The brand Lincoln is in the doldrums for years, but Ford’s luxury arm is trying to stage a return (again) starting with the new Lincoln MKZ. The brand offers a medium-sized arrive in dealerships later this year, and we’re getting our first taste of what’s to come with this, the concept MKZ makes its debut at the Detroit Motor Show 2012.
The concept MKZ features a new clean design sheet that head designer Max Wolff calls “simplicity with a few strokes.” The MKZ continues to feature the latest version of the band split wing Lincoln in front, with a couple of order, multi-LED unit that flow off the grid. The design is characterized by a sharp crease bodyside belt line that helps to resist the concept and a more athletic, and looking at the concept MKZ profile reveals a sweeping roofline that looks unique and refined. We’re big fans of the svelte side mirrors, which are about as thick as a steak strip and completely independent from the A-pillar. The concept also features a beautiful, full glass roof that integrates into the structure of the body.
The lightly tinted glass mirrors and the roof is not necessarily the mode of production (along with the large wheels), but the proportions of the MKZ is a likely spot-on match for the production model. Lincoln tells us that the concept is equipped with a 112-inch step – five centimeters shorter than the model 2012. The concept is therefore wider than the model 2012 in more than one inch.
The extra length should allow a much more internal volume, but most models show a concept car that is more of Buck Rodgers ready for production. This is not the case of the concept MKZ, Lincoln chose to show how duds that probably very close to the model found in dealerships soon. Among the interesting touches have a dash that offers rich materials and beautiful wood trim, a new steering wheel design that features perforated leather and a new perspective on MyLincoln Touch.
The center IP ditches analog indicators in favor of a ten-inch thin film transistor-LED instrument panel with a sharp-looking graphics. The center console has an eight-inch LCD with the now familiar graphic touch MyLincoln, in addition to setting a touch-sensitive controls and knob-free HVAC. The most interesting part of the center console is the absence of a shift lever. Transmission controls are aligned vertically along the left edge of the stack, to clear up a lot of room for front row occupants. The center console also houses the start button and glove box release buttons.
