When you take a conventionally powered car and add a hybrid powertrain, there’s a price premium. A huge price premium – that’s just the way things are.

But what if it didn’t have to be that way?

The engineers are Ford have been wondering the same thing. Why does there have to be a $5k price premium just so you can have the privilege of getting better fuel economy? Well, buyers of the 2011 MKZ Hybrid won’t have to.

The 2011 MKZ Hybrid is priced the same as the gas-only MKZ.

Absolutely brilliant. Ford is using the excellent powertrain from the Fusion Hybrid, which mats an electric motor to a 2.5 liter four cylinder engine. The base price will be $35,180, which is exactly the same as the normal MKZ, powered by a 3.5 liter V6.

So, sure, you give up a few ponies. But you get the same fantastic fuel economy as the Fusion Hybrid – 41 MPG highway, and you don’t have to pay a dollar more.

In additional to the brilliant pricing in comparison to it’s conventional brother, the 2011 MKZ Hybrid clocks in at $350 lower than the Lexus HS 250H. Plus, it gets 6 MPG better in the city. Eat it, Lexus.

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Base price $44,995 for a lumpy wagon?  Just when I think Ford is getting back on the top of this game, they come out with this.  The lump shape is enough to keep me from being interested…. toss a base price of forty five grand in there, and I’m staying FAR away.  Of course, if you want EcoBoost and all the goodies, you’re looking at somewhere in the $55k ballpark. 

Why Ford, Why?  Who’s the buyer?

Hi there – could you help spread the word about Houston Cars? I could really use your help in getting my work out to new readers. If you would send someone a link, email, or even mention it to your friends, I would appreciate it. 2010 Lincoln MKT is a post from: Houston Cars, home of the best darn car reviews around.

If the shape looks vaguely familiar, it’s because the 2010 MKT is based on the big, boxy, Ford Flex.  Engine choices look to be a base 270 HP V6, with the optional 415 HP EcoBoost 3.5 liter V6.  If I don’t seem impressed or interested, it’s because I’m not.  There’s a new CUV / big wagon thingy seemingly every other day or so.  Do we really need a Lincoln Flex?  Yet another full-size CUV? 

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I won’t go into a rant about how ridiculous Lincoln’s new naming scheme is.  I mean, what in the hell is an MKZ anyway?  How is it different from an MKX?  I write about cars every day, and I have trouble figuring that out.  But I’m not here to talk about that.  What I am here to talk about is the latest and greatest from Lincoln – the 2009 MKZ Hybrid.

Captured by spy photographers, this vehicle really comes as a surprise.  We’ve long known about the 2009 Fusion Hybrid, but there was never really any indication of a Lincoln Hybrid.  So, neato!  There are no under hood shots, nor any guesses on hardware.  Fuel economy?  No idea.  Don’t expect miracles – the MKZ is a fairly good-sized car, with a lot of bulk.  Surely Lincoln will be attaching the hybrid powertrain to a V6 as well, unlike the Fusion.  But Lexus is doing it, so why not?

Source.

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You know how I’m a huge fan of car companies answering questions that no one is asking?  Oh wait, I’m not a fan of that.  Well here’s Lincoln’s latest answer to nothing, the Lincoln MKT.  Besides the continuation of a stupid naming scheme, what is this car all about?  Well, it’s a wagon / CUV type vehicle, with a pretty awkward profile.  It’s not clear whether Lincoln is marketing this vehicle as a hatchback, wagon, CUV, or some sort of FDCCWUV like the BMW X6.  Either way, it’s got a funky shape and a loud grille.  You can’t mistake this for anything but a Lincoln.

The MKT is built on the new Ford Flex platform, and is powered by the new EcoBoost engine.  Power output?  How about 415 HP / 400 lb-ft of torque from it’s turbocharged 3.5 liter V6?  That sweet engine is mated to Lincoln’s smooth 6 speed auto, with power going out to all four wheels. 

Hardware-wise, the MKT is great.  From a looks and marketing standpoint, I simply don’t know what Lincoln was thinking. 

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The gussied-up F-150 that bore the name Mark LT will be no more after the 2008 model year. Just like it’s forefather, the Lincoln Blackwood, the Mark LT has had a very short run. The Mark LT had just 3 model years, in fact – it was introduced as a 2006 model in 2005.

Why did Ford pull the plug? Poor sales, of course. Sales for 2006 totaled just 12,753 – a far cry from the goal of 20,000 units. For some reason, Lincoln just can’t sell a luxury pickup at the same pace that Cadillac can. Why the big difference? No one really knows. The Escalanche sells fairly well, even though it’s uglier and costs more than the Mark LT. Perhaps the goofy name on the Lincoln? Or perhaps it was too obvious that there’s little reason to buy a Mark LT over an F-150 King Ranch.

No matter the reason, the Mark LT is a goner. If you want one ( why, why, why? ), you better pick yours up soon.

