2011 Lincoln MKZ Award

Costing the same as a standard MKZ, the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid gets significantly better fuel economy than its gasoline-only equivalent. The bad: The MKZ Hybrid's driving quality differs little from the Ford Fusion Hybrid. The bottom line: With excellent fuel economy, a comfortable interior, and really excellent cabin tech, the "2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid" makes for a near perfect commuter car and general transportation.

With the same specs as the Fusion Hybrid, the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid achieves 41 mpg in city EPA testing, an impressive number for a segment that barely tops 30 mpg.

Compared to the gas engine front-wheel-drive MKZ, the hybrid version gets about 15 mpg better fuel economy.

We couldn't help geeking out over the MKZ Hybrid's power train while driving it, thanks in large part to the instrument cluster display. Lincoln says the MKZ Hybrid can go up to 47 mph in electric mode. We easily kept the car running under electric power at speeds of just over 40 mph by feathering the throttle, using the power gauge on the display to show how much we could accelerate and stay in electric mode. The MKZ Hybrid takes off from a stop easily, and the electric motor and gas engine work together well. At 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, the MKZ Hybrid shows the typical hybrid penchant for low speed, stop and go driving.

the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid has been recognised with a design award by Global Green USA. The gasoline MKZ sedan delivers 18mpg.

“The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid represents a significant achievement by a car company to create the first hybrid luxury vehicle to get more than 40mpg in the city,” said Global Green president Matt Petersen.

2011 Lincoln MKS: Lincoln's big sedan, available in both normally aspirated and turbo forms, is little changed for 2011. Four new colors are available (Bordeaux Reserve Red, Kona Blue, Sterling Gray and Silver Diamond). 2011 Lincoln MKT: The MKT gets the same upgraded audio-navigation system as the MKS. Cinnamon, Steel Blue and Sterling Gray are no longer available. 2011 Lincoln MKZ: The big news for Lincoln's little sedan is the availability of a new hybrid model. Just as the standard MKZ shares many of its parts with the Ford Fusion, so the MKZ Hybrid apes the Fusion Hybrid. Headlining the changes for 2011: 20-inch polished aluminum wheels replace 20-inch chrome aluminum wheels. 2011 Lincoln Town Car: Nothing at all changes for 2011.

READ MORE - 2011 Lincoln MKZ Award

Lincoln MKZ overview

In the 2011 model year, the Lincoln MKZ will add a Hybrid model to its lineup.

After receiving a heavy-duty refresh for 2010, the 2011 Lincoln MKZ is taking on the Upscale Midsize Car segment’s big players. In the tightly packed Upscale Midsize Car segment there are cars that meet every driver’s needs. If you're looking for a relaxing driving experience, the Lincoln MKZ fits.

Buyers looking for a smooth-riding vehicle like the "Lincoln MKZ" should also test drive the Lexus ES. The Lexus offers a similar driving experience and is tuned for comfort over sporting intentions. The Fusion and the MKZ share a number of key components. Edmunds writes, “Under the skin, the Lincoln MKZ is essentially a softly tuned Fusion Sport.” Buyers willing to sacrifice status will benefit by saving thousands of dollars over the MKZ as they drive away in a Fusion.

The 2011 Lincoln MKZ has one substantially-equipped trim and offers the buyer a choice of front or all-wheel drive. Unique standard features include Lincoln SYNC, MyKey and leather-trimmed, heated/cooled/power seats.

The MKZ is Lincoln's representative in the entry-level luxury sedan category. Highlights of the Lincoln MKZ include a powerful V6 engine, available all-wheel drive and a distinctive, retro-look interior design.

