Calling it "the first modern entry-luxury vehicle in Lincoln's history," Greg Smith, Ford President of the Americas, introduced the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr to nonplussed journalists at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. What? He's forgotten about the Lincoln LS already? With rebates, that Lincoln rolls off showroom floors for the price of a Honda Accord. If that ain't entry luxury, what is? The 2006 Lincoln Zephyr shares most of its bits and pieces with the 2006 Ford Fusion and upcoming 2006 Mercury Milan, but comes fully equipped with the luxury conveniences that make a Lincoln special. The company is particularly proud of the optional THX II-certified audio system that is available on the 2006 Zephyr, and is quick to note that a DVD-driven, touch-screen navigation system is also offered. Originally, the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr was slated to receive optional all-wheel-drive and Ford's new corporate 3.5-liter V6 making more than 250 horsepower, but that powertrain is not ready. Zephyr will now launch with a less powerful 210-horse, 3.0-liter V6 under the hood driving the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive is set to arrive next year, but Lincoln is mum on revealing when a more suitably powerful motor might debut. Good looking, but anonymous, the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr joins the new Mark LT pickup truck in creating a revised "face" for the luxury brand. Distinguishing characteristics of the Zephyr are limited to clear-lens projector beam headlight elements, a thickly vaned waterfall grille, wide-spoke 17-inch chrome wheels, and oversized taillights. Otherwise, the Lincoln Zephyr's flanks are dull and featureless - almost invisible. Interior design is stronger. The retro-themed cabin of the Zephyr concept did not translate to the production model, but at least the dashboard is not identical to the Ford Fusion's. The control panel is dominated by a center console with aluminum trim, while strips of real wood run horizontally to divide the upper and lower dashboard sections. Round chrome-ringed gauges are simple and classy, and the switchgear comes right out of the Ford parts bin, with controls for climate, stereo, and other features identical in design and operation to many contemporary Ford and Mercury products. Leather upholstery is standard, and the gauges are electroluminescent with Lincoln's signature white lighting. A full complement of standard safety gear includes side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags, and "roll-fold" technology for the side-curtain airbags that is designed to inflate the airbag between the window and an occupant's head if the head is resting on or near the glass. Antilock brakes and traction control are standard, but there's no sign of a stability control system for the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr.
Initially, the Zephyr slots under the LS as the entry model in Lincoln's lineup, but with the LS departing after 2006, the Zephyr will become the company's bread-and-butter car. But is this really what Lincoln needs to rejuvenate sales? A badge-engineered, front-wheel-drive Ford Fusion with as much surface excitement as a presidential address? We'll take a rear-drive Lincoln LS V8 Sport, please, with a nice, big, fat, juicy $10,000 rebate. By Christian J. Wardlaw Photos By Erik Hanson
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