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79-589: Both generations of the MKZ were manufactured at Ford's Hermosillo Stamping & Assembly plant in Mexico. Production ended in 2020 to make way for new Ford vehicles. The 2006 Lincoln Zephyr was initially unveiled in concept form at the 2004 New York International Auto Show , previewing a new entry-level luxury sedan. The front featured Lincoln's signature waterfall grille and jeweled quad projector beam headlights ( HID headlights were available). Chrome trim extends along

158-727: A sunroof , navigation system , blind spot monitors , a THX surround-sound stereo, and a backup camera , the price rises to US$ 41,370 . A complete redesign of the Ford Fusion line-up was scheduled for the 2013 model year . Both the Lincoln MKZ and the Fusion Hybrid are expected to use a new compact lithium-ion battery pack and an updated powertrain that is expected to deliver a higher fuel economy up to 48 mpg US (4.9 to 5.0 L/100 km; 56 to 58 mpg imp ) highway. The next-generation Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

237-544: A 17 mm (0.7 in) stabilizer bar. Spring rates, bushings, and dampers have been specially tuned for the Zephyr to provide excellent ride comfort without compromising handling. All Zephyrs feature standard four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with traction control . The sole engine offered in the Zephyr was an all-aluminum 3.0 L DOHC Duratec V6 producing 221 hp (165 kW) at 6250 rpm and 205 lb·ft (278 N·m) of torque at 4800 rpm. This engine

316-424: A box systems are so far exclusively made by Onkyo . and Enclave Audio. THX Certified Multimedia Products are designed and engineered for PC gaming and multimedia on the desktop. THX Certified DVD and video displays ( plasma display and LCD or LED flat panels and projectors ) including THX Optimode and Optimizer which allows users to see a program or the movie as originally intended. Some tests required

395-423: A branded and differentiated PLF offering that included projection technology from Cinionic, and an immersive audio system, acoustics, and auditorium specifications that met THX certification standards. In September 2020, Walmart stores began to sell Gateway laptops and tablets, which were tuned by THX, ensuring brighter contrast with more rich vibrant screen colors. They combined style, performance, and value in

474-585: A decade later on June 9, 2006, the Tex 3: Action (often called just simply Tex 3 ) trailer, in which he escapes from a car, premiered with the release of Cars . These trailers were later seen on prints of early Pixar animated films on DVD including Toy Story , A Bug's Life (post-2003 only), Toy Story 2 (excluding the 2-Pack & Stand-alone DVDs , which have the Broadway trailer instead), Monsters, Inc. , Finding Nemo and Cars . The Incredibles

553-580: A demo LaserDisc dubbed Wow! was unveiled. It featured various clips from Star Wars , Indiana Jones , and Willow . Three years later in 1993, the Special Edition cut of The Abyss became the first laserdisc to receive the THX certification. In 1995, the Star Wars trilogy became the first THX certified VHS release. In 1997, Twister became the first digitally mastered THX release on

632-447: A demo for the company's Spatial Audio technology. The Deep Note is the sound trademark of THX, being a distinctive synthesized crescendo that glissandos from a relatively narrow frequency spread (about 200–400 Hz) to a broader frequency spread (of about three octaves). It was created by James A. Moorer , a former employee of Lucasfilm 's Computer Division (later known as Pixar Animation Studios ) in late 1982. The sound

711-736: A federal court in Northern California. THX expanded to China in 2014 with new offices in Beijing and a partnership with China Film Group Corporation to redefine the cinema experience. The first THX Certified China Giant Screen (CGS) auditoriums opened in Shanghai in September. In December 2014, THX teamed up with Warren Theatres , opening a large theater complex opened in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma on December 23. Each of

790-436: A floor space of approximately 1,500,000 sq ft (140,000 m ). At its inception, the plant was jointly owned by Ford and Mazda , the two companies sharing production techniques. Initially all parts were shipped from Japan for final assembly of the 323 and Tracer models. Local content has gradually increased over the years with the addition of on site suppliers. The plant is unionized under SINTRAFORD. Because of