Via EGM Car Tech.

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Today you get the treat of the first spy shot of the 2009 Lincoln MKS interior.  Like all modern day Lincolns, the interior is beautiful to behold.  The satin nickel finish coupled with the sparing use of wood trim just gives it a classy look that few other manufacturers can match.

Sadly it still sounds like Lincoln will only offer a V6 in the MKS, to go up against all the V8 competitors.  Sorry Lincoln, but you need a V8 to compete in this segment, and there’s just no way around it.

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2007 Lincoln MKZ is the Zephyr renamed and upgraded – though I think everyone would’ve liked to see the name Zephyr stick around. I cannot for the life of me remember which is the MKZ and which is the MKX. Add the upcoming MKS to the mix and I’m lost. Naming issues aside, what’s the new Lincoln all about? Well, for one, a badass engine sits under the hood this year. Ford’s excellent 263 HP 3.5 liter DOHC V6 Duratec engine provides the go-juice, and it’s hooked up to Lincoln’s slick 6 speed automatic transmission.

Looks are subjective, especially with the MKZ. I love the rear of the car – it’s very distinctive. The interior is typical Lincoln – absolutely gorgeous, and very very classy. The front of the 2007 Lincoln MKZ is a little much to take, and some may not like it. I have mixed feelings about it, though I like the rest of the car enough not to be too concerned.

2007 Lincoln MKZ Specs

• 263 HP 3.5 liter V6
• 6 speed automatic transmission
• FWD or available AWD
• 3533 lb curb weight
• Standard side and curtain airbags
• 19 MPG city / 27 MPG highway ( FWD )

2007 Lincoln MKZ Reviews

Autobytel reviews the 2007 Lincoln MKZ and writes – ‘What a nicely done Ford. Such a high content level, a good nav system, well sorted suspension and powerful engine, and at only $28,000. What? It’s a Lincoln? And it costs $35,600? In that case, the engine drones too much, the tires and suspension make too much noise, the interior quality is decidedly un-luxurious, and the styling is commonplace. Acura’s TL or a Lexus ES 350 cost more and don’t have all-wheel drive, but I’d take either before this Lincoln. If you shop on a strictly stuff-for-the-dollar basis, the MKZ makes a certain amount of sense. But if you want to feel like you bought an actual luxury car, and not just an optioned out Ford, shop elsewhere.’

Edmunds reviews the 2007 Lincoln MKZ and writes – ‘The Lincoln MKZ is a distinctly American take on the entry luxury sedan. The interior is suitably roomy and comfortable, and although the materials aren’t class-leading, they’re a noticeable step up from the Lincoln’s lower-line siblings. And with peppy acceleration from the new V6 and a plush ride, the MKZ is pleasant to drive. Overall, it stacks up well with other premium and luxury-brand choices like the Acura TL, Chrysler 300, Lexus ES 350, Nissan Maxima and Volkswagen Passat, but many of these cars offer sportier handling dynamics and/or more upscale cabin furnishings. Then there’s the matter of the MKZ’s styling, which although unusual, doesn’t seem likely to resonate well with the younger customers Lincoln hopes to attract.’

The Auto Channel reviews the 2007 Lincoln MKZ and writes – ‘Our test drive followed a road affectionately called Tail of the Dragon, winding through the foothills and lakes at the southern edge of the Smoky Mountain National Park. Chassis tuning has been revised with higher spring rates, upsized anti-roll bars and increased damping force. Neither my codriver nor I found any quirks or complaints about the handling or performance through the twisties. Driving position is excellent and controls feel good. Steering is precise. We dodged and wove briskly through miles and miles of wonderfully tight mountain curves without a worry.’

Automobile.com reviews the 2007 Lincoln MKZ and writes – ‘I drove the front-wheel drive model last year, with the old Duratec 30 V6. This engine, as good as it once was, and with respect to the Fusion, still is, pales in comparison to the new 3.5. The new mills mellifluous power band and sonorous mechanical and exhaust notes make for a much more refined, yet exuberant companion, and the new six-speed automatic, curiously devoid of any do-it-yourself leverage, translates the raw power into usable force. Just why Ford went to all the trouble of building an in-house automatic without giving it any manual-mode capability is beyond me, but spokespeople at the engine and transmission launch program in Dearborn last year told me that its buyers said they had no need for such a device.’

Car and Driver reviews the 2007 Lincoln MKZ and writes – ‘At the track, the MKZ’s extra 42 ponies didn’t make it any faster than the Zephyr. Quarter-mile and 0-to-60 times were identical to those of a front-wheel-drive Zephyr we tested in April 2006. The MKZ has 267 more pounds to carry than did the Zephyr (due primarily to the AWD system), but its 14.5-pounds-per-horsepower power-to-weight ratio is still better than the Zephyr’s 16.0 pounds per horsepower. Identical gearing in both cars leads us to believe our MKZ might have been an unusually weak example or that the added friction and rotational inertia of the all-wheel drive sapped a significant chunk of life from the new engine.’

