The Lincoln Zephyr Reflection concept was revealed to much fanfare at the Shanghai Auto Show back in April, reviving a storied name from the automaker’s past. But while this concept is just a design exercise, Lincoln was very clear that the handsome sedan hints at the luxury brand’s future design philosophy. That much is obvious from the front-end design of Lincoln’s first, forthcoming EV, as well as this new sedan prototype Ford Authority spies caught driving around Dearborn.
According to the spies, this prototype looks larger than the now-discontinued Ford Fusion, and the front end design differs from the one present on the purported Fusion prototype spotted in Germany back in May. Furthermore, there’s a vertical detail seen poking out on the camouflage up front which looks precisely like a Lincoln logo.
Meanwhile, the lines protruding from both sides of that logo, along with the slim headlights, look very similar to what’s present on the Zephyr concept, as well as the profile of the front fenders and the hood line, which curves down dramatically toward the front fascia.
Moving down the side, we can see that the side mirrors protrude from the corners of the A-pillars, while the door handles appear to be flush-mounted, pop-out units. Again, there are many elements from the Zephyr Reflection present here – the side window profile, door cut lines, window pillars, lower side sills, and sleek silhouette chiefly among them. The sedan’s overall footprint and wheelbase appear to be identical as well.
In the rear, we find more similarities – slim taillights, red reflectors/lights, and very familiar-looking cut lines in the trunk. The wheel design isn’t an exact match for the Zephyr Reflection concept, but it does feature a very Lincoln-like swirl present on it and a variety of other vehicles from the luxury automaker. It does appear that there is an exhaust underneath this prototype, which would mean that it isn’t a fully electric vehicle, at least. Lincoln recently announced that it plans to electrify its entire lineup by 2030, however.
It’s unclear if this prototype is a new Lincoln sedan based on the Zephyr concept, but it is certainly a big departure from the Fusion prototype seen previously, and there are enough Lincoln cues present to suggest that this very well might be the case.
We’ll have more on this prototype very soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Lincoln news and non-stop Ford news coverage.
Comments
Could it be that FORD is showing signs of common sense? Refreshing to see a sedan even if it’s a concept at this time. See, should have left the sedans alone in the first place.
Sedans never left China, where this is likely destined.
Exactly right.
I agree with you. It was a big mistake to eliminate all the cars{sedans} from their line up. I know Suv’s and trucks are gaining ground but not everyone wants one of them. Ford is forcing people to look at other brands that still have sedans in their line up. I hope they are really considering bringing back the Fusion.
Clearly you know better. So, which 117 year old automaker do you own?
TOYOTA/LEXUS doesn’t seem to have a problem with a wide range of sedans in their lineup. Even GM and CHRYSLER has a few.
And how do you know that they are actually making money on them? Granted, the sedans made by GM and Chrysler are old and in need of re-design. Watch what happens when those cars do not get re-designed.
They could turn the Fusion replacement into a lower Mach E based sedan if they really don’t want to badge it as a Ford. Then they could have, let’s say, the Mach F and the Zephyr.
You’re funny. They could spend billions on re-designs of vehicles in declining segments, or spend those billions on NEW vehicles in growing/expanding segments. Thanks for the laugh.
Well they still build them so there must be people who want them. If there comes a time when there are no sedans being built, then the old saying if you can’t beat them join them.
Lincoln would be wise to add the Zephyr concepts to the USA lineup, EV or AWD- NOW. FORD can get away with it LINCOLN can’t, it’s only a rebadge shadow of its FORD BRAND which sales Mustang and FORD GT still
I agree but be innovative and build some that replicate the original zephyr no another Toyota clone with a cockeyed four banger
Let’s see some muscle like my GT
Cadillac is kicking Lincoln across town because they still sale sedans, Cadillac would sale more vehicles if they start renaming instead of abbreviating models
I’ll never fully understand why CADILLAC killed that CT6. A nice big sedan which to my always defined what a CADILLAC should be. They finally offered it with a V8 which it should had as an option all along then 5 minutes later they discontinued it. Perhaps that new CELESTIQ will be a hit since it really looks sharp.
