This is my first post on LincolnversusCadillac, but it seemed like a place I might find like minded folk. I just read an article on the '06 Zephyr. The first time I read it, I wasn't too impressed by the prospects of this car. It is based on the Mazda 6/Ford Fusion platform but is supposed to be a bit more upscale. A second look made me think it was a pretty attractive entry level luxury car but I still have mixed feelings on the interior. I believe, as a mid-$30's manager, I am in the target audience for this car. The vehicle is slightly larger than the Mazda 6 at approximately 102 cubic feet of interior room (also slightly larger than a CTS or Regal) with a V-6 and front drive.

But...I have problems with this car, I want to know if my concerns are shared with anyone else. First, they are rumored to be marketing this car in the $30K range with an entry model just under $30K. I read this as $29,995... If I take a Mazda 6, and load it with leather, sunroof, and chrome, it maxes out at $27K and has a 4 year 48K warranty. Will the Lincoln name be worth $3K more? Second, for the same amount, I can purchase a Jaguar X-Type with AWD and a manual transmission (but no sunroof) and a 4 year/50K warranty. The CTS can creep in under the $30K barrier as well. Third, the Jag and Caddy both offer a manual transmission, something not to be offered at all in the Zephyr (although AWD may be optional).

Bottom line, I like how this car looks, but when Ford offers two other products with similar warranties and/or more features for less money; I just don't see it selling. If they could push it out the door for $28K with AWD, it would undercut the Jag and Caddy and offer more than the 6.

Any one else waste brain cells with thoughts like these?

BTW, I forgot to mention the Chrysler 300 (107 cubic feet of interior room)...

I wouldn't mind seeing that car out on the road!

I think your concerns are normal. At least normal for those of us that make educated decisions when buying a new car! However, I think the only way you will know for sure is a test drive. It is easy to sit and speculate, but that is nothing compared to actually seeing how each car fits you.

And welcome aboard!

I think your concerns are normal. At least normal for those of us that make educated decisions when buying a new car! However, I think the only way you will know for sure is a test drive. It is easy to sit and speculate, but that is nothing compared to actually seeing how each car fits you.

And welcome aboard!

:iagree:

The car looks cool but V6 and front wheel drive??? :Bang

The car looks cool but V6 and front wheel drive??? :Bang
in one of the articles I read they spoke of an option for awd.

It seems like ford marketed the hell out of jag and forgot that they overlapped lincoln in the process. I was hoping i would win that 250 million but i dont think that would be enough to buy lincoln from ford and make a great car again. Yes that means new mark series!!!

More proof to the pricing argument...

Cadillac to roll out entry-level CTS for 2005

By DAVE GUILFORD | Automotive News

DETROIT -- Cadillac will offer a lower-priced entry-level version of the CTS sedan with a smaller engine for the 2005 model year.

The division will replace the base model's 3.2-liter V6 and lower the price slightly from the current base of $31,345, including destination. The new engine will be a 2.8-liter V6.

John Howell, Cadillac product director, says the decision was forced on Cadillac because the 3.2-liter V6 is going out of production. But he says Cadillac also wants to be competitive with such rivals as the BMW 325i, starting at $28,495.

"We have a lot of competition in that part of the market," Howell says.

The entry-luxury segment will see more entries priced between $20,000 and $27,000 with prestige-brand compacts such as the Audi A3 and General Motors' Saab 9-2X.

Although the CTS is in a different segment, it could be cross-shopped with vehicles in that price range, Howell says. The base CTS price won't be as low as $27,000, but it shouldn't be too far above that, he says.

The 2.8-liter V6 will make 210 hp and 195 pounds-feet of torque, compared with 220 hp and 220 pounds-feet of torque for the 3.2-liter V6.

The new engine is part of the same "high-feature V6" engine family as the CTS' 3.6-liter V6, Howell says.

Howell says about 80 percent of CTS buyers opt for the 3.6-liter engine.