[Photos] The 2017 Lincoln MKZ Looks Kinda Fantastic
2017 Lincoln MKZ
So here’s a curveball almost nobody saw coming: the 2017 Lincoln MKZ this morning was revealed with a number of major improvements, including an all-new 3.0-liter GTDI V6 engine option. More surprising, perhaps, is the fact that the 2017 MKZ has a completely revamped face that hinges on a new one-piece mesh-style grille, similar to that seen on the Continental Concept earlier this year. This new look not only foretells Lincoln’s design direction for the future, but it also is 1) a vast improvement and 2) looks damn good. This thing looks like it feels exactly like a luxury sedan oughta.
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Video: 2017 Lincoln MKZ Black Label Exterior/Interior B-Roll
Lincoln didn’t utter so much as a whisper or release a single shadowy teaser image prior to today’s reveal, and the result is a rather refreshing surprise that seemingly signals good things for the future of the brand. The foremost new feature is an exclusive 3.0-liter GTDI V6 that is capable of 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque with AWD. Compared to the 2016 MKZ AWD and its 3.7-liter V6, that’s an output improvement of 100 horsepower. Horsepower is boosted in the 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid as well; the 2.0-liter GTDI generates 245 horsepower, compared to the 188 horsepower of the 2016 MKZ Hybrid’s drivetrain.
The 2017 Lincoln MKZ is offered with adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, enhanced park assist, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Lincoln Drive Control, and Dynamic Torque Vectoring for models with the 3.0-liter engine.
The new look of the MKZ will no doubt be a major talking point between now and its spring 2016 release. It’s sharp, crisp, and intelligent, both inside and out. Lincoln also promises two new Black Label themes for further aesthetic charm—Chalet and Vineyard, which join the Thoroughbred theme available for the 2016 mode.
The one noticeable downside: the fact that we’re talking about a new MKZ and not a Zephyr means that the MK nomenclature is sticking around for just a little while longer.
Details are otherwise sparse, but more is almost certainly forthcoming as the 2015 LA Auto Show rolls on.
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Gallery: 2017 Lincoln MKZ is Really, Really, Really, Ridiculously Good-Looking
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