The Lincoln Zephyr Reflection Concept, which was revealed at the Shanghai Auto Show back in April, may not be destined for the U.S., but it does preview the luxury brand’s future styling direction and will influence the appearance of Lincoln’s first-ever EV. Back in September, Ford Authority reported that the production Lincoln Zephyr will look very much like the concept, which was later confirmed when spies captured a Zephyr prototype out in the wild. Now, we’re getting our very first look at the Zephyr’s exterior, completely uncovered, via some photos published by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and discovered by Motor1.
These new Zephyr photos come hot on the heels of uncovered pictures of the 2023 Ford Fusion/Mondeo, which were also published by the government agency. Like those photos, these give us our very best look yet at the production Lincoln sedan’s exterior, which, as expected, is a near carbon copy of the concept from Shanghai earlier this year.
These photos depict two different trims/models, as the red version features more upscale trim and additional chrome pieces. The white Zephyr, on the other hand, presents a sportier appearance thanks to its various black accents that provide a nice bit of contrast. What’s particularly interesting about both cars is that while the roof and A-pillars are black, the latter piece changes to body color from the roofline back.
In terms of size, the Lincoln Zephyr is 196.1 inches long, which makes it 1.85 inches shorter than the 2023 Fusion/Mondeo. It’s powered by the same Ford 2.0L gas engine present in its Blue Oval counterpart, which produces 235 horsepower. As is the case with the Fusion/Mondeo, the Zephyr features a number of styling tweaks that differentiate available trim levels, as well as different wheel and tire sizes, ranging from 18-inch wheels with 235/50 tires to 19-inch wheels with 235/45 tires.
The Zephyr is expected to be sold exclusively in Japan, though as previously mentioned, its styling will influence future models across the globe.
We’ll have more on the Zephyr soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Lincoln news, Lincoln Zephyr news, and continuous Ford news coverage.
Comments
Dang it looks good. I’d personally love to see it come stateside but I’ll admit Ford would be stupid to invest capital into this here instead of higher-profit SUVs and crossovers.
That really looks sharp. As for bringing it over here, that would be great but I can’t hold my breath that long given FORD/LINCOLN’s history of stupidity.
Nice car, unfortunately like any other manufacturer: Ford sells what people buy. The sedans were languishing on the North American dealer lots and they can’t make the SUV / Crossovers / Trucks fast enough to supply demand. Also, the car’s profit margins are way thinner too. It’s pretty easy math, if you want to make money and stay in business.
This is what I’ve been trying to say for a long time; unfortunately many of the frequent commenters on this site don’t understand simple business theory. Recognizing that Ford is making a wise decision to focus on SUVs, crossovers, and trucks, does not exclude personally wishing the cars were still an option.
“unfortunately like any other manufacturer: Ford sells what people buy.”…selling products that people will buy…boy now that’s thinking outside the box right there…
NISSAN, TOYOTA, MERCEDES BENZ, HONDA and a few others don’t seem to have a problem building sedans. Obviously FORD is the one with the problem. The heck with them.
One of the local Ford dealers here in Surrey BC has had a 2020 Fusion sitting on their lot for over a year. Despite a $6,500 price reduction, it just does not sell. Meanwhile, Escapes just fly off the lot. People don’t want cars.
I’ve said it b4 it bares repeating LINCOLN IS A AMERICAN LUXURY CAR BRAND. It NEEDS,NEEDS,,NEEDS SEDANS IN IT LINEUP DESPERATELY. FORD can sale Trucks , SUVs, and CROSSOVERs easy. Gussied up oversize station wagons will not keep LINCOLN competitive in the future, it’s only competition is Buick. A 2.0 FWD is a nice starter model, A 2.3 RS AWD 350hp a mid level and top EV model would breath new life into the Brand. Zephyr followed by a Continental RWD and Mark Coupe is badly needed.I don’t care the white car wheels, LINCOLN sold more Zephyr than Navigators which are still seen all over the place, hell I still see more Town Cars than LINCOLN SUVs
Times have changed. This isn’t the 1960s anymore. People by and large don’t want sedans.
Agreed, John. The only sedans Ford should contemplate are of the performance variety: four door Mustang, Falcon, Tbird… whatever they want to call it. Even then, I am not sure the market is there.
I’m with you there. There’s definitely a possible opportunity, simply given the higher prices and therefore profit margins of such cars. Then again, it’s also a risk.
Time has changed for all who believe over station wagons rule the streets. I see more Chargers, 300’s and Camrys then any model SUV model U can name. U right times have changed it’s easier to brainwash people N2 believe anything these day
Check the sales numbers. Different areas of the country and world have different buying demographics, but what you see in your area isn’t necessarily representative of the national or global market. A quick Google search will quickly reveal that SUVs and crossovers vastly outsell sedans in America.
LINCOLN sales numbers way below CADILLAC, Lexus BMW, Mercedes Benz , Chrysler-Dodge that tells the real story
But you have to remember that FORD isn’t the only auto builder out there. I just bought a ’21 NISSAN ALTIMA last week. The dealer is having trouble keeping those in stock so I’m glad I was able to get one. I tried TOYOTA but had no ’21 CAMRY’s in stock. As long as someone builds a sedan in that size or bigger, some of us will buy it regardless of who builds it.
How can Genesis do it, build a sedan for every SUV model it makes, G70, G80, G90, GV70, GV80, GV90, and Ford cannot?
Here is the Real of it LINCOLN can’t sell more SUVs than Toyota can sell Camry
I’m sorry about my lack of business sense, but I don’t want an SUV and after owning 4 Ford sedans and my current Lincoln MKZ, I will be taking my money to Genesis.
I’d buy this zephyr but alas, Ford would rather give up the sedan market to the Japanese, Koreans and Germans
After I’m done with my current Mustang there’s no Ford product available for me. How many others are moving on to another manufacturer for their sedan offerings? Has to hurt to lose a lifetime Ford buyer, but they leave me no choice. Literally.
STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES! I love my 18 MKZ 2.0H & would buy a Zephyr in a instant. As many of us do not wan’t a suv. But some stupid suit can’t see the forrest for the trees. I guess I’ll wait to see if a sedan returns to the Lincoln line up. But I won’t wait to long. Thank God there are still auto manufactures who see the value in the sedan.
Ford, if You want Your STOCKS TO INCREASE, PLEASE GIVE THIS REUEST your utmost consideration and begin building and selling these vehicles in the IMMEDIATELY !!! ALL OF THEM!!!!