Pleeeze build this car for the US! I love the styling of the Zephyr concept, and it would fit Lincoln’s lineup perfectly!.
Agreed!!
Yes! Build it in the USA. Bring back American luxury like yesteryear…
Well they see that CADILLAC is going to have that CELESTIQ so LINCOLN as you said may once again trying to show that they don’t intend to let that one go.
Holding on to my Town Car.
Yeah my ’04 GRAND MARQUIS has over 200k and rusted now. Hey it’s been a great 17+ years but it’s no longer practical for me to spend too much more money on it.
Yes, I still curse FORD for dropping those. Perhaps this concept will come to pass but it’s probably better not to hold your breath
If it by chance makes it to the US, They could be making it an Arteon style lift back, which I think would still look good. Just don’t leave us with box cars and trucks.
I have a 2018 mkz which I absolutely love. Garage kept with 12000 miles. Will not part with it. Maybe, in time, the Zephyr will be a good replacement!
I also have a garage kept Florida 2018 MKZ. 17000 MILES ON IT and we love it. We still get compliments on it. Dont plan on getting rid of it unless Ford comes back with a similar car. Hyundai here I come.
I had two MKZ’s. A 2015, and a 2017. I would have bought a 2020, but they were not offering it on a lease, so I had to “settle” on a 2020 Nautilus. I really miss the MKZ!!! They should bring back a sedan and call it Scorpio!!!
Yes, this car is rear-wheel drive and fully-electric. Like the BMW i4.
The car AND the driver are both wearing MASKS!! LOL
This car is destined for China, not North America.
You’re probably right but we could always hope that you’re wrong. No matter, I don’t feel obligated to patronize one builder anymore. Much more freedom in that. Given so many quality problems and shortsighted product decisions, I have to wonder if FORD shouldn’t just merge with BOEING. They deserve each other. 🙂
I bought a 21 MKZ last year. I love the car. If the Zephyr is as good a car it will be more than excellent. BUT…is it going to be available in the US? I’m not a truck or SUV guy…I’m a car guy who loves to drive and drive hard when I can…I owe several Mustangs and the MKZ…all are drivers cars. Hopefully the Zephyr will be every bit as good And available in the States.
There was no 2021 model year MkZ or Continental.
That’s proof that FORD and GM are not playing with a full deck. They have sedans but they don’t sell them here. The closest GM got was the CAPRICE but it was only for police duty. They could have easily sold a civilian version and even a BUICK or CADILLAC version on that same platform. Yes they built those in Australia and I would rather they would have built them here. But sometimes it pays to set that issue aside. After all, the masses don’t seem to care where their stuff comes from anyway. Build them on Mars if they want but at least offer them in this market.
Might be too late especially with Lexus and other premium brands taking the market for luxury sedans. The US based manufacturers have for the most part ceded the sedan to the Japanese, South Koreans, and Germans with the exception of the Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Cadillac, and the Malibu.
What lincoln need to do 1st bring back the Mark series in a GOOD LOOKING hard top convertible then go back to the continental with the suicide doors more up to date version. That last continental was ugly nice inside but ugly but cadillac ct6 man what a beautiful car inside out. At least cadillac try to do things a little different with 2 seater convertible twice. Then PLEASE STOP with the numbers for vehicle go back to the Mark, Eldorado, Seville etc. I do give CADILLAC for the CT4 but the CT5 is ugly to me. Maybe I need 2 write the COO for both. But I can say they seem to be on the RIGHT track
You have to ask what would TV detective Frank Cannon drive now since his character liked those big LINCOLN’s and too fat for most any other car. If he was still alive and driving, A NAVIGATOR would be his choice. It’s big enough and he could drive it off road where the old MARK would get stuck. Yes, it’s fiction but how many people were burning when they discontinued those traditional platforms forcing them to other builders.