Lincoln Zephyr
12-27-04, 11:22 AM
#1
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Lincoln Zephyr
The 2006 Lincoln Zephyr brings Lincoln's hallmarks of elegant design and comfort to a new generation of customers.
The Lincoln Zephyr is a major element in the brand's growth strategy for the next decade by providing an additional entry point to draw customers into dealerships. Zephyr will be the second new Lincoln product to be introduced during 2005, following the all-new 2006 Lincoln Mark LT truck.
Importantly, Zephyr will be the only Lincoln product in the showroom offering front-wheel drive, a key purchase consideration for many buyers. Lincoln will add an all-wheel-drive powertrain option for Zephyr a year later.
"The Lincoln Zephyr is the kind of exciting new product that will move the brand forward," says Darryl Hazel, Lincoln Mercury president. "We're beginning a renaissance at Lincoln, and it starts with the Mark LT and Zephyr in 2005."
DESIGN COMMUNICATES REFINEMENT
The 2006 Lincoln Zephyr incorporates elegant Lincoln design inside and out. Its classic proportions, clean lines and well-planted stance convey confidence and presence with understated elegance.
The Lincoln Zephyr is designed with a theme of unpretentious luxury. The interplay of sleek interior and exterior accents finished in chrome and satin nickel lend the Zephyr an air of distinction.
This new sedan has a distinct Lincoln family resemblance with its classic waterfall grille. The front is accented with standard jewel-like, quad beam halogen headlamps or optional High Intensity Discharge (HID) units.
Wide all-season tires enhance Zephyr's confident stance, and 8-spoke, 17-inch aluminum wheels are standard.
INDULGENT INTERIOR
Inside, every detail quietly conveys sophistication. Genuine materials, such as real maple wood or aluminum surfaces, illustrates the level of luxury Zephyr provides.
Details include satin-nickel trim on a wood-and-leather steering wheel, chrome door handles and an aluminum and leather-wrapped gear selector. Metal finishes are used in key touch zones as a complement and contrast to the wood and leather.
Leather seating surfaces also are designed with a soft touch, while wood accents have a warm aura. The metals, as expected, are cool to the touch. This tactile contrast is an intentional design exercise that communicates genuine luxury to the occupants.
Attention to detail abounds. Margins between separate parts are tight and consistent. At night, soothing, cool-white interior lighting delivers yet another level of modern luxury.
QUIET CABIN HELPS DELIVER SURROUNDING CONCERT SOUND
The Lincoln Zephyr's interior also benefits from "sound science." Starting with an exceptionally stiff body structure, engineers took extensive steps to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. From insulation under the carpet to reduce road sounds to aerodynamically optimized side mirrors to cut down on wind buffeting, Zephyr's quiet ride is a key enabler for its next-generation sound system, THX II-Certified® audio.
This optional system creates surrounding theater or concert hall sound with the help of six speakers, two subwoofers and two amplifiers. The system carries up to six compatible with Radio Broadcast Digital Signaling, which displays information from participating radio stations.
LINCOLN OPTIMIZED DVD NAVIGATION
Lincoln is launching its new Lincoln Optimized DVD-based Navigation System with the Zephyr. It is the most advanced navigation system Lincoln ever has put into production.
The optional system provides fast, intuitive operation with a bright 6.5-inch display screen mounted in the center stack. The display was designed to coordinate with Zephyr's crisp interior design theme.
LINCOLN DRIVING EXPERIENCE
The 2006 Lincoln Zephyr is designed to deliver comfort with an additional level of responsiveness. It starts with a well-designed chassis tuned for ride comfort.
The standard 17-inch tires with a wide 225/50 profile were specifically engineered for Zephyr to deliver good ride quality, responsive handling and reduced cabin noise. In turn, the power rack-and-pinion steering was tuned to complement the suspension and tires.
The Lincoln Zephyr features large four-wheel disc brakes with a standard anti-lock system to provide confident braking performance. Also standard is an electronic traction assist system that automatically works to reduce engine torque when it senses impending wheel slip.
HIGHLY ADVANCED ENGINE AND TRANSAXLE
The 2006 Lincoln Zephyr comes standard with a highly advanced powertrain featuring the 3.0-liter Duratec 30 V-6 engine. It uses intake variable cam timing to improve engine torque for better acceleration while reducing emissions.