869-527: A metallic center stack where the radio and climate controls are housed. The Zephyr's steering wheel was leather-wrapped with real wood grips and satin-nickel audio, climate, and cruise control buttons. White LED backlighting was used for the Zephyr's controls and instrumentation. Leather seating surfaces were standard in all models. Some of these standard features in the Zephyr included: cruise control , automatic headlights, fog lights, power door locks, "global" power windows (all windows can lower simultaneously at

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948-439: A part of USC's film school . THX has created a certification process for additional products including home audio, home theater, video, and automotive sound components and products. THX certification extends to home audio receivers, speakers, desktop systems, soundbars , acoustic materials, microphones, and HDMI cables. THX Certified Ultra products are for larger home theaters, 3,000 cu ft (85 m ) in size, with

1027-425: A reverse camera system, Sirius Travel Link, a DVD-based satellite navigation system updated to accept voice commands, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a cabin air filter, and adaptive HID headlights . Mechanically, the MKZ featured suspension revised to improve ride quality and handling and a new 'SelectShift' six-speed automatic transmission . The 2010 MKZ was released during the spring of 2009. The 2011 MKZ Hybrid

1106-466: A smooth transition, the Zephyr and LS were sold parallel to each other during the 2006 model year, the first model year of the Zephyr and the last for the LS. For 2007 the model was renamed MKZ, and took over the LS' market with sales beginning in September 2006. Lincoln's decision to resurrect the Zephyr name refers to the very early days of Lincoln before World War II. At that time, the only Lincoln manufactured

1185-495: A special edition "Midnight Black" package was available, featuring black leather seating surfaces and panels contrasted with maple wood and satin nickel inserts. The 2010 MKZ was unveiled at the 2008 Los Angeles International Auto Show , revealing an extensive update with a revised interior and exterior in addition to new features. The MKZ's exterior featured revised front and rear fascias. The MKZ's headlights were new, while its fascia and split-wing grille closely resembled that of

1264-407: A viewing distance of 12 foot (3.7 m) or greater from the screen. THX Certified Select products are for medium-sized rooms, up to 2,000 cu ft (57 m ) in size, with a 10–12 foot (3.0–3.7 m) viewing distance from the screen. THX Certified Compact products for smaller sized rooms, up to 2,000 cu ft (57 m ) in size, with an 8 foot (2.4 m) viewing distance from

1343-560: A wide range of products for consumers, students, and creators. The laptops featured THX Spatial Audio that delivered an authentic 7.1 surround experience through built-in speakers and attached headphones. THX premiered its first consumer electronic product called the Onyx in 2021, a mobile headphone DAC and amplifier using THX AAA technology. The first THX theater is the University of Southern California 's Eileen L. Norris Cinema Theatre,

1422-751: Is 41 mpg ‑US (5.7 L/100 km; 49 mpg ‑imp ) in the city, and 38 mpg ‑US (6.2 L/100 km; 46 mpg ‑imp ) on the highway. The MKZ received a facelift for the 2017 model year. Presented on November 18, 2015, at the LA Auto Show , the MKZ is the first to adopt Lincoln's new design language previewed earlier on the Lincoln Continental concept car, featuring redesigned front grille and headlights. The 3.7 L V6 will be dropped in favor of an all-new 3.0 L twin-turbo V6 engine unique to Lincoln, producing between 350 and 400 horsepower depending on

1501-497: Is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . THX THX Ltd. is an American audio company based in the San Francisco Bay Area . It is known for its eponymous suite of high fidelity audiovisual reproduction standards for movie theaters , screening rooms, home theaters , computer speakers , video game consoles , car audio systems , and video games . The THX trailer that precedes compliant films

