(autoinsidernews) - Lincoln has officially launched its 2007 MKZ entry-level luxury sedan. With a new engine, some minor styling tweaks and the availability of all-wheel drive for the first time ever on a Lincoln car, the brand thought there were enough changes to make the Zephyr fit Lincolns new alphanumeric naming scheme, reports Trend.
The 2007 MKZ will be powered by Fords new 3.5L V6, which is rated at 263-hp, mated to a six-speed automatic transmssion. The MKZ is the engine first application in a car, but it will soon be seen the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossover that come out later this fall. The MKZ will be available with all-wheel drive for 2007. Along with the new engine and all-wheel drive, Lincoln is retuning the suspension to deliver a more athletic driving experience.
The styling tweaks are minor with a refined version of Lincolns traditional waterfall grille and mildly restyled lower front fascia. The cars interior is unchanged for 2007, which we think is a good thing, with genuine wood, leather and satin nickel trim.
The 2007 Lincoln MKZ has a base price of $29,890 for the front-wheel drive model only $230 more than the Zephyr and $31,765 for the all-wheel drive model. The MKZ will be in dealer showrooms in October and offer Lincolns new extended six-year / 70,000-mile powertrain warranty.