According to Robert Farago at The Truth About Cars, the Lincoln Zephyr is "another nail in Lincoln's coffin".
Unfortunately, I have to agree. I don't see what the Zephyr will do to advance Lincoln's image. It really can't compete with the other "entry level" luxury cars on performance, although I think the looks are sharp.
Fundamentally, Ford won't be able to convince people that the Zephyr is not more than a prettied up Fusion. The Zephyr will ship with a powertrain identical to its less luxurious sisters, the 210HP 3.0L-4V "Duratech" V6. This is not a bad motor, but it is not sufficient for a car that is supposed to compete with other entry-level luxury cars in the $30,000 range. And the only transmission choice is a FWD automatic; no manual transmission or AWD has been announced.
For about the same price, someone could choose a BMW 3 series, with a 255HP I-6, RWD. Or an Acura TL, with a 270HP V6. Or an Audi A4 with a 200HP I-4 turbo, and all-wheel drive. Or a Cadillac CTS. Or a Saab...
All of Zephyr's competitors have world class interiors, great sound systems, sharp styling. Many of them can be had with a manual transsmission, or RWD, or AWD. Pretty much all of them will outrun the Zephyr. And, I am afraid, pretty much all of them will outsell the Zephyr.
5 comments:
300 Series?!
OK, so I don't type so gooood.
Not to mention that the Zephyr will compete against the Chrysler 300 and 300C.
Yes, the Zephyr will not do well.
I remember driving the LS in '99 when they first came out and thinking "Man, this is a good engine away from being a great car". Ah, what hope and promise there was then that the DEW98 chassis would bring all sorts of glory to Lincoln. Seems so far away now.
I'd have to serious question the judgement of anyone who pays $30K for such a vehicle in light of the many other product offerings in this catagory, as you noted. Don't forget the Infinity G35 - it's one of my favorite cars in that just-slightly-more-than-I'm-willing-to-pay-for-a-new-car price range.
ever hear of a problem of dashboard popping and cracking with temperature change on the zephyr?
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