2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Vehicle Debuts at the New York Auto Show

<a href="http://www.lincoln.com">Lincoln</a> has given the world its first look at the elegant new 2013 Lincoln MKZ hybrid car at the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/new-york-auto-show/">2012 New York Auto Show</a>. The vehicle is the first new model to be born out of the American brand's reinvention, and Inhabitat was on the scene to check it out firsthand. The beautiful midsize sedan represents the future of Lincoln in both style and substance, and its hybrid technology ensures that that future is a greener one.

The 2013 MKZ will also have the Lincoln Drive Control system standard, which automatically adjusts the performance of the Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) adjustable suspension, electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), engine, transmission, Active Noise Control (ANC), traction control and stability control systems.

A closer look at the classically-styled grille.

It's the first step towards relaunching Lincoln and its new styling direction, one that is fully devoted to Lincoln.

The Lincoln brand has been without an independent design studio, relying on <a href="http://www.ford.com">Ford</a> to design their vehicles up until this new MKZ.

“We call it elegant simplicity,” said Max Wolff, Lincoln Design director.

“We wanted the new MKZ to be inviting and approachable. We moved away from traditional luxury cues and complex designs."

"We came up with something warm that is rich, yet still intentionally restrained.”

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ was originally previewed at the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=2012+detroit+auto+show">2012 Detroit Auto Show</a> with the <a href="http://www.thetorquereport.com/2012/01/lincoln_mkz_concept_introduces.html">MKZ concept</a> and the final production model does not stray to far from the concept's design.

The 2013 MKZ's design is dominated by a sweeping roofline.

A look at the interior of the MKZ.

It's steeply raked windshield and lengthened backlight make it look sleeker than the outgoing MKZ and 10 percent more aerodynamic.

The 2013 MKZ also gets classic Lincoln design elements like a modern interpretation of the slight-wing grille that was first seen on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln-Zephyr">1938 Lincoln-Zephyr</a>.

Lincoln is going to offer the 2013 MKZ with three different powertrains, with the most fuel-efficient model being the MKZ Hybrid.

The MKZ Hybrid will be powered by a next-generation 2.0L four-cylinder <a href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=hybrid">hybrid</a> powertrain that packs a combined 188 horsepower.

Lincoln expects the 2013 MKZ Hybrid to continue to hold onto the title of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2011-lincoln-mkz-hybrid-the-most-fuel-efficient-luxury-sedan/">North America’s most fuel-efficient premium sedan</a> with a rating of 41 city mpg, 36 highway mpg.

The automaker will also offer a non-hybrid 2.0L four-cylinder with 240 horsepower that is up to 20 percent more fuel-efficient than the current MKZ and a 3.7L V6 that is five percent more efficient.

In addition to the more stylish exterior and fuel efficient powertrains, the 2013 MKZ also gets a cool 15.2 square-foot glass <a href="http://www.thetorquereport.com/2012/04/video_lincoln_shows_off_the_pa.html">retractable panoramic roof</a> that is a new signature for Lincoln.