The center console flows upward into a symmetrical, full-width instrument panel. The center stack features a prominent information center that serves as the controller for the exclusive THX-certified ultra premium audio system as well as a navigational screen. All buttons and knobs are chromed, as are the one-touch louvered air vents, interior door handles and the control stalks on either side of the steering wheel.
Zephyr interior features light surfaces that mirror its exterior, including sophisticated Harewood, an exotic wood installed with its fine grain pattern running horizontally.
The gauges were inspired by stylish wristwatches, with rounded rectangular housings, light faces and chrome hubs and pointers. To play up the sporty nature of the Zephyr, the tachometer is given equal prominence with the speedometer in the symmetric array.
The seats are faced in new, softer premium leather, with shapes inspired by the classic Eames lounge chairs, and that gives a ''clean, tailored theme to the seats,'' in Woodhouse's view.
Because Zephyr is meant to be a sports-sedan, Martens promises that it will ''provide confident and effortless driving enjoyment.''
Zephyr runs on a specially-tuned and more powerful version of the familiar Duratec 30 3-liter V6 with intake variable cam timing (VCT) and will be mated to a six-speed front-wheel-drive transmission and, sometime in the near future, with optional all-wheel-drive.
Martens says the new six-speed will ''amplify engine torque to provide better acceleration than comparable vehicles with four- or five-speed transmissions.''
Furthermore, Martens says, the transmission's electronic throttle control and the electronically controlled transmission calibration ''assure smooth and seamless shifts, for quiet performance worthy of the Lincoln brand.''
In a nice combination of style and substance, the twin exhausts behind the single central muffler help to reduce back pressure, for added performance.
Dampers, spring rates and bushings in the fully independent suspension have been specially selected and tuned for Lincoln driving characteristics, Martens says, ''with an emphasis on comfort without sacrificing nimble response.''