Borrowing from the rich history of Lincoln motorcars and the beauty found in nature, Lincoln designers Max Wolff and Soo Kang set out to create a car that was inspired by the unexpected. From this concept the 2013 MKZ was designed. And more specifically, the MKZ Hybrid.

In early concept development, Kang referenced a sketch of a manta ray that she drew and how its graceful underwater flight and form was incorporated into the airy interior of the MKZ, noticeable also in the dramatic sweep of the car’s instrument panel. Meanwhile, Wolff drew a connection between the eagle’s expansive wingspan as a model for the team to define the MKZ’s split wing grille- which is also a relevant throwback to the classic Lincoln “face.”

The MKZ offers three engine choices. Though the most exciting component of the MKZ engine options revolves around its patented EcoBoost engine. Dubbed by Lincoln as the “most fuel efficient luxury car in America,” the standard 2.0 litre EcoBoost employs a tri-blend of technologies, including: turbocharging, direct injection, and the sophisticated twin independent variable cam timing (TI-VCT). This combination makes for 4-cylinder efficiency and performance more akin to that of a larger engine, equating about 240 hp and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. The 3.7 litre TI-VCT V6 is best for those desiring a higher performance experience of 300 hp and 277 lb.-ft. of torque. Powering the efficient Hybrid is an electric motor and a 2.0L Atkinson-cycle I-4 gas engine, which can run up to 62 mph under regular operating conditions on electric power alone, without requiring fuel.

Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD), adaptive LED headlights, interior LED lighting, Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS), active noise control and a host of technology-based driver assistance features all add up to further differentiate this modern interpretation of the classic Lincoln luxury car from models past.

designer: max wolff and soo kang
producer: lincoln
material: aluminum, glass, leather
period: 2013