The hydromounts are in a pendulum-style array above the engine within the front chassis structure, versus the more common "cradle" system in which the engine rests upon its mounts. The geometric placement of the mounts helps to isolate various forces acting on the engine and transmission so that the mounts can be tailored to absorb specific types of vibration.

To further refine engine character and improve durability, the Duratec 30 features a deep-skirted engine block. A front engine cover made from sandwiched sheet metal using constrained layer damping technology also helps to absorb noise from vibrations.



Green Tones: Clean, refined exhaust

Twin chrome-tipped exhausts situated behind a single central muffler help reduce back pressure for added performance and a very restrained exhaust note. The system was designed to provide the most direct exhaust route possible, minimizing bends to assure free flow.

The Lincoln Zephyr joins the new 2005 Lincoln Navigator in leading the luxury market into advanced six-speed transmissions. Along with this new level of performance, Lincoln Zephyr delivers the cleanest Duratec 30 to date. It will be rated for ULEV II tailpipe emissions in California, and receive a U.S. EPA rating of Tier II, Bin 5 tailpipe and LEV II evaporative emissions in other states.



Smooth Shifting: Six-speed automatic

The Lincoln Zephyr is able to respond readily to its driver's demands, thanks to the pairing of the latest version of the proven Duratec 30 V-6 engine with a premium six-speed automatic transmission. A torque-based electronic throttle control works with the electronically controlled transmission by adjusting throttle plate movement to tailor torque to the timing of each shift. In this way, the transmission is able to deliver smooth, barely perceptible gear changes.

The use of a wide-ratio transaxle - with its overall span of approximately 6:1, versus 4.5:1 for a typical five-speed - allows a smaller, more fuel-efficient engine to deliver exceptional gas mileage along with a strong performance feel. Another bonus is that the modern six-speed automatic is lighter than competitive four- and five-speed transaxles, boosting performance and economy further.

At 3,410 pounds, the Lincoln Zephyr is the lightest member of the Lincoln family, contributing to its strong acceleration. It is also the first front-wheel-drive Lincoln since the Continental, which left the lineup in 2002.

"The transmission really plays a key role in what we were able to accomplish," says Bill Ickes, Lincoln Zephyr powertrain integration manager. "The wide ratio span gives us a great low gear ratio for strong launch performance, while access to six gears means the car is always able to select the right gear for top performance. The shifts are crisp and clean, and you're up to speed very quickly."



2006 Lincoln Zephyr Suspension: Quiet ride, nimble handling

Lincoln Zephyr's chassis is tuned for a quiet, comfortable ride with confident, responsive handling. All aspects of the fully independent suspension - dampers, spring rates and bushings - have been specially selected and tuned with an emphasis on ride comfort, without sacrificing precise and nimble response.

The standard 17-inch tires, with their wide P225/50 profile, were selected to complement the suspension tuning, and for their quiet tread design.

The rack-and-pinion steering system was tuned to be in harmony with the suspension and tires. Utilizing the car's stiff structure, the Lincoln Zephyr mounts the steering gear to the front perimeter subframe for reduced noise and vibration. Doing so enables the driver to better experience the car's relationship to the pavement via the steering wheel - no matter if it's a power-assisted parking maneuver or a high-speed lane change.

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