Lincoln Gets New Face, Exclusive V-6 with Updated MKZ

Ford Motor Co.’s redesigned Lincoln MKZ sedan ushers in a new front-end design for the luxury marque. The 2017 models also gets a 3.0-liter V-6 engine that was developed specifically for Lincoln.

In place of Lincoln’s ubiquitous split-wing waterfall grille, the new MKZ sports a bold, one-piece trapezoidal design centered by the brand’s logo. The grille is teamed with swept light-emitting-diode headlights and a modified hood. Lincoln previewed the look, which is similar to that of the latest Jaguar cars, earlier this year on its Continental concept model.

Interior highlights include a redesigned center stack and a return to traditional knobs and buttons in place of the current model’s slider controls. Options include a fully retractable panoramic glass roof and a Revel audio system. A new active noise control system promises to quiet the interior.   

The new direct-injection, twin-turbo V-6 engine makes 400 hp—100 hp more than the current MKZ’s 3.7-liter V-6—and a like amount of torque in the all-wheel-drive version of the MKZ. In front-drive models, output is lowered to 350 hp, but the 400 lb-ft torque rating is maintained. Buyers of the V-6 model can add a performance package that features a sportier suspension, torque vectoring and 19-inch alloy wheels.

The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbo-four mill. The car carries over the optional hybrid-electric powertrain from the current MKZ hybrid.

Available safety features include adaptive cruise control with stop and go capability, pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection and an upgraded parking assist system that can navigate parallel and perpendicular spots.

The new MKZ is due to launch next summer.