2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Unveiled

Ford’s luxury brand, Lincoln, pulled the wraps off its first hybrid today, the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, praising it will be the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America. The luxury midsize sedan is expected to deliver at least 41 mpg in the city when it will go on sale this fall, with pricing set to be revealed closer to the market launch.

"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.

The car will be joining the other hybrid models in Ford’s lineup, including the Ford Fusion Hybrid, the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Milan and Mariner Hybrids.

"Today's luxury customers do not want to make sacrifices. Lincoln has found a way to deliver a luxury sedan with the comforts they expect, the technology they want and the environmental responsibility society demands," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president, Global Product Development.

The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle I-4 hybrid engine, delivering a combined 191 horsepower.

Lincoln compared the car with its nearest competitor, the 2010 Lexus HS 250h and discovered that while the it reaches just 25 mph in battery-only mode, the MKZ Hybrid extends to 47 mph. Moreover, the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid's projected fuel economy tops the Lexus HS 250h by 6 mpg.

Standard features and technologies of the new MKZ Hybrid include SmartGauge with EcoGuide, Lincoln SYNC, 10-Way Power Passenger Seat, Power Driver Memory Seat Settings, Heated and Cooled Front Seats, Genuine Wood Trim, Reverse Sensing System, Keyless Entry Keypad, Easy Fuel Capless Fuel-Filler, Personal Safety System, MyKey, Integrated Spotter Mirrors and Acoustic Laminated Windshield. Inside, the car also includes standard Bridge of Weir leather seats.