First LINCOLN Hybrid to be Most Fuel-efficient Luxury Sedan in America

Fuel economy is soon going to be a trait more closely associated with the Lincoln brand in addition to design, technology and comfort. The new 2011 LINCOLN MKZ Hybrid will be shown for the first time at the 2010 New York Auto Show, and it is poised to be the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America. The first-ever hybrid for the Lincoln brand is expected to deliver at least 41 miles per gallon in the city.

The new premium midsize sedan hybrid joins Ford Motor Company’s growing lineup of hybrids, including the Ford Fusion Hybrid – 2010 North American Car of the Year and America’s most fuel-efficient sedan – plus the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Milan and Mariner Hybrids.

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 projected 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.

“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 Group Vice President, Global Product Development.

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.

The 2011 LINCOLN MKZ Hybrid comes standard with features and technologies that are either not offered on the Lexus HS 250h or are available only at an extra cost.

This first-ever hybrid for the Lincoln brand goes on sale in the fall of 2010.