2006 Lincoln Zephyr

[nate]

This new concept (future production) of the Zephyr looks pretty good for a Lincoln. Similar to the LS, but sleeker. They're trying to get younger buyers and it just may work.

We'll just have to see the numbers on this one, but at least they are planning an AWD option (doesn't sound like a RWD option though).

'Almost' reminds me of the G or the new M. Thoughts?

http://motortrend.com/autoshows/cove...ow/index8.html

2003.5 Sedan Black/Black w/ sport, premium, aero, and winter packages. See my profile for updated mods list and pics.

275441-zephyr.jpg

[gdupg35]

I definitely like the concept. However, it seems to me the majority of vehicles take a turn for the worse in terms of styling once they hit production.

[Catatafish]

HP will be in the low/mid 200s. Saw the bit on Motor Trend this morning. It'll bomb and be teased for being underpowered. Production model won't be lowered, will have smaller wheels and the bumper will be different.

I'm not sure what it thinks it will compete with. Maybe the underpowered CTS.

2004.5 Coupe/5AT/Ivory/Everything but front spoiler/Nismo CAI/Crawford V5

[duckygirl]

Looks to big to be sporty

[JDMan]

At first I wanted to say it's a step in the right direction, but actually I think this car is pointless. I think this car will mainly only appeal to buyers who were strongly leaning towards buying a Lincoln anyway. If it's not going to be a better performer, and it's not going to be technologically advanced, and it's not going to look either sexier or more sophisticated or even more funky looking than other offerings, why would you go out of your way to test drive one? In fact, I think the styling, while it looks better to *my* tastes, is a step in the wrong direction because it looks like a half-assed attempt to be a luxury Japanese/German automobile. In Japan, Lincolns have a cult following due to their mafia/gangster look. I think they should embrace their "old America" look. The new Chrysler 300C sort of has that look with the chop top roof, and they can't produce them fast enough to meet demand at the moment.

-Jack
Obsidian '03 G35 Sports Coupe (for sale)

[GX9901]

I don't think it helps that its basically a Mazda 6. The 6 is a fine car, but when you're up against the likes of CTS, G35, TL, 3-series, etc., I don't think a Mazda 6 based Lincoln would cut it.

2004 G35 Coupe Diamond Graphite/Graphite 5AT
Premium, Nav., 18" Wheels, Z-Xtreme Hyper Grounding Cables,
K&N filter, Clear Corners, 350Z Aluminum Pedals,
Sony Ericsson HCB-30

[JDMan]

Yeesh, it's FWD too? I guess they intend for it to be an entry-level Lincoln, but I can't think of any past examples where this strategy improved the company. Ford seems to be dead set on this phoney-baloney, convert-FWD-into-AWD-and-call-it-luxury scheme, as used in the Jaguar X-Type and Volvo S60R. Why not do this with the RWD platform that Mazda uses for the RX-8, and make something along the lines of the G35x or 330xi? *THAT* I'd go test drive, not some sad Acura/ES100/I35 wannabe.

-Jack
Obsidian '03 G35 Sports Coupe (for sale)

[deadmanincbh]

Looks to big to be a Mazda 6 based car.

[ryoken]

The G35 shares a platform with the 350Z and the FX45.

It very well could be based on the same platform as the Mazda 6 and still be bigger.

BTW, the 6 is a hoot to drive, one of the most pleasurable FWD cars I've had a chance to beat on. If they can keep that in the Zephyr, it should do alright.

[deadmanincbh]

Well that is a good point but for some reason I just dont belive Lincon would use a Mazda platform.