1580-514: Is also an homage to Lucas's first film, THX 1138 (1971). Deep Note was created by Holman's co-worker James A. Moorer . THX is a quality assurance system, not a recording technology . All sound recording formats, whether digital ( Dolby Digital , DTS , SDDS ) or analog ( Dolby Stereo , Ultra Stereo ), can be reproduced in a THX system. THX-certified theaters provide a high-quality, predictable playback environment to ensure that any film soundtrack mixed in THX will sound as near as possible to

1659-533: Is based on the Deep Note , with a distinctive glissando up from a rumbling low pitch. THX was developed by Tomlinson Holman at George Lucas 's company Lucasfilm in 1983 to ensure that the soundtrack for the third Star Wars film, Return of the Jedi , would be accurately reproduced in the best venues. THX was named after Holman's initials, with the "X" standing for " crossover " or "experiment". The name

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1738-526: Is rated to deliver 17 mpg ‑US (14 L/100 km; 20 mpg ‑imp ) in city driving and 26 mpg ‑US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg ‑imp ) on the highway based on the revised 2008 EPA fuel efficiency measurement standards. For 2007, the Zephyr was refreshed and renamed MKZ to follow a new nomenclature developed by Lincoln that mimics the alphanumeric naming schemes used by other luxury automakers like Mercedes-Benz. Management at Lincoln originally announced

1817-708: Is the LG Infinia PX950 Plasma HDTV series. To earn the new THX 3D Display Certification, the PX950 passed more than 400 laboratory tests evaluating left and right eye images for color accuracy, cross-talk, viewing angles, and video processing performance. The PX950 had to pass THX certification for picture quality in 2D, which is required for THX 3D certification. Viewers can select THX 2D or 3D cinema modes for 2D or 3D movie experiences from broadcast sources and Blu-ray discs. Four new THX-certified 3D JVC projectors were unveiled during this time. These were

1896-457: Is the only exception to this, as the original DVD releases have the Cavalcade trailer instead. The Tex trailer can be spotted on the majority of Pixar titles, except for Monsters, Inc. , which has Moo Can . The latter trailer can also be spotted on these Pixar titles, but it also appears on some 20th Century Studios Home Entertainment DVDs, such as Speed 2: Cruise Control and The Day

1975-474: The Lincoln MKR concept. In the rear, the taillights have been revised to be longer and thinner, similar to the original Zephyr concept. The MKZ's standard and optional 17-inch wheels were restyled and featured an 18-inch wheel option. Inside, the MKZ's interior was revised, using real wood accents and metal surfaces. Bridge of Weir leather seating surfaces were standard. Other features new for 2010 included

2054-575: The 18 auditoriums in this theater was THX certified and two new Grand Infinity Auditoriums were introduced. They were designed by Bill Warren to revolutionize the large format movie-going experience. These auditoriums featured THX Certification, patented deep curved screens, 64-channel Dolby Atmos sound and the first 4K laser projector in the United States. The company was acquired by Razer Inc. in October 2016. The first THX-certified laptop

2133-570: The 2010 Fusion Hybrid. The MKZ Smart Gauge version offered a new "Flower" design compared to the "Leaf" design of the Fusion. In essence, the car rewards the driver with flower blossoms for economical driving/driving habits. The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is marketed by Ford as a competitor to the Lexus HS 250h and Lexus ES Hybrid. As of July 2011, the MKZ Hybrid was the only hybrid in the market with

2212-500: The 2013 MKZ Hybrid to become the most fuel-efficient luxury vehicle in the U.S. and improve the fuel economy of the Lexus ES 300h hybrid by 5 mpg -US on the combined cycle. Despite sharing the same powertrain, the 2013 MKZ Hybrid rated 2 mpg -US combined less than its sibling, the second-generation Ford Fusion Hybrid at 47 mpg ‑US (5.0 L/100 km; 56 mpg ‑imp ). The 2017 MKZ Hybrid's EPA rating

2291-758: The Continuously Controlled Damping suspension, electric power steering and transmission shift points take on a different posture. The MKZ received no more major changes, with the new model years bringing new colors and a gradual diminishing of the lineup. For 2020, the car's final year on the market, only the Base and Reserve trims remained, with either Hybrid, Turbo, or V6 powertrains. The 2013 Lincoln MKZ earned IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ award.       Sold exclusively in China.        The Lincoln Mark LT

