The Lincoln brand has been in the doldrums for years now, but Ford’s luxury arm is looking to stage a comeback (again) starting with the all-new Lincoln MKZ. The brand’s mid-size offering will be arriving in dealerships later this year, and we’re getting our first glimpse of what’s to come with this, the MKZ Concept that makes its debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

The MKZ Concept features an all-new clean sheet design that head designer Max Wolff calls “simplicity with just a few strokes.” The MKZ continues to feature the latest version of Lincoln’s split wing front fascia, with a pair of tidy, multi-unit LED lights that flow out out of the grille. The body side design features a sharp crease at the beltline that helps the concept look wider and more athletic, and looking at the MKZ concept in profile reveals a sweeping roofline that looks unique and refined. We’re big fans of the svelte side mirrors, which are about as thick as a strip steak and completely independent from the A-pillar. The concept also features a stunning, full glass roof that integrates into the body structure.

The mirrors and the lightly tinted glass roof won’t necessarily make their way to production (along with those oversized wheels), but the proportions of this MKZ is likely a spot-on match for the production model. Lincoln tells us that the concept features a 112-inch wheelbase – five inches shorter than the 2012 model. The concept is also wider than the 2012 model by more than an inch.

The extra length should allow for a lot more interior volume, but many concept models show off a cabin that is more Buck Rodgers than production-ready. That’s not the case with the MKZ concept, as Lincoln chose to show off duds that are likely very close to the model we’ll soon find in dealerships. Among the interesting touches are a dash that features rich materials and beautiful wood accents, a new steering wheel design that features perforated leather and a new take on MyLincoln Touch.

The center IP ditches the analog gauges in favor of a ten-inch thin film transistor LED instrument panel with sharp-looking graphics. The center stack shows of an eight-inch LCD screen with the now familiar MyLincoln Touch graphics, plus a touch-sensitive and knob-free set of HVAC controls. The most interesting part about the center console is the absence of a shift lever. Transmission controls are instead aligned vertically along the left edge of the stack, clearing up oodles of space for front row occupants. The center console also houses the push-button start and glove box release buttons.

Ford hasn’t given much information about the mechanicals under the hood of the concept vehicle, but the MKZ will feature the same Lincoln Drive Control and Continuously Controlled Damping adjustable suspension as the 2013 MKT and MKS. Hit the jump to read over the Lincoln press release, and be sure to peruse the high-resolution images in the gallery above.

Continue reading Lincoln MKZ Concept gives sleeker shape to familiar face

Lincoln MKZ Concept gives sleeker shape to familiar face originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lincoln isn’t inspiring many purchase decisions these days, as the luxury make sits in dead last in sales. That could change with the introduction of a few key products, starting with the 2013 Lincoln MKZ.

Ford marketing boss Jim Farley introduced the MKZ Concept at the Detroit Auto Show, and we very much like what we see. The concept, which should look a whole lot like the production model that goes on sale later this year, really pops on the elevated turn table. The rakish, full-length glass roof retracts so all four passengers can enjoy open air. We heard the word “bespoke” a few too many times during the presentation, but Lincoln promises a more individualized purchase and ownership experience.

Lead designer Max Wolff poured over the details of the luxurious interior, including unique stitching, individualized seating for four, push-button gear selector and a floating center stack that was inspired by modern suspension bridges. Wolff also pointed out that future Lincoln models will be designed at the automaker’s new design studio in Dearborn, which employs 180 dedicated designers and engineers.

We don’t have any information on powertrains, but we’re expecting the production car to be released with all the info at the New York Auto Show. Hit the jump to read over the Lincoln press release, and feel free to peruse the high-resolution images from the Detroit Auto Show.

Continue reading Lincoln MKZ Concept looks to kickstart brand renaissance

Lincoln MKZ Concept looks to kickstart brand renaissance originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lincoln dropped plenty of jaws with the company’s MKZ Concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, but the vehicle may have been a bit hotter than the company intended. Something seems to have gone awry with the showcar’s electronics as it sat on the show floor. At some point, thin puffs of smoke began wafting from the driver’s side door panel. No actual flames were spotted or damage reported, but something tells us someone is going to have some explaining to do in Dearborn (the screencap above appears to be an unnerved Joel Piaskowski, Ford’s exterior design boss).

The Lincoln MKZ Concept heralds things to come from the production version of the vehicle set to debut later this year. The vehicle features the resurrection of the push-button transmission, the likes of which we haven’t seen on a production vehicle since the late ’60s. Lincoln promises to roll out drivetrain details as we get closer to the 2012 New York Auto Show. Here’s hoping they can keep the vehicle from going all flambé between now and then. In the mean time, hit the jump to see the video of the concept smoking on stage.

Continue reading Lincoln MKZ Concept arrives smokin’ hot in Detroit

Lincoln MKZ Concept arrives smokin’ hot in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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