2007 Lincoln MKZ Preview

New 2007 MKZ Gets Minor Styling Tweak and All-Wheel Drive

Theres no time like the present to make sweeping changes, at least if youre Lincoln. Fords domestic premium player is in rebuild mode, having had tremendous success over the last half dozen years with its full-size Navigator sport utility, and a regular take-up by airport shuttle and limousine operators for its ubiquitous Town Car, but these two large vehicles were about all buyers were interested in before the Zephyr arrived in late 2005.

“Customer demand for Lincolns midsize luxury sedan has exceeded our expectations,” commented Al Giombetti, president, Ford, Lincoln Mercury Marketing and Sales, back in early April. “Judging by reaction in the showroom, customers are clearly ready for an American entry-level luxury sedan.”

And despite the new midsize model having only been on the market for a half year or so, Lincoln has already announced significant changes, most noticeably a change in name for the 2007 model year. Fortunately the attractive sedan, now dubbed MKZ to correspond with a completely revised brand strategy that will see its cars, crossovers and SUVs adopt three-letter alpha designations, isnt changing much visually, the only modifications being a slight restyle of the horizontally shaped, vertically straked waterfall grille, now featuring more chrome, if thats possible, and more distinctive headlamp clusters to give it more personality.

“We have taken a brand-new, well-received car and significantly improved it to draw a new generation of customers to the Lincoln brand,” added Giombetti.

The new MKZ also gets additional chrome trim on its beltline and on the exterior mirror caps, complemented by new 17-inch, 8-spoke chromed alloy rims at each corner. Their machined-aluminum styling gives them a sportier appearance, highlighting new low-profile tires.

At the rear any changes are imperceptible. Lincoln had already created a bumper surface that was clean and smooth when it introduced the Zephyr, and the MKZ still incorporates this look highlighted by thin horizontal reflector lamps within the lower fascia. Dual chrome-tipped exhaust pipes give the car a powerful appearance, a good thing being that they stretch forward to meet an all-new powertrain.

Lincoln didnt waste any time reworking the Zephyr with the Duratec 35 3.5-liter V6 that debuted last month in Detroit with the new MKX crossover (and Fords Edge CUV). Its an impressive engine, previously touted as having a competitive 250-horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque on tap in MKZ trim, although now that its rivals have upped power beyond this mark and then some, an additional 15-horsepower has been added, boosting output to 265-horsepower - torque more or less stays the same at 249 lb-ft.

The new MKZ also comes equipped with intelligent all-wheel drive, and in between the engine and the wheels is an all-new six-speed automatic transmission, developed in house - the current Zephyr six-speed automatic comes via Aisin in Japan.

“Our new 3.5-liter V6 coupled with an advanced six-speed automatic provides an innovative solution for better fuel efficiency, more refinement, more power and clean emissions, without any sacrifices,” says Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president of Powertrain Operations.

The engine, a 60-degree V6 comprised of an aluminum block and heads, 4-valves per cylinder and DOHC technology, of course, plus intake variable camshaft timing, was developed at Fords Beech Daly Technical Center. This is a state of the art facility, incidentally, with some of the most advanced prototype development hardware that the auto industry has to offer, some of which does not exist at any rival auto manufacturers facility. The 3.5 is to be produced at the Lima Engine Plant, in Ohio. As would be expected, its an extremely advanced example of modern engineering that should quickly raise Lincolns credibility among luxury car buyers.

Some of the Duratec 35s high-tech components include cracked-powder metal connecting rods, a composite split plenum intake manifold, an electronic throttle body, high-temperature cast aluminum pistons with low-friction coated skirts and low-tension rings, shimless bucket tappets, centrally located spark plugs, etc.

To those not up on techno-gab, all the aforementioned engine parts add up to what is expected to be relatively efficient fuel consumption, as well as PZEV capable emissions plus hybrid adaptability.

Ford wouldnt make a new engine that wasnt hybrid ready, being that it is the undisputed domestic leader in HEVs, so expect Lincoln to offer an alternativepowertrain in its MKZ just like Ford will soon incorporate a hybrid-electric drivetrain in its Fusion - which shares underpinnings with the MKZ. Ford plans on producing 250,000 HEVs per year by 2010, therefore it only makes sense that Lincolns entry-level sedan will get the electric treatment, especially considering Lexus new ES 350 will most likely incorporate its Hybrid Synergy Drive system shortly. But nevertheless, even without electrical boost, the new 3.5 is quite efficient.

