Design details include satin-nickel trim on a wood-and-leather steering wheel, chrome door handles and an aluminum and leather-wrapped gear selector. Metal finishes are used in key touch zones as a complement and contrast to the wood and leather.
Leather seating surfaces also are designed with a soft touch, while wood accents have a ''warm aura.'' As expected, says Martens, the metals are cool to the touch. ''This tactile contrast is an intentional design exercise that communicates genuine luxury to the occupants.''
Attention to detail abounds. Martens enthuses, and margins between separate parts are ''tight and consistent.'' At night, soothing, cool-white interior lighting delivers ''yet another level of modern luxury.''
The Lincoln Zephyr's interior also benefits from ''sound science.'' Starting with an exceptionally stiff body structure, engineers took extensive steps to reduce noise, vibration and harshness.
From insulation under the carpet to reduce road sounds to aerodynamically optimized side mirrors to cut down on wind buffeting, Martens explains, Zephyr's quiet ride is a key enabler for that THX II-Certified audio system.
This optional system creates surrounding theater or concert hall sound with the help of six speakers, two subwoofers and two amplifiers.
Lincoln is launching its new Lincoln Optimized DVD-based Navigation System with the Zephyr, and Martens describes it as ''the most advanced navigation system Lincoln ever has put into production.''
Another level of comfort comes for the Zephyr's responsiveness, Martens says, starting with a well-designed chassis tuned for ride comfort.
The standard 17-inch tires with a wide 225/50 profile were specifically engineered for Zephyr to deliver good ride quality, responsive handling and reduced cabin noise. In turn, Martens says, the power rack-and-pinion steering was tuned to complement the suspension and tires.
The Lincoln Zephyr features large four-wheel, anti-lock disc brakes, and an electronic traction assist system that automatically works to reduce engine torque when it senses impending wheel slip.
The 2006 Lincoln Zephyr comes standard with the 3.0-liter Duratec 30 V-6 that delivers 210 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque, which seems light for modern luxury sedans. It's mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, however, which should smooth out the power curve considerably.
Martens points out that the V-6 uses intake variable cam timing to improve engine torque for better acceleration while reducing emissions. To achieve optimum performance, the computer-controlled system varies the timing of the two intake cams -- one in each cylinder head -- based on factors that include engine speed and load. Zephyr also uses an electronic throttle control that works with the electronically controlled transaxle to ensure smooth and seamless shifts.
Dual mufflers accented with twin chrome-tipped exhausts produce low backpressure for added performance and a very restrained exhaust note.
Zephyr also benefits from highly advanced safety technologies, Martens notes. It was designed with Ford's Personal Safety System and a body structure optimized to help manage energy in a crash.
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Attention to detail abounds. Martens enthuses, and margins between separate parts are ''tight and consistent.'' At night, soothing, cool-white interior lighting delivers ''yet another level of modern luxury.''
The Lincoln Zephyr's interior also benefits from ''sound science.'' Starting with an exceptionally stiff body structure, engineers took extensive steps to reduce noise, vibration and harshness.
From insulation under the carpet to reduce road sounds to aerodynamically optimized side mirrors to cut down on wind buffeting, Martens explains, Zephyr's quiet ride is a key enabler for that THX II-Certified audio system.
This optional system creates surrounding theater or concert hall sound with the help of six speakers, two subwoofers and two amplifiers.
Lincoln is launching its new Lincoln Optimized DVD-based Navigation System with the Zephyr, and Martens describes it as ''the most advanced navigation system Lincoln ever has put into production.''
Another level of comfort comes for the Zephyr's responsiveness, Martens says, starting with a well-designed chassis tuned for ride comfort.
 |
The Lincoln Zephyr features large four-wheel, anti-lock disc brakes, and an electronic traction assist system that automatically works to reduce engine torque when it senses impending wheel slip.
The 2006 Lincoln Zephyr comes standard with the 3.0-liter Duratec 30 V-6 that delivers 210 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque, which seems light for modern luxury sedans. It's mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, however, which should smooth out the power curve considerably.
Martens points out that the V-6 uses intake variable cam timing to improve engine torque for better acceleration while reducing emissions. To achieve optimum performance, the computer-controlled system varies the timing of the two intake cams -- one in each cylinder head -- based on factors that include engine speed and load. Zephyr also uses an electronic throttle control that works with the electronically controlled transaxle to ensure smooth and seamless shifts.
 |
Zephyr also benefits from highly advanced safety technologies, Martens notes. It was designed with Ford's Personal Safety System and a body structure optimized to help manage energy in a crash.