2370-544: The Earth Stood Still . Tex 3: Action , unlike the previous two trailers, was only spotted on two titles, those being District B13 and Brave Story . The trailers are also available on various THX demo discs. A fourth trailer featuring Tex titled Tex vs. the Robot , in which Tex and another robot named Bob try to place an orb into a socket in a spaceship, premiered on THX's YouTube channel on June 25, 2020, as

2449-806: The Lexus CT200h, as the top luxury hybrid models in the scorecard's environmental improvement category, an achievement the UCS attributed to their relatively small gasoline engines. Nevertheless, the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid ranked higher than the Lexus on all factors: consumer value, hybrid technology, fuel efficiency, and pollution reduction. Also, the UCS praised the MKZ Hybrid, together with the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid , because both hybrids were available with few or no forced features that inflated

Lincoln MKZ - Misplaced Pages Continue

2528-511: The Lincoln MKZ for the 2013 model year, sharing the company's CD4 platform with Fusion and Mondeo . The concept model debuted at the 2012 North American International Auto Show . The production version of the second-generation MKZ was unveiled at the 2012 New York Auto Show . It followed the general concept idea released in the model displayed at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. The MKZ was originally set to be released in November 2012, but this

2607-452: The MKZ to improve occupant protection in frontal overlap crashes. Beginning with 2010 models, design changes were made to the door interior trim to improve occupant protection in side impact crashes. Subsequently, the car was retested by both the NHTSA and IIHS and received higher ratings, becoming an IIHS Top Safety Pick from 2010 onwards. NHTSA crash test ratings (2008): Ford redesigned

2686-525: The MKZ with a " mark -zee" pronunciation during the 2006 auto show circuit, but eventually changed it to the phonetic "em-kay-zee" due to confusion observed among focus groups and dealership personnel. The 2007 MKZ was first shown at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2006. In addition to its new name, the MKZ gained a number of changes over its predecessor. The standard and optional versions of

2765-489: The MKZ's 17 x 7.5-inch wheels were restyled. An intelligent all-wheel-drive system was now available, seamlessly distributing power to each wheel for optimum traction. Powering the MKZ, and taking a large step toward further differentiating the car from the Fusion and Milan, was Ford's new, all-aluminum 3.5-L DOHC Duratec 35 V6 . The engine was tuned to produce 265 hp (196 kW) at 6250 rpm and 249 lb·ft (337 N·m) of torque at 4500 rpm. Significantly,

2844-554: The MKZ's changes, the car remained positioned as an entry-level luxury sedan with base models still starting at just under US$ 30,000 and fully optioned models remaining below $ 40,000. For 2008, the MKZ received new standard features as a part of Lincoln's continued effort to refine the car. Sirius satellite radio , perforated leather seats, a reverse sensing system, a tire pressure-monitoring system, and Lincoln SYNC (late availability) were all newly standard. For 2009, Ford's 'AdvanceTrac' stability control system became standard, while

2923-704: The Reference Series DLA-RS60 and DLA-RS50, marketed by JVC's Professional Products Company, and the Precision Series DLA-X9 and DLA-X7. In early 2013, THX unveiled a new app called THX Tune-Up in time for the Super Bowl , available on the Apple App Store and Google Play . It was billed as the company's first mobile app. On March 14, 2013, THX filed a lawsuit against Apple Inc. , alleging patent infringement, in

3002-728: The Select and Reserve trim packages. The transmission is no longer activated with a center console installed transmission selector ; the computer controlled transmission uses buttons installed to the left of the MyLincoln Touch infotainment touch screen labeled "P, R, N, D, S", a revival of an approach used in the 1950s by the Chrysler push button PowerFlite and the Packard Touchbutton Ultramatic . The "S" transmission selection represents "Sport" mode, where

