April 9, 2004

New York auto show
Lincoln Zephyr concept to see production

New York, New York - The 2006 Lincoln Zephyr concept unveiled at the 2004 New York International Auto Show is a midsize, five-passenger premium sedan that "sends a strong signal for the production version of Lincoln's next sedan," according to the company.

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Production of the Lincoln Zephyr will begin in 2005 and will go on sale later that year as a 2006 model. It will complement the existing Lincoln lineup and provide a new entry in one of the "sweet spots" of the luxury market - the growing midsize premium segment.

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 six-speed front-wheel-drive transmission and, following the launch, available all-wheel drive.

This is the first new front-wheel-drive Lincoln since the Continental, which featured front drive from 1988-2002, and is the lightest Lincoln - a key enabler in creating a responsive driving experience.

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