To achieve optimum performance, the computer-controlled system varies the timing of the two intake cams - one in each cylinder head &endash; based on factors that include engine speed and load. The Duratec 30 in the Zephyr makes 210 horsepower and 200 pounds-feet of torque.
Dual mufflers, accented with twin chrome-tipped exhausts, produce low backpressure for added performance and a very restrained exhaust note.
The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transaxle &endash; the new industry standard for luxury cars. Zephyr also uses an electronic throttle control that works with the electronically controlled transaxle to ensure smooth and seamless shifts.
Zephyr joins the new 2005 Lincoln Navigator in leading the luxury market into advanced 6-speed transmissions. Along with this new level of performance, Zephyr delivers the cleanest Duratec 30 ever. It will be rated for ULEV II tailpipe emissions in "green states," as well as a U.S. EPA rating of Tier 2, Bin 5 tailpipe and LEV II evaporative emissions in other states.
ADVANCED SAFETY
Lincoln Zephyr benefits from highly advanced safety technologies. Zephyr was designed with Ford's Personal Safety System™ and a body structure optimized to help manage energy in a crash.
Zephyr's Personal Safety System provides a wide combination of safety features, including standard driver and front-passenger air bags, front-passenger classification sensing and three-point safety belts at all seating positions with front-seat pretensioners and retractors.
In addition to standard U.S. government frontal crash tests, Zephyr is designed to meet stringent new side-impact tests.
A standard package of seat-mounted side air bags for chest protection and a full-length safety curtain for head protection provide an additional layer of side-impact safety.
Electronic safety features include a standard traction assist program and anti-lock braking to help drivers reduce the risk of losing control on slippery surfaces.
WHEN AND WHERE
The Lincoln Zephyr will be built at Ford Motor Company's Hermosillo Assembly Plant in Mexico. Sales begin in the fall of 2005 in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
Pricing for the newest, most affordable Lincoln will be announced closer to launch.
SIDEBAR &endash; RECALLING AN ERA OF ELEGANCE AND INNOVATION
The original 1936 Lincoln Zephyr was based on an innovative concept by Dutch-born designer John Tjaarda of the Briggs Body Corp. He drew his inspiration from the aerodynamic "streamliner" trains that were catching the nation's imagination &endash; including the record-setting diesel-powered Burlington Zephyr that helped to end the age of steam.
Ford Motor Company Design Chief E.T. Gregorie, along with Edsel Ford, refined the design and brought into production one of the most beautiful cars of its day.
Zephyr was introduced as an affordable entry point for the Lincoln brand, with prices starting at $1,300 compared with $4,200 for a Lincoln Model K. The Zephyr was a huge hit for Lincoln, bringing luxury motoring to an entirely new group of customers. In its first year, Lincoln sold 14,994 Zephyrs, compared with only 1,500 Lincoln Model Ks.
Lincoln was able to produce the original Zephyr at lower cost thanks to its pioneering use of a unit body atop a frame. In an industry first, designers tested Zephyr's chassis using aircraft-type stress analysis, proving its superiority over the then-current method of bolting a piecework body to a frame. At 3,300 pounds, Zephyr was lighter than most of its competitors, yet it proved to be much stiffer.
Lincoln Zephyrs also were noted for spirited performance with an impressive 110 horsepower from their flathead V-12 engines. In 1939, Zephyr formed the basis of the Lincoln Continental, with a stretched hood, short rear deck and external spare tire.
Zephyr remained Lincoln's most popular model until production was halted during World War II. When peacetime production resumed in 1946, the name Zephyr stayed on the shelf, and all models were simply called "Lincoln." In total, Lincoln produced 131,428 Zephyrs between 1936 and 1942.
Zephyrs are still highly prized. In fact, a 1938 Lincoln Zephyr that had been converted into a street rod &endash; using the original V-12 engine and body panels on a lowered chassis &endash; recently sold at auction for more than $400,000, affirming the timeless appeal of the design.
