1956 Lincoln Other on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Does Lincoln Zephyr trademark mean a return to real names?

