Lincoln Introduces Hybrid MKZ - The Company's First

In brief: Lincoln has introduced the MKZ Hybrid, which they claim is the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America at 41mpg (city).

Vehicle in the news

Make/Model: MKZ Hybrid
Manufacturer: Lincoln (Ford)

The word

The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid uses Ford's EcoGuide and SmartGauge technologies (found in the Ford Focus) and pits them with a 2.5L Atkinson-cycle I-4 hybrid engine drive train.

The MKZ's nearest competitor is the Lexus HS 250h, Toyota's premium luxury sedan at 38mpg (city). The Lincoln is capable of up to 47mph in all-electric mode (nearly twice that of the Lexus).

The Lincoln MKZ is Ford's latest foray into electrification as part of the company's global plan to introduce five new electrics (mostly hybrids) by 2013. The best-selling Ford Focus is next with a hybrid entering the market in 2011.

And so ...

41mpg for a luxury sedan is an extreme improvement as the MPG Wars continue to unfold.

Photo credits: Ford / Lincoln