If Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F] is finally getting serious about its Lincoln division, there's no better better indication of that than its newly-priced 2017 MKZ, which will list from $43,575, including destination, when equipped with the headline-grabbing 400-horsepower variant of its 3.0-liter V-6 engine.
The most powerful Lincoln ever built, this veritable hot rod of a four-door sedan is based on the existing car but has been thoroughly upgraded inside and out. Visually, its biggest cue is the brand's new signature grille, while interior changes are more detail-oriented than big picture.
That 3.0-liter V-6 is based on the automaker's 2.7-liter EcoBoost unit. Buyers less interested in winning drag strip races can opt for a 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 245 hp. The 400-pony engine commands a $4,000 premium, reports Cars Direct. The only way to opt for the V-6 is to add all-wheel-drive, although an available Driver's Pack option group includes the Ford Focus RS's torque-vectoring rear differential, which should give the big Lincoln more decidedly sport-oriented ride-and-handling characteristics to go with its 400 hp.
The 400 pony club remains pretty exclusive, at least in the luxury sedan segment. Dodge and Chevrolet offer the Charger R/T Scat Pack and SS, respectively, with over 400 ponies, while the smaller Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 now nets the same output and is definitely worth a look.
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