Lincoln MKZ Executive Package

A new trim level featuring additional wood appointments and unique trim has been added to the 2010 Lincoln MKZ, providing customers the opportunity to choose an even more luxurious model. Available in late summer, the new Executive Appearance Package offers more traditional luxury appointments and expands the range of Lincoln MKZ option packages.

Early sales of the 2010 Lincoln MKZ indicate there is indeed consumer appetite for well-equipped versions of the newest sedan from Lincoln.

"We are encouraged by the number of customers who are purchasing our luxury packages. The Executive Appearance Package gives customers yet another terrific option when considering the new Lincoln MKZ," said Greg Scott, Lincoln MKZ marketing manager. "With more wood finish and upgraded trim on the interior and five color choices on the exterior, this new package nicely complements the popular Sport Appearance Package."

Interior highlights of the Executive Appearance Package include:

• Available in Dark Charcoal or Cashmere color
• Luxury leather-trimmed seats
• Unique door trim with stitching
• Unique console armrest insert
• Genuine Swirl Walnut wood instrument panel accents
• Genuine Swirl Walnut wood console
• Premium front and rear floor mats with the Lincoln star

Exterior color choices with the Executive Appearance Package include:

• Tuxedo Black
• White Platinum
• Brilliant Silver
• Sterling Gray
• Sangria Red

Lincoln signature design

The new 2010 Lincoln MKZ was launched this past spring and features Lincoln signature design elements, including the split-wing grille and thinner wraparound headlamps for a wider, sportier look. The Lincoln MKZ's presence is enhanced by available 17-inch machined aluminum or chrome wheels or 18-inch polished aluminum wheels which are included in the Sport Appearance Package with sport-tuned suspension.

Inside, MKZ's cabin reflects an even more upscale look featuring genuine aluminum and wood depending on the trim package, an all-new instrument panel and detailed touches including new welcome lighting, chimes and tuxedo stitching on luxury Bridge of Weir leather-trimmed seats.

This world-renowned luxury leather from Scotland, pioneered on the classic Lincoln Continental Mark II and used on the Lincoln MKS, trims the MKZ seats. The MKZ leather 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 buttery soft feel.

Lincoln MKZ (2010)

Faster engine performance, strong fuel economy

The award-winning 3.5-liter V-6 Duratec engine powers the 2010 Lincoln MKZ, delivering 263 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 249 ft.-lb. of torque at 4,500 rpm on regular gasoline while still remaining among the leaders in fuel economy in its segment with EPA-estimated 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for the front-wheel drive MKZ.

The 3.5-liter uses a compact, lightweight dual-overhead cam valvetrain for peak power and smooth operation at high rpms. This engine also incorporates intake variable cam timing to optimize valve timing for a smooth idle and an impressively broad torque curve with good power. Powertrain performance is improved dramatically, with 0-60 mph times dropping from 7.7 to 7.1 seconds.

A high 10.3:1 compression ratio and aluminum cylinder heads designed for high air flow and optimized combustion help complete the package, supporting the engine's ability to deliver great performance and fuel economy along with low emissions. The six-speed transmission is outfitted with lower early gears for better acceleration and taller high gears for better highway mileage.

The six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission comes available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Customers can select a manual mode for enhanced sportiness, with downshifts locked out to help protect the engine from over-revving. The "enhanced overdrive cancel" mode locks out the fifth and sixth gears, allows shifts at higher speed for more engine braking and downshifts for "grade assist" functionality.

Better ride comfort

The 2010 Lincoln MKZ was significantly revised and uniquely tuned for ride comfort. The rear suspension lower control arm attachment point was changed to move the roll center closer to the center of gravity, which improves ride-handling characteristics. The turning radius has been reduced as well. Also added is a new hydraulic variable-flow steering pump that changes the flow rate to give better response at higher speeds and ease parking efforts at low speeds.

The Lincoln MKZ's available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system has been retuned for better traction and lower noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). The system uses an electro-mechanical clutch and employs two basic modes of torque transfer – pre-emptive torque (before wheel slip) and slip-control torque (after wheel slip). This dual system helps give the driver confidence in a variety of situations, while the suspension has been specially tuned to be more neutral when cornering.

The AWD system works in harmony with brake traction control to deliver more confidence to Lincoln MKZ customers. Ford's AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control – standard on every new Lincoln MKZ – helps keep drivers in command as well.

The MKZ sport version includes special sport suspension tuning with stiffer springs and larger stabilizer bars, 18-inch Euroflange polished wheels, unique darkened grille, darkened headlamps and an interior with contrasting piping and special appliqués.

"The driving experience has been improved, delivering a better ride and vehicle control," said J.D. Shanahan, chief engineer. "Ride enhancements, a new sport package, new technologies, the signature Lincoln design and a strong quality story help the new Lincoln MKZ set a new standard in midsize luxury sedans."

Class-leading interior quietness

Refinements to the powertrain are complemented by improvements to cabin noise levels. Ford research shows the 2009 MKZ beats the 2009 model year Lexus ES350 and Acura TL in key interior quietness attributes such as road noise at 30 mph. For the 2010 model year, the Lincoln MKZ is even quieter.

NVH improvements include:

A new acoustic laminated windshield featuring a layer of sound-absorbent vinyl sandwiched between two sheets of glass to soften noise levels

• Thicker rear backlight for improved wind noise
• Improved body/door sealing to reduce wind noise
• New expandable stuffers in the fenders and pillars
• Constrained layer damping material on the entire floor to reduce road noise
• An all-new acoustic headliner to further deaden interior noise

Technology and information at your fingertips

The new Lincoln MKZ is more than just a pretty face and striking new interior. New technology and convenience features help Lincoln's new midsize sedan stand out, too. Available later this summer is the next generation of SYNC® with Traffic, Directions and Information.

This newest application provides personalized, real-time information to help drivers get to where they're going with information they need – new services come with no monthly subscription fees for the first three years to the original vehicle owner.

Other standard or available technologies on the 2010 Lincoln MKZ include:

Segment-exclusive, first-in-class Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA), which can help make navigating traffic and parking lots easier

• Voice-Activated Navigation System with SIRIUS Travel Link™
• Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel-Filler
• Keyless Entry Keypad
• Reverse Camera System
• Ambient Lighting System
• THX® II Premium Certified Audio System with 5.1 Surround Sound
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Adaptive HID headlamps
• SOS Post Crash Alert System™

Top safety rating from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

The new Lincoln MKZ recently received a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). To earn a Top Safety Pick rating, a vehicle must receive a rating of "good" in offset frontal impact, side impact and rear impact evaluations and offer electronic stability control. The structure of the Lincoln MKZ helps it withstand intrusion in many accidents, including the most common frontal and side impacts.

The tailor-welded B-pillars between the front and rear doorframes are designed to help channel energy below the level of the occupants. At the torso level and above, the structure helps prevent intrusion into the passenger compartment.

Front and side-protection elements on the Lincoln MKZ include:

• First use on a Ford vehicle of dual-phase, high-strength steel rails on the front end;
• Two energy absorbing foam blocks between the inner door panels and interior trim, aligned with the occupants' chest and hip;
• Side-intrusion beams inside the door, anchored at the hinge and latch areas;
• Tailor-welded steel in the B-pillar structure with extra thickness – nearly a quarter inch of solid steel – above the beltline; and
• Front-seat side air bags for front occupants and side-curtain air bags for head protection in both rows.