A Redesigned MKZ
The 2010 Lincoln MKZ has been updated with a vastly
changed interior, new front-end styling and a revised drive train. The MKZ goes
against entry-level luxury cars like the Cadillac CTS and Lexus ES 350 and is
related to the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. Front-wheel drive is standard,
with all-wheel drive optional. The focus of the design team was to
distinguish the MKZ from its Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan relatives, and get
the attention of entry-level luxury sedan buyers. The exterior has been
revised with new front and rear fascias, highlighted by stretched tail lamps and
smoother contours throughout.
The MKZ has been uniquely tuned for ride comfort. The rear suspension was changed 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. Also new in 2010 is a sport version with 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. Even on MKZs that don't have the Sport Appearance Package, the
ride-handling balance is said to be improved. 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 paring lots safer and easier. 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; 911 Assist; 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; 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; SIRIUS Travel Link; and a
Reverse Camera System.
MKZ's Power
Like the 2009 MKZ, this year's model is powered by
a 3.5L V-6 making 263 hp and 249 pounds-feet of torque. However, Lincoln says it
revised the six-speed automatic's gearing to trim zero-to-60-mph acceleration
times to 7.1 seconds compared to the 2009's 7.7 seconds. The six-speed
SelectShift automatic transmission is standard on the 2010 Lincoln MKZ. 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. The 3.5-liter uses a
compact, lightweight dual-overhead cam valve train 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. For 2010, the engine and the MKZ itself is quieter.
Driving the MKZ
With the standard comes a six-speed automatic
transmission, SelectShift allows the driver to upshift at his or her discretion.
Downshifts, Ford says, are locked out to protect the engine from over-revving. Reaching 60 mph in the MKZ is relatively
quiet, thanks to the efforts of Ford engineers to reduce noise. The 2010 MKZ
gets re-engineered resonators on the air-induction system, which alters the
vehicle's engine sound. The MKZ has improved turning abilities, and it
offers excellent city and highway handling. Sport Appearance Package that
bundles sport suspension tuning with stiffer springs and larger stabilizer bars
offers a sportier drive than other MKZs.
Cabin Features
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. Ambient interior lighting 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 can switch between five
color schemes. Standard features include heated and cooled front seats with
10-way power adjustments, an 11-speaker audio system and dual-zone automatic
climate control. A THX-certified surround-sound stereo with 14 speakers is
optional. 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. At 16.5 cubic feet, the MKZ's cargo area
beats the ES (14.7 cubic feet) and CTS (13.6) by significant margins. Folding
rear seats are standard, a feature Cadillac offers but Lexus doesn't.
MKZ Style and Design
For 2010, the MKZ's face combines the old MKZ's
visor-like headlights and the larger MKS sedan's sleeker nose. From the doors
back, not a lot has changed. The new MKZ also features Lincoln signature design
elements, including the split-wing grille and thinner wraparound head lamps for
a wider, sportier look. In back, the MKZ takes a cue from the MKX crossover,
with long LED taillights that frame a large Lincoln insignia and the camera from
the reverse camera system. The rear, which features a new decklid, features LED
taillamps which accentuate the width of the car separated by the Lincoln star. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels are standard. A Sport Appearance Package includes
18-inch wheels, a unique grille and darker headlights. At 190 inches long, the
MKZ is just slightly shorter than the ES and CTS. Its 37.5-foot turning circle
is a foot or two wider than either competitor, however.
Safety Features
Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, traction control
and an electronic stability system are standard. The MKZ's six standard airbags
include side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for
both rows. BLIS, an optional blind spot warning system senses cars in the
adjacent lane and warns drivers with an indicator light in the side mirror. 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, is included. The system activates the emergency flashers when a
spinout is detected. 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. 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.
2010 Lincoln MKZ Conclusions
Lincoln is a brand that is equated with elegant,
modern design, unparalleled comfort, unrivaled features and top quality. And this is what consumers expect when they purchase a Lincoln.
With the 2010
MKZ mid-size sedan, all qualities known to Lincoln are included. The 2010
Lincoln MKZ is built at Ford's Hermosillo (Mexico) Stamping and
Assembly Plant and is in dealer showrooms now. Like its Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan
cousins, the Lincoln MKZ has received a complete overhaul for the 2010 model
year. The MKZ has much-improved cabin quality, a well-executed navigation
system, excellent safety features and cargo room, spring-loaded rear seats, and
many standard luxury features. The 2010 MKZ will have an expected starting
MSRP around the $40,000 range.