2017 Lincoln MKZ

The MKZ serves as the host for a new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that is, at least for now, exclusive to the Lincoln brand. When paired with all-wheel drive and fueled with 93 octane, the direct-injected engine makes 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel-drive V-6 models will be limited to 350 horsepower while still producing the full amount of torque. We expect this engine to proliferate throughout the Lincoln range—the Continental concept was hypothetically powered by an engine with the same basic specs—but executives wouldn’t guarantee that it will never show up in a Ford. Then again, is it Lincoln’s fault if, say, the Mustang team cooks up something wicked with this twin-turbo V-6?

To animate the MKZ’s handling, an optional Driver’s package adds torque-vectoring capability to the all-wheel-drive system with hardware borrowed from the rambunctious Ford Focus RS. Supplied by GKN, the torque-vectoring rear differential directs more thrust to the outside rear wheel in corners, creating a yaw moment that helps rotate the car. The Driver’s package also includes adaptive dampers and multi-contour seats with an almost obnoxious amount of adjustability, along with a bevy of superficial enhancements such as a dark-finish grille, carbon-fiber trim throughout the interior, aluminum pedal covers, and properly pretentious “ebony” brake calipers.