“The 3.5-liter V6 is capable of achieving PZEV certification by delivering low cold-start emissions and enabling rapid catalyst light-off, which is a significant accomplishment for a larger displacement V6 engine,” stated Tom McCarthy, engine systems manager for the 3.5-liter V6 engine program.

Ford confidently claims its high compression 3.5 is extremely smooth-running thanks to a low vibration valve-train, for one, plus reduced powertrain bending, a high-tech term for engine block stiffness, the result of a high pressure die casting method of construction. It reportedly delivers great off-the-line acceleration and more than enough power during passing maneuvers. Additional emissions concerns have been addressed also, with special attention paid to reducing toxins during cold startup.

The electronically shift controlled transmission also features a variable displacement pump, which matches the amount of fluid that gets pushed through the transmission to driver demand, again making it more efficient.

And that six-speed automatic mentioned a few minutes ago will do its share to improve performance while reducing fuel consumption as well as emissions, thanks to a tall final drive ratio. Takeoff is enhanced due to a low first gear ratio, and thanks to having four cogs in between first and sixth, intervals on the way up through the gears should be smooth and quick, optimizing the engines power band at all times. Putting this into a quantifiable perspective, the six-speed is expected to reduce fuel consumption by about seven percent; or in dollars and cents, about $3.50 for every 20-gallon fill.

Samardzich also promised that the new six-speed will deliver minimized shift hunting and optimize the engines speed in a given gear, with gear whine said to be dramatically reduced, resulting in “superior NVH characteristics”. This is especially important with a luxury car like the MKZ.

And the MKZ isnt merely a dolled up Fusion, but features increased sound deadening materials for a much more isolated experience than its entry-level brand sibling. More so, the MKZ, like the Zephyr, gets a totally unique interior with real wood accents, extremely high-quality leather surfaces, plus Lincolns trademark satin nickel and chrome highlights to raise the level of luxury to premium heights. Enhancing the ambient experience, Lincoln adds white electroluminescent lighting to illuminate the MKZs circular, chrome-ringed primary instruments, complemented by soft white lighting, via white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in backlit controls and switches throughout the rest of the cabin. Its a relaxing experience, in sharp contrast with what is often a more hostile environment outside the car amid congested traffic.
   
In more detail, the new MKZ offers a choice of either real wood or satin nickel for dash trim, which give the car a warmer, richer ambience or more technical, sportier styling motif. But theres more. A choice between two different types of wood, either dark ebony or light maple, can totally change the interiors appearance alone, the former which includes either Dark Charcoal or Light Stone plastic and leather surfaces, while the latter comes fitted with a Sand (beige) interior.

“The figured maple gives the interior a fresh and exciting look,” commented Peter Horbury, executive director, North American Design. “The dark ebony is classic elegance for a traditional sense of luxury. The satin nickel, with its lightly raised ribbing, is technical and modern. We were able to establish three completely different ambient settings through use of these materials.”

And despite being Lincolns entry-level car, the MKZ is hardly small. Living up to the brands limousine heritage, more than three feet of rear seat legroom comes standard, while passenger room is further enhanced by an increase of 30 millimeters in width over the Mazda6 architecture it was initially derived from, and a wheelbase stretch of 2.2 inches.

And basing the MKZ on one of the best handling cars in the entry-level midsize class hasnt hurt its driving dynamics either. The suspension is fully-independent, of course, with short and long arms (SLA) and rearward facing control arms plus a stabilizer bar, as well as nitrogen filled, gas charged, hydraulic coil over shocks up front, and a multilink system with more or less the same hardware attached in the rear. The steering system is power rack and pinion, resulting in reasonably direct response to input - or at least the 2006 version shows such characteristics.

The 2007 MKZ will incorporate all-wheel drive instead of front-wheel drive, which should help it react to steering input more like the premium Audis and Volvos its up against. When the updated Lincoln arrives later this year, parent company Ford will offer more than 20 vehicles with AWD which will help increase its total annual all-wheel drive sales to 500,000 units over 2007; a figure that elevates the Dearborn-based automaker to AWD leadership levels.

Lincoln made sure to note, however, that while the MKZ features all-wheel drive and a nimble, responsive undercarriage, it has also been tuned with ride comfort in mind. Therefore, dont expect ultra-low-profile tires on massive alloy rims, but instead reasonably large 17-inch aluminum wheels with tires that are as much biased toward performance as they are compliance to road imperfections. A choice of three 17-inch wheel styles are available at no extra charge.
   
