This is the new Lincoln Zephyr, a luxury sedan for the Chinese car market. In China, sedans are still very popular, so luxury brands still have them in their lineup, even if they mainly sell SUVs in the rest of the world. The Lincoln Zephyr is a China-only car and will not be exported elsewhere. The new Zephyr has a distinctive Lincoln look, with a massive grille and loads of shiny bits.
The Lincoln Zephyr was previewed by the Lincoln Zephyr Reflection concept car that debuted on the April 2021 Shanghai Auto Show. The production version remains very close to the concept car. Too bad the production car didn’t get the concept’s larger wheels.
A large shiny bar at the back that neatly incorporates the lights. Bumper design a bit odd, the shiny bar seems designed to go around exhaust pipes, but there aren’t any exhaust pipes, so now it seems to hold onto nothing.
The images show two trim level: a luxury trim level, the purple car, and a more sporty trim level, the white car below. Lincoln hasn’t unveil the names of the trim levels yet but bet they will use ‘Black Label’ for the sporty one.
The sporty car stays closest to the concept car, with a more aggressive front design and black a-pillars.
An interesting design detail are the plastic trim pieces over the front fender and doors. Not exactly pretty but certainly distinctive.
The Lincoln Zephyr is made in China by the Changan-Ford joint venture. It is powered by a new ‘CAF488WQC’ 2.0 turbocharged engine, made locally at Changan-Ford. Output is 238 hp and 376 Nm, good for a claimed top speed of 225 kilometers per hour. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic, sending horses to the front wheels.
The Lincoln Zephyr stands on a new platform that also underpins the new China-made Ford Mondeo and the China-only Ford Evos. Size: 4982/1865/1485, with a 2930 wheelbase and a 2054 kilo curb weight. The long wheelbase makes for lots of space in the back, which is very important for Chinese consumers.
The new Lincoln Zephyr will have its public debut on the Guangzhou Auto Show later this month. We expect to get more details and photos very soon.
