Redesigned alongside its distant cousins, the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, the Lincoln MKZ has a fresh new look for the 2010 model year and beyond. Front-wheel-drive MKZs start at $34,965 and all-wheel-drive MKZs start at $36,855 (including destination). Both prices represent a roughly $2,000 increase from the outgoing model, though they include several new standard features.

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The Lincoln MKZ is a mid size, entry-level luxury sedan intended to compete with rivals such as the Lexus ES350. The car is characterized by a somewhat confusing history: designed as a replacement for the rear wheel drive Lincoln LS, it was originally known as the Zephyr for its first year of production in 2006 but then confusingly was rechristened the MKZ in 2007 to reflect Lincoln's new alphabetical naming strategy.

The new "facelifted" model has been revised with new front and rear fascias, highlighted by stretched tail lamps and smoother contours throughout. Inside, the MKZ has been redesigned to feature a more modern dashboard and gauges, Bridges of Weir leather seat trim and Ford's new corporate audio and HVAC controls. Standard equipment will include heated and cooled front seats and reverse sensing.

The 3.5-liter V6 Duratec engine powers the 2010 Lincoln MKZ, delivering 263 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque. Powertrain performance is improved dramatically, with 0-60 mph times dropping from 7.7 to 7.1 seconds.

Some of that improved performance is owed to the new six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, which delivers power to the front wheels in the entry-level configuration, and to all-wheels with the optional AWD package.

The new MKZ can be ordered with a Sport Appearance Package with special sport suspension tuning with stiffer springs and larger stabilizer bars, 18-inch Euroflange polished wheels, darkened grille and headlamps, and an interior with contrasting piping and unique appliqués.

The new MKZ also offers several new high-tech features, including Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA), which promises make navigating traffic and parking lots safer.

BLIS tracks vehicles in the blind-spot zones on either side of the vehicle using two multiple-beam radar modules behind the rear fenders. Indicator lights in the outside rear-view mirror on both sides of the vehicle warn the driver when a vehicle enters the defined blind-spot zone, extending from the side mirror to 10 feet behind the vehicle and 10 feet away from the vehicle.

CTA uses the BLIS radar sensors to alert the driver of approaching traffic while in reverse and backing out of a parking spot. The CTA tracks up to 65 feet on either side of the vehicle and warns the driver through both audible and visual alerts.

In addition to these new technologies, MKZ offers SYNC, Next-Generation Voice-Activated Navigation, keyless entry, EasyFuel capless fuel filler, THX-branded audio­ and adaptive HID headlamps.