Autoblog

REPORT: Lincoln and Mercury's new direction involves downsizing

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Crossover, Lincoln, Mercury, Luxury

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.

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

Drew Phillips — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Lincoln

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.

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

Chris Shunk — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedan, Lincoln, Reviews, Luxury

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

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.

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Mercedes-Benz R-Class, Lincoln MKZ earn IIHS Top Safety Pick

Michael Harley — Mon, 04 May 2009 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Sedan, Safety, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz

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

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently tested the Mercedes-Benz R-Class and Lincoln MKZ, and both have earned the agency's Top Safety Pick rating for 2009. The 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class did very well in the frontal offset and side impact tests with "Good" ratings in both tests (models manufactured after 9/2008 with the standard side airbags). The 2010 Lincoln MKZ also performed admirably, earning "Good" ratings in both tests as well (models manufactured after 1/2007). In rear crash tests done by the IIHS, the Mercedes and Lincoln each received "Good" ratings. While the IIHS smashed both of the vehicles offset into a barrier at 40 mph, and hit each with a 3,300-pound side impact barrier moving at 31 mph, the agency's new roof strength crash testing has not been conducted on either model. See the short press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Lincoln MKZ

[Source: IIHS]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz R-Class, Lincoln MKZ earn IIHS Top Safety Pick

Mercedes-Benz R-Class, Lincoln MKZ earn IIHS Top Safety Pick originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 May 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Drew Phillips — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Lincoln, First Drive, Luxury

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

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.

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2010 Lincoln MKZ will start at $34,995

John Neff — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Lincoln

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.

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LA 2008: 2010 Lincoln MKZ unveiled

Drew Phillips — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:12:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Lincoln

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

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.

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Spy Shot: 2010 Lincoln MKZ getting MKS-like update

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Lincoln

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]

Spy Shot: 2010 Lincoln MKZ getting MKS-like update originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford closing Hermosillo plant for January

Chris Shunk — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford

Automotive News is reporting that big inventories of current-generation Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ models will lead to the closure of Ford's Hermosillo plant in Mexico for the entire month of January. The Automotive News Data Center quotes inventory levels of the Ford Fusion at 120 days, while the MKZ is at a very high 229 days. The Blue Oval is allegedly closing the plant even though the launch of the new 2010 Fusion, Milan and MKZ begins in December. Ford hasn't commented about plans to shutter the site for a month, but has stated that the launch is running on schedule and the refreshed triplets should hit dealer showrooms by the end of the first quarter. Ford analyst George Pipas has also stated that the automaker's capacity has to be in line with demand better in the fourth quarter and beyond, so expect plenty of the automaker's remaining plants to experience downtime in the near future.

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

Ford closing Hermosillo plant for January originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lincoln MKT headed to Detroit, facelifted MKZ to LA

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, LA Auto Show, Sedan, Crossover, Lincoln

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lincoln MKT concept

Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas, has confirmed that the Lincoln MKT crossover is due to be reveal this January at the Detroit Auto Show, while a refreshed MKZ will be unveiled at the Los Angeles Show in November.

We already knew the Ford Flex-based CUV was headed to Detroit, with power provided by either a 3.7-liter or a 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6. Both six- and seven-passenger seating arrangements will be offered, along with Blind Spot Monitoring and a Cross Traffic Alert system which utilizes two sonar modules to notify drivers that a vehicle has moved into their blind spot by shining a light on the corresponding outside mirror. Sales are expected to begin later in 2009 and Ford is insistent that the MKT won't share any body panels with its platform sibling.

The facelifted MKZ sedan will sport the new split-wing grille originally found on the MKR concept. New taillights are also rumored to be part of the package and sales should begin later this year or early in 2009.

Gallery: Lincoln MKT Concept

[Source: MotorTrend]

Lincoln MKT headed to Detroit, facelifted MKZ to LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Lincoln MKZ getting split-wing grille

John Neff — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Lincoln

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]

Gallery: Lincoln MKZ - split-grille spy shots

Spy Shots: Lincoln MKZ getting split-wing grille originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: 2009 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ

John Neff — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Ford

The Fusion could aptly be described as a hit for Ford Motor Company. It sold 66,260 units through May of this year, which is a 15.4% increase compared to last year and not an easy accomplishment in this particular buyers' market. Consider, however, that the Fusion shares a platform and many parts with the Lincoln MKZ and Mercury Milan. Taken together the trio of mid-size family sedans constitutes a big hit for Ford. Some time in the next few years all three cars will be given an MCE, or mid-cycle enhancement, at which point we'll see updates to their exteriors and interiors, as well as some new powertrain choices (we hope).

Through the grape vine of the interweb we found these renderings on a Mexican autos news site called autocosmos.com. This happens to be an appropriate place for these renderings to surface because all three cars are built at Ford's assembly plant in Hermosillo, Mexico. In fact, this site may have had some insider info to work with when creating them. Above we see what the artist believes the Fusion will look like after its MCE. The look is familiar, but clearly suggests the Fusion will gain upturned headlights like those found on the Edge CUV. The site also claims the lower grille will be honeycomb and the car will receive larger wheels and a tweaked rear end with a chrome accent bar.

Thanks for the tip, Igor! More after the jump.

[Source: autocosmos.com via GMInsideNews]

Continue reading Rendered Speculation: 2009 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ

Rendered Speculation: 2009 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2007 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford to take all-wheel drive lead from Subaru?

Erin Mays — Mon, 22 May 2006 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Subaru

Watch out Fuji Heavy, Ford Motor Company is out to nab your claim to fame. The Detroit Free Press states that the automaker working its way toward becoming the leading producer of all-wheel-drive (AWD) cars and crossovers in the North American market. Ford says that it will offer AWD variants of the Lincoln MKZ, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX, bringing its total AWD offerings to 22 vehicles and sales to 500,000 by next year.

The trick, Ford thinks, is to offer up models in the middle range of the market -- vehicles a little above entry-level, but not reaching the high cost of luxury vehicles such as BMW and Audi's AWD offerings.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press; Ford Motor Company]

Ford to take all-wheel drive lead from Subaru? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 May 2006 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2008 Mazda 6 mule bagged!

Chris Paukert — Tue, 18 Apr 2006 13:10:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Ford, Lincoln, Mazda

Mazda's bread-and-butter 6 looks to be receiving a dramatic makeover for 2008. Fortunately for consumers, the cross-eyed development tester seen here isn't it. But like momma always said, it's what's inside that counts, and Hefty bag four-doored dose of Zoom-Zoom appears to be no different.

According to Edmunds Inside Line, the mule's camouflage is probably masking the 2008 Mazda 6's chassis. Judging by the shots seen here, the 6 is set to grow, likely in all dimensions. As the 6 has been left behind both in size and power by newer competitors, expect a more capacious interior and a driveline offering something a bit sexier than the 215 horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 currently on offer. Edmunds is betting that the replacement powerplant will be parent company Ford's new 3.5-liter V6 set to serve under the hoods of the Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX and MKZ. In the latter vehicles, the six-pot has been rated around 265 horses and 250 lb.-ft. of torque.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

Spy Shots: 2008 Mazda 6 mule bagged! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Apr 2006 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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