2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

An all-new Lincoln MKZ, with refined (but not radical) styling changes and a new platform, will debut in concept form at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

That’s good news, since the styling change was originally set to push unveiling of the new MKZ design back to the second half of 2012.

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ will share a platform with the next Ford Fusion and its global equivalent, the Ford Mondeo.

There’s good news rumored about the hybrid versions of the MKZ and Fusion, too: sources close to their development expect the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid and the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid to return up to 48 mpg in city driving, up from 41 mpg in the city for the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.

That’s substantially better than the 2011 Lexus HS 250h hybrid, which gets up to 35 mpg in the city.

There’s no word yet on whether or not Ford will continue to price the MKZ Hybrid identically to the MKZ with V-6 engine but it’s clear that this strategy has helped them gain market share.

Expect the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid to receive subtle styling changes to set it apart from its MKZ stable mate, and look for both to appear in production form by the second half of 2012.

[Car and Driver via Motor Authority]

+++++++++++

Follow GreenCarReports on Facebook and Twitter.