New Lincoln MKZ Concept

The problematic luxury child of the Ford Motor group is trying to recuperate from years of neglect with a fresh concept model that not only previews the next MKZ mid-size sedan due in dealerships later this year but also serves as a vision of Lincoln's next-generation vehicles.

Of course, those of you that have been following the automotive industry will know that this is not the first time that Ford has attempted to rejuvenate its luxury brand. All the same, the Blue Oval claims that the MKZ Concept, which debuts at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show, marks a new era for Lincoln.

“With the Lincoln MKZ Concept, we are not introducing a new car. We are essentially introducing a new brand,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's vice president for global product development. “The MKZ Concept is the next step in the reinvention of Lincoln, something we’ve been quietly but aggressively pursuing.”

What's important about the MKZ study is its styling language along with the ambience and the various gadgets and features of the interior, which looks more production ready than the exterior.

“The MKZ Concept’s shape is a vision of simplicity completed with just a few strokes,” said Max Wolff, Lincoln design director. “Our movement as a brand is toward something we call elegant simplicity. It’s something warmer and more restrained, which is moving away from complex designs and traditional luxury.”

On the outside, most surfaces and details are new with the exception of the front end that looks like a slightly more modern version of Lincoln's current face with a split-wing grille and relatively small headlamps pushed towards the corners.

Inside, the concept has seating for four with champagne-colored leather seats, while the passenger enjoying the view from the panoramic glass roof that spans from the windshield to the top of the backlight.

"The front graphic is repeated in the dramatic sweep of the instrument panel, helping tie the interior to the exterior," said Wolf. "These flowing forms create a comfortable and functional interior that particularly appeals to the younger, more diverse customers we are targeting."

Among other features, the MKZ's cabin sports push-button transmission gear selection, an open, tiered center console and liquid crystal instrumentation.

The Blue Oval did not release any information on the MKZ's hardware, but we know that it rides on the same platform as the new 2013 Ford Fusion sharing the same 112.2-in (2,850mm) wheelbase.