$5 Billion to Revitalize Lincoln: Enter the 400 BHP '16 MKZ

[Doog]

Motortrend seem to like the MKZ so far...

This started out as a relatively straightforward story about the 2013 Lincoln MKZ and whether we think the MKZ is up to its Herculean task of convincing the car-buying public that it’s more than just another warmed-over Ford. Then the following four words came into play: Michelin Pilot Super Sport. So what are sports car tires doing on an entry-level luxury sedan like the MKZ? Good question, but whatever the reason, the sticky rubber certainly helped generate some damn impressive test numbers. Try 106 feet to stop from 60 mph (1 foot better than the 2013 Mustang GT!), 0.91 g on the skidpad (just 0.03 g shy of the Mustang!), and a 26.5-second time in our figure eight. While its sub-110-foot braking figure can be attributed in part to the cheater tires, the MKZ’s handling number isn’t that inflated. We recently tested a 2013 Ford Fusion Titanium AWD with the same 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbo-four with 240 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque mated to a six-speed automatic as the MKZ we just tested. While the Ford didn’t come with the fancy Lincoln Drive Control chassis system (it actively adjusts the suspension, steering, transmission, and traction and stability control), the Fusion managed a solid 0.84 g on the figure eight on more pedestrian Continental ContiProContacts. The Super Sports also helped the 200-pound-heavier Lincoln slightly beat the Fusion’s acceleration figures with times of 6.6 seconds in the 0-60 sprint and 15.0 seconds through the quarter mile. Of course, there’s a downside. In this case, excessive tire noise. Had Lincoln fitted our MKZ with more conventional tires -- our friends at Tire Rack list the Michelin Primacy MXM4 as the MKZ’s standard rubber -- the ride would certainly have been quieter and the test results more conventional. Still, the AWD MKZ is easily the best-driving Lincoln in some time, and possibly ever. It’s no BMW 3 Series or Cadillac ATS, nor should anyone expect it to be, given its luxury cruiser leanings, but the suspension has a good amount of front roll stiffness and the steering has more weight to it than expected, though there’s not much feel to it.

Before any of this can happen, the driver may be puzzled by the need to push a button on the left side of the center stack to put the MKZ into drive instead of operating a lever. While not conventional, it adds to the cabin’s functionality. Leaving out the shifter allows for better use of space in the center console – its place is taken by an elegant-looking cover for the cupholders – and the idea will likely work better in the age of computer-shifted transmissions than it did the last time someone tried it, back in the 1950s. There are also shifter paddles on the steering wheel, presumably because everyone else is doing it. To the right of the shift buttons is the 8-inch MyLincoln Touch screen. It doesn’t work any different in the MKZ than it does in any other product from Dearborn, and we believe it is still in need of a more powerful processor. Visually, the MKZ is more differentiated from its Ford sibling than any other modern-era Lincoln. The new horizontal split grille is a huge improvement over the old model’s vertical design, though it looks better in pictures than it does in person. From the side, the dash-to-axle ratio is decidedly that of a front-drive midsize sedan, though things get more pleasing as your eye moves rearward. The tail is easily the best-looking part of the car, but given how the glass slopes, you expect it to be a liftback like the Tesla Model S rather than a sedan with a conventional trunk. That stylish swooping rear negatively impacts rear-seat headroom, limiting it to just 36.6 inches. The north end of my 6-foot, 3-inch-self became lodged firmly in the headliner when trying to sit upright. With 37.0 inches of legroom in the back, there’s some space for slouching, but only if the driver is on the shorter side. Yet, things certainly could be worse -- the Cadillac ATS provides a similar 36.8 inches of headroom in the back but just 33.5 inches of legroom.

Aside from Lincoln Drive Select, there are only two options on the MKZ that aren’t available on the Fusion Titanium: the 3.7-liter V-6 engine (a $1230 option) and the panoramic sunroof (a cool $2995). The loaded Fusion Titanium we had at Car of the Year stickered at $37,670, and the similarly loaded MKZ we had rang in at $45,220. Essentially, the all-wheel-drive MKZ’s price starts where the top-level Fusion’s ends. Despite being a generally good car with a stylish, albeit somewhat polarizing design and something of a fun-driving character, dollars -- as in too many -- will likely keep the MKZ from accomplishing its massive task. It’s overpriced in a ruthlessly competitive segment, and while it’s certainly more than just another warmed-over Ford, unless the dealer has a firewall (figuratively speaking, of course) between the Ford and Lincoln sides, the Fusion will always be lurking, ready to jack the sale. The MKZ also lacks a strong unique selling proposition other than that killer sunroof. Perhaps Lincoln should run with this idea, thanks to the Pilot Super Sports: “Stops faster than a Mustang!” It has a good ring to it and nobody else is doing it.