3081-593: The Transit Connect has been discontinued in North America. For the production of the Ford CD3 platform , Ford announced in 2003 to update the plant for increased efficiency and flexibility Ford's US$ 1 billion investment included construction of a 1,750,000 sq ft (163,000 m ) supplier park near the site. The improvements facilitated quick production shifts between models. Capacity of

3160-512: The Zephyr name in the late 1930s for the smaller Lincoln-Zephyr line of mid-size vehicles. The " Zephyr " name had also previously been used by Mercury during the late 1970s and early 1980s, for several vehicles built on the Fox Platform . The Zephyr's sole powertrain was a 3.0 L DOHC Duratec V6 mated to an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission ; identical to the V6 powertrain that

3239-407: The Zephyr was a power moonroof, a DVD-based satellite navigation system, HID headlights , heated and cooled front seats, and an industry-first THX II-Certified audio system with a six-disc, MP3-compatible CD changer and ten speakers. Safety features included standard dual front-side airbags, front seat-deployed side airbags, and curtain airbags that extend from the front to rear seats. Mechanically

Lincoln MKZ - Misplaced Pages Continue

3318-491: The Zephyr was closely related to the Fusion and Milan. As mentioned, all three cars were based on Ford's CD3 platform , which was in turn derived from the Mazda 6 . Like these cars the Zephyr is natively front-wheel drive (FWD). The Zephyr uses a coil-over damper, short- and long-arm ( SLA ) front suspension with double-ball-joint control arms while the rear suspension is an independent multi-link design with lower control arms and

3397-465: The Zephyr's beltline while the car's rear fascia features LED taillights and dual chrome exhaust tips. All Zephyrs featured low-profile tires on 17x7.5-inch wheels with painted aluminum versions standard and chrome versions optional. Lincoln officially revived the Zephyr name in the fall of 2005; the vehicles were based on the CD3 platform , which was derived from the Mazda 6 . Lincoln had previously used

3476-592: The architectural space within the theater. Using an intricate crossover network that integrated equipment with the room's unique acoustics, it became perhaps the best quality system anyone could remember hearing. Sprocket Systems mixed the Return of the Jedi sound in the room, the first Lucasfilm production mixed in Northern California . Visiting filmmakers and studio executives were astounded at what they heard. Jim Kessler, who hired Holman, thought of calling

3555-510: The cost without adding to fuel savings or reducing emissions. The UCS's Hybrid Scorecard ratings for the MKZ Hybrid are higher than the nonluxury Toyota Prius for environmental performance, and hybrid value; both are rated the same for forced features; and the Prius scores higher in fuel economy. The MKZ initially received mediocre crash test ratings. Beginning with 2007 models manufactured after January 2007, structural reinforcements were added to

3634-525: The drive-train. Trim levels include the standard model, plus Premiere, Select, Reserve and top level Black Label, which is three special appearance packages, a tradition started with the Designer Editions in 1976. The MKZ offers the "Vineyard" (unique to the MKZ), "Chalet", and "Thoroughbred" theme appearance packages. In continuing with Lincoln tradition, Bridge of Weir "Deepsoft" leather is used for

3713-561: The entertainment market. Five games by Electronic Arts, including Need for Speed: Underground , Medal of Honor: Rising Sun and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King carried logos on their box and pre-game trailers. In 2020, THX Certified Game Mode was introduced, with enhanced contrast and color, and reduced input lag, and greater accuracy to the producers' intentions. It has judder and smear reduction, meaning that

3792-602: The exacting sound quality and performance standards of its new THX Ultra Premium Car Audio program, beginning with the 2003 Lincoln LS, which was introduced later that year. THX separated from Lucasfilm and became an independent company in June 2002. The company's headquarters continued in Marin County, California , with offices in Burbank and plan for international expansion. It expanded into gaming and car audio systems. On

