Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[REPORT: Lincoln and Mercury's new direction involves downsizing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/report-lincoln-and-mercurys-new-direction-involves-downsizing/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/report-lincoln-and-mercurys-new-direction-involves-downsizing/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/report-lincoln-and-mercurys-new-direction-involves-downsizing/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Lincoln Concept C - Click above for high-res image gallery

If The Blue Oval boys intend to keep buyers filing into Lincoln and Mercury showrooms over the next few years, each brand's product portfolios are going to need a bit more than a simple nick-and-tuck to compete with the best from around the world. To that end, expect Lincoln to continue making the switch from large, rear-wheel drive SUVs and old-tech luxury barges to smaller, more nimble premium models akin to the next-gen Focus-based compact Concept C that was introduced earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show. Around the same time, the very last Lincoln Town Car will roll ingloriously down the assembly line, replaced as it's already been in most buyer's minds by the newer MKS.

Don't expect to see a replacement for the aging Lincoln Navigator SUV any time soon, but joining the MKX and MKT mid-size crossovers may well be a new compact 'ute based on the underpinnings of the next-gen Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner and Ford Kuga (for Europe, at least). Speaking of Ford's interplanetary brand, it's reportedly finally confirmed Mercury has a future products in the pipeline. Starting small - which seems to be a definite theme for Mercury and Lincoln - Mercury should get its own version of the next Focus, probably as a 2012 model.

A year later in 2013, the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ are all scheduled to get a new front-drive mid-size platform that will thankfully share its guts with the European Ford Mondeo. The Mercury Mariner and Ford Escape twins along with the expected Lincoln crossover should show up late in 2011. Finally, the body-on-frame Grand Marquis and Mountaineer will make the long, cold walk to the automotive graveyard within the next few years. Somehow, we doubt many will miss their absence.


Gallery: Detroit 2009: Lincoln C Concept Live


Gallery: Lincoln Concept C


[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

REPORT: Lincoln and Mercury's new direction involves downsizing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 lincoln mks2010 lincoln mkt2010 lincoln mkx2010 lincoln mkz2010LincolnMks2010LincolnMkt2010LincolnMkx2010LincolnMkzlincoln clincoln compactlincoln concept clincoln mkslincoln mktlincoln mkxlincoln mkzLincolnCLincolnCompactLincolnConceptCLincolnMksLincolnMktLincolnMkxLincolnMkzmercury compactmercury marinermercury milanMercuryCompactMercuryMarinerMercuryMilanMon, 27 Jul 2009 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Lincoln MKZ gets Executive Package, Ron Burgundy approves of rich walnut trim]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/25/lincoln-mkz-gets-executive-package-ron-burgundy-approves-of-ric/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/25/lincoln-mkz-gets-executive-package-ron-burgundy-approves-of-ric/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/25/lincoln-mkz-gets-executive-package-ron-burgundy-approves-of-ric/#commentsFiled under:


2010 Lincoln MKZ - Click above for a high-res image gallery

If you have many leather-bound books and your apartment smells of rich mahogany, then you might be interested in the new Executive Appearance Package option for the 2010 Lincoln MKZ. Available in late summer, the new trim package offers "more traditional luxury appointments" for Lincoln's base sedan, a result of early sales showing buyers preferring well-equipped models. The package comes in Dark Charcoal or Cashmere colors and includes unique stitching on the door trim, an insert on the console armrest, a genuine Swirl Walnut wood console and instrument panel accents, along with premium floor mats with the Lincoln star. Full details are available in the press release after the jump.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKZ

Continue reading Lincoln MKZ gets Executive Package, Ron Burgundy approves of rich walnut trim

Lincoln MKZ gets Executive Package, Ron Burgundy approves of rich walnut trim originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Lincoln MKZ2010 MKZ2010LincolnMkz2010MkzLincolnLincoln MKZLincoln MKZ Executive PackageLincolnMkzLincolnMkzExecutivePackageMKZThu, 25 Jun 2009 19:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2010 Lincoln MKZ makes a name for itself in the middle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/review-2010-lincoln-mkz-makes-a-name-for-itself-in-middle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/review-2010-lincoln-mkz-makes-a-name-for-itself-in-middle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/review-2010-lincoln-mkz-makes-a-name-for-itself-in-middle/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2010 Lincoln MKZ - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Lincoln MKZ began life as the Zephyr. It was bland-looking and far too underpowered to compete in the increasingly competitive entry-level luxury class. Ford updated the mid-size sedan back in 2007 with a more powerful engine, some cosmetic updates, and a new alphanumeric moniker. Despite the alterations, the least expensive Lincoln still didn't stack up with the competition in many areas, let alone in terms of image or "wow" factor.

