Expanding on their popular Hybrid vehicle lineup, Ford has announced a hybrid version of the Lincoln MKZ. Mechanically a virtual twin to the Fusion Hybrid, the new 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid will offer buyers a high-end luxury car that shares the goal of high efficiency.
The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid will be the first for Lincoln and is expected to deliver some 41mpg city. And while that number alone is impressive, it is the fact that it performs better than it’s main competition that Lincoln has their sights on. The Lexus HS 250h which came to market last year only achieves 35mph city and only seats four passengers. The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid has five passenger capacity.
Lincoln also boasts a higher level of standard luxury features. “Today’s luxury customers do not want to make sacrifices. Lincoln has found a way to deliver a luxury sedan with the comforts they expect, the technology they want and the environmental responsibility society demands,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president, Global Product Development.
A Ford and Lincoln exclusive, the MKZ Hybrid has “SmartGauge with EcoGuide”. This is a highly interactive technology that provides real-time information to help drivers maximize fuel efficiency, and coaches drivers on how to optimize hybrid performance. Lincoln takes SmartGauge to the next level of engagement by giving drivers enhanced positive feedback on long-term fuel efficiency and driving performance through the “growth” of virtual small flowers on the system’s right-most screen. Lincoln’s white flowers, inspired by apple blossoms, remain permanently unless long-term fuel economy is reset.
In addition to many other power and technology features, the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid also has heated and cooled front seats. A surprise in a hybrid car, the system delivers exceptional heating and cooling comfort. The interior also has genuine wood trim that looks great. You can choose between Swirl Walnut and Olive Ash wood trims that Lincoln says are from well-managed forests, as defined by strict environmental, social and economic standards. In other words, it is wood with a conscience.
Standard interior appointments also include Bridge of Weir leather seats. The world-renowned luxury leather from Scotland is unembossed, allowing the natural beauty and character of the grain to shine through. The leather is milled for up to 12 hours to ensure a soft hand, and Bridge of Weir uses a chromium-free tanning process, which makes it easier to recycle.
Mechanically speaking, the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid uses Ford’s second-generation hybrid technology – the 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle I-4 hybrid engine, named one of Ward’s 2010 “10 Best Engines.” The system combines the best attributes of the gasoline engine and electric battery-driven motors to deliver optimal performance and fuel economy.
The combined gasoline engine and electric motor provide 191 net horsepower. Plus, the pure electric mode on the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid extends to 47 mph – compared with the Lexus HS 250h battery-only mode, which reaches just 25 mph.