3871-478: The headrests, and featured a leather wrapped instrument panel. The leather wrapped IP required extensive testing and development to achieve a "discreet" airbag, one without a visible seam, a first for a Ford Motor Company product. Additionally in 2015, the Lincoln MKZ was exported to China to increase overall sales. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rated the 2013 MKZ Hybrid at 45 mpg ‑US (5.2 L/100 km; 54 mpg ‑imp ) with

3950-509: The highway in front-wheel-drive models. A road test by Motor Trend found that an MKZ equipped with all-wheel-drive could accelerate from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.8 seconds and complete a quarter mile in 15.2 seconds at 93.4 mph (150.3 km/h) due to the more powerful engine and extra traction. One of the few other changes applied to the 2007 MKZ was a revision to the available THX II-certified audio system to increase speakers to 14 and its peak output to 600 watts . Beyond

4029-564: The intentions of the mixing engineer. THX also provides certified theaters with a special crossover circuit whose use is part of the standard. Certification of an auditorium entails specific acoustic and other technical requirements; architectural requirements include a floating floor , baffled and acoustically treated walls, non-parallel walls (to reduce standing waves ), a perforated screen (to allow center channel continuity), and NC30 rating for background noise ("ensures noise from air conditioning units and projection equipment does not mask

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4108-403: The long run. Cars finally started to reach dealerships in sufficient quantities by mid-March 2013. Ford offered the 2013 MKZ with three powertrains: a 240-horsepower EcoBoost 2-liter four-cylinder (FWD or AWD), a 300-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 (FWD or AWD), and a hybrid system based on the 2-liter power plant. The hybrid, like the previous-generation MKZ Hybrid, was available for the same price as

4187-689: The most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in the U.S. until the release of the 2011 Lexus CT 200h in March 2011. The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid carries over the hybrid powertrain from the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids , including the 2.5-L Duratec I4 with the electric motor producing a total of 191 hp (142 kW). The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid has an EV mode that allows the car to travel short distances on electricity alone, at speeds up to 47 mph (76 km/h). The MKZ Hybrid offers an improvement of Ford's Smart Gauge with EcoGuide , first introduced in

4266-683: The new DVD format. In early 2002, it was announced that Lincoln became the first auto company to offer THX-certified premium car audio systems. A concept sound system for the Lincoln Blackwood showcased the potential for in-car multi-channel surround sound, demonstrated at the THX booth at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas . The license ensured that high-performance audio systems in Lincoln vehicles met

4345-399: The new engine needed only 87-octane regular-grade gasoline to achieve its output. Also, in spite of the MKZ's power advantage over the 3.0-L DOHC V6-equipped Zephyr, the fuel economy of the MKZ rivals that of the Zephyr at 17 mpg ‑US (14 L/100 km; 20 mpg ‑imp ) in city driving and 25 mpg ‑US (9.4 L/100 km; 30 mpg ‑imp ) on

4424-655: The new system, James A. Moorer created an ear-catching sound called the Deep Note . THX was dedicated on May 20, 1983, and the first trailer and Deep Note premiered on time with the release of Return of the Jedi in theaters five days later. It was billed as the first advance in motion picture loudspeaker systems since 1948. In 1990, Lucasfilm unveiled the Home THX Audio System at the Consumer Electronics Show in Chicago . That year,

4503-462: The non-hybrid model. Given the model's significant redesign for 2013, changes to the 2014 MKZ were primarily limited to color choices. For 2015, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors and rear view camera became standard. The Black Label trim package was introduced featuring premium interior trim materials including Alcantara on the headliner, visors, and upper trim, luxurious floormats, premium leather seating surfaces with embossed Lincoln logos on

4582-459: The original and extended Tex trailer (simply known as Tex 1 EX ), which premiered in theaters with Independence Day on July 3, 1996, in which he fixes up the THX logo. A second trailer, Tex 2: Moo Can (often called just simply Tex 2 or THX Moo Can ), in which he uses a moo can to perform the Deep Note, premiered in theaters on November 26, 1997, with Alien Resurrection . Less than

