and adaptive 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 mirrors the MKS, with a sculpted hood and ridges flowing into the A-pillar. In the rear, which features a new decklid, LED taillamps accentuate the width of the car, separated by the Lincoln star.

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 and even more upscale look, featuring more chrome, 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 segment."

Additions or improvements to the 2010 Lincoln MKZ interior include:

• Armrest clamshell storage

• New instrument cluster layout with center speedometer

• New door trim with 360-degree door handles

• Redesigned center stack with high-mounted, Next-Generation Navigation system

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with real wood insert

• Available perforated suede seat style

• Interior schemes include Dark Charcoal or Steel Gray with Swirl Walnut accents, or Light Camel with Olive Ash wood accents

Technology and information at your fingertips

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.

o 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.

o 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 SIRIUS 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.

• SIRIUS® 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.

• Reverse Camera System mounts a small camera on the decklid that is activated when the Lincoln MKZ is shifted into reverse, giving the driver a clear view behind the vehicle.

The video image is displayed in the optional navigation screen on Lincoln MKZs equipped with that option or in the self-dimming rearview mirror vehicles without navigation.

• Ambient Lighting System is displayed around the footwells, cup holders, door map pockets, door release handles, door and instrument accents and scuff plates – plus special "Welcome" and "Farewell" sequential lighting.

• THX II Premium Certified Audio System with 5.1 Surround Sound, which is provided by a 12-channel amplifier that delivers 600 watts to 14 strategically placed speakers, including two subwoofers. A center channel speaker array features THX Slot Speaker™ technology, which allows for a wider sound image and better control of how music distributed throughout the vehicle's acoustically engineered cabin. In addition, the system features a 10 GB hard drive jukebox, allowing Lincoln owners to store up to 2,400 of their favorite music tracks.

Other features for the 2010 Lincoln MKZ include:

• Rain-sensing wipers, which detect moisture on the windshield and are activated.

• A new cabin air filter, which removes respiratory irritants and toxins caused by traffic and industrial pollution. Additionally, the air filter protects the HVAC/climate control system by blocking water and moisture.

• Segment-exclusive Adaptive HID headlamps, which rotate according to speed and steering inputs to allow greater visibility around turns

• SOS Post Crash Alert, which activates the horn, emergency flashers, automatically unlocks doors and turns on the interior/puddle lamps when an air bag is deployed. The system activates the emergency flashers when a spinout is detected.

Faster engine performance, strong 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 availability, 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 engine – and the MKZ itself – is quieter. Every piece of sound packing was redone.

"The customer definitely should notice how quiet the new MKZ is," said Chief Engineer J.D. Shanahan. "That's important – especially in the 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.

Unique 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 said.

The six-speed transmission allows for lower early gears for better acceleration and taller high gears for better highway mileage. 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.

Unique tuning, too

The 2010 Lincoln MKZ was completely revised and uniquely tuned for ride comfort.

The team changed the rear suspension in the 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 steering 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 said. "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."

The 2010 Lincoln MKZ is built at Ford's Hermosillo (Mexico) Stamping and Assembly Plant and will be in dealer showrooms in spring 2009.

[deftonesfan867]

New standard my ass. It's still FWD and it still doesn't have a competitive interior.

Edited November 19, 2008 by deftonesfan867

[Intrepidation]

it still doesn't have a competitive interior.

And you know this from sitting inside of it right?

[Drew Dowdell]

New standard my ass. It's still FWD and it still doesn't have a competitive interior.

AWD is available. In the Camry ES350 it is not.

In terms of soft, entry lux, sedans, there isn't much for it to compete with. I find the interior a bit dull in style, but I can't say anything about it's quality. Style wise, even the Malibu can out shine this one... so I expect the Lacross will crush it.

[avant1963]

Like everything except the taillights and the strange rear bumper.

[Brougham-Holiday]

Its made in Mexico, end of story.

[LastMercury]

yuck.

[deftonesfan867]

And you know this from sitting inside of it right?

I know from the looks of it. It speaks of Ford of old. The CTS has leather on the dash..on this I seee...plastic.

[deftonesfan867]

AWD is available. In the Camry ES350 it is not.

In terms of soft, entry lux, sedans, there isn't much for it to compete with. I find the interior a bit dull in style, but I can't say anything about it's quality. Style wise, even the Malibu can out shine this one... so I expect the Lacross will crush it.

That is true, but why be part of a small market? I understand Ford is having problems, but where is there CTS competitor? Ford left the Lincoln LS for dead sadly.

[Paolino]

That is true, but why be part of a small market? I understand Ford is having problems, but where is there CTS competitor? Ford left the Lincoln LS for dead sadly.

