Originally called the Zephyr for the 2006 model year, the Lincoln MKZ is a midsize car from the Lincoln automobile division of the Ford Motor Company. Lincoln revived the Zephyr name in 2005 for the 2006 model year, but will change the car's name to MKZ for the 2007 model year. [1] [2]

Main competitors include the Cadillac CTS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3-Series, Acura TSX and Lexus ES. The car is built at Ford's Hermosillo, Mexico plant, and pricing ranges from $28,995 to $35,435.

The Zephyr/MKZ uses the Mazda 6-derived "CD3" platform. While the car shares 35% of its body panels with the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, the interior is completely unique. Features like a 600 W THX sound system with 14 speakers also set it apart from the Ford, Mercury, and Mazda versions.

The 2006 Lincoln Zephyr was introduced at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Zephyr (code name CD378) went on sale in fall 2005. A 221 hp (165 kW) 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 engine and Aisin-made 6-speed automatic transmission was standard on the 2006 Zephyr.

The 2006 Zephyr got 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) in the city and 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km) on the highway.

The 2007 model MKZ was shown at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2006 with Ford's new Duratec 35 3.5 L V6 and all wheel drive. The MKZ also gets the new 6-speed Ford 6F transmission, co-developed with General Motors in place of the Aisin unit. This powertrain is identical to that used in the Ford Edge / Lincoln MKX. Ford will add a hybrid drivetrain in the future.

Other changes from 2006 to 2007 include a new "waterfall" grille, chrome trim on the beltline and outside mirrors, and 17 inch alloy wheels.