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The Lincoln MKS is out and about – though it’s covered up pretty well. The MKS is supposed to sit about the MKZ in the Lincoln lineup. This is a model that Lincoln sorely needs to get right – the MKZ is very nice, but it is Mazda 6 based, after all. That’s a humble platform for a luxury brand flagship.

Hardware specs on the MKS aren’t final, but here’s what we think will come to production. The concept had a 315 HP 4.4 liter V8 – which would be a decent, if slightly underpowered engine for the flagship model. There is a concern that Lincoln won’t even offer a V8 – leaving just a V6 in their most expensive car. Let’s hope that’s not the case, unless they have some sort of high-powered hybrid V6 up their sleeves.

Check out the rest of the spy shots here.

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The original luxury SUV, the Lincoln Navigator, gets a pretty nice thorough update for 2007. The frame and suspension are new, and the body is pretty different looking to say the least. While I’m not a fan of the new chromed-out grille, the Escalade crowd probably will be. Inside the cabin is typical Lincoln wonderfulness – classy, elegant, and comfortable.

If the Escalade’s 1950′s-era solid rear axle ( and subsequent non-fold-flat third row seating ) doesn’t do it for you, the Navigator is worth a long, hard look. It’s classy without being overbearing, and exudes luxury. And if the chrome issues on the front really weird you out, no worries. Lincoln will be releasing a less “loud” option soon, and the parts should be available from your Lincoln dealer before too long.

2007 Lincoln Navigator Specs

• 300 HP 5.4 liter V8
• 6 speed automatic transmission
• 5872 lb curb weight
• Available climate-controlled seats
• Available power running boards ( class exclusive )

2007 Lincoln Navigator Reviews

Autobytel reviews the 2007 Lincoln Navigator and writes – ‘The biggest drawback to the 2007 Lincoln Navigator is the engine. The only choice is a 5.4-liter, 300-horsepower V8 that’s also under the hood of the Lincoln Mark LT and the Ford Expedition. Its primary competition, the Cadillac Escalade, easily out-powers it with a 403-hp, 6.2-liter V8 that also boasts more torque than the Navigator. And then there’s the grille. It dominates the Navigator completely, and makes this SUV stand out in traffic like a…like a…like a 2007 Lincoln Navigator. If you like the design and don’t mind being seen – and possibly pointed at – then by all means, buy it. But anything that makes an Escalade look subdued by comparison is over the top for us.’

The Auto Channel reviews the 2007 Lincoln Navigator and writes – ‘The Navigator designers went to great lengths to distinguish this truck from the garish Escalade. But, forgive me Lincoln folks, that optional chrome on the nose and the shiny chin grill the Navigator looks to me like a diva with an botched lip job. It certainly has a bold and aggressive look with that extra visual stuff on the front but it’s as garish as the competition. Without the extra chrome, however, it’s much more in keeping with the stated philosophy – “unpretentious.”’

Cars.com reviews the 2007 Lincoln Navigator and writes – ‘There’s nothing inherently wrong with the new Lincoln Navigator that would make me say someone shouldn’t buy one. If the looks grab you, then it makes perfect sense. If you’re remotely on the fence about picking the Escalade, the near-$10,000 difference in price between the $45,755 Navigator and the $54,500 Escalade could be the difference, though many drivers would be just as happy with a Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer Edition for $35,575 as with a luxury SUV.’

Automobile Mag reviews the 2007 Lincoln Navigator and writes – ‘But the last Navigator already did the subtle and refined thing. What this model really needs is an infusion of Escalade-style attitude. The Navigator doesn’t even have the personality of the Infiniti QX56, never mind the megamagnetic Caddy. Lincoln says more powerful engines–maybe even a diesel–and bigger, twenty-two-inch wheels may be offered, but not for a couple of years. The Escalade, of course, offers more power (403 hp versus the Navigator’s 300 hp) and deuce-deuces right now. As for all that chrome, buyers can specify body-colored trim in place of much of it starting in February. Make up your mind already, Lincoln.’

Business Week reviews the 2007 Lincoln Navigator and writes – ‘Like GM, Ford is beginning to upgrade its insides. The Ford model line is developing an interior design language across its products but Lincoln, because it is more upscale, looks different. The look is less “industrial” than Ford’s, with an emphasis on a more sophisticated style, including wood veneers and better quality plastics. Is it as nice as a Range Rover’s interior? Not even close—but then the Rover starts at around $76,000, or nearly $20,000 more than a fully loaded Navigator (including the power running boards, rear-seat DVD player and 20-in. chrome hubcaps.) Of course, both Rover and Lincoln are owned by Ford and presumably Ford doesn’t want the two vehicles to compete for the same buyer.’

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