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 (183 kW / 248 PS) and 275 lb-ft (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 (298 kW / 406 PS) and 400 lb-ft (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.