The Lincoln Zephyr is a major element in the brand's growth strategy for the next decade by providing an additional entry point to draw customers into dealerships. Zephyr will be the second new Lincoln product to be introduced during 2005, following the all-new 2006 Lincoln Mark LT truck.
Importantly, Zephyr will be the only Lincoln product in the showroom offering front-wheel drive, a key purchase consideration for many buyers. Lincoln will add an all-wheel-drive powertrain option for Zephyr a year later.
"The Lincoln Zephyr is the kind of exciting new product that will move the brand forward," says Darryl Hazel, Lincoln Mercury president. "We're beginning a renaissance at Lincoln, and it starts with the Mark LT and Zephyr in 2005."
DESIGN COMMUNICATES REFINEMENT
The 2006 Lincoln Zephyr incorporates elegant Lincoln design inside and out. Its classic proportions, clean lines and well-planted stance convey confidence and presence with understated elegance.
The Lincoln Zephyr is designed with a theme of unpretentious luxury. The interplay of sleek interior and exterior accents finished in chrome and satin nickel lend the Zephyr an air of distinction.
This new sedan has a distinct Lincoln family resemblance with its classic waterfall grille. The front is accented with standard jewel-like, quad beam halogen headlamps or optional High Intensity Discharge (HID) units.
Wide all-season tires enhance Zephyr's confident stance, and 8-spoke, 17-inch aluminum wheels are standard.
INDULGENT INTERIOR
Inside, every detail quietly conveys sophistication. Genuine materials, such as real maple wood or aluminum surfaces, illustrates the level of luxury Zephyr provides.
Details include satin-nickel trim on a wood-and-leather steering wheel, chrome door handles and an aluminum and leather-wrapped gear selector. Metal finishes are used in key touch zones as a complement and contrast to the wood and leather.
Leather seating surfaces also are designed with a soft touch, while wood accents have a warm aura. The metals, as expected, are cool to the touch. This tactile contrast is an intentional design exercise that communicates genuine luxury to the occupants.
Attention to detail abounds. Margins between separate parts are tight and consistent. At night, soothing, cool-white interior lighting delivers yet another level of modern luxury.
QUIET CABIN HELPS DELIVER SURROUNDING CONCERT SOUND
The Lincoln Zephyr's interior also benefits from "sound science." Starting with an exceptionally stiff body structure, engineers took extensive steps to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. From insulation under the carpet to reduce road sounds to aerodynamically optimized side mirrors to cut down on wind buffeting, Zephyr's quiet ride is a key enabler for its next-generation sound system, THX II-Certified® audio.
This optional system creates surrounding theater or concert hall sound with the help of six speakers, two subwoofers and two amplifiers. The system carries up to six compatible with Radio Broadcast Digital Signaling, which displays information from participating radio stations.
LINCOLN OPTIMIZED DVD NAVIGATION
Lincoln is launching its new Lincoln Optimized DVD-based Navigation System with the Zephyr. It is the most advanced navigation system Lincoln ever has put into production.
The optional system provides fast, intuitive operation with a bright 6.5-inch display screen mounted in the center stack. The display was designed to coordinate with Zephyr's crisp interior design theme.
LINCOLN DRIVING EXPERIENCE
The 2006 Lincoln Zephyr is designed to deliver comfort with an additional level of responsiveness. It starts with a well-designed chassis tuned for ride comfort.
The standard 17-inch tires with a wide 225/50 profile were specifically engineered for Zephyr to deliver good ride quality, responsive handling and reduced cabin noise. In turn, the power rack-and-pinion steering was tuned to complement the suspension and tires.
The Lincoln Zephyr features large four-wheel disc brakes with a standard anti-lock system to provide confident braking performance. Also standard is an electronic traction assist system that automatically works to reduce engine torque when it senses impending wheel slip.
HIGHLY ADVANCED ENGINE AND TRANSAXLE
The 2006 Lincoln Zephyr comes standard with a highly advanced powertrain featuring the 3.0-liter Duratec 30 V-6 engine. It uses intake variable cam timing to improve engine torque for better acceleration while reducing emissions.
To achieve optimum performance, the computer-controlled system varies the timing of the two intake cams - one in each cylinder head &endash; based on factors that include engine speed and load. The Duratec 30 in the Zephyr makes 210 horsepower and 200 pounds-feet of torque.
