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Tuesday, December 14, 2010

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.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost

Saturday, October 9, 2010

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.

Friday, October 8, 2010

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.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Ford Reportedly Considering New Lincoln Continental Model, but a Compact Makes so Much More Sense

Reports indicate that Ford has been meeting with dealer representatives to discuss the brand's options, including batting the Continental name around. Sadly, that's not likely because of the silly alphabetical naming system Ford's luxury brand has been using (I liked Zephyr to begin with) and the fact that Lincoln needs to be made young, not even more inaccessible.

As part of the renovation, Lincoln hopes to reveal up to seven new models in the next couple years. After the 2011 MKX, expect the rest of the lineup to get significant refreshes; that means new marketing and styling for the MKZ, MKS, Navigator, and MKT (with new limousine and extended-legroom models once the Town Car has moved on).

That leaves room for one new model, which could either be the aforementioned flagship or possibly even a compact entry-level model to make up for the loss of Mercury.

The compact seems more likely in the short term, as Ford is trying to convince Lincoln dealers it can make the brand youthful and yuppie to drive sales (versus its current aged, stagnant, and scattered state).

If that's the case, there's no need to rule out the flagship down the line. Once Lincoln can pull in some sales, money could then be aimed at the top-tier S-Class and LS segment. If Lincoln can get that far, it may very well be considered "ok". However, as it stands, Ford is looking shut down more than 200 dealers due to slumping sales.

Jesse Toprak, an analyst at TrueCar, says, "The biggest problem is [Lincoln's] brand identity itself. A lot of people have the image of the car that your grandpa owned." If you'll recall, that was Cadillac's major problem about ten years ago and now they're putting out M5-hunters, power-wagons, and good-looking crossovers. Should Lincoln be able to pull off the type of renaissance that Cadillac did, CEO Alan Mulally is even willing to get Lincoln its passport and go international with the brand.

By Phil Alex

Source: Autonews (Sub. Req.)

*Opening Photo: 2002 Lincoln Continental Concept Study

________LINCOLN CONTINENTAL PRODUCTION & CONCEPT MODEL GALLERY________

Monday, September 27, 2010

Mulally wants Ford to Cut Company-wide Lineup Down to Around 20 vehicles

Alan Mulally, President and CEO of FoMoCo, told an audience of business leaders at the Confederation of British Industry in London today that Ford is looking to downsize its current lineup to 20-25 models in an attempt to "simplify" and build better cars.

It seems to make sense; instead of spreading yourself too thin and trying to be everything to everyone at the cost of quality, spend more of your resources on fewer models to ensure a well put-together product.

Clearly addressing the euthanization of Mercury and its badge-engineered wonders (as well as parting out Ford's Premier Automotive Group), Ford CEO Alan Mulally said:

"When I arrived, it was absolutely clear that we had to simplify Ford dramatically...Fewer brands means you can put more focus into improving the quality of engineering."

For the record, Mulally came into a FoMoCo that had ninety-seven (97!) models in 2006. Thanks to cutting back models and standardizing components, Ford has helped bring down the cost of multi-market cars like the Fiesta (65% of which is standardized parts).

With Volvo's sale - at a huge loss - to Chinese Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ford's golden child already is now making sure those wasted Mercury funds are allocated properly (i.e. to Lincoln and its non-cohesiveproduct range). What's next?

Mulally says, "The key thing now is to keep the economy going. All the fundamentals say that we are moving in the right direction."

I'll believe that when Lincoln is a true-blue luxury brand once more.

By Phil Alex

Source: Bloomberg

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Canadian 1966 Batmobile Replica Commands Audi R8 Money

Last week, Carscoop asked you what your favorite TV or movie car was. Many of you expressed a fondness for the Lincoln Futura-based Batmobile used in the Adam West TV series of the late 1960s.

One of our readers tipped us off to this sweet, '66 Batmobile replica in Saint-Eustache, Quebec. You'll no longer be the "uncool dad" when you drop your kids off at school in this baby, old chum.

But before you rush out to buy some grey tights and adopt a young, orphaned acrobat consider this: it has the rather un-sweet price tag of CA$176,995 (US$172,779). You could easily get into an Audi R8 V10 for that money. Heck, we even found a 2003 Lamborghini Murcielago for roughly the same price.

And it pains me to remind you that under that svelte body are the aging Ford V8 and 3-speed-automatic transmission from a 1974 Lincoln Continental. Sure it's appropriate for the era, but then so were headbands and paisley and nobody wears them anymore.

What we really want is the Batmobile we saw on TV, not the one that was wheeled on and off the set between takes. You know, the Batmobile that could unlock doors and sounded like a jet fighter taking off.

Unfortunately, this little boy is still waiting.

By Tristan Hankins

Thanks for the tip Craig! , Link: Excellencechrysler

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Lincoln MKT EcoBoost

Lincoln MKT EcoBoost Interior

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

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?