Under the hood of the 3,406-lb. 2006 Lincoln Zephyr is a 3.0-liter, 24-valve, dual overhead cam Duratec V6 that offers 221 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 205 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm. Power is directed to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. If that all sounds vaguely familiar, well, that’s probably because the exact same powertrain is available on Zephyr’s stablemates, the Ford Fusion and the Mercury Milan. However, unlike those models, the premium Lincoln version lacks a four-cylinder option.

In standard guise the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr rolls on eight-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels wearing Michelin Energy 225/70 tires. Behind those attractive rims are antilock ventilated disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and electronic brake assistance systems, so stopping shouldn’t be a problem. An independent short- and long-arm suspension with coil-over shocks and a stabilizer bar is fitted to the front of the Zephyr while an independent multi-link setup, also with coil-over shocks and a stabilizer bar, is bolted to the rear. Traction control is standard; stability control and all-wheel-drive systems are being considered for availability at a later date.