Lincoln’s lineup has undergone significant changes
in recent years as the company has rolled out new and redesigned models such as
the Aviator, Corsair and Navigator. While all three models are
crossovers, it appears the company will soon turn its attention to the MKZ.
This shouldn’t be too surprising as the model is one of the oldest vehicles in
Lincoln’s lineup and its Ford counterpart, the Fusion, will soon bite the dust.
Little is known about its successor at this point,
but Car & Driver suggests it could ride on the same rear-wheel drive
platform that underpins the Aviator and Explorer. This would be a big change
for Lincoln as the company hasn’t offered a rear-wheel drive sedan since the
Town Car was phased out in 2011.
Considering the platform is also expected to
underpin the next-generation Mustang, it could mean the return of sporty
rear-wheel drive Lincolns. That’s long overdue and the MKZ successor could
effectively become a modern day LS.
There’s no word on what will power the sedan, but
the current model has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 245 hp and 372 Nm of torque. The MKZ can also be
equipped with a hybrid powertrain and a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 that cranks out
400 hp and 542 Nm of torque.
Like newer Lincoln products, the MKZ successor
should receive a proper name. Car & Driver believes the car could be called
the Zephyr and that’s fitting as MKZ was originally launched with the Zephyr
name. We might not have to wait too long see the model as the publication
suggests a concept could be introduced as early as next year. The production
model would then follow shortly thereafter.
