2012 NAIAS: Lincoln MKZ Concept
We’d need all our fingers and toes to count the times we’ve heard this before, but Lincoln executives took to the stage to present the MKZ Concept as the first glimpse at a revitalized Lincoln that will finally compete for luxury customers with the best in the industry. The MKZ Concept is clearly a thinly disguised look at the production model that’ll debut later this year and love it or hate it we’re glad to see this isn’t just a leather-lined version of the new Fusion on which it’s based.
From the full width tail light to the glass roof that Lincoln says will make production, the MKZ looks expensive and that’s something we haven’t been able to say about a Lincoln in a long time. We’re particular fans of the four-seat arrangement which allows a beautiful center console to split the usually boring rear bench into individual buckets. Lincoln made no mention of powertrain except to say it was designed to accept a number of candidates and use front or all wheel drive. We’re guessing turbos will be involved, but never once during the presentation did we hear Lincoln would pursue performance or driving dynamics. The focus is clearly on comfort and luxury and as enthusiasts we’ll just have to accept a revitalized LS is not in the cards.
Executives want to take the Lincoln ownership experience to new heights from sales all the way thru service. “With the Lincoln MKZ Concept, we are not introducing a new car. We are essentially introducing a new brand,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford Motor Company group vice president for Global Product Development. Let’s hope this time they really mean it.
Photos by Jason Muxlow
