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2005 Lincoln Zephyr Preview

Resuscitating Lincolns Carmaker Image

Wow! Now thats more like it. Compared to the current LS, a nice car with a distinctly Bavarian image problem, the upcoming Zephyr introduced in Manhattans Jacob Javits Convention Center as part of the New York International Auto Show is every bit a Lincoln.

Or is it? From a styling standpoint the Zephyr dusts off many of the brands pre-70s styling cues, delivering a refreshingly simple, understated elegance to an automotive landscape that seems bent on either boring its prospective customers to sleep or over stimulating the senses to the point of desensitization. The Zephyr, on the other hand, is American luxury

The Zephyr, introduced at this years New York International Auto Show, is distinctively Lincoln in appearance. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

at its best. But under the skin its about as all-American as Kimiyasu Kudo pitching the 9th inning at Jingu Kyujo stadium.

Say what? OK, in English the Zephyr will be built off of Japans Mazda6 architecture. Not a bad beginning for Lincolns next midsize model, as the 6 has won just about every award its entered

The Zephyr, with its refreshingly simple understated elegance, is American luxury at its best. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

since it came on the scene just over a year ago. Ford Motor plans to develop a total of ten new cars and SUVs off of the Mazda6 platform, for each of its Ford, Mercury and Lincoln nameplates.

Of course, by the time a Lincoln star appears at the center of its grille the car will not only have gone through major reconstructive surgery to the point where it will be impossible to detect any Mazda6 references

A specially tuned version of Fords Duratec 30 3.0-liter V6 engine will power Lincolns new sedan. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

in the Zephyrs design, but while front-wheel drive will be standard Lincoln will also offer an all-wheel drivetrain in top models.

Powering all four will be a specially tuned version of Fords Duratec 30 3.0-liter V6 with intake variable cam timing (VCT), basically the same engine as fitted to the top-line Mazda6. A new 6-speed automatic transmission should prove an adequate companion, complete with a manual-mode no doubt similar to that in the new 6. Again, there shouldnt be too many

While expected to lean more towards comfort than sport, the Zephyr should also deliver better than average handling due to its Mazda6 chassis architecture. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

complaints heard from Lincoln buyers, as the 6 autobox, which features electronic throttle control and the electronically controlled transmission calibration, is about as good as transmissions get.

Most likely, among conquest sales, the Zephyr will find buyers who previously purchased Lincolns 1988 to 2002 front-wheel-drive Continental, a slightly stretched version of Fords uninspired Taurus. OK, the Taurus was a major leap forward for Ford, at least initially, but it never was as agile as Ford of Europes Scorpio or marginally smaller Mondeo.

Lincoln plans to up the quality of materials and fit and finish for the Zephyr over current Lincolns. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

The Zephyrs Mazda6 underpinnings will correct this oversight, with a fully independent suspension featuring "damper, spring rates and bushings specially selected and tuned for Lincoln driving characteristics," according to the domestic brand. And just what are Lincoln driving characteristics? If you believe the latest ads touting the new LS as a BMW 5-Series beater, then youd think Lincoln is all about rigidity, rock-hard spring settings and superlative slalom speeds. Anyone older than 30, or for that matter anyone whos ever rented a limousine on prom night, knows better. While the new Zephyr is expected to embrace the old-world bias toward comfort, it should also deliver better

The entire interior of the car captures Lincolns classic design language. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

than average handling - after all, the cars chassis architecture is being derived from the Mazda6.

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