NEW YORK – We came to view Lincoln’s future and it didn’t look too bad. It’s called the Zephyr. And the nameplate dates back to 1936, when it was first introduced.
The Zephyr signals Lincoln’s resurrection in the luxury car market. It also signals the brand’s new design philosophy for future models.
Simple discreet designs are on tap for Lincoln, Peter Horbury, the chief of design, told us. “Very clean, simple lines, no excess,” he said.
Its lines may be simple but the Zephyr, a midsize sedan, has a distinctive face and rump, which are needed in order for it to stand out in a cluttered market. The car features chrome surfaces at the beltline, on the mirror caps and the 17-inch tires are available in either a chrome aluminum finish or a machined aluminum shine.
But it is the interior that will sell this car. It features a dashboard that runs the width of the midsize sedan. It’s divided by a strip of wood trim. There were two choices: ebony or maple. Our test car had maple.
The wood is enveloped in leather, satin nickel and chrome trim. The Zephyr has air of sophistication that we’ve come to expect in top-notch luxury brands. The cabin was quite spacious and let in plenty of light.
Ten-way power front seats provided plenty of back support. A leather-wrapped steering wheel was pleasing to the touch. And the back seats provided ample head and leg room.

For more, please subscribe to the Columbus Post.