Mechanically, the Lincoln MKZ is very similar to the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, but differs with unique equipment, increased power and a more luxurious look and presence. The Lincoln MKZ single trim level is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 263 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is the base setup for the MKZ, but Lincoln offers an all-wheel-drive version for enhanced traction. Exterior styling includes the familial Lincoln waterfall grille and tasteful chrome trim. Body panels are tight fitting, with minimal gaps. The recently redesigned cabin is inline with Lincoln's recent products with high-quality interior materials and a more organic design. There's nothing dated about the MKZ's high-tech features list. Typical to the entry-level luxury class, the Lincoln MKZ offers the usual array of items such as automatic climate control, a moonroof, Sync voice activation, Bluetooth, keyless start and rear back-up sensors. Adding the sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels of the Sport Appearance package makes the Lincoln MKZ surprisingly nimble and far more fun to drive than you'd think a Lincoln could be capable of. Used Lincoln MKZ models
The MKZ name debuted in 2007 but Lincoln sold this car the previous year as the Zephyr.

READ MORE - Lincoln MKZ overview

2011 Lincoln MKX First Drive

From a styling aspect, the 2007-2010 "Lincoln MKX was a curious blend of 1962 Continental, 1995 Town Car and modern crossover SUV, thanks to it’s full width front grille and LED taillight assembly that ran across the rear hatch opening.

For 2011, the "Lincoln MKX" adopts the current Lincoln corporate profile, with a much more aggressive nose profile that apes the Lincoln MKX. For the former, there’s an 8-inch liquid crystal display which contains controls to the vehicle’s info/entertainment system and climate control, activated purely by finger touch - hence the name. As befitting a current Lincoln product, a THX sound system is included, as is the latest version of the Ford’s SYNC voice command system, activated by buttons in the steering wheel, plus a new first – High Definition radio.

The info/entertainment system is one of the least fussy we’ve encountered on a luxury branded vehicle of late, which should bode well for Lincoln’s target audience, especially considering that on many competitors, it’s getting harder and harder to perform basic vehicle functions such as changing cabin temperature or selecting music.

A leather-stitched dashboard is a new feature; blending in with the revised center stack.
Thanks to a lower idle speed (600 rpm), fuel shut-off and a variable-displacement power steering pump, the engine is notably more thrifty than the old 3.5 and Lincoln claims best in class fuel economy at 19 miles per gallon city/ 26 highway on front-drive models

The result is an Lincoln MKX that is noticeably quieter and even smoother riding than before. Thanks to new tires mounted on standard 18-inch wheels, grip is noticeably better than before and even in base front-drive form, the Lincoln MKX feels surprisingly neutral.


Lincoln is expanding their line up with seven new, or completely refreshed vehicles being introduced into the market over the next four years. I think Lincoln is off to a great start. This mid-size crossover is beautiful. The front end has a sculpted, updated look. The distinguishing split-wing grille lets everyone know that this is a Lincoln.

Step inside and the interior updates are another great improvement!

The centre stack is surrounded by upgraded soft touch materials, chrome accents and genuine stitching on the leather. The fit and finish is absolutely exquisite.

MyLincoln Touch has an eight inch LCD touch screen, media hub with two USB ports, RCA video input jacks and SD card reader and five-way controls on the steering wheel

Ford says that the new models will bring genuinely distinctive bodies -- not just fascias and soft points -- over shared mechanicals, much like Lincoln’s MKT three-row crossover related to the Ford Flex. By dropping the old egg-crate grille in favor of Lincoln’s signature split-wing opening, the Lincoln MKX strengthens the brand’s visual identity. As significant as the exterior update is, the interior refresh has even more impact. Lincoln designers and product planners were well aware that the outgoing model lacked the effortless style and luxury of a well-executed premium interior. Heated and cooled front seats are standard and heated rear seats are an option. The Lincoln MKX rolls on standard 18-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels.

READ MORE - 2011 Lincoln MKX First Drive

2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

We like the Ford Fusion Hybrid -- a lot. Enter stage left, the "2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid", which is making its big debut in the Big Apple.

The2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid will be Lincoln's first hybrid when it hits showrooms this fall. It's essentially a Fusion Hybrid with Lincoln luxury appointments and exterior style. Its parallel hybrid powertrain -- a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle I-4 hybrid engine that works in concert with an electric motor to produce 191 net horsepower -- is unchanged from the Fusion version. Oh, and Lincoln's version uses white flowers inspired by apple blossoms. Pretty!

