The MKZ sedan, to be displayed at the Beijing auto show, encapsulates Lincoln's new direction in both style and substance.

The new model will be available in the showrooms of an independent network of Lincoln dealers in China this fall.

The MKZ is the first model to be created in the dedicated Lincoln Design Center and offers spirited performance and engaging driving dynamics wrapped in a luxurious body.

"The Lincoln MKZ represents our commitment to deliver a new breed of Lincolns for a new generation of Lincoln clients - motor cars that are distinctive, elegant, full of technology and a delight to own," said Executive Vice President of Ford Global Marketing, Sales, and Service and Lincoln, Jim Farley.

The car embodies a subtle, distinctive and elegant design, which gives the classic Lincoln a modern twist.

"The MKZ is designed to be elegant and advanced," said Director of Lincoln Design, David Woodhouse.

"The sleek exterior design is complemented by an interior environment that is warm, refined and engaging, with crafted execution and premium materials."

A sweeping roofline defines the luxury sedan's profile. The steeply raked windshield and lengthened backlight make for a sleeker and more flowing appearance.

Although strikingly modern, the design retains classic Lincoln elements including a refined interpretation of the split-wing grille, first seen on the 1938 Lincoln-Zephyr.

Rearview mirrors stand on door-mounted, sculpted pedestals, which allows the front door glass to extend further forward to improve visibility and let more light into the car.

Interior light is further enhanced by a retractable panoramic roof, with a 1.4-square-meter glass panel, which is the largest among sedans.

The headlamps include bright, energy-efficient LED lights, which turn in sync with the steering wheel for better visibility. At the rear, LED technology gives a thin, distinctive full-width taillight graphic.

The design teams created an inviting interior that features bold architectural elements, rich natural materials and fine details.

Tech innovation

Innovation and technology are a focus of the MKZ.

The traditional mechanical transmission shift lever has been replaced by a contemporary five-button interface, which can be used in drive or sport mode.

The Push Button Shift gave designers freedom to create a sculptural multi-level center console with more functional storage areas.

Positioned ahead of the driver, a colored 10.1-inch LCD instrument cluster operates with the latest version of SYNC. Twin five-way controls on the steering wheel manage essential systems, and functions can be voice-activated via SYNC.

Standard SYNC services make turn-by-turn directions available via the touch of a button or a simple voice command.

Supple leather covers the seats and responsibly sourced wood and metal-toned surfaces create a luxurious and comfortable interior space.

Multi-contour front seats with Active Motion feature 11 air cushions to adjust the seat's back and bottom. This lets the driver and front passenger use a gentle rolling-pattern massage motion through seat-mounted controls or the SYNC touch screen.

The new MKZ model is the only sedan in its class to offer inflatable second-row outboard seat belts.

These spread impact forces across more than five times the area of conventional belts, reducing pressure on the chest while helping to control head and neck motion and reduce the risk of injuries.

Engine, transmission

The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine delivers the performance of a traditional V6 along with outstanding fuel economy. It is rated at 186 kW for power and has 389 Nm of torque.

Power is routed through a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel add to MKZ's performance and driving experience.

The car offers Lincoln Drive Control as standard. The automatic system delivers a balance of a smooth ride and confident handling as it intuitively responds to driver commands and the road.

Lincoln Drive Control orchestrates the performance of the continuously controlled damping adjustable suspension, electric power-assisted steering, engine, transmission, Active Noise Control, traction control and stability control systems.

The result is a combination of a refined ride and engaging driving dynamics. CCD offers three modes - sport, normal and comfort.

Driving aids

The Lincoln MKZ uses the Lane Keeping System, a suite of advanced driving aids that helps drivers avoid drifting from their lane due to distraction or fatigue.

Consisting of Lane Keeping Aid, Lane Keeping Alert and Driver Assist, the system uses a mono-vision camera integrated into the rearview mirror to read lane markers.

Radar-based driving aids further enhance the driving experience.

Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support each use a long-range radar system that scans in front of the car, automatically adjusting to traffic speed and providing a visual and audible alert when a potential front-end collision is detected.

The active park assist and Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert use multiple short-range wide-angle radar sensors. The systems help make parallel parking easier and warn of oncoming vehicles while backing out of parking spaces.

zhuanti@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 04/20/2014 page24)