Press Release
Exterior / Interior
LINCOLN ZEPHYR DESIGN HERITAGE: A tradition of legendary cars
Design is a Lincoln hallmark, synonymous with the brand from its inception. Such classics as the 1932 Model KB and the 1961 Continental set a high standard for Lincoln design. The 2006 Lincoln Zephyr meets that standard.The original 1936 Lincoln Zephyr combined cutting-edge design with luxury. It was the entry point to Lincoln luxury, designed as an affordable luxury car priced between a Ford sedan and the legendary Lincoln K models of its day.
EXTERIOR DESIGN: Unpretentious luxury
"The 2006 Lincoln Zephyr will represent many customers' first introduction to the luxury class, and it must reward that purchase decision," says Phil Simmons, chief designer. "But a luxury car should never be an excuse for a garish design."Lincoln Zephyr's exterior design plays on the relationship between chrome and satin surfaces, with their contrasting and complementary levels of reflectivity. From its distinctive waterfall grille to its quad headlights, the Lincoln Zephyr draws upon a rich history of classic Lincoln design cues.
FRONT DESIGN: The face of classic design
The distinctive satin-and-chrome waterfall grille dives into the bumper fascia and displays the Lincoln star. The distinctive Lincoln lighting design includes quad projector-beam headlamps, or optional high-intensity discharge (HID) lights, set into jeweled housings, framed beneath a strong chromed horizontal brow. The lamps wrap into the front fenders, where they house side-marker lamps and turn-signal repeaters.The front bumper is nearly flush with the lower fascia, which has a strong horizontal theme accentuated by a wide air intake and two wide-set round running lamps with satin-finished trim rings.
PROFILE AND REAR DESIGN: Subtle athleticism
The Lincoln Zephyr's side profile features chrome trim at the beltline and on the mirror caps, set off by the wheels. The 17-inch alloy wheels are an important design element, available with a machined appearance or a chromed-aluminum finish. Low-profile tires reinforce the low, purposeful stance of the car.The rear bumper surface is nearly flush, contributing to the clean, uncluttered lines. Twin chrome tailpipes are set wide apart below thin horizontal reflectors in the lower fascia, similar in placement to the front fog lamps. Together, the flush bumper and chrome-tipped dual exhausts communicate a subtle athleticism.
Another aspect of the distinctive Lincoln lighting package are light emitting diode (LED) taillights. These lights are visually distinctive, requiring less space for packaging than traditional bulbs, and illuminating faster than standard taillights.
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY: A reputation for world-class interiors
Lincoln has established a reputation for delivering world-class interiors with outstanding craftsmanship. Lincoln interiors are designed with visual and tactile interest delivered via colors, materials and textures that complement each other and emphasize the placement of key elements within a classical, geometric structure.The 2006 Lincoln Zephyr continues this philosophy. Inside, every detail quietly conveys sophistication while genuine materials, such as real maple wood or aluminum surfaces, illustrate the level of luxury Lincoln Zephyr provides.
For example, its steering wheel is wrapped in pebble-grained leather, and real polished wood grips between the spokes are available. Framing the grips are satin-nickel inserts that house the audio, climate and cruise push-button controls. The framework of the Lincoln star is highlighted in chrome at the steering wheel's center.
The leather surfaces 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.
"The steering wheel is the busiest touch-zone in the car," says Marek Reichman, director of interior design strategy. "Lincoln Zephyr drivers will find this wheel provides a rewarding look and feel."
ELEGANT AMBIENCE: Four unique environments
The instrument panel is bisected horizontally by a wide band of contrasting trim in one of four natural surfaces. Depending on interior color and trim level, the four surfaces are:- Finely ribbed aluminum
- Finely ribbed aluminum with a dark finish
- Dark Ebony wood with horizontal grain pattern
- Light Maple wood
This interplay of natural wood, leather and metallic surfaces continues throughout the interior. The instrument panel is designed in a symmetric, rectangular theme with contrasting bright chrome-finished rings surrounding four round climate control vents. The two central vents are inset into the satin-nickel-finished center stack, flanking a round chrome-ringed analog clock.