The MKZ Hybrid is also endowed with all the latest in Lincoln standard luxury touches, including Lincoln's version of Sync, heated and cooled seats with 10-way power passenger seat, real wood trim (that of course comes from eco-friendly managed forests), a reverse sensing system and Lincoln's Personal Safety System -- a suite of seven safety technologies.

From the “Well, Duh” Department at Ford Motor Company comes the new hybrid version of the Lincoln MKZ. The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is fitted with the same gasoline-electric system found in the hybrid versions of its corporate twins, the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan.

The hybrid powertrain combines a 156-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine and 106-hp electric motor for a total system output of 191 hp; it’s rated for 41 mpg in the city and 36 on the highway in the Fusion and Milan variants. In the Milan and Fusion hybrids, a screen-based botanical garden grows leaves and vines as a reward for fuel-efficient driving; the Lincoln adds pretty flowers! What’s next, rain-forest fragrances emanating from the HVAC system?

READ MORE - 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

Lincoln, First Look: Lincoln C Concept Car Mini Cooper-owner style

Lincoln C Concept Car Mini Cooper-owner style

BMW has proven that rear-wheel-drive c-segment size luxury works, with its 1 Series, Lincoln is turning next to the 2011 Ford Focus' platform for post-global warming luxury. To prepare us for a CAFE-friendly world, Lincoln rolled out the C concept (for c-segment, and so far, without an "MK" prefix) at Detroit. Looking much like a Renault with Lincoln's "flying wing" '41 Continental retro cue grille, the C is about the length of the '11 Focus, but about 2.75-inches wider for three-abreast seating via two flat benches. Ford designers cite the '39 Lincoln, '56 Continental II and '61 Continental as inspiration. But the a-pillar is curved much like a Renault Espace's, and the c-pillar ends in a Clio-esque bustle trunk. While there's no tumblehome, a deep shoulderline accents the profile.

Lincoln C Concept Car Mini Cooper-owner style

The stainless steel-like top is actually aluminum with a metalized paint, and the gray interior wood trim is recycled driftwood veneer. The Lincoln C has more interior space than a '61 Continental, J Mays and Freeman Thomas proudly note. The engine, theoretically - Lincoln didn't open the hood -- is a planned 1.6-liter EcoBoost four with central direct injection, variable valve timing on both cams and an interesting stop/start system to shut down the engine for red lights and stop signs.

Lincoln C Concept Car Mini Cooper-owner style

Restarts use a fraction of the starter energy required for a cold start by injecting and igniting fuel in the cylinder closest to top-dead-center on the compression stroke. The six-speed, twin-clutch "Powershift" transmission uses more efficient dry clutches (Audi DSG's wet clutches require an oil pump). It gains 9-percent better fuel economy than a conventional automatic transmission, Ford says. Including some key weight savings, Ford expects the EcoBoost-powered C would get about 25-percent better fuel economy than a similar car with a 2.0-liter.

Lincoln C Concept Car Mini Cooper-owner style

Other interior features include no b-pillar (which Mays insists is approaching production viability, even if the "suicide door" feature that accompanies it is only for show), a hubless steering wheel rendered in Apple-computer white plastic, thin-seat technology for better interior room (another near-production feature), hand-drawn floral patterns laser-etched into the otherwise stark white leather seats, weight- and height-sensing power head restraints, and stereo speakers in the headliner, which surrounds a Lincoln-symbol glass sunroof.

Lincoln C Concept Car Mini Cooper-owner style

North America design chief Peter Horbury says his favorite feature, though, is a device in the car's grille that recognizes other Lincoln Cs and automatically "winks" the left headlight, Mini Cooper-owner style.

Lincoln C Concept Car Mini Cooper-owner style

Question is, can Lincoln build a c-segment car with so much appeal that owners "wink" or wave at others voluntarily? We may have to ask that question again when Lincoln markets a c-segment car, in as little as two or three years.

READ MORE - Lincoln, First Look: Lincoln C Concept Car Mini Cooper-owner style