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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

Despite the new Zephyr having only been on the market for a few months, Lincoln has already announced significant changes, including a new name. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

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

The only noticeable modifications to the MKZ includes a slight restyle of the horizontally shaped, vertically straked waterfall grille, and more distinctive headlamp clusters. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)?

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

At the rear any changes are imperceptible, other than the new MKZ appliqu? and AWD badge. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

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

The MKZ looks a little sportier than the Zephyr, thanks to more distinctive headlights. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

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

More power will make all the difference, raising the entry-level Lincolns profile amongst premium sedan buyers. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

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

Behind the new grille is a much more powerful 3.5L V6, that sports 250-hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

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

Twin tailpipes free up exhaust flow, reducing emissions while increasing engine efficiency. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

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

In between the engine and the wheels is an all-new six-speed automatic transmission, developed in house. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

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

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. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

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

Satin nickel dash trim and gives the MKZs cabin a sportier appearance. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

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.

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