I loved the LS. I was sorry to see it go.

[pow]

Irrelevant... why bother?

[Intrepidation]

I know from the looks of it. It speaks of Ford of old. The CTS has leather on the dash..on this I seee...plastic.

Until you actually sit in one and feel around then you can't meaningfully comment on anything besides the design. From what I've read it is a step up, as all of Ford's new interiors seem to be.

The MKZ's interior also gets a refresh with a focus on high quality materials that's highlighted by new genuine aluminum and wood trim and an all-new instrument panel with a next generation voice-activated navigation system. The seats are now wrapped in high quality Bridge of Weir leather and are available in perforated suede. Other interior changes include new door trim, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with wood inserts.

[Robert Hall]

Should be a good competitor for the new LaCrosse.

[Intrepidation]

As for the car itself, The interior is the biggest improvement. The front is good but the back I'm not so thrilled with. The concept Zephyr had the the nicest rear end IMO.

Edited November 19, 2008 by Dodgefan

[PONTIAC06]

I'd like to apologize in advance for this rant because I'm usually just here for the info and entertainment of the forums, but here I go anyway. I don't see what everyone is bitching about! It may not be revolutionary, but it is technology packed, has a family resemblance which I, at least, find attractive, and it is a fairly thorough update. Compare this to the pathetic attempt at an update to the G6 and all of you should be praising Ford for their efforts. Not only on this car, but in general it appears they are trying much harder than GM is despite also being in bad condition. And for those of you who complain that it is front wheel drive, all I can say is SHUT THE HELL UP! I totally agree that a luxury sedan should have rear wheel drive purely for the dynamics associated with it, but if Volvo, Lexus, Audi, and Acura can get buyers to flock to their UGLY (Lexus and Acura anyway) vehicles, then that is not the real problem. Also it offers AWD just like most others in the segment. I would like to applaud Ford for at least doing something rather than sitting around waiting to fail, and I'm usually not even a Ford fan.

[DetroitNut90]

It looks nice, the interior I think is the nicest point. Contrasting piping on the seats ftw.

Edited November 19, 2008 by DetroitNut90

[ocnblu]

The cut of the rear bumper is odd, but I like this new interior, which is at least modern, where the old dash seemed to be a sort of forced retro affair, a bluff old thing. The front end looks like a junior MKS and MKT, a decent integration. All of the changes are improvements, imo, with the exception of that rear bumper.

[Igor2]

CTS is better than this - BUT CTS is way more expensive ...

this is ES / Acura TL competitor and will do perfectly well agains both.

Ford's CTS competitor is the MKR - but that program is on hold - Ford is investing more into more proximal and crucial launches - namely: the april 2010 launch of the ne Focus platform with all its models (Focus, C-Max, Kuga/Escape, CC, Capri - all coming to US) and the 2012 launch of the new Fusion platform (Fusion/Mondeo, MKZ, Edge/MKX, S-Max, Galaxy, and some others - most will come to US, Edge will cross over to Europe).

these two are #1 priorities for Ford Global - and everything else got pushed to the back burner - including the new GRWDP which is to span the new Mustang, and the MKR (and Mustang's Lincoln brother) and the Falcon.

Igor

[Northstar]

I think it's rather ugly, and while the interior looks nice, it also looks like it could be in any number of cars. Not very interesting.

[Cory Wolfe]

Putting bold characteristics on a bland car does not make anything attractive, it seems. It's somewhat ugly. The interior looks to be a less spiffy MKS interior.

[Intrepidation]

I'd like to apologize in advance for this rant because I'm usually just here for the info and entertainment of the forums, but here I go anyway. I don't see what everyone is bitching about! It may not be revolutionary, but it is technology packed, has a family resemblance which I, at least, find attractive, and it is a fairly thorough update. Compare this to the pathetic attempt at an update to the G6 and all of you should be praising Ford for their efforts. Not only on this car, but in general it appears they are trying much harder than GM is despite also being in bad condition. And for those of you who complain that it is front wheel drive, all I can say is SHUT THE HELL UP! I totally agree that a luxury sedan should have rear wheel drive purely for the dynamics associated with it, but if Volvo, Lexus, Audi, and Acura can get buyers to flock to their UGLY (Lexus and Acura anyway) vehicles, then that is not the real problem. Also it offers AWD just like most others in the segment. I would like to applaud Ford for at least doing something rather than sitting around waiting to fail, and I'm usually not even a Ford fan.

Well put.

[mustang84]

2010 MKZ website:

http://www.lincoln.com/2010mkz/default.asp...#NavigationView

I think the lighting in some of these photos isn't the greatest, but seeing the MKZ on the website in motion and with different lighting really makes it look pretty good, IMO.

