2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid review and specification

2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid review and specification
2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid receives EPA certification, making it the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America with a certified 41 mpg in city driving and 36 mpg on the highway

* 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid tops its nearest competitor – the 2010 Lexus HS 250h – in fuel economy (by 6 mpg), engine power, passenger room, standard luxury (leather upholstery and genuine wood) and segment-exclusive safety features

2011 Lincoln MKS reviews and cars specification

2011 Lincoln MKS reviews and cars specification

Lincoln MKT reviews and cars specification

Lincoln MKT reviews and cars specification

2011 Lincoln Luxury Sports Sedan MKZ Hybrid

NEW YORK, March 31, 2010 – Lincoln today introduces its first hybrid – the new 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid – a premium midsize car poised to be the most fuel-efficient luxury sports sedan in America.

2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

“Today’s luxury customers do not want to make sacrifices. Lincoln has found a way to deliver a luxury sports sedan with the comforts they expect, the technology they want and the environmental responsibility society demands,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group Vice President, Global Product Development.

Ford’s latest hybrid sports sedan, the 2011 Lincoln MKZ has finally lifted off its covers at the New York Auto Show. Using its second generation of hybrid technology, the company aims to ‘further broaden its aggressive electrification plan.’ From the Department at Ford Motor Company comes the new hybrid version of the Lincoln MKZ. The 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 2011 Lincoln MKZ 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. Ford cited its hybrid as “the most fuel-efficient luxury sports sedan in America” as it returns 41  miles per gallon of average fuel consumption.

In pure electric mode, the MKZ Hybrid can reach 47 mph. While we have yet to match those numbers (the Milan hybrid we tested returned 32 mpg combined), Ford says it expects similar EPA ratings for this MKZ. The company goes on to name the car’s Public Enemy No. 1, the Lexus HS250h, and says that the MKZ will offer the best fuel economy of any luxury sports sedan.

Lincoln's first-ever hybrid model is expected to deliver at least 41mpg (5.7 lt/100km) in the city and reach speeds of up to 47 mph (75 km/h) in pure electric mode.

Lincoln’s take on the Ford hybrid theme, of course, will be much better equipped than either of its less-expensive brethren. It will include swiveling HID headlamps, cushy heated and cooled leather seats, and, of course, a slightly snazzier version of the nifty, configurable EcoGuide instrument cluster. 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!

The loads of standard features in the hybrid include, SmartGauge with EcoGuide, Lincoln SYNC, 10-Way Power Passenger Seat, Genuine Wood Trim, Reverse Sensing System, Keyless Entry Keypad, Easy Fuel Capless Fuel-Filler, Personal Safety System, MyKey, Integrated Spotter Mirrors, Acoustic Laminated Windshield and standard Bridge of Weir leather seats.

Other standard goodies include Sync voice-activated controls; sustainable wood trim for the dash, doors, and steering wheel; and reverse and cross-traffic sensors. Pricing has not yet been announced, but we speculate it will cost around $38,000 to start. Sales will begin later this year.

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.

Battered 2009 Lincoln MKS Sedan Caught Testing in Detroit

This bashed-up 2009 Lincoln MKS test mule (see the production model here)was caught on film by our fellow mates over at Jalopnik. The car was spotted somewhere in Detroit and as you can see in the pictures, it’s in a pretty bad shape. From the looks of it, someone must have had a slip-up as the lower front end of the MKS is missing. Still, we don’t understand the reason why Lincoln’s testers attached a tow bar in front of the car. –More pics after the jump

Via: Jalopnik

SEMA 2007: Ford’s Truck & Crossover Offerings

Focusing on the Focus (see here), is not a bad idea but Ford couldn’t go to this year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show without bringing pick-up trucks and crossovers. Ford’s offerings at the annual aftermarket show in Las Vegas on Oct. 30 will include specially tuned versions of the Ford Edge, Escape, Expedition, F-150 and Lincoln MKX, Navigator models. Also on stand will be a special 1951 Ford pickup truck which was completed by the Make-A-Wish foundation for a young cancer patient named Justin Lilley. -Details and images after the jump

Ford Edge by MRT-Direct

MRT-Direct ups the “sport” in crossover sport utility with this extremely lowered and lavished Ford Edge. The 3D Carbon body kit is further accentuated with an MRT Leading Edge hood, rear fascia and black chrome exterior trim. The 3.5-liter turbocharged Duratec V-6 uses a Turbonetics air-to-air intercooler, MRT Aero turbine performance exhaust with calibration by Calibrated Success and Ford Racing Performance to drive all four 22-inch Boss Motorsports wheels and Dunlop tires. An H&R Street performance suspension keeps things under control. The performance theme is carried top the interior sporting Sparco Modena sport seats and Stewart Warner gauges. An ARC Audio system supplies the tunes while Ford’s exclusive SYNC hands-free communications system lets you keep both hands on the wheel at all times.