Dual mufflers, accented with twin chrome-tipped exhausts, produce low backpressure for added performance and a very restrained exhaust note.
The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transaxle &endash; the new industry standard for luxury cars. Zephyr also uses an electronic throttle control that works with the electronically controlled transaxle to ensure smooth and seamless shifts.
Zephyr joins the new 2005 Lincoln Navigator in leading the luxury market into advanced 6-speed transmissions. Along with this new level of performance, Zephyr delivers the cleanest Duratec 30 ever. It will be rated for ULEV II tailpipe emissions in "green states," as well as a U.S. EPA rating of Tier 2, Bin 5 tailpipe and LEV II evaporative emissions in other states.
ADVANCED SAFETY
Lincoln Zephyr benefits from highly advanced safety technologies. Zephyr was designed with Ford's Personal Safety System™ and a body structure optimized to help manage energy in a crash.
Zephyr's Personal Safety System provides a wide combination of safety features, including standard driver and front-passenger air bags, front-passenger classification sensing and three-point safety belts at all seating positions with front-seat pretensioners and retractors.
In addition to standard U.S. government frontal crash tests, Zephyr is designed to meet stringent new side-impact tests.
A standard package of seat-mounted side air bags for chest protection and a full-length safety curtain for head protection provide an additional layer of side-impact safety.
Electronic safety features include a standard traction assist program and anti-lock braking to help drivers reduce the risk of losing control on slippery surfaces.
WHEN AND WHERE
The Lincoln Zephyr will be built at Ford Motor Company's Hermosillo Assembly Plant in Mexico. Sales begin in the fall of 2005 in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
Pricing for the newest, most affordable Lincoln will be announced closer to launch.
SIDEBAR &endash; RECALLING AN ERA OF ELEGANCE AND INNOVATION
The original 1936 Lincoln Zephyr was based on an innovative concept by Dutch-born designer John Tjaarda of the Briggs Body Corp. He drew his inspiration from the aerodynamic "streamliner" trains that were catching the nation's imagination &endash; including the record-setting diesel-powered Burlington Zephyr that helped to end the age of steam.
Ford Motor Company Design Chief E.T. Gregorie, along with Edsel Ford, refined the design and brought into production one of the most beautiful cars of its day.
Zephyr was introduced as an affordable entry point for the Lincoln brand, with prices starting at $1,300 compared with $4,200 for a Lincoln Model K. The Zephyr was a huge hit for Lincoln, bringing luxury motoring to an entirely new group of customers. In its first year, Lincoln sold 14,994 Zephyrs, compared with only 1,500 Lincoln Model Ks.
Lincoln was able to produce the original Zephyr at lower cost thanks to its pioneering use of a unit body atop a frame. In an industry first, designers tested Zephyr's chassis using aircraft-type stress analysis, proving its superiority over the then-current method of bolting a piecework body to a frame. At 3,300 pounds, Zephyr was lighter than most of its competitors, yet it proved to be much stiffer.
Lincoln Zephyrs also were noted for spirited performance with an impressive 110 horsepower from their flathead V-12 engines. In 1939, Zephyr formed the basis of the Lincoln Continental, with a stretched hood, short rear deck and external spare tire.
Zephyr remained Lincoln's most popular model until production was halted during World War II. When peacetime production resumed in 1946, the name Zephyr stayed on the shelf, and all models were simply called "Lincoln." In total, Lincoln produced 131,428 Zephyrs between 1936 and 1942.
Zephyrs are still highly prized. In fact, a 1938 Lincoln Zephyr that had been converted into a street rod &endash; using the original V-12 engine and body panels on a lowered chassis &endash; recently sold at auction for more than $400,000, affirming the timeless appeal of the design.
12-27-04, 11:30 AM
#2
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Posts: n/a
So here is what I conclude
1. Old Camry/Accord/Avalon styling
2. Mixed with FWD
3. Mixed with a lethargic 210hp V-6 when everyone else (heck the ES 330 has 230hp)
4. Mixed with 1970s/80s disco/**** interior
5. Made in Mexico
Pathetic. This segment is much to crowded for this lame attempt. Please, someone, put Lincoln out ther misery. . Sad. Ford created Lincoln to be the uplevel brand. That was visionary back in the 1930s. Good idea.
