Lincoln unveiled today the company's first hybrid vehicle at the New York Auto Show. The new 2011 MKZ hybrid joins Ford's line-up of hybrid vehicles that also includes Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. According to the company the car complements Ford’s aggressive global electrification plan. Ford is introducing five new electrified vehicles by 2013. They include the Transit Connect Electric in late 2010, the Focus Electric in 2011, a next-generation hybrid electric vehicle and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in 2012, followed by another next-generation hybrid electric vehicle in 2013.

The 2011 MKZ hybrid will be powered by a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle I-4 hybrid engine that combines a gasoline engine and electric battery-driven motors to deliver optimal performance and fuel economy. The combined gasoline engine and electric motor provide 191 hp. The pure electric mode on the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid extends to 47 mph.

The car's main competitor will be Lexus HS 250h. Sales will begin later this year