Spy Shots: Lincoln MKZ getting split-wing grille
click above for more spy shots of the Lincoln MKZ
We knew this was bound to happen, as the split-wing grille first seen on the Lincoln MKR Concept made its way to the production MKS sedan and Lincoln MKT Concept that debuted earlier this month at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. Now it's the MKZ's turn to get a new face that toes the corporate line. Through the heavy camouflage on the front of this test vehicle we can see the now familiar vertical slats the make up the brand's new trademark split-wing grille. KGP Photographers tell us the camouflage on the rear of the vehicle is also obscuring new taillights. Hopefully they're a bit smaller than the ones on the current car, which are so large as to suggest they come straight from the Navigator.
The MKZ is a fine car, but Lincoln admittedly made some mistakes when it was first introduced a few years ago. Not one year after introduction, its name was changed from Zephyr (a perfectly fine name) to MKZ, at which point confusion began to build about whether or not it should be called the M-K-Z or the Mark Z. It's the M-K-Z, by the way. It also received a few styling tweaks after that first year, as well as the first application of Ford's new 3.5L V6. That engine coupled with a six-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive helped the little Lincoln start to pick up sales, and in nearly sold as many units as the less expensive Mercury Milan (34,363 vs 37,244) in 2007. Perhaps a nose job will help sales even more by further associating the MKZ with Lincoln's new look.
[Photos: KGP Photography]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
MemphisNET 1:15PM (1/28/2008)
The Milan is still my fav. variant of this platform - and we don't even get it in Canada :(
The MKZ is nice, but its too similar to the Fusion and Milan. A nice THX sounds system and some faux-aluminum trim isn't enough. The 3.5/6speed is a great addition, and if anything it should be kept away from the Fusion and Milan if only to increase the Lincoln sales.
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Mercury Fan Forever 1:38PM (1/28/2008)
The Lincoln MKZ is nice, but the Mercury Milan is by far the best looking one out of the three to me and it's my favorite.
chrisdavis 1:42PM (1/28/2008)
Making the Fusion/Milan wouldn't make the Lincoln better, but it would help Toyota, Honda, and Chevrolet sell more cars.
chrisdavis 1:44PM (1/28/2008)
I meant to say "Making the Fusion/Milan WORSE wouldn't..."
naggs 2:35PM (1/28/2008)
mercury is on its way out, once ford strangles all the mercury dealers out of existence, the brand is dead
the 3.5 should make its way into all the surviving fusion based cars
Jim in Tampa 2:42PM (1/28/2008)
I agree. The Milan is my favorite version too!
MemphisNET 2:53PM (1/28/2008)
My original post was just of the opinion that most Fusion/Milan buyers probably aren't looking for high-end horsepower. The bigger/more powerful engine would be right at home in the 'high-end' variant (MKZ)
Having said that, a Fusion SHO/SVT would be awesome.
John P. 1:16PM (1/28/2008)
I always thought the mkz was a couple tweaks away from being something really nice. They look pretty well put together in person. From what I see here, the tailights look thinner and more horiztontal (hopefully).
The new Lincoln Grille will be a huge improvement also. By the way, Zephyr was a cool name. Sorry they let it go.
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MJL 1:16PM (1/28/2008)
Why do they keep messing around with the front? It's that baboon-faced rear they need to tamper with.
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psarhjinian 1:20PM (1/28/2008)
Agreed. I like MKZephyr a lot, but the rear lights look really garish on any paint colour except red. Interior's fine, handling's pretty good, price and feature content are spot on--but that taillight cluster's a dealbreaker.
_Jon 1:20PM (1/28/2008)
Ahh, the 'Zephyr' vs 'MKZ' argument... What fun those were...
I recall a bunch of us laughing over the press release that said something like "Lincoln is a uniquely American luxury vehicle." Then, later in the same release announced "We are changing the naming method to use the Asian / European convention of letters." (quotes paraphrased from memory) Some asked if the press release was written by the same two people in one head, or if it copy / paste from different talking points.
We all agree that it is frustrating and embarrassing, that's for sure.
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psarhjinian 1:24PM (1/28/2008)
Ford marketing borders on schizophrenic in it's lack of direction and leadership. It's wholly unlike, say, GM, which uses to the enormously effective "shout the same phrases over and over again and people eventually believe them" technique.
Ford, by comparison, mixes messages so often it's scary. It really gives buyers no confidence if they can't plan more than a year in advance. The whole 500/Taurus thing was dumb. The MKZephyr was dumber. The Fairlane/Flex thing had people in tears.
naggs 2:38PM (1/28/2008)
seriously, that fairlane/flex naming fiasco is more evidence
is there anyone out there that likes Flex?
rsw 1:21PM (1/28/2008)
I really want to like this car... and on paper it's a home run! Problem is, it's an expensive tarted-up Fusion... which sez more about how good a car Fusion is... and it will take more than a new grill and taillights to compensate for a $20K+ premium price. Of course that little 'Polo' emblem or the word 'Nautica' printed like a sandwich sign on a garment gets a pretty good premium too... but after so many years of opportunity gone, it is frustrating that this is the best luxury mid sized sedan Lincoln can manage to scrape up!
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Talisman 8:21PM (1/28/2008)
The premium is not 20k dollars. Its 10k at most. Typically it's less than that seeing as how a 3.0 V6 Fusion is going to run you 23 to 24k and you can get into a 3.5 MKZ for 29 to 30k. It really averages out to about 6k dollar premium for a completely different interior, different drivetrain, much higher quality materials inside, one of the best soundsystems on the market, and more upscale looks (LED Tails, HID lights, etc).
If you actually compare the MKZ and its features to other entry level "luxury" cars, its priced very competitively and has great reliability ratings.
rsw 11:14AM (1/29/2008)
Talisman I don't know where you got your numbers, but I ckd out a MKZ AWD Saturday at the Auto Show and sticker was $38K-- although well equipped, not top line from what I could see! This vehicle has specific interest for the Mrs since we want to get her into an AWD MKZ, MKX, or other high line and out of a CLK RWD that can't get out of its own way. While the Ford dealer might drop his drawers to $18 or so for a Fusion, Lincoln dealers don't like to let their jewelry go too cheap. Heck $23-26 for one wholesale at the auction. See for yourself!
Dan 1:59PM (1/28/2008)
I for one actually like the MKZ. When will it get the Fusion/Milan hybrid drivetrain? That would have me down at my local dealership in no time -- especially since Cadillac hasn't announced any hybrid sedans.
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Devin 2:26PM (1/28/2008)
When will the Fusion/Milan get the Fusion/Milan hybrid powertrain. Ford's been promising it for a while now, and I still haven't seen the production version at a car show or in public. What gives?
naggs 2:39PM (1/28/2008)
2009, 2.5 4 cyl hybrid
should be 30/35 mpg
Mike Botros 3:49PM (1/28/2008)
mullaly or someone said that the fusion/milan hybrids were coming this year in the detroit autoshop press conference.