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2007 Lincoln MKZ: Not Jay-Z, it’s the MKZ
Ready for a November release? No it's not Jay-Z's new album, it is Lincoln's new MKZ midsize luxury sedan. If you are saying to yourself “Didn't Lincoln have a Mark line of vehicles and also a Zephyr?” You would be right on both fronts, but Lincoln decided to go a new route with the alpha characters MKZ for its ‘07 replacement of its successful Zephyr. Lincoln, looking to secure a new breed of Lincoln buyers, hopes that the MKZ continues the success of its predecessor.
 When you first look at the MKZ, you realize that Lincoln is trying to expand its brand image beyond its current older base. Though Lincoln will always be loyal to the over 55 crowd, it sees the need for an infusion of newer, cooler products that will hopefully grab the attention of the thirty-somethings out there looking for an entry-level luxury ride.
Starting with a more aggressive stance, the MKZ looks sportier than any previous Lincoln I've driven. The front end houses a refreshed “waterfall” front grille with flanking High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, giving the driver superior vision for night-time driving. HIDs are also longer lasting and use less energy than conventional headlights.
 The rest of the exterior is simple and clean, with chrome trim side mirror caps and beltline helping accentuate the MKZ's side profile. A power moonroof is optional, with dual chrome trimmed tailpipes standard. Also standard are 17-inch alloy wheels with the option of a machined-aluminum or chromed finish. All together, the MKZ looks ready for the city streets and the twists and turns that come with it. “Customer demand for Lincoln's mid-size luxury sedan has significantly exceeded our expectations, allowing us to do the unexpected,” says Al Giombetti, vice president of Ford, Lincoln Mercury Marketing & Sales. “We have taken a brand-new, well-received car and significantly improved it for its second model year. With a stronger, smoother engine, a new front appearance, new wheels and available all-wheel drive, Lincoln MKZ will continue to fulfill its mission of drawing a new generation of customers to the Lincoln brand.”
 Talking about twists and turns, the front-wheel drive MKZ is powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 with a smooth shifting 6-speed automatic transmission. The new engine puts out 263-horsepower and intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD) is available to help keep you on the road. Intelligent AWD just means that though the MKZ is primarily front-wheel drive, when car sensors feel the front wheels slipping for any reason, it diverts power to the rear wheels to compensate for the slippage. It works relatively seamlessly and actually saves on fuel and wear-and-tear when compared to full-time AWD products. Along with 4-wheel anti-lock brakes and a traction assist system, the MKZ is well balanced.
 If for some reason the MKZ goes off-road accidentally, it has standard front driver and passenger airbags, seat-deployed side airbags for thorax protection and a full length safety curtain in an event of a side-impact and/or a rollover occurs.
Inside the MKZ is an opulent interior with real wood, leather and/or satin nickel trim. Interior color choices range from Light Stone and Dark Charcoal to Sand. Standards include dual-zone temperature control, heated front seats, MP3 audio input jack, leather seats and more. Among available options are a THX II-certified audio system with 14 speakers and 6-disc CD player; a DVD-based navigation system, heated and cooled front seats and Sirius Satellite Radio.
 So if you always admired your daddy's or even your grandfather's Lincoln and aspire to have a Lincoln of your own, the MKZ is a good entry-level way into the brand that may have you thinking Lincoln Navigator or Town Car down the road. Starting at $31,050 and in dealerships this November, you may find a thirty-something leaving the dealer rocking Jay-Z in their new MKZ. You never know.
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