[USA] Lincoln MKZ Hybrid (Foto Ufficiali)

[Touareg 2.5]

Earlier this week we reported that Ford had plans to repurpose its very well-received hybrid powertrain in the Lincoln MKZ. Makes sense, right? Both the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan (sister cars of the MKZ) benefit from the fuel-sipping mill, and by adding a bit of electric power to the Lincoln lineup, Ford is hoping to attract more buyers into its luxury division's showrooms. What's more, since Lincoln vehicles carry higher price points than comparable Ford or Mercury products, the return on this hybrid investment means a larger profit margin for the automaker as a whole.

Well, now it's official. For the 2011 model year, the Lincoln MKZ will offer the award-winning 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline/electric powertrain from the Fusion and Milan hybrids, good for up to 41 miles per gallon in the city. In doing this, Lincoln aims to compete directly with the recently introduced Lexus HS250h, and since the MKZ will net six more MPGs than the HS, it can safely take the title of most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America. What's more, the MKZ is slightly larger than the Lexus, and if Ford plays its cards right, we wouldn't be surprised if the MKZ Hybrid is less expensive than the HS, as well.

Aside from the powertrain, the new hybrid doesn't differ too much from the rest of the MKZ range. Plenty of standard amenities are on tap, such as the cool-looking SmartGauge with EcoGuide, a reverse sensing system, heated and cooled front seats, Ford's MyKey system and – of course – SYNC.

But the big question surrounding the MKZ Hybrid isn't how well it will perform against the Lexus, but if it will carry enough extra kit to significantly differentiate it from a Fusion or Milan with the same powertrain. Consumers who are only looking for efficiency might be willing to sacrifice certain luxury amenities to save money, and this dilemma has always affected MKZ sales. Still, luxury-minted customers would be wise to look at this as an alternative option to the HS250h, and we'll keep a close eye on sales numbers when the MKZ Hybrid goes on sale later this year. For now, hit the jump to read the full details in the press release, and click through our gallery below to see the electrified MKZ for yourself.

autoblog.com

Anche Lincoln ha adesso la sua prima Hybrid.

[Guglielmi]

se solo avesse dei fari posteriori più proporzionati e tradizionali la vedrei benissimo anche in europa (parlo della linea) per quanto riguarda l'ibrido credo che non ci si debba iù stupire... il mercato lo chiede a gran voce.. e nei prossimi anni credo ci sarà letteralmente un boom visti i prezzi proibitivi della benzina... e poi si stanno piegando anche ferrari e porsche.. quindi...

[defiant]

Un posteriore così brutto non l'avevo ancora visto

[Cosimo]

con quei fari e quella griglia dovrebbe essere larga almeno tre metri e mezzo

[Touareg 2.5]

Eh si li han proprio cannati quei fari..

La precedente MKZ era più equilibrata nonostante fossero grandi anche qui..

La MKS continua ad esser la migliore.. mi piace molto.

[superkappa125]

Concordo, la MKS è la più bella di tutte, probabilmente la migliore tra le berline americane. Le ultime Lincoln in generale hanno delle proporzioni cannatissime.

[Tommitel]

che sopracciglio!!!

[Rohypnol]

gran bel quadro strumenti comunque, con tanto di fiorellini! Indescrivibile il posteriore...

[Sonata_Arctica]

Ha un culo talmente unico e coraggioso che quasi quasi mi piace

[Guglielmi]

Ha un culo talmente unico e coraggioso che quasi quasi mi piace

il problema imho è che ha un frontale molto lavorato e levigato (che personalmente mi pare bellissimo) e un "culo" tanto originale quanto sproporzionato e grezzo.. sembra che ancora debba essere rifinito... pare quello di una toyota del 2000... non c'è una buona continuità stilistica e sembrano 2 auto diverse.. almeno a me...