MKZ shows off new Lincoln look

Today's Super Bowl at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and Friday's start of the Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place focuses the spotlight sharply on the Midwest this week.

The start of the 2012 auto show circuit offers the first glimpse into future styling dynamics of the global auto industry's product line.

Ford Motor Co.'s Lincoln Division was among the earliest with the unveiling of the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Concept at last month's Detroit Auto Show.

The tight swept-back look of the Lincoln MKZ Concept reveals a new direction for the premium luxury brand's design language with a new horizontal split–winged grille that highlights the sport sedan's curved front fascia.

MKZ Concept is topped by a full–length glass roof that cascades onto a sculpted rear end anchored by a blacked–out lower valance and quad exhaust ports.

Innovative interior features include push–button transmission gear selection, an open–tiered center console, liquid crystal instrumentation and a MyLincolnTouch infotainment system.

Responsibly harvested poplar wood, aluminum in bright and satin finishes as well as leather help create a sculptural, luxurious and comfortable interior space.

Champagne–colored leather seats with dark taupe accents feature a champagne perforation pattern, giving the illusion of champagne bubbles rising from the bottom of a glass.

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ Concept is powered by an EcoBoost four–cylinder engine mated to an eight–speed automatic transmission. A continuously controlled damping system manages the suspension.

Ford created a studio and design team of about 200 employees to redesign Lincoln and seven other new or refreshed vehicles by model year 2014.

"The chemistry of the team is great," says Lincoln Group Marketing Manager, C. J. O'Donnell. "Lincoln is no longer a family divided."

Driving a new image  

In years past, Lincoln has been plagued with an image problem that associated with brand with older drivers and large cars typical of use in the livery industry.

Today, the brand is aimed at younger buyers looking for an American–built luxury car with world–class sophisticated design and pace–setting technological features.

"Lincoln wants to attract progressive luxury customers that are open–minded and tech–savvy," says Derrick Kuzak, Ford Motor Co. group vice president of Global Product Planning. "With the Lincoln MKZ Concept, we are not introducing a new car, but essentially introducing a new brand."

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ Concept is the next step in the reinvention of Lincoln and strongly hints at the production model arriving at area dealers this year. Price has not been released.