Ford is looking to the new model to help Lincoln sales. Although MKZ deliveries last year jumped 22.2% to 27,529 units, total brand deliveries were off 0.22% to 85,643, WardsAuto data shows.

The new taxi has a 12V electrical outlet and two USB ports to charge phones and other handheld devices; a driver USB port; overhead reading lights and floor lighting; a transparent roof panel; and leather-look seat fabric that is antimicrobial.

The ZL1 is smart enough to keep the greenest track-running amateur’s chin up, but also so downright beastly the more veteran driver likely will find it the perfect race-day weapon.

The auto maker says the system offered on the new Fusion, which launches in the market later this year, will help drivers save as much as $1,100 over five years at today’s fuel prices.

While the B-Class is built both in Germany and Hungary, the 4-door coupe will be solely sourced from the Kecskemet facility located about 53 miles southeast of Budapest.

The basic design brief calls for students to create an interior for a small CUV with dimensions similar to a Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Compass or Nissan Juke.