Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is an all-new entry-level luxury hybrid sedan.

Exterior
The 2010 styling changes combined the old MKZ's visorlike headlights and the larger MKS sedan's sleeker nose. From the doors back, not much has changed. Exterior features include:
Standard 17-inch alloy wheels
Sport Appearance Package includes 18-inch wheels, unique grille, darker headlights
Acoustic laminated windshield for noise reduction

Interior
Inside, the old MKZ's boxy dash has been smoothed out to something closer to that of the MKS, complete with genuine wood trim and upscale leather. The center controls have smaller dials and buttons than before. The optional navigation system comes with Sirius Travel Link, which can track, among other things, nearby movie listings, weather forecasts and gas stations with regularly updated fuel prices. Interior features include:
Standard heated and cooled front seats with 10-way power adjustments
Standard Sync communication system
Optional moonroof
MyKey programmable system that limits speed
Ambient interior lighting with five color schemes
Standard 11-speaker audio system
Optional THX-certified surround-sound stereo with 14 speakers

Under the Hood
The 263-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 teams with a six-speed automatic and standard front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional. Lincoln says the zero-to-60-mph acceleration time is 7.1 seconds.
263-hp 3.5-liter V-6
Six-speed automatic
Front- or all-wheel drive
Optional Sport Appearance Package includes sport-tuned suspension

Safety
Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system are standard. The MKZ's six standard airbags include side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for both rows. Other safety features include:
SOS Post-Crash Alert flashes lights and sounds horn
Optional blind spot warning system
Optional backup camera


Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
Lincoln's first hybrid is also the first midsize, front-wheel-drive hybrid sedan from a luxury automaker. The MKZ Hybrid's drivetrain technology should look familiar, as the car is related to the Ford Fusion Hybrid, but a number of luxury touches are added. Its EPA-estimated 41/36 mpg city/highway rating makes the MKZ the most efficient luxury hybrid in the U.S. It is set to hit dealerships in fall 2010.

Like the Fusion Hybrid, the MKZ Hybrid doesn't do much to advertise itself as a hybrid. Hybrid badges appear on the front doors and trunklid, but without them, this sedan could easily be mistaken for a regular MKZ, with its large twin-port grille and wide LED taillights.

The MKZ Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine and an electric motor that make a combined 191 horespower. As with the Fusion Hybrid, Ford says the MKZ Hybrid can travel up to 47 mph on electric power alone.

Perhaps more significant than the maximum electric-only cruising speed is the MKZ Hybrid's SmartGauge with EcoGuide technology, which can help the driver drive more efficiently. Whereas the instrument panel on the Fusion Hybrid uses green vines that "grow" larger the more efficiently you drive, the MKZ Hybrid adds to that with white flowers that "blossom" due to long-term gas mileage.