Lincoln won't be subjecting buyers to a premium price for fuel-efficiency when its 2011 MKZ Hybrid hits showrooms this fall as the hybrid sedan will be offered at the same base price as its conventional V6 gasoline sibling, with an MSRP starting at $35,180 including destination and delivery.
The 2011 MKZ Hybrid makes use of a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine and an electric motor producing a combined output of 191HP. Lincoln's first-ever hybrid model has received an EPA-certified 41 mpg rating in city driving and 36 mpg on the highway, and can reach speeds of up to 47 mph (75 km/h) in pure electric mode.
Of course, what buyers win in eco-friendliness and fuel economy with the MKZ hybrid, they lose in performance compared to the gasoline model, which is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 delivering 263HP and 249 lb-ft, while returning an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (FWD version).
If you still find the MKZ Hybrid's price steep, there's always the option of the car's corporate clone, the Ford Fusion Hybrid, which starts at $28,825 including destination and delivery.
