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"   MORE BREAKING NEWS FROM THE 2008 L.A. AUTO SHOW \u2022 2008 LA AUTO SHOW: All of Our Updates and Analysis in One Place    Through a series of improvements including greater amenities, a quieter ride and quicker acceleration, the 2010 Lincoln MKZ, which shares its mechanical makeup with the 2010 Fusion, has stepped up its game and inched closer to the nameplate&amp;#039;s higher-priced flagship, the MKS.   Among the styling modifications are a taller front grille that fits into a sleeker nose and a new decklid with wider LED tail lamps, both of which give the MKZ a more imposing presence. Inside the cabin, improved storage, new door trim, a redesigned center stack and an all-new instrument panel seek to enhance this midsize sedan&amp;#039;s luxury quotient. Lincoln deserves props for incorporating real wood and aluminum into the interior trim, along with Bridge of Weir leather from Scotland that uses a chromium-free tanning process that is said to make it easier to recycle.   The MKZ now includes Lincoln&amp;#039;s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which tracks blind spots using radar modules behind the rear fenders. When a vehicle occupies the blind spots 10 feet ahead of or behind the MKZ, indicator lights on the side-view mirrors illuminate. Also new to the MKZ is Cross Traffic Alert (CTA), which uses radar sensor to alert the driver of cross-traffic when the MKZ is backing up. CTA works with a range of up to 65 feet on either side.   Tech goodies available for the MKZ are Ford SYNC, Travel Link, a reverse camera system (which displays in the rearview mirror on non-navigation-equipped models) and a THX II audio system with 5.1 surround sound. Rain-sensing wipers and adaptive HID headlights are also available.   A sport version now offers stiffer springs and larger stabilizer bars and 18-in. polished wheels. The package features a darkened grille and headlamps, and contrasting piping and special appliqus on the interior. Even on non-sport MKZs, Lincoln asserts that both ride quality and handling have been improved. They also say the optional all-wheel-drive system has been retuned for better traction, lower noise and less vibration and harshness.   Revised sound packing helps offer a quieter ride, and the MKZ&amp;#039;s 3.5-liter Duratec engine is now mated to a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, dropping 0\u00D060 mph acceleration times by more than half a second to 7.1 seconds.   Ford has been working hard to stay afloat during this tumultuous economic landscape, and if the improvements to the MKZ are any indication, the company is upholding its promise to build better cars that more people want to buy. If Lincoln&amp;#039;s MKT full-size luxury crossover shows the same attention to detail when it&amp;#039;s officially unveiled next summer, there could be an argument for Lincoln&amp;#039;s relevance. \u2014Basem Wasef  CONTINUED&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;gt; 2010 Mazda 3 Test Drive   RELATED STORIES \u2022 TEST DRIVE: Could Sportier Sedan Put Lincoln on Comeback Trail?  \u2022 PLUS: Lincoln MKT Crossover Concept @ 2008 Detroit Auto Show  \u2022 2008 LA AUTO SHOW: All of Our Updates and Analysis in One Place    2010 Lincoln MKZ 2010 Lincoln MKZ 2010 Lincoln MKZ 2010 Lincoln MKZ 2010 Lincoln MKZ "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a12830/4292384/>