 

[DeathSmiles]

Lincoln is not only building a coupe, but there's alot of new car material showing up in the near future for the brand.

Expect a few vehicles to be axed, soon. And some more radical changes to existing vehicles (think MKZ), and RWD and All-Wheel Drive options.

Lincoln is pursuing not only better vehicles, but bringing attention from people who wouldn't normally purchase one of their cars (foreign market regulars, and the more youthful).

 

[Northstar]

Changing the name won't remove the "old people car" image it has. What they need is a CTS-V type car to boost their image. Perhaps bring back the Town Car and make a Marauder (spiritual) successor.💡

 

[DeathSmiles]

Changing the name won't remove the "old people car" image it has. What they need is a CTS-V type car to boost their image. Perhaps bring back the Town Car and make a Marauder (spiritual) successor.💡

Yea, that is what they are doing, as I stated in my previous post. New cars, and a coupe. Also, a true RWD system, to complement their All-Wheel drive system.

 

[ShobThaBob]

They need it.

 

[Joel]

The best bet for a new Escalade is the Acadia chassis. That family of giant crossovers has been doing really and I see them often. The next Escalade must retain at least some towing capacity because I often see them towing small boats and PWCs - rich guys tend to have toys that need towed. The next Slade won't do well with this crowd unless it retains some actual towing capacity and has the power these people will be looking for.

The Acadia and Enclave are on the same platform (as well as the Traverse and formerly Saturn Outlook) . It's a nice platform, we had an Enclave from 2009-2012, and it was a nice car (save for a few reliability issues). The steering isn't really inspiring by any means, but for the vast majority of drivers that isn't an issue (although it was a big part of why we don't have one anymore), particularly in a luxury segment vehicle. As far as being a big vehicle to transport 6+ people in comfort, that platform does wonders. I can't speak for the Traverse or Acadia, but the Buick had a very smooth ride, and the V6 in it was potent enough that it was a fantastic, comfortable, and very very quiet highway cruiser (the sound insulation in the car is excellent). It was a bit of a pig on fuel, but that's more of a concern if you're buying a Chevrolet than a Cadillac. They'd probably have to find a way to fit something more powerful in the Escalade version of that platform, I don't think prospective Escalade buyers will be happy with a 3.5L V6 coming from the current Escalade's 6.2L V8.

 

[DeathSmiles]

They need a decent 3 Series/A4, 5/A6, and a A8/S Class competitor, to go along with a mid-size coupe. And maybe at some point a large big boy V8 coupe (dreaming big with this one).

Do you know how awesome a supercoupe from Lincoln would be if done right? I'm thinking Aston Martin-like... a throwback to the "personal luxury" cars of the past. Designer trims like the Mark IV, high tech next-gen Ford based SYNC system, etc...

http://conceptvehicles.tumblr.com/post/37586493896/lincoln-continental-coupe-concept-by-tristan

Maaaaaaan.

EDIT - New Navigator, and replacement for MKS on the way.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/04/rwd-lincolns-are-coming-fate-depends-partly-on-mkz-success/

 

[StreetLegal]

I'm glad Lincoln is getting ahold of themselves for once. It seems that they haven't made an decent looking cars in forever. This could work out very well for Ford and make all the people that have secretly had a love for Lincolns to finally come out of the closet.

 

[xXKingJoshXx]

I had a lot of stuff typed out but it went away . Anyways, Lincoln needs to make this.

 

[Omnis]

Eww, god no. Do you eat chloride tablets for breakfast? Horrible taste.

 

[xXKingJoshXx]

What's wrong with it? Besides the odd chrome trim which is missing on the suicide doors?

 

[BKGlover]

The idea is good, basically a new version of the 60's Continentals, but this is a no. That is just a box. It's too "boxy" to be called anything else, which is saying something compared to the old Chrysler 300s.

Edit: Don't forget that everyone is trying to avoid this look now. The 300s and Chargers have a lot more detail this generation than last, and Ford itself has gone to a more flowing look.

as for that concept car, I'd love to see something like that. I don't think Continental would work for it though, the 4-door executive car being the predominant association. Mark IX might work, or follow Mitsubishi's lead and basically skip 9 and go to the Mark X.

My opinion- Lincoln Cougar XR-7.

 

[xXKingJoshXx]

If I had the money, I'd pay Lincoln to build that car for me. Yes, I know, there is more to auto-manufacturing than to see what Josh wants, but I'd love to see these being made and on the road. It's just a beautiful car. It's boxy in the same way a Rolls Royce Phantom is boxy. But they should make it a slightly more modern design to compete with the Chrysler 300.

