 |
 |
 |
 |
Lincoln MKZ Concept takes Lincoln in new direction
A concept car is supposed to be a glimpse into the future and that is exactly what the folks at Lincoln are saying about the MKZ Concept that is being displayed at the Detroit Auto Show. Lincoln is going as far as to say that the MKZ Concept hints at the production model arriving in dealerships later this year.
“With the Lincoln MKZ Concept, we are not introducing a new car. We are essentially introducing a new brand,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford Motor Company group vice president for Global Product Development. “The MKZ Concept is the next step in the reinvention of Lincoln, something we’ve been quietly but aggressively pursuing.”
The Lincoln MKZ Concept is a styling study that rides on an all-new midsize platform. The sedan is capable of utilizing multiple powertrain options in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. Like the MKS and MKT with EcoBoost™, the Lincoln MKZ Concept features Lincoln Drive Control and the Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) adjustable suspension.
The vehicle's profile has a long sweeping roofline that allowed the design to break away from the traditional sedan three-box shape. The lengthening of the roofline enabled a more flowing and aerodynamic appearance. A panoramic glass roof spans uninterrupted from the windshield to the top of the backlight. Integrated into the vehicle's aluminum and boron steel superstructure, the fixed-glass expanse extends to the side roof rails of the cabin to create an airy and open interior. LED technology enabled an extremely thin and distinctive full-width taillamp graphic. Exhaust tips are cleanly integrated into the rear fascia.
The interior features include push-button transmission gear selection, an open, tiered center console and liquid crystal instrumentation. The reconfigurable 10.1-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) LCD positioned ahead of the driver operates with the latest version of MyLincoln Touch™ as does the nearly flush-mounted center 8-inch LCD touch screen. Wood, aluminum in bright and satin finishes as well as leather help create a sculptural, luxurious and comfortable interior space. Champagne-colored leather seats with dark taupe accents feature a champagne perforation pattern, so-called because the perforations on the seat backs conjure the image of champagne bubbles rising from the bottom of a glass.
“The MKZ Concept’s shape is a vision of simplicity completed with just a few strokes,” said Max Wolff, Lincoln design director. “Our movement as a brand is toward something we call elegant simplicity. It’s something warmer and more restrained, which is moving away from complex designs and traditional luxury.”
01/10/12
a