2013 Lincoln MKZ shows final form for production

2013 Lincoln MKZ shows final form for production

Ladies and gentlemen, this is the 2013 Lincoln MKZ that Ford hopes will turn around the stagnant luxury brand. Based on the FMD concept car that was unveiled in January at the Detroit Auto Show, the production version looks largely unchanged, except for practical concessions as visible door handles and larger exterior mirrors. Whether the new look, described by Lincoln Design Director Max Wolff as "elegant simplicity" will resonate with buyers remains to be seen, but it has the Autoblog team split right in the middle.

We all agree, but the enhanced interior, particularly the shift selector lever button that delivers a smooth, uncluttered center console. The FMD will of course available with SYNC and MyLincoln Touch, which are supplemented by a large 10.1-inch LCD instrument panel and 8-inch touchscreen center. The interior is covered wall to wall in leather, real wood finish and metal accents, and Active Noise Control, which negates insult audibles, is standard equipment. Optional is a unique 15.2 meters Retractable Panoramic roof canopies that takes to the extreme.

2013 Lincoln MKZ

Three engines will be available for FMD at launch. Standard is a turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 240 horsepower (on premium fuel) and 270 lb-ft of torque while returning 22 mpg city / 33 mpg highway. More power is available through a 3.7-liter V6 generates 300 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, 18 mpg city / 26 mpg Hwy back. The MKZ Hybrid is also back with a combined output of 188 hp from the 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric propulsion. EPA estimates are not available for the MKZ Hybrid, but Lincoln says it should remain America's most fuel efficient premium sedan. All-wheel drive is an option for both the non-hybrid models, which also received six-speed automatic transmission and paddle shifters, while the MKZ Hybrid front-wheel-drive only with a CVT.

Where the  2013 Lincoln MKZ  will set itself apart most from rivals are its suite of driving and safety technologies. First up is Lincoln Drive Control, which effectively coordinates every system on the car to continually refine the ride and handling in real time. The most interesting of these systems is the Continually Controlled Damping suspension system, which offers normal, comfort and sport modes and activately adjusts the dampers up to 50 times per second.

As for safety, the  2013 Lincoln MKZ may set a new benchmark for the number of sensors onboard. There's a mono-vision camera integrated into the rearview mirror to read lane markers on the road, radar sensors for the adaptive cruise control and active Collision Warning with Brake Support, and more short-range wide-angle radar sensors for help with parking and backing up. The MKZ will also class-exclusive inflatable second-row seatbelts that compliment the eight airbags located elsewhere around the vehicle.

We're very eager to see the  2013 Lincoln MKZ  in person at the 2012 New York Auto Show this week, so until we can bring you our own in-person live shots, take a look at the gallery above and scroll down for Lincoln's official press release.