Ford, which controls the Lincoln brand, has recently submitted a patent application for a model name ‘Zephyr’. Could it be a new sedan, and if so, what would it be like?
While no official information has been disclosed yet, we can at least try to figure out what the intention is behind this move. Oddly enough, Lincoln chose to register the name in Europe, where its cars are little known at best. The marque did introduce a concept car named Zephyr Reflection in China this spring (watch the video if you need a reminder), but that one targeted the Chinese market specifically. In the United States, sedans are all but unpopular right now.
Design-wise, the concept car mentioned above was largely American, with certain Chinese cues worked in for the sake of localization. The company never revealed what kind of engine it had, aside from the fact that it was an ICE engine. Even so, the production car could easily make a switch to a hybrid or all-electric powertrain should the manufacturer deem it viable.
The original Lincoln Zephyr debuted 85 years ago and stayed in production until 1942. It was available in sedan, coupe and convertible body styles with a 4.4-liter V12 under the hood producing 110 PS (108 hp / 82 kW). Seven decades ago, Lincoln revived the badge for a different full-size sedan, but renamed it to MKZ a mere year after the sales launch.
Lincoln sedans have been losing popularity lately. The Continental went into its last generation only four years ago, but still only managed to stay in production until 2020. Going forward, the company will prioritize crossovers and electric vehicles.