The 2006 Lincoln Zephyr is designed for comfort, too, with more than three feet of rear-passenger legroom. The spacious feel of the cabin was achieved by stretching the width of the base architecture by 30 millimeters and the wheelbase by 55 millimeters.

The Lincoln Zephyr features a large 15.8-cubic foot trunk (Largest Trunk in its class) with a flat load floor and a low lift-over height. The decklid has compact hinge mechanisms that won't impinge on trunk volume or crush cargo. The rear seats feature class exclusive standard 60/40-split backs that individually fold flat with a convenient spring assist, giving access to the trunk and affording cavernous storage space.

Thanks to a rigid and robust structure, the quiet interior is the perfect environment for the industry's first THX II-Certified audio system. Optional on the Lincoln Zephyr, the system features surround-sound worthy of an upscale cinema. The system features fourteen speakers including 2 sub-woofers with 600 watts of power and a sophisticated processor that inputs bandwidth, peak audio levels and coverage uniformity to deliver a smooth spectral balance and wide dynamic range. To ensure that driver and passengers always travel well - and with the right directions - a new DVD-based navigation system is available. The system includes most of North America on a single disc and features a sharp, 6.5-inch-wide screen and text-to-speech technology for travel directions aloud in English, Spanish or French.



2006 Lincoln Zephyr Powertrain: Powerful and green

The Duratec 30 V-6 is the heart of Lincoln Zephyr's powertrain. Using Intake Variable Cam Timing (I-VCT) to improve torque and reduce emissions, the engine generates 221 horsepower and 205 foot-pounds of torque. More importantly, it is the cleanest Duratec 30 ever, and will be rated for ULEV II tailpipe emissions in California, with a U.S. federal government rating of Tier II, Bin 5 tailpipe and LEV II evaporative emissions in states outside California.

The engine is mated to a class exclusive six-speed automatic transaxle - gradually emerging as the new industry standard for luxury cars. The innovative, wide-ratio transmission plays a key role in Lincoln Zephyr's performance and smooth operation. The overall span of the ratios is approximately 6:1 versus 4.5:1 for a typical five-speed, which allows this smaller, more fuel-efficient engine to deliver efficient gas mileage along with a strong performance feel. Another bonus is that the modern six-speed automatic is lighter than some competitor's four- and five-speed transaxles, boosting performance and economy further.

The Lincoln Zephyr also uses an electronic throttle control that works with the electronically controlled transaxle to ensure seamless shifts.



Duratec 30 V-6: High tech, low emissions

The 3.0-liter Duratec 30 V-6 engine features all-aluminum construction, dual overhead cams, coil-on-plug ignition, four valves per cylinder and electronic throttle control. It is further enhanced with Intake Variable Cam Timing (I-VCT) to improve engine torque for better acceleration while reducing emissions.

The I-VCT's computer-controlled system varies the timing of the two intake cams - one in each cylinder head - based on factors that include engine speed and load. The valvetrain employs hydraulically lash-adjusted roller-finger followers for smooth, quiet operation. As a result of this sophisticated technology, the Duratec 30 in the Zephyr makes 221 horsepower and 205 foot-pounds of torque and can go 150,000 miles before requiring its first major tune-up.



Hydromounts: Reduce powertrain vibration

Lincoln Zephyr's engine and transmission use three hydromounts, which are fluid-filled bushings with special internal chambers that absorb vibration and act much like shock absorbers for the powertrain. The damping effect of the hydromounts also contributes to the feeling of a smooth idle and shifts.

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