The global chassis architecture that underpins the Mazda6 is spawning a trio of mid-sized domestic sedans: Ford's Fusion (also introduced here in Detroit), the Mercury Milan, and the Lincoln Zephyr. The latter will be the least expensive Lincoln model, and is intended to entice new, younger buyers to consider Ford's top luxury brand. The Zephyr will be available in front- or all-wheel drive form, powered initially by a 3.0-liter V-6 producing 210 horsepower matched with a six-speed automatic transmission, quite noteworthy for its class. A more powerful 3.5-liter V-6 will come along about a year after launch. Zephyr's exterior design is crisply edgy, and appears well-differentiated from its Ford and Mercury platform mates. The elegant passenger compartment treatments boast the quality, materials, and creature features you'd expect of a luxury nameplate; choose between real wood or high tech-looking satin aluminium interior trim themes, with leather upholstery standard. Expect a base price of under $30,000, with fully loaded models at around $35K.
