Spy Shot: 2010 Lincoln MKZ getting MKS-like update
by Frank Filipponio on Nov 11th 2008 at 3:59PM 
AutoObserver is showing pics of a face-lifted Lincoln MKZ prototype that looks to be taking on more of a familial facade. With the relative (very relative) success of the new MKS flagship, Lincoln has apparently decided that grafting the MKS mug onto the mid-size MKZ can only help, as well. Not that the old nose really needed rhinoplasty, but the entry-level luxury sedan would look out of place lacking the brand's new "Winged Grille" that debuted on the MKS and will also be seen on the upcoming MKT three-row crossover. We don't know if a new grille is going to do the trick on its own, though we expect the MKZ to also benefit from the same across the board engine updates as the 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, sans a hybrid version. All three vehicles will be unveiled at the 2008 LA Auto Show next week, and we'll be sure to bring shots from the show floor.[Source: AutoObserver]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jim 4:06PM (11/11/2008)
"With the relative (very relative) success of the new MKS flagship, Lincoln has apparently decided that grafting the MKS mug onto the mid-size MKZ can only help, as well."
sigh... The refresh of the CD triplets began long before the MKS went on market. Unless you think Ford turned around the re-styling of the MKZ in a month and a half.
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John 4:20PM (11/11/2008)
I just hope they get rid of that ugly boxed dash. It was the only reason why I disliked the car in the first place. Other than that, it was not a bad 1st gen; it's a decent entry luxury.
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Flashpoint 11:39PM (11/11/2008)
My uncle has an MKZ with a low skirt kit and it looks really good.
as for the box dash, I like the MKS's display but my problem is, when alot of car companies go from a radio head unit to an in dash display, tehy use a pendantic touchscreen design that is harder to use than the old head units.
lance 4:50AM (12/31/2008)
the best selling caddy eldorado ever had a very similar dashboard. everyone that enters the mkz loves it. so retro. you must be some young, no imagination character.
John 5:04PM (1/04/2009)
Yes, I am pretty young, 25. But to say that I have no imagination just because I do not like the overly boxy interior is a pretty lame argument. I don't mind a slightly boxy interior, but the current MXZ is overly boxy which makes it look very boring, unconventional, cheap, and doesn't totally fit with the overall design of the car. Why is it that they changed it? I believe the reason why is because I am not the only one with my thoughts towards the boxy interior. If you are going to go with retro, make the overall design of the car retro. The MKZ is not "retro".
Torrent 4:30PM (11/11/2008)
The read end looks a little boxy.
I still think it should have been Zephyr.
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fixitfixitstop 4:38PM (11/11/2008)
Even though the Zephyr (and most other feline names) have been used on Mercury cars? The Milan should have been the Zephyr. Enough of this Ford F and Mercury M and Lincoln MKx crap!
Torrent 4:48PM (11/11/2008)
Lincoln Zephyr just has a better ring to it.
happy_penguin 5:43PM (11/11/2008)
All the aero shapes have almost become passe. Suddenly, boxy can be "in" again and as far as I'm concerned, Ford does it well. I like the styling I'm seeing out of FoMoCo. :)
KT 4:30PM (11/11/2008)
I'm pretty sure there have been spy shots of a refreshed interior also. Surprising there haven't been more shots of this update like it's siblings.
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Hamud 4:32PM (11/11/2008)
Hey guys, clicking on the pic gives me an error.
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Joel 4:49PM (11/11/2008)
Yes. Bring back the feline. Start with the Lynx and move on up. And single people of the world await for a Cougar!
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sydbot 4:58PM (11/11/2008)
Looks like the rear deck needs shortened; would add "sportiness".
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Crackberry Addict 5:38PM (11/11/2008)
The new interior is a total 180 from current gen.! looks alot like the MKS interior now, Well done ford!
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P.V. 6:27PM (11/11/2008)
I like the interior and split-wing grille a lot better than what the MKZ has right now. Keep it up, but in the future, PLEASE try to differentiate the bodywork a little more.
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drolds1 7:03PM (11/11/2008)
What engine updates? The MKZ already has the 3.5 Duratec. It will, however, get the manumatic feature and many of the same features available in the MKS.
Here's the 2010 MKZ order guide:
http://www.blueovalforums.com/forums/index.php?s=e0fe913ab1af45319dfef1fefe33992c&act=attach&type=post&id=8002
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Matt 7:35PM (11/11/2008)
Welp...looks like all three CD3 clones are going to be ugly.
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Rick 7:01PM (11/12/2008)
The grill is way too big for that front end. When it's all chromed out, it will be annoying.
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