And that all-wheel drive system has been designed more for overcoming inclement weather than enhancing performance. Dont get me wrong, the addition of some rear-wheel propulsion should give the car better dynamics, especially considering the systems rather light weight shouldnt hinder acceleration or lateral transitions very much, but being a front-wheel biased setup, unlike BMWs rear-biased xDrive, for instance, its primary objective is to increase traction in wet and snowy or icy conditions. Lincoln says that its AWD system “actively and seamlessly delivers torque to all four wheels, even before wheel slippage occurs”. It does this via an active on-demand coupler, which apportions the exact amount of rear-wheel torque needed, and when combined with optional traction control, Lincolns “intelligent” all-wheel drive has the ability to not only send torque from front-to-rear, but also from side-to-side. This, of course, increases stability which in-turn improves safety.

Other safety features include standard driver and front passenger airbags, seat-deployed side airbags for thorax protection, plus three-point safety belts at all seating positions, with front-seat pretensioners and retractors. Whats more, full-length curtain-type airbags stretch from the A-pillar to the C-pillar, wrapping occupants in what Ford dubs its Personal Safety System.

Lincoln made a point in its MKZ press materials to note that its side curtain airbags are anything but average in their construction or deployment. Compared to conventional curtain-type airbags, which Lincoln states open up in an accordion-like fashion, the MKZ side curtains feature “roll-fold” technology, an exclusive system in the midsize segment that, when deployed, forces itself between an occupants head and the side glass, even if that passenger is not optimally positioned.

Lincoln finishes off its MKZ safety system with four-wheel disc brakes enhanced by a four-sensor, three-channel anti-lock braking system incorporating electronic brake force distribution (EBD). Traction assist also is standard, although, like the Zephyr, stability control doesnt seem to be part of the package in standard trim or optional.

On more of a convenience note, the MKZ gets the same large 15.8 cu-ft trunk as the Zephyr, which incidentally makes it the largest trunk in its midsize class. It features a flat load floor and, more importantly for shorter drivers, a fairly low lift-over height for easier loading and unloading. Ford also claims that its deck lid integrates “compact hinge mechanisms that wont impinge on trunk volume or crush cargo”. For larger loads, the rear seatbacks can be folded forward in a 60/40 configuration, allowing up to four occupants and their skis and/or snowboards, or whatever else might be longer than the trunk is.

The MKZs top-tier THX II certified audio system is also worthy of mention, as it improves the sound of any musical track no matter the genre. It boasts a total of 14 speakers, a count that includes two subwoofers, powered by a 600-watt amplifier and a “sophisticated processor that inputs bandwidth, peak audio levels and coverage uniformity to deliver a smooth spectral balance and wide dynamic range,” or so says Lincoln. I, having tested the system in the Zephyr, find it amongst the best in its class. Making things better is an mp3/iPod audio jack as well as SIRIUS satellite radio connectivity.

The DVD-based navigation system also works well, featuring a high-quality 6.5-inch-wide monitor plus text-to-speech capability with English, Spanish or French comprehension and instruction.

In conclusion, Lincolns decision to rename the Zephyr after only a few months of availability seems odd; especially being that the car is getting such rave reviews and, for good reason is becoming increasingly popular. Obviously Lincoln feels the significant marketing expense that will be needed to reeducate consumers who may have been interested in a Zephyr, explaining that their new car is now called a MKZ, is worth it. Certainly there must be more important things to spend money on than this.

The move to its alpha naming strategy, while paying some homage to “Mark” Lincolns of the past, may help it gain acceptance with buyers who currently purchase European or Asian premium cars, but in all honesty, its 2006 Zephyr has created renewed interest in the brand because it is a much better car than any recent Lincoln and starts at a price that is within reach of a greater number of entry-level luxury buyers. Success in this market segment comes down to the product, not naming strategies. And with the new 2007 Navigator, just announced, it seems that not all of Lincolns new vehicles will go completely alpha - shouldnt it be the MKN, or even more apropos, the MKXXXL, to keep it inline with the new naming strategy?

New name or not, the MKZ should continue to pull new luxury buyers into Lincoln showrooms, which should also help sales of the brands larger, more profitable models by driving interest in Lincoln as a luxury nameplate. A new MKS, expected to replace the LS next year, will be a good “switch” car for MKZ prospects that might be able to afford a little more, again driving up profits to an automaker that desperately needs a boost. The improvements made to the new MKZ, despite a price range that most certainly need to rise in order to compensate for its more powerful engine and all-wheel drive configuration, will only help in this effort.