2013 Lincoln MKZ officially unveiled, sales begin later this year

April 2, 2012 Omar Rana 2012 New York Auto Show, 2013, Lincoln MKZ, MKZ, Sedans

After a short leak earlier today, Lincoln has dropped the official images and details for the 2013 Lincoln MKZ.

“The new Lincoln MKZ represents the future of Lincoln in both style and substance,” said Jim Farley, Group Vice President, Global Marketing, Sales and Service. “It is proof of our commitment to deliver a new breed of Lincolns for a new generation of Lincoln clients – motor cars that are distinctive, elegant, full of technology and a delight to own.”

Check out more news on the Lincoln MKZ.

So what’s so cool about the 2013 Lincoln MKZ? The model is the first Lincoln model to be created by a deduced team at the Lincoln Design Studio.

“We call it elegant simplicity,” said Max Wolff, Lincoln Design director. “We wanted the new MKZ to be inviting and approachable. We moved away from traditional luxury cues and complex designs. We came up with something warm that is rich, yet still intentionally restrained.”

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ features a sweeping profile with one of the world’s widest-opening retractable glass roofs. The optional Retractable Panoramic Roof is a new signature feature for Lincoln. It is a 15.2-square-foot glass panel that recedes over the rear window. The new MKZ also gets the new Lincoln Drive Control, an system that delivers a better ride and engaging driving dynamics, or so Lincoln says. The model also gets some cool new technologies including Push Button Shift gear selector that enables flowing and architectural center console design, a quiet interior that is enhanced by standard Active Noise Control, genuine wood trim, full LCD instrumentation, heated front seats, Lane Keeping System, and SYNC with MyLincoln Touch.

A total of three powertrain choices are offered with the new Lincoln MKZ. The base engine 2.0 liter 4-cylinder turbo EcoBoost unit making 240-hp and 270 lb-ft of torque – it is estimated to average a fuel-economy of 22/33 mpg (city/highway). Buyers can also opt for a optional 3.7 liter V6 engine making 300-hp and 277 lb-ft of torque – estimated to average 18/27 mpg. Lincoln will also offer a hybrid version of the MKZ with a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder unit mated to a hybrid powertrain making a total of 188-hp and 129 lb-ft of torque.

The non-hybrid models come with a 6-speed automatic with standard steering-wheel mounted paddle shifter and are available in FWD or AWD. The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is only available in FWD.

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ enters the midsize luxury segment later this year.