Lincoln's first hybrid is also being billed as the most fuel-efficient luxury car in North America.
Looking to build its position among high-mileage makers, Ford Motor Co. has been rolling out a variety of green products, and the latest entry into its line-up promises to give its high-line Lincoln brand bragging rights as the most fuel-efficient luxury car in America.
The marque’s first gas-electric model, the 2011 Lincoln MKZ, promises to deliver 41 miles per gallon in the EPA’s City cycle, a full 6 mpg more than its closest competitor, the Lexus HS250h. The Lincoln also can operate in battery-only mode at speeds up to 47 miles per hour, compared with 25 mph for the Lexus in EV mode.
“Lincoln’s hallmarks are design, technology and comfort. Now, Lincoln also delivers the best fuel efficiency of any luxury sedan in America,” Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas, declared in a press release.
The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid makes its debut today at the New York International Auto Show. Lincoln is actually late to the hybrid party among the three remaining Ford brands. Among the maker’s other gas-electric offerings are versions of the Ford Escape and Fusion – the latter claiming honors, this past January, as North American Car of the Year – as well as the Mercury Milan and Mariner.
All the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models are so-called “full” hybrids, meaning they can operate on gas, battery or a combination of the two.
The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder engine running on the already fuel-efficient Atkinson Cycle. It’s paired with an electric motor drawing power from a set of nickel-metal hydride batteries. When operating together, the internal combustion engine and motor produce a combined 191 horsepower.
The new Lincoln Hybrid will add an assortment of high-line features, including the voice-operated Sync system, SmartGauge with EcoGuide, a system designed to help motorists maximize mileage, 10-way power passenger seat, and a keyless entry keypad mounted on the car’s central pillar.
Ford won’t release pricing until closer to the launch of the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, next autumn.