I remember how underwhelmed I was when the Zephyr debuted (compared to the concept) and thinking how garrish the huge taillights looked. But finally seeing it in person, it totally changed my perspective and suddenly the big taillights didn't look so bad. I can't wait until someone can get some real-world pictures, because I think this car will be more stunning in person than it is on a 2D screen.

[A Horse With No Name]

Actually I am with Pontiac 06, I actually kinda like it. For the average driver, I think it is a nice choice.

Chris

[Robert Hall]

I like it overall, esp. the interior. Should be a good competitor for the LaCrosse.

Edited November 20, 2008 by moltar

[deftonesfan867]

Does anyone else think this would be better as a Mercury tho?

[smk4565]

Looks much better than before, the MKS front end helps. Too much black plastic in the interior, although I like the layout and aluminum and wood. Looks better in and out than a TL or ES350, way better than any Buick product, but not going to threaten the CTS or the Germans. But it is cheaper than a CTS, it offers a lot of technology and features for the money, it should meet sales goals.

Stereo must be good since it is 14 speakers and 600 watts. The CTS's optional system is 10 speakers and 300 watts.

Edited November 20, 2008 by smk4565

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

I LOVE IT!

Kudos to Ford!!!!

IMO, this is the best of the 3 cars.

[Drew Dowdell]

Like everything except the taillights and the strange rear bumper.

Like Cadillac's hint of fins, maybe a hint of a bustle back? The line from the rear of the C-pillar extends into the bumper.

[mustang84]

Like Cadillac's hint of fins, maybe a hint of a bustle back? The line from the rear of the C-pillar extends into the bumper.

That was my first thought when I saw that, too.

[Robert Hall]

The taillight treatment reminds me of a few Lincoln concepts from a few years ago. Interesting how they made the grille similar to the MKS but not the taillights.

Edited November 21, 2008 by moltar

[Lamar]

The taillight treatment reminds me of a few Lincoln concepts from a few years ago. Interesting how they made the grille similar to the MKS but not the taillights.

Ah, too many manufacturers make their entry-level cars miniatures of their mid-level or top-tier cars (looking at MB and Toyota). I'm not mad at them for the differentiation.

[daves87rs]

I like it...I think it is an improvement over the last one.....

[Sixty8panther]

NO I WILL NOT STFU about the inferiority of FWD.

Just 'cause "everyone is doin' it" does not mean it's right.

More and more it looks like there's Sigma-Cadillacs, BMWs

& Mercedes in my wife's future garage. We'll keep buying

RWD/RB-AWD, and if three decades from now that means

having to step up to a used, 15y.o. S-class Mercedes

'cause every single domstic is FWD, including the Corvette

then so be it.

---

Now as far a the "Bustleback" theory how sad that styling

hs gotten that lame.... a goofy 4" cut line on the bumper

cover makes us look for a bustleback connection.

It's like Balthazar wrote in the other thread about modern

car styling sucking!

The proportions of this Lincoln, the front overhang

specifically leaves me dry heaving.

Edited November 21, 2008 by Sixty8panther

[Drew Dowdell]

Now as far a the "Bustleback" theory how sad that styling

hs gotten that lame.... a goofy 4" cut line on the bumper

cover makes us look for a bustleback connection.

I drove a bustleback 1985 Continental for 3 years so the line really jumped out at me.

[§carlet §wordfish]

This is my favorite of the 3 refreshes. I like the old taillights better, with the backup/turn lights running down the middle instead of the bottom, but the front end looks great.

And also, FWD and B-pillars FTW.

[balthazar]

I'm really liking the front end design of the new Lincolns- sharp.

[Blake Noble]

I'm really liking the front end design of the new Lincolns- sharp.

Oldsmobile executed it better. :AH-HA_wink:

[Robert Hall]

Oldsmobile executed it better. :AH-HA_wink:

The MKZ and MKS front ends would have looked very good on the '08 Intrigue and the '08 Aurora..

[MyerShift]

Well, I do like the styling of the interior. That's about it.

[ZL-1]

It's the best of the 3 redesigns IMO.

[Bimmer325]

Booooooooooring.

[frogger]

There has got to be a RWD alternative to this that drives like a $30K+ car should.. G35 Sedan for example.

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

I STILL think it's a really sweet car...

At least Lincoln is attempting to have a cohesive line up of fresh cars with even fresher marketing (That actually SEEMS to be working)

That's more than I can say about Cadillac or Buick.

[Cremazie]

^ At first the schnoz looked odd, but it has grown on me. An AWD model would do fine when my lease is up on my truck.