The center stack flows down to the console, which continues the metallic theme with chrome accents on the leather-wrapped shifter, shifter bezel and twin cupholders. Scuff plates on the front door sills bear the Lincoln name.
ROOM TO SPARE: Lincoln Zephyr's spacious accommodations
The 2006 Lincoln Zephyr is designed for comfort in the front and rear with more than three feet of rear-passenger legroom. The spacious feel of the cabin was achieved by stretching the width of the base architecture by 30 millimeters and the wheelbase by 55 millimeters.The Lincoln Zephyr's large 15.8 cubic-foot trunk boasts a flat load floor and a low lift-over height. The decklid has compact hinge mechanisms that won't impinge on trunk volume or crush cargo. The rear seats feature standard 60/40-split backs that individually fold flat with a convenient spring assist, giving pass-through access to the trunk and affording cavernous storage space.
Each seat section folds down individually to provide supplemental cargo space from the pass-through trunk. As in the front, door panels have chrome door handles, with accents of wood or aluminum, and metallic speaker covers. Beverage holders are in each door. Rear passengers have access to map pockets on the back of the front seats for storage.
INTELLIGENT INTERFACES: Where driver and car interact
As on the steering wheel, most center-stack push-button controls are rectangular; while round buttons define the most frequently used controls on the audio and climate control systems. The optional Lincoln navigation system adds the convenience of touch-screen controls and intuitive menus for access to its features. The system encompasses the vast majority of North America on a single disc and features a 6.5-inch-wide screen that is sharper than most. This system ??????????????????????????????????????? exclusive to Lincoln ??????????????????????????????????????? is the most advanced Lincoln navigation system ever.The gauge cluster is a focal point. The round analog gauges are set into chrome bezels placed symmetrically in front of the driver, with equal focus on the tachometer and speedometer. A hallmark of Lincoln is distinctive lighting, such as the cool-white LED lighting that is used to backlight controls, and switches on at night.
Lincoln Zephyr's seats are faced with soft premium leather, which has an upscale look reminiscent of high-end European boutique leather goods. The steering wheel also is leather-wrapped, with wood grips on either side.
The standard front seats are power-adjustable with eight-way power for the driver, six-way power for the passenger, and includes manual lumbar support. Upgraded seats are available as part of a premium package, which features ten-way power driver and passenger seats with power lumbar support. The seats are available with their own climate-control system, allowing heated or cooled air to be quietly circulated through perforations in the leather.
QUIET CABIN: The benefits of sound science
To maximize the aural performance of the industry's first THX II-Certified???????????????????? audio system, Lincoln engineers employed some "sound science." Starting with an exceptionally stiff body structure, engineers took extensive steps to reduce noise, vibration, harshness and wind noise, along with squeaks and rattles in the passenger cabin.Using laser vibration measurement, engineers found that wind noise was worst on the side glass adjacent to the side mirrors. To prevent this on the Lincoln Zephyr, designers reshaped the mirrors using computer-aided listening techniques during wind tunnel testing to direct wind away from the glass.
Likewise, the advanced door seals, especially in the lower rocker area, play an important part in keeping wind and road noise from entering the passenger compartment.
An aerodynamic shield under the engine compartment helps to reduce turbulence under the hood, which can contribute to unwanted noise inside the car. This shield has the added benefit of making Lincoln Zephyr more aerodynamic. The aero shield incorporates hatches that can be opened if the engine needs service, and has an acoustic barrier on top to reduce radiated noise.
Most of the interior door trim is attached with screws, versus plastic clips used in some other vehicles. Over time, the screws ??????????????????????????????????????? working with the rigid body structure ??????????????????????????????????????? will stay tight and minimize the development of squeaks and rattles.
In addition, extra sound-deadening material is used under the carpet, in the instrument panel and cowl area, in the lid, floor and sides of the trunk, and under the hood.
