2013 Lincoln MKZ

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ bowed today ahead of the New York International Auto Show, bringing with it a host of new technologies and features highlighted by a gigantic retractable glass roof. “The new Lincoln MKZ represents the future of Lincoln in both style and substance,” said Jim Farley, Group Vice President, Global Marketing, Sales and Service. “It is proof of our commitment to deliver a new breed of Lincolns for a new generation of Lincoln clients – motor cars that are distinctive, elegant, full of technology and a delight to own.” Designed by a new team The MKZ is the first Lincoln designed by the automaker’s new Lincoln Design Studio, a department created during Ford’s overhaul of its luxury operations. Stylistically, the brand’s entry-level sedan departs significantly from its rather conventional (and rather Ford Fusion-esque) predecessor with a more dramatic design highlighted by a gently sloping C-pillar that, in some ways, recalls the Audi A7. An ultra-high decklid peaks with an integrated spoiler before descending into a wide-swept LED tail lamp bar. The car’s rear diffuser features a quartet of integrated square tail pipes. Up front, the MKZ features a more refined version of the brand’s signature front fascia and highly-pointed head lamps. Lincoln says that the car channels a number of touches, like the split-wing grille, from the 1938 Lincoln Zephyr. Ironically, Lincoln briefly revived the name of that icon when the previous MKZ first debuted in 2005, but the sedan was quickly renamed MKZ. Inside, the MKZ goes high tech. Gone is a gear lever and in its place is a five-button interface dubbed Push Button Shift. A 10.1-inch LCD instrument cluster replaces traditional gauges, while an eight-inch TFT LCD in the center of the dashboard features the latest version of MyLincoln Touch and Sync. MKZ’s interior is light on wood and silver trim, but a number of stitched surfaces will be part of the package. Lincoln says that what wood and metal-toned surfaces are found in the MKZ were “responsibly harvested.” A new four-spoke steering wheel features a myriad of secondary controls. An 11-speaker audio system is standard, while a THX-certified 700-watt, 14-speaker unit is optional. Active Noise Control technology – like that seen in noise canceling headphones – will be standard. Look up and drivers and passengers will see a gigantic 15.2-square foot glass panel that retracts at the push of a button to reveal a wide and large opening. Lincoln hasn’t stated whether the panoramic roof will be standard or optional on the 2013 MKZ.