NEW YORK AUTO SHOW: Mazda6 lies under new Zephyr's skin

Click on the photo to view the Zephyr gallery 2004 New York auto show indexNEW YORK -- The Big 3 have a poor history of developing luxury cars off standard auto platforms. The Lincoln Zephyr, which is based largely on the Mazda6, will change that, vows Ford Motor Co.'s chief product developer."Toyota, Audi, Nissan, Honda have been (sharing platforms) for years," Phil Martens, Ford group vice president of product creation, said at the New York auto show. "It's not an issue."The Zephyr will be set apart with unique sheet metal, suspension tuning and technical gadgetry, the company says.The Zephyr is one of a trio of mid-sized sedans that Ford will introduce in late 2005. The three cars share about 60 percent of their parts by value with the Mazda6. They are the first test of Ford's $1 billion plan to develop as many as 10 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models - and ultimately 800,000 annual units - using the mechanicals of the Mazda6 mid-sized sedan. Ford has stretched the Mazda6 platform to create its new CD3 architecture.Though the Lincoln's dimensions are the same as those of the Ford and Mercury cars, about 65 percent of the Zephyr's exterior sheet metal is unique, Ford design chief J Mays said. Styling cues such as headlamps that wrap around the Zephyr's body will give it a lower, wider look than the Ford and Mercury models, which have more upright headlamps.The suspension hardware on the Zephyr is the same as that of the related sedans, but Ford engineers tuned the system to give the Lincoln a quieter and more comfortable ride, Martens said. The Zephyr also will have different interior styling, and the car will be the exclusive option for technology such as heated-and-cooled seats and probably a navigation system.But the Zephyr will share an all-wheel-drive system and a 3.0-liter V-6 engine with the Ford and Mercury models. The 3.0-liter will be standard on the Zephyr and optional on the others. Awd won't be available at launch but will be added later as an option. It's probable that a 3.5-liter V-6 in development at Ford also will be added after launch.Lincoln executives say they will continue to sell the larger rear-drive LS sedan, which starts at a base price of $32,495, including destination.The Zephyr takes its name from a 1936 Lincoln. Pricing is expected to start around $30,000. Lincoln executives are targeting consumers in their 30s and 40s. The brand's current average buyer is 60 and older.

NEW YORK AUTO SHOW: Mazda6 lies under new Zephyr's skin

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