(continued from above)
Ford, America's largest domestic hybrid seller, is further broadening
its aggressive electrification plan and second generation of hybrid technology
with the new Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.
"Lincoln's hallmarks are design,
technology and comfort. Now, Lincoln also delivers the best fuel efficiency of
any luxury sedan in America," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The
Americas.
Introduction of the new Lincoln MKZ Hybrid also complements Ford's aggressive
global electrification plan. Ford is introducing five new electrified vehicles
by 2013. They include the Transit Connect Electric in late 2010, the Focus
Electric in 2011, a next-generation hybrid electric vehicle and a plug-in hybrid
electric vehicle (PHEV) in 2012, followed by another next-generation hybrid
electric vehicle in 2013.
The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid's fuel economy tops its
nearest competitor - the 2010 Lexus HS 250h - by 6 mpg. It also trumps the Lexus
with room for one more passenger and more standard luxury and segment-exclusive
safety features.
The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid uses Ford's
second-generation hybrid technology - the 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle I-4 hybrid
engine, named one of Ward's 2010 "10 Best Engines."
The system combines
the best attributes of the gasoline engine and electric battery-driven motors to
deliver optimal performance and fuel economy.
Industry-leading fuel
economy comes without sacrificing power. The combined gasoline engine and
electric motor provide 191 net horsepower. Plus, the pure electric mode on the
Lincoln MKZ Hybrid extends to 47 mph - compared with the Lexus HS 250h
battery-only mode, which reaches just 25 mph.
Lincoln MKZ Hybrid: Review (2/2)
