The Lincoln MKZ will be undergone a mid-cycle refresh for the 2017 model year.
Besides changes in the exterior/interior stylings (which you can see in the following gallery), it also brings significant mechanical upgrades, mainly for the engine selections.
A newly-developed 3.0L twin-turbo V6 engine (Ford gives it a name called “GTDI”) will appear on the 2017 MKZ.
On the AWD model, the 3.0L turbo V6 is rated at 400 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque; on the FWD version, the engine is detuned to 350 hp, but with the same torque rating – this is because for FWD, 400 hp is way too excessive to generate unnecessary wheel spin, therefore do more harm then contribution to the handling and drivability.
If you pick the FWD version with limited budget in mind, a 2.0L turbocharged I4 engine is available, producing 245 hp.
Besides the above 3 powertrains, a hybrid version will also be offered. Detailed specifications are unknown at this moment.
One thing worth to mention: the 400 hp MKZ’s AWD system will be borrowed from the Focus RS, sourced from GKN. This AWD system provides torque vectoring functionality for the rear wheel, and due to its aggressive rear torque distribution, it can simulate a rear-wheel-drive feel when doing cornering. For more detailed analysis of this AWD system please see our previous article here.
See more information from the below press release, and enjoy the following gallery as well.
Click to view press release- Suite of cutting-edge intuitive technologies including available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, auto hold, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection and enhanced park assist help ease the new Lincoln MKZ driving experience
- Effortless performance enabled by available new Lincoln-exclusive 3.0-liter GTDI V6 engine, which creates a quiet, powerful ride, or popular hybrid option
- Distinctively redesigned from the inside out, including three new Lincoln Black Label themes available, plus two available Revel® audio systems delivering the height of Lincoln luxury
Lincoln reveals a newly designed MKZ today, focusing on areas most desired by today’s luxury midsize sedan customer – quality, performance and style.
“Our customers are looking for three attributes in a luxury midsize sedan – technologies that ease their everyday experience, a beautiful design that is crafted with attention to detail, and a vehicle with impressive power that makes it a pleasure to drive,” said Kumar Galhotra, president of Lincoln. “The new Lincoln MKZ elevates all of these attributes – and many more – to create a compelling entry in this large and highly competitive portion of the luxury market.”
The new Lincoln MKZ is designed to appeal to those who are looking for something different in the luxury market. From the placement of technology features such as the push-button gear shift to reimagined interior spaces including the floating center console, drivers can relish in discovering an unexpected experience based on intelligent function and beautiful form that offers, above all, an enjoyable drive.
The Lincoln Experience is brought to life through the available Lincoln-exclusive 3.0-liter GTDI V6 engine, as well as intangible elements like the quiet cabin provided by the Active Noise Control system.
Features that make the new Lincoln MKZ a haven of refined comfort include curated spaces for storage, the availability of three Lincoln Black Label interior packages with exclusive, personal in-home design consultation, available fully retractable panoramic glass roof, and concert-quality Revel® audio with specially designed doors for optimal positioning of the speakers.
Intuitive technology
The new Lincoln MKZ is designed to make the drive ride easier and more enjoyable. Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality automatically can slow the car, resuming higher speeds when traffic clears. The system activates the brakes automatically to bring the car to a complete stop if the driver fails to apply brakes in time1.
An auto hold feature keeps the car at a complete stop without the driver having to press and hold the brake pedal – making stop-and-go driving more relaxing for MKZ owners.
Available enhanced park assist uses ultrasonic sensors to help Lincoln MKZ seamlessly steer itself into a parallel or perpendicular parking spot. The car can assist with park-out as needed1.
Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection is an available technology that can help avoid some frontal crashes (1), or lessen the severity of such events.
Lincoln-exclusive engine provides effortless performance
An all-new, Lincoln-exclusive 3.0-liter GTDI V6 leads available engine choices for the new Lincoln MKZ. When paired with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, the twin-turbocharged engine produces 400 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque (2,3 )for effortless performance and refinement.
Dynamic Torque Vectoring (4), part of an available Driver’s Package for MKZ with the 3.0-liter engine, enhances cornering agility without compromising ride comfort, helping drivers enjoy a smooth, seamless experience.
The new Lincoln MKZ provides a hybrid alternative as well; and a 2.0-liter GTDI, 245-horsepower2 four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive.
Available Lincoln Drive Control allows drivers to adjust among three drive ride modes – comfort, normal and sport. The system includes continuously controlled damping, and electric power-assisted steering to provide comfortable, confident handling.
The Driver’s Package for Lincoln MKZ with 3.0-liter V6 also includes 19-inch wheels, Ebony-painted calipers, light Magnetic-painted grille, Ebony interior with carbon fiber appliqués, customizable multi-contour seats and aluminum pedal covers. In addition, the package features retuned continuously controlled damping and suspension for enhanced driving dynamics.
Distinctive design
The new face of Lincoln is highlighted by available adaptive LED headlamps that help deliver cleaner, clearer lighting for drivers, complemented by the all-new one-piece Lincoln signature grille.
Inside, engineers paid particular attention to the sound and feel of new switches and dials that replace slider adjustments for easier control of ventilation and audio functions for new Lincoln MKZ customers. Commonly used buttons and USB ports are now even easier to access.
Two all-new Lincoln Black Label themes, Chalet and Vineyard, as well as Thoroughbred, deliver desired uniqueness and options paired with luxurious materials. Lincoln MKZ’s available fully retractable panoramic glass roof offers the largest open-air roof among sedans.5
The new Lincoln MKZ goes on sale in summer 2016.
1. Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s judgment. 2. Tested with 93-octane fuel. 3. 3.0-liter GTDI V6 engine in front-wheel drive models is limited to 350 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. 4. Requires 3.0-liter GTDI V6 engine and AWD. 5. Based on effective roof opening as measured by Webasto.
About The Lincoln Motor Company
The Lincoln Motor Company is the luxury automotive brand of Ford Motor Company, committed to creating compelling vehicles with an exceptional ownership experience to match. For more information about The Lincoln Motor Company, please visit www.media.lincoln.com or www.lincoln.com. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/lincoln.
