2005 Lincoln Zephyr

• Lincoln Zephyr Teaser Brings Accessible Luxury to Youthful Customers

NEW YORK -- Distinctly Lincoln, the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr illustrates how Lincoln can bring its hallmarks of elegant design and comfort to a new generation of youthful customers.
On display at the New York International Auto Show, a teaser version of the future midsize, five-passenger Lincoln Zephyr is the first front-wheel-drive Lincoln to debut since the Continental. Built on Ford Motor Company&s global CD3 mid-size architecture the Lincoln Zephyr will complement the existing Lincoln lineup and provide a new entry in the growing midsize premium segment.

'The Lincoln Zephyr is a clear example of how we are able to bring exciting new products to the Lincoln stable by sharing efficiencies throughout the Ford Motor Company organization,' said Darryl Hazel, Lincoln-Mercury president. 'These great new products are at the core of the Lincoln renaissance.'

The low, wide stance of the Lincoln Zephyr emphasizes the bold and aggressive attitude of the vehicle. While the distinctive chrome waterfall grille make it instantly recognizable as a member of the Lincoln family, design statements such as the bold horizontal lines of the tail lamps and grille reinforce its athleticism. The Zephyr further establishes its sport sedan persona with geometric elements such as a steeply raked windshield, strong horizontal themes and wide, 19-inch, spoked alloy wheels.

'There&s a strong European influence in the design theme, but we didn&t lose the essential North American qualities,' said Chief Designer Phil Simmons. 'You see that in the way it carries itself -- there&s a uniquely North American confidence, a certain swagger, almost.'

The Lincoln Zephyr features a specially tuned and more powerful version of the Duratec 30 3.0-liter V-6 engine with intake variable cam timing (VCT); mated to a premium six-speed front-wheel-drive transmission, with capability to easily add all-wheel drive.

The new six-speed transmission amplifies engine torque to provide better acceleration than comparable vehicles with four- or five-speed transmissions. Electronic throttle control and the electronically controlled transmission calibration assure smooth and seamless shifts, for quiet performance worthy of the Lincoln brand.

The car&s color -- a warm golden silver called Cashmere -- was chosen to work in harmony with the dramatic cabin design.

'It&s a very light and bright combination,' said David Woodhouse, who developed the teaser design at Lincoln's California Design Center. 'Everything from the body color to the interior is very light. This gives it a luminous, luxurious feeling, which accentuates the real wood, genuine leather and metallic accents.'

Interior surface textures, such as satin aluminum, chrome, leather and wood, coexist to reinforce the organic symmetry of the design. Light surfaces including sophisticated Harewood compliment the two-tone color scheme with seats that are lighter in color than the center console and other panels. The seats are inspired by the shape of the classic Eames lounge chairs and are faced in premium leather creating a simple, tailored appearance.



At night, white LED lighting enhances the wristwatch-inspired gauges with rounded rectangular housings, light faces and chrome hubs and pointers. In addition, all buttons and knobs are chromed, as are the one-touch louvered air vents, interior door handles and the control stalks on either side of the steering wheel.

'Lincoln is renowned for being a design leader, and nowhere is this more apparent than in our interiors,' said Marek Reichman, director of Interior Design Strategy. 'The design philosophies explored in our teaser or concept vehicles are already making their way into Lincoln production vehicles. With the new Lincoln Zephyr, they will find their fullest expression in an automobile.'

For occupant safety, the Lincoln Zephyr features a robust steel 'safety cage' construction, with engineered crush zones to absorb impact energy. Ford Motor Company's industry-leading Personal Safety System provides a range of safety features, such as front and side air bags, side air curtains, occupant classification sensing, three-point safety belts with front-seat pretensioners and retractors, tire pressure sensing, anti-lock braking and traction control.

A production version of the Lincoln Zephyr teaser will be offered for sale in the Únited States, Canada, Mexico and other markets in late 2005 as a 2006 model. Pricing and final specifications will be announced closer to launch.

Source - Ford Communications Network