lines of the Ford, the MKZ starts Lincoln on a new and brand-exclusive design path.

Split by the Lincoln logo, the large grille openings spread out like wings before tapering into the smallish headlights. While thoroughly modern, this new look takes its cues from the early Lincoln-Zephyrs for the late 1930s. Their "catwalk" grilles were a sensation when styling had recently moved the radiator under the good and behind such designer covers.

At the back, the MKZ is also noteworthy. As Lincoln is wont to do every few years, the MKZ reintroduces the full-width taillights. These LED units run across the tail just below the trailing edge of the trunk. Most likely as a happy accident, the stepped fender and trunk lines hark back to the "tire hump" found on Lincolns as recent as the 1998 Mark VIII.

Almost as an aside, updated versions of existing drivetrains power the new MKZ. Three different states of tune can be found under hood. The largest is the unadorned 3.7L DOHC 300-horsepower V6. More efficient is the standard 2.0L Ecoboost DOHC four-cylinder: 240 horsepower and rated to 33 m.p.g. on the highway.

Both the V6 and Ecoboost engines are mated to six-speed automatic transaxles and can power either the front wheels or all four. Offered only in a front-drive, CVT configuration, the hybrid model returns with its 188-horsepower four-cylinder/electric powertrain. The expectation is that the model will remain among the highest-fuel-economy luxury cars offered in the United States.