HOW THE HELL DO YOU HAVE MORE EXPERIENCE THAN MOST OTHER LUXURY BRANDS and find yourself at the bottom of the food chart. Lincoln should be OWNING the market. Instead, they are getting OWNED.
The automotive press is going to eat this car alive. I'd get a 4 cylinder Acura TSX before this.
1. Old Camry/Accord/Avalon styling
2. Mixed with FWD
3. Mixed with a lethargic 210hp V-6 when everyone else (heck the ES 330 has 230hp)
4. Mixed with 1970s/80s disco/**** interior
5. Made in Mexico
Pathetic. This segment is much to crowded for this lame attempt. Please, someone, put Lincoln out ther misery. . Sad. Ford created Lincoln to be the uplevel brand. That was visionary back in the 1930s. Good idea.
HOW THE HELL DO YOU HAVE MORE EXPERIENCE THAN MOST OTHER LUXURY BRANDS and find yourself at the bottom of the food chart. Lincoln should be OWNING the market. Instead, they are getting OWNED.
The automotive press is going to eat this car alive. I'd get a 4 cylinder Acura TSX before this.
12-27-04, 11:38 AM
#3
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A Lincoln...made in Mexico? I thought Ford learned its lesson with building the Focus in Mexico and that's why they'll be making the next-gen Focus in the USA???
You're spot-on Mike, this car will indeed be eaten alive.
EDIT: Not like it matters, but wasn't this thing supposed to have optional AWD?
You're spot-on Mike, this car will indeed be eaten alive.
EDIT: Not like it matters, but wasn't this thing supposed to have optional AWD?
Last edited by SecPole14; 12-27-04 at 11:40 AM.
12-27-04, 11:41 AM
#4
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Originally Posted by wantAnewLex
A Lincoln...made in Mexico? I thought Ford learned its lesson with building the Focus in Mexico and that's why they'll be making the next-gen Focus in the USA???
You're spot-on Mike, this car will indeed be eaten alive.
EDIT: Not like it matters, but wasn't this thing supposed to have optional AWD?
You're spot-on Mike, this car will indeed be eaten alive.
EDIT: Not like it matters, but wasn't this thing supposed to have optional AWD?
12-27-04, 01:02 PM
#5
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I only read the first few sentences of the review and the tone makes it sound like Lincoln is unveiling a car that will turn them around. I see the pic and it's some Ford 500 looking, Camry and Accord fighting, V6 FWD sedan. Uhhhhh, what??? 
The only Lincoln that I think I would consider with luxury in mind would be the 60s Continentals with the suicide doors.
James
The only Lincoln that I think I would consider with luxury in mind would be the 60s Continentals with the suicide doors.
James
12-27-04, 04:34 PM
#7
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iTrader: (2)
Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX
Zephyrs are still highly prized.
New one looks like the front of an Avalon, the back of a VW
Last edited by DaveGS4; 12-27-04 at 04:34 PM.
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12-27-04, 07:47 PM
#12
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
Britain also had a Ford Zephyr in the 60s and 70s!
http://www.users.bigpond.com/danart/...oto%20page.htm
http://www.users.bigpond.com/danart/...oto%20page.htm
12-27-04, 08:06 PM
#13
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by DaveGS4
Why didn't they mention that Fomoco also recycled the Zephyr name in the early 1980s with the 'highly prized' Mecury Zephyr
Originally Lincoln was the first to use the name on a special-production 1940 Lincoln coupe. It was considered one of the most beautiful American cars then in production. Just saw a nice blue one recently at a local vintage-car show.
I won't comment on whether the press will "eat this car alive" or not except to say that there is a big market for entry-level luxury and luxury / sport models. With all of the present entry-level luxury cars in this segment ($30,000-40,000), and more to come like the Zephyr, only time will tell how well the public accepts this car....which is what really matters.
I do agree with 1SICK, though, that the Acura TSX is probably a better buy, quality-wise. Several recent Lincoln products have not impressed me with their general quality level...especially the Navigator.