4661-441: The picture remained crisp with a quick rise time between dark-to-light transitions. On August 3, TCL Technology revealed the first television to include THX Certified Game Mode, a 6-Series TCL Roku TV. In 2006, THX began to certify high definition Blu-ray discs, starting with Terminator 2: Judgment Day . A 3D product certification called THX 3D Display premiered in 2010. The first 3D television to feature this technology

4740-416: The plant was improved to 300,000 units per year. The plant was top rated in the category of "Compact Premium Conventional" for 2007 in terms of productivity, taking an average of 20.78 hours to assemble a vehicle. 29°0′49″N 110°55′1″W  /  29.01361°N 110.91694°W  / 29.01361; -110.91694 This article relating to an automotive factory or manufacturer facility

4819-470: The plant's Sonoran Desert location and drought conditions during the 1990s, the plant has reduced its water usage by 40% from earlier numbers. The plant is able to supply the city from its own wells during emergencies. In March 2019, Ford announced it would build the next-generation Transit Connect utility van at the Hermosillo plant, moving production from Spain. This plan has since been revised, as

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4898-424: The professional front, THX planned to continue the expansion of its theatrical certification programs as it became more involved in digital cinema. On September 30, 2003, THX announced its seal of approval for video game audio. Electronic Arts became the first company to achieve the game certification. This helped improve game sound, measuring the credibility of games at a time when the industry became important to

4977-434: The push of a button), power adjustable and heated mirrors with puddle lamps, remote keyless entry, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel with redundant audio and climate controls, dual-zone automatic climate control, a universal garage door opener, 10-way power driver and front passenger seats, rear-seat reading lamps, and a six-speaker audio system with an AM/FM stereo radio and a six-disc, MP3-compatible CD changer. Optional in

5056-562: The same price as its conventional gasoline-engine version. Ford reported that until June 2011, about 20% of 2011 MKZ sales have been hybrids, and the market share is even higher in markets where hybrids in general sell well, such as the Los Angeles region , where sales of the hybrid model represent 44%, and the San Francisco area , with a market share of 66%. The MKZ Hybrid base price is US$ 35,520 , and with popular options including

5135-416: The same rating for combined/city/highway cycles. The 2013 model year 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder FWD automatic MKZ rating is 26 mpg ‑US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg ‑imp ) combined, 22 mpg ‑US (11 L/100 km; 26 mpg ‑imp ) in the city, and 33 mpg ‑US (7.1 L/100 km; 40 mpg ‑imp ) on the highway. These ratings allowed

5214-425: The screen. THX Certified Dominus products are for expansive home theater spaces, 6,500 cu ft (180 m ) in size, with a 20 foot (6.1 m) viewing distance from the screen. THX's I/S Plus systems include an AV Receiver + Speaker Bundle and are certified to fill a small home theater or dorm room where the viewing distance from the screen is 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m). These THX certified home theater in

5293-482: The subtle effects in a movie's soundtrack"). On June 12, 2002, THX was spun off as a separate company from Lucasfilm and sold to sound card manufacturer Creative Technology Limited , which held a 60% share of the company. Under Creative Technology, the company developed several further innovations, such as the first THX-certified audio card for computers, the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 . In 2016, THX

5372-427: The system "Tomlinson Holman's Crossover", or, as originally abbreviated, "XVR". He then changed the "VR" to "TH", but he realized that was the name for George Lucas's first film, THX 1138 , and found that would be a fitting name. They eventually changed the "X"'s meaning to "experiment". Four movie theaters in the United States fully installed THX sound systems, becoming the first THX-certified theaters. To introduce

5451-532: The use of special "blue filter glasses," which would either be included with the Optimizer disc, or sold separately on the THX website at the time. The first DVD release to include the THX Optimode is 20th Century Fox 's Fight Club , which was released on June 6, 2000. THX's mascot is a robot named Tex, created by John Lasseter , the former head of Pixar Animation Studios . He first appeared in

