AUTO RED BOOK REVIEW: LINCOLN MKZ CONCEPT

On The Cover Review: Lincoln MKZ Concept

Editor's Note: Each year, The Automobile Red Book visits the prestigious North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Thanks to worldwide coverage, the NAIAS draws the latest and greatest from car and truck manufacturers around the globe. Many of them use this venue to showcase their newest concept cars. Although not available to the public, these cars often predict the styles and trends that may hit the streets in the near future. This is the third in a series of The Automobile Red Book’s annual review of some of the best concepts from COBO Hall.

If you’ve driven a Ford…lately, you know that everything from the lowly Fiesta compact to the Taurus boulevard cruiser can be ordered with more technology, gadgets, features, and quality than ever before. That makes it hard for Ford’s luxury brand, Lincoln, to command the price premiums people have come to expect. Take the MKZ Concept that Lincoln unveiled at the 2012 NAIAS. It’s a beautiful car, no doubt. With its flowing lines and modern-yet-retro Zephyr-inspired grill, the ruby red MKZ exuded quality. But earlier in the show, Ford revealed the all-new production Fusion. Like the MKZ, it is front- or all-wheel-drive, about the same size, and loaded with technology. The Fusion is also a good-looking car that many compared to an Aston Martin. When this concept car morphs into a production car, will the cachet of the Lincoln star and a bit more leather and chrome make this sedan a hit? Hopefully. Lincoln’s success and ultimate future may depend on it.