• Lincoln says the 2010 MKZ accelerates to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds – half a second quicker than before – thanks to a new six-speed transmission designed to deliver livelier performance and better fuel economy.

• Whenever the 2010 Lincoln MKZ with all-wheel drive accelerates, the system delivers “preemptive torque” – a power shift in anticipation of possible front wheel slip – to the rear wheels, regardless of road surface conditions.

• The 2010 Lincoln MKZ has a retuned suspension for better handling and ride quality.

• Lincoln tightened the 2010 MKZ’s turning radius by one foot, helping to address a criticism of the previous model. It now measures 37.7 feet.

• The 2010 Lincoln MKZ has a much quieter interior, according to Lincoln. The company claims the MKZ is quieter than the Acura TL and the Lexus ES.

• The 2010 Lincoln MKZ comes standard with SYNC technology, which includes a 911 Assist safety system. In the event of a collision and airbag deployment, the MKZ’s 911 Assist system places a call directly to 9-1-1 operators, who can immediately send rescue personnel to the MKZ’s location.

• The 2010 Lincoln MKZ’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) includes Cross-Traffic Alert, which can detect traffic moving toward the MKZ when reversing out of a parking space or backing into a street.

• When a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone is paired to the 2010 Lincoln MKZ’s SYNC technology and the MKZ is equipped with its optional navigation system, incoming text messages are read aloud by the navigation system’s text-to-voice system.

• The 2010 Lincoln MKZ’s optional navigation system includes a 10-gig hard drive that can store 2,400 songs – about 150 hours of music. The screen can also be customized to display personal photos.

• When equipped with Sirius TravelLink service, the 2010 Lincoln MKZ can provide real-time traffic and weather reports, gas prices, sports scores and schedules, movie reviews and times, and other features.

• The 2010 Lincoln MKZ is available with a 600-watt, THX II Premium Certified audio system with 5.1 surround sound with 14 speakers.

• The 2010 Lincoln MKZ does not require a navigation system screen to receive images from the optional reversing camera. On cars without navigation, the display is embedded into the rearview mirror.

• The 2010 Lincoln MKZ’s standard heated and cooled seats are upholstered in unembossed Bridge of Weir leather, which comes from Scotland. Lincoln used Bridge of Weir leather on the Lincoln Continental Mark II in the 1950s.

• Lincoln says the 2010 MKZ’s leather is milled for 12 hours to “ensure a soft, buttery hand” and that Bridge of Weir uses a chromium-free tanning process to make recycling of the material easier.

• The 2010 Lincoln MKZ’s available ambient interior lighting system illuminates the cupholders, each foot well, door map pockets, door release handles, the door scuff plates, and various accent locations inside the car. Lincoln also includes welcome and farewell lighting with this feature.

• The 2010 Lincoln MKZ can be equipped with an adaptive lighting system that swivels with the steering to help illuminate around corners.

• The 2010 Lincoln MKZ’s standard SOS Post Crash safety system automatically sounds the horn, activates the emergency flashers, unlocks the doors, and turns on the interior lights when the airbags deploy. In the event of a vehicle spin-out, the system automatically flashes the hazard lights.

• The 2010 Lincoln MKZ is equipped with an Easy-Fuel capless fuel filler system. This saves time when refueling, and doesn’t require replacement of lost caps.

• The 2010 Lincoln MKZ has a 16.5 cubic foot trunk.

• The 2010 Lincoln MKZ weighs between 3,598 pounds and 3,796 pounds, depending on drivetrain.

• The 2010 Lincoln MKZ’s weight distribution is 61/39 front/rear.

• Lincoln says the MKZ makes one horsepower for every 13.7 pounds of vehicle weight.

• Lincoln says that 45 percent of MKZ owners are new to the Ford Motor Company family of brands.

• The 2010 Lincoln MKZ is built in Hermosillo, Mexico. It’s engine is made in Lima, Ohio.

Note: This review was published on October 19, 2009. It may not reflect data that has become available for this vehicle since that date.