 

[BKGlover]

Honestly, as long as they came out with something that didn't look like a badge-engineered job, as they have for at least the last 15 years, then while I may not like it, I wouldn't disrespect it. I know the market is pulling away from that design style, but the fact that whatever chassis was underneath they would have to build the rest for the car itself, I'd get behind it.

 

[GranTurismo916]

Front of all Lincolns:

 

[Doog]

Front of all Mazdas:

Fixed.

 

[Robin]

I had a lot of stuff typed out but it went away . Anyways, Lincoln needs to make this.

I agree, one of the best concepts they ever did.

 

[Keef]

That Continental concept is very elegant but a little dated, and obviously doesn't match their new design theme at all. They could still manage an updated design that was low, wide, and horizontal. The classic early-60s Continentals were some of the most elegantly designed cars to ever hit the road.

That one is lowered on air but that just accentuates the looooong, low design. Fantastic. If they could somehow mix this with the modern wing motif it could be fantastic.

That Continental coupe drawing above is also great. The slats in the grille are going the wrong direction to be current (they need to stick with the design from the new MKZ) but besides that it's just extreme enough to get Lincoln the attention they really need. Continental is a bad name though...maybe MK9 or something.

And that raised shoulder - the MKT has that. Lincoln's flagship big car must have that.

 

[buickgnx88]

That Continental concept is very elegant but a little dated, and obviously doesn't match their new design theme at all. They could still manage an updated design that was low, wide, and horizontal. The classic early-60s Continentals were some of the most elegantly designed cars to ever hit the road.
\

Thing is though, a flagship car doesn't necessarily have to follow the overall design theme used by the brand. Besides, would you want to see a new Continental with the ugly waterfall design theme?

 

[DeathSmiles]

Lincoln MKC Concept. Stunning.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/13/lincoln-mkc-concept-shows-real-promise/

I'm sure this will replace the MKX. Also, don't expect this to be the only reveal from Lincoln during the DAS.

 

[Minty]

Besides, would you want to see a new Continental with the ugly waterfall design theme?

Depending on how you think about it waterfalls are very looooonnnggg, so the theme would fit the Continental nicely, I'd think.



I'd like to see Lincoln try to challenge Cadillac's Ciel Concept with a new Continental. And then see both of them be put into production, because the world could do with a little more classy-sexy.

 

[OHM_fusion]

Wow. As a hater of Lincoln's modern design language, I'm positively surprised at the MKC. Looks pretty decent for what it is.

 

[BKGlover]

Well, It's a start at least. Looks good, but what SUV doesn't now.

 

[NissanSkylineN1]

Reminds me of a Touareg.

 

[Keef]

It's pretty but athletic. The new grille looks much better with horizontal strands instead of a waterfall - helps to evoke the wing theme that Lincoln has long had. It translates better to various cars instead of looking like baleen.

 

[Omnis]

I love the front of the MKC. The back needs a wider light bar that wraps around each side 2 or 3 inches more.

I saw a Mark V hauling ass on the highway on Friday. Looked great. They could make a new halo car like that, but it would probably weigh 6000 pounds.

 

[RocZX]

Lincoln MKC Concept

That looks nice, the whole shape of the it looks awesome.

 

[YSSMAN]

Small crossovers seem to be the new thing, this one being based on the same chassis as the Focus. It really comes off like a "Poor Man's Evoque," which isn't a bad deal. Let's hope they get the 1.6L EcoBoost issues sorted, Lincoln can't afford to have the same launch issues that the Escape has had.

 

[YSSMAN]

Gravedigging for topic smoothness...

Ford to Spend $5 Billion to Revitalize Lincoln

Linky-Doo

Well, Ford is making some promises here. They want to triple sales to 300k by 2020... Now they want to compete with BMW and Mercedes, and by association Cadillac, who hasn't competed with Lincoln since 2004. They're hedging all their bets on next years MKX, a revitalized MKS, and then an all new platform to help things out. So...

...This D6 platform. Sounds like its a new mid-size chassis that'll replace the absolutely ancient D3 chassis that dates back alllllll the way to 1998. GREAT! YSSMAN says, BUT HOW NICE WILL IT BE? My bet? Don't count on it to challenge the Alpha or F10 setups. I bet it'll be front/AWD. And man oh man, it won't be Lincoln if its a bit too heavy and a little too small.

So, a Lincoln comeback then?

 

[Pupik]

I don't see the owners coming in to the dealers in droves, that's for certain...a good thing most have folded into Ford dealers. Mercury may not have sold well, but to hear it from several dealers, many owners didn't make the leap from Mercury owners to Lincoln owners as projected.