Understandably, Lincoln is looking to reverse the fortunes of its MKZ for the 2010 model year, with a thorough makeover on the inside and some major cosmetic tweaks on the outside. Has Lincoln improved its volume sedan entry enough to make the MKZ a consideration for car shoppers? Hit the jump to find out how the 2010 Lincoln MKZ fared in our Autoblog review.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Lincoln MKZ


Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Shunk / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Lincoln MKZ makes a name for itself in the middle

Review: 2010 Lincoln MKZ makes a name for itself in the middle originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 lincoln mkz2010LincolnMkzfeaturedlincolnlincoln mkzLincolnMkzmkzreviewreviewsWed, 17 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKZ, a solid performer gets a makeover]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/17/first-drive-2010-lincoln-mkz-a-solid-performer-gets-a-makeover/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/17/first-drive-2010-lincoln-mkz-a-solid-performer-gets-a-makeover/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/17/first-drive-2010-lincoln-mkz-a-solid-performer-gets-a-makeover/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Lincoln MKZ - Click above for high-res image gallery

Launched in 2006 as the Zephyr, Lincoln's entry-level luxury sedan has undergone quite a few changes over the last three years. Graced with a new name - the MKZ - in 2007, as well as a 3.5-liter V6 and available all-wheel drive, the feature list continued to grow when SYNC and reverse park-assist were added to the MKZ in 2008. Like its Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan brothers, the 2010 MKZ benefits from a significant mid-cycle refresh that Lincoln hopes will make it more competitive in its segment. We recently spent a day with the new MKZ, scrutinizing its revamped exterior design, inspecting its all-new interior and testing out the re-tuned engine and suspension. Read on to see if the sum of the 2010 Lincoln MKZ's parts add up to an improved car.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKZ


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKZ, a solid performer gets a makeover

First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKZ, a solid performer gets a makeover originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Lincoln MKZ2010 Lincoln MKZ review2010 Lincoln MKZ test drive2010LincolnMkz2010LincolnMkzReview2010LincolnMkzTestDrivefeaturedfeaturesfirst driveFirstDriveLincolnLincoln MKZLincoln MKZ reviewLincolnMkzLincolnMkzReviewMKZFri, 17 Apr 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 Lincoln MKZ will start at $34,995]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/18/2010-lincoln-mkz-will-start-at-34-995/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/18/2010-lincoln-mkz-will-start-at-34-995/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/18/2010-lincoln-mkz-will-start-at-34-995/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Lincoln MKZ - Click above for high-res image gallery

Perhaps a Ford Fusion just isn't upscale enough for you, and even a Mercury Milan is too plebeian to be seen in. Fortunately there's a third option called the Lincoln MKZ that, like its less expensive brethren, was redesigned for the 2010 model year. Along with its new, more in-your-face nose bearing Lincoln's flying wing grille, the MKZ also gets a new price that starts at $34,995 including destination charges. If you demand the sure footedness of all-wheel-drive, your MKZ will begin a little higher at $36,855. For comparison's sake, a 2008 MKZ starts at $32,695 not including destination charges.

Besides your choice of how many wheels are driven, there aren't any trim levels for the MKZ, just lots of options to tack on your order sheet like a power moonroof ($1,200), THX II certified stereo with surround sound ($995) and special White Platinum Tri-Coat pain ($495). New for 2010, however, is a Sport Appearance Package, which includes stiffer springs and larger stabilizer bars, 18-inch Euroflange polished wheels (17-inch wheels are standard), a unique grille, body-color door handles, darker headlamps and a gussied up interior. Click here to view the complete pricing PDF and check out Lincoln's official press release after the jump.


Gallery: 2010 Lincoln MKZ


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2010 Lincoln MKZ will start at $34,995

2010 Lincoln MKZ will start at $34,995 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 lincoln mkz2010LincolnMkzlincolnlincoln mkzlincoln mkz priceLincolnMkzLincolnMkzPricemkzWed, 18 Mar 2009 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2008: 2010 Lincoln MKZ unveiled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-lincoln-mkz-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-lincoln-mkz-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-lincoln-mkz-unveiled/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Lincoln MKZ

Lincoln's foray into the entry level luxury sedan market has gone through several changes over the past few years, starting with the introduction of the Zephyr in 2006 and evolving into the MKZ in 2007. In addition to the name change, Lincoln replaced the 3.0L V6 with a 3.5L unit, added a 6-speed automatic and provided the option of AWD. Now for 2010, Lincoln has given the MKZ a substantial refresh to keep pace in one of the most competitive segments. Follow the jump to see what's new for the MKZ, and check out our high-res image galleries below of official and live shots taken when we had a chance to preview the car in person last week.

Gallery: 2010 Lincoln MKZ


Gallery: 2010 Lincoln MKZ - LIVE


Live photos copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading LA 2008: 2010 Lincoln MKZ unveiled

LA 2008: 2010 Lincoln MKZ unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Lincoln MKZ2010 MKZ2010LincolnMkz2010MkzLA 2008La2008LincolnLincoln MKZLincolnMkzMKZWed, 19 Nov 2008 15:12:00 EST