5530-450: Was acquired by video game hardware company Razer Inc. On September 12, 2024, THX announced Tuyen Pham as Chief Executive Officer. Tomlinson Holman , a skilled audio engineer and scientist largely responsible for the design of the theater, had become an employee of Lucasfilm in 1980. In the process of enhancing the setup for the new Sprocket Systems theater, Holman and Lucas invented a complex system that arranged speakers to best fit

5609-579: Was announced that over 200 Cinemark XD locations in the United States and Latin America would feature a THX sound system. These auditoriums featured large wall-to-wall screens, 2D and 3D digital projection, immersive, surround sound, premium seats with Luxury Lounger electric recliners, and THX Certification. Both companies had first announced the partnership one year prior in 2017. The first THX Ultimate Cinema debuted at Regency Westwood Village in Los Angeles in 2019. This theater provided exhibitors with

5688-562: Was exclusively sold in Mexico after the 2008 model year. Hermosillo Stamping %26 Assembly Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly is a Ford Motor Company -owned automobile assembly facility located in Hermosillo , Sonora , Mexico. The facility currently assembles Ford Bronco Sport and Ford Maverick (2022) models for the North American market. The facility, which began production in 1986, employs 1,500 people and covers

5767-653: Was expected to be launched by mid-2012. The 2013 MKZ concept car was unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. The MKZ Hybrid was one of the five finalists for the 2011 Green Car of the Year awarded by the Green Car Journal in November 2010, which was won by the Chevrolet Volt . In its 2011 Hybrid Scorecard , the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) ranked the MKZ Hybrid, together with

5846-401: Was mated to an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission and had a final drive ratio of 3.46:1. This powertrain was identical to the V6 powertrain available in the Fusion and Milan from 2006 to 2009. With this powertrain the Zephyr could accelerate from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 7.5 seconds. The FWD Zephyr came with a 17.5 US gal (66 L; 15 imp gal) fuel tank and

5925-422: Was optional in the Fusion and Milan. The interior is largely unique to the Lincoln, along with different equipment packaging. The 2006 Zephyr started at a base MSRP of $ 28,995 USD , ranging up to $ 35,340 USD when fully optioned. Though slightly smaller and front-wheel drive , the Zephyr was marketed as a replacement for Lincoln's previous entry level mid-size, the rear-wheel drive Lincoln LS . To facilitate

6004-528: Was released in 2017, the Razer Blade Pro. THX introduced Spatial Audio in 2018, a new positional audio solution for an immersive 360-degree sound experience through headphones and speakers. The technology was used on the Kraken gaming headset for simulated 7.1 surround sound. These headphones were included with a Spatial Audio app. This would be later used on Windows 10 devices. On May 2, 2018, it

6083-512: Was set back to January after Fusion production was delayed, which is produced at the same plant. Its release date was again pushed back after Ford looked to iron out any possible quality issues. Some MKZs were even shipped from the Mexican facility to Ford's Flat Rock plant to be reassured and inspected that they were ready to be sent to dealerships. This was an unprecedented move for such a big product launch, but Ford felt it would be profitable in

6162-745: Was the Lincoln K-series which was a full-size sedan, and Lincoln, under the direction of Edsel Ford , Henry Ford's only son, hoped to introduce a smaller product to compete with the Packard One-Twenty , and the LaSalle , a smaller sibling offered at Cadillac dealerships. The Zephyr featured a revised interior from the Fusion and Milan. The design featured shapes with real ebony or maple wood inserts (depending on desired trim) in metallic frames. These surfaces were contrasted with chrome-bezeled gauges, circular, chrome-finished vents and

6241-431: Was unveiled at the 2010 New York International Auto Show , and sales began in September 2010. It is the first Lincoln hybrid electric vehicle and the first Lincoln model with a four-cylinder engine; it delivers an EPA city rating of 41 mpg ‑US (5.7 L/100 km; 49 mpg ‑imp ) and a highway rating of 36 mpg ‑US (6.5 L/100 km; 43 mpg ‑imp ), which made it

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