Lincoln's Zephyr sedan will get one of the quickest face-lifts in automotive history this week when Ford's luxury brand renames the midsize sedan and unveils a restyled and more powerful model less than six months after the car went on sale.
The car's badge will say MKZ but Lincoln wants it called "Mark Z." The sedan formerly known as the Zephyr will feature a number of changes for the 2007 model year, including a 3.5-liter V6 engine to replace the underpowered 221-horsepower, 3.0-liter engine the car debuted with last fall. Ford hasn't revealed the engine's output, but it is expected to produce about 250 horsepower when it goes on sale this fall.
"It's an absurd waste of money" to change the car's name and appearance so quickly after launching it, said Joe Phillippi, principal of AutoTrends Consulting, Short Hills, N.J. "These things take a long time planning. They could have done it when they introduced the car."
In addition to the new name and engine, the 2007 MKZ is to get optional all-wheel drive, mild styling changes and new interior trim and features to differentiate it from the Zephyr.
Phillippi said the more powerful engine and all-wheel drive should help set the Lincoln apart from the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans with which it shares most of its parts.
"If you're going to call a car premium, you'd better have something to distinguish it," he said.
The exterior changes include new optional 17-inch wheels and a restyled grille and front bumper. Lincoln will add a new interior package with satin-nickel trim in addition to wood trim carried over from the Zephyr.
The MKZ will also offer some new features, including Sirius satellite radio, an iPod jack and Bluetooth compatibility for hands-free cell phones.
The Zephyr sold reasonably well in its brief life. Lincoln dealers delivered 4,895 Zephyrs, and the car reportedly drew a new, younger set of buyers to showrooms.
More.. http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060207/BUSINESS01/602070414/1014
The car's badge will say MKZ but Lincoln wants it called "Mark Z." The sedan formerly known as the Zephyr will feature a number of changes for the 2007 model year, including a 3.5-liter V6 engine to replace the underpowered 221-horsepower, 3.0-liter engine the car debuted with last fall. Ford hasn't revealed the engine's output, but it is expected to produce about 250 horsepower when it goes on sale this fall.
"It's an absurd waste of money" to change the car's name and appearance so quickly after launching it, said Joe Phillippi, principal of AutoTrends Consulting, Short Hills, N.J. "These things take a long time planning. They could have done it when they introduced the car."
In addition to the new name and engine, the 2007 MKZ is to get optional all-wheel drive, mild styling changes and new interior trim and features to differentiate it from the Zephyr.
Phillippi said the more powerful engine and all-wheel drive should help set the Lincoln apart from the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans with which it shares most of its parts.
"If you're going to call a car premium, you'd better have something to distinguish it," he said.
The exterior changes include new optional 17-inch wheels and a restyled grille and front bumper. Lincoln will add a new interior package with satin-nickel trim in addition to wood trim carried over from the Zephyr.
The MKZ will also offer some new features, including Sirius satellite radio, an iPod jack and Bluetooth compatibility for hands-free cell phones.
The Zephyr sold reasonably well in its brief life. Lincoln dealers delivered 4,895 Zephyrs, and the car reportedly drew a new, younger set of buyers to showrooms.
More.. http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060207/BUSINESS01/602070414/1014