FMS Escape

Escape the everyday with this custom Ford Escape by ATS Design. The Escape is ready for its getaway with a custom grille and racing-inspired front fascia that houses PIAA driving lamps in the lower corners. Side skirts, rear valence and rear spoiler complete the body transformation. An Eibach suspension provides a 2-inch drop over a sharp set of 20-inch Estorils by TSW Wheels. A Gibson performance exhaust delivers a throaty exhaust note from the 3.0-liter
V-6 while rear seat passengers enjoy INVISON Industries Revolution 2 DVD screens mounted in the headrests.

Lincoln MKX by Barry’s Speed Shop

This custom ride could easily be classified as ‘dessert.’ The delicious interior, bathed in supple Katzkin leather and suede, provides the perfect ambience to enjoy the INVISION Revolution 2 DVD screens in the headrests and Blaupunkt premium audio with 12-inch tube subwoofer. The Lincoln crossover is bathed in luxurious PPG black paint and dressed in a 3D Carbon body kit with custom grille, trim and blacked out tailamps by Barry’s Speed Shop. An H&R suspension kit lowers the MKX over a sweet set of SRRC Wheels that show off the Baer Brakes custom rotors.

Ford F-150 by K Daddyz Kustoms

K Daddys Kustomz adds “In Your Face” to “Built Ford Tough.” This extreme machine sits 17 inches over stock on a Bullet Proof lift kit installed by Shocker Motor Sports, Fox Racing Shox and Atlas leaf springs. The 22-inch Weld wheels wear 40x15.5x22 Toyo Tires. The F-150’s 5.4-liter Triton V-8 mounts a ProCharger supercharger, Yukon gears, Kinetik power cell, and UPR billet dress up kit. K Daddys Kustomz applied the wild blue-on-blue flame paint scheme using Hot Hues by DuPont. Soft leather seats are surrounded by the sound of Titanium Power Audio and fiberglass speaker pods and plexiglass speaker box. Vizualogic supplied the headrest video and gaming system

Ford F-150 by ATS Design

Every trucker has an ultimate obsession. ATS Design partnered with an elite group of aftermarket manufacturers to bring their Ultimate Obsession to life. This radical custom F-150 features a who’s who list of brand names from the Volant exhaust and air intake system on the 5.4-liter Triton V-8 to the dual Optima batteries under the hood. ATS provided the front valance, fender flares and roll pan with billet accents along while T-Rex chipped in the billet grille insert. Ford’s Cargo Management System sits atop a Wise Industries bed rug and snuggles underneath the Snug Top tonneau cover. A McGaughy’s suspension drops the truck two-inches over 22-inch KMC Lorenzo wheels wrapped in Pirelli rubber. The Katzkin leather interior will be rockin’ to the sound of a Sony premium sound system while the little truckers are entertained with the Sony DVD system and monitors.

Make-A-Wish 1951 F-Series

Justin Lilley had a wish. The young cancer patient asked the Make-A-Wish Foundation to help him restore his grandfather’s 1951 Ford pickup. Make-A-Wish tapped the talents of the students at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor Mich., with help from Ford Motor Company to perform a complete ground-up restoration. Justin’s wish truck sits on a Fat Man tube chassis with a supercharged 4.6-liter V-8 under the fiberglass hood. The ’51 Ford body is chopped and features suicide doors. The custom deep black paint is carried on to the Ford GT40 wheels. The interior is fitted with a custom dash, console, racing seats and a booming Alpine stereo system with custom speaker boxes.

2008 F-150 FX-2 Sport

The FX-2 takes trucking to a whole new level and the project FX-2 V2 ups the ante even further. The Vehicle Personalization branded windshield is just a hint of what’s in store. Each side of the truck shows off a different set of new 22-inch wheels while the pure white paint is set off with contrasting stripes that run down the hood and across the hard tonneau cover and down the tailgate. Ford Racing provides a supercharger, radiator, chrome valve covers and custom exhaust along with a lowering kit and tall 4:10 final gear for extra get-up-and-go. Red illuminated sill plates provide the invitation to an interior that features headrest DVDs, BaluPunkt audio and HD radio.

Urban Rider Expedition

Cruise the ‘hood in style in the Urban Rider from 3D Carbon. The 2008 Expedition is converted to a hip street custom with a new front fascia, side rockers, rear bumper lower valance and rear tailgate spoiler. An Eibach performance suspension sets the Urban Rider down over polished NC-forged, six-spoke aluminum wheels wrapped in Pirelli rubber. A Katzkin two-tone leather interior and tinted windows add the finishing touches.

DeBerti Lincoln Navigator L

Who says you can’t take it with you? This gorgeous black-on-black cruiser is like a luxury getaway, complete with fully reclining back seats that massage you from head to toe. Best yet, this Navigator keeps you connected with a Trac-Vision system by KVH that provides satellite television and internet access. Just sit back in the supple Katzkin leather seats and watch a movie, the game or play a game of your own. The Black L floats on a custom air ride suspension and looks out-of-this-world with deep black PPG paint, 3D Carbon wing, Street Glow under lighting and 26-inch, forged aluminum wheels with polished rims and black spokes.