2006 Lincoln Zephyr Preview

Powering all four will be a specially tuned version of Ford's Duratec 30 3.0-liter V6 with intake variable cam timing (VCT), basically the same engine as fitted to the top-line Mazda6. A new 6-speed automatic transmission should prove an adequate companion, complete with a manual-mode no doubt similar to that in the new

A specially tuned version of Ford's Duratec 30 3.0-liter V6 engine will power Lincoln's new sedan. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

6. Again, there shouldn't be too many complaints heard from Lincoln buyers, as the 6 autobox, which features electronic throttle control and the electronically controlled transmission calibration, is about as good as transmissions get.

Most likely, among conquest sales, the Zephyr will find buyers who previously purchased Lincoln's 1988 to 2002 front-wheel-drive Continental, a slightly stretched version of Ford's uninspired Taurus. OK, the Taurus was a major leap forward for Ford, at least initially, but it never was as agile as Ford of Europe's Scorpio or marginally smaller Mondeo. The Zephyr's Mazda6 underpinnings will correct this oversight, with a fully independent suspension featuring "damper, spring rates and bushings

While expected to lean more towards comfort than sport, the Zephyr should also deliver better than average handling due to its Mazda6 chassis architecture. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

specially selected and tuned for Lincoln driving characteristics," according to the domestic brand. And just what are Lincoln driving characteristics? If you believe the latest ads touting the new LS as a BMW 5-Series beater, then you'd think Lincoln is all about rigidity, rock-hard spring settings and superlative slalom speeds. Anyone older than 30, or for that matter anyone who's ever rented a limousine on prom night, knows better. While the new Zephyr is expected to embrace the old-world bias toward comfort, it should also deliver better than average handling - after all, the car's chassis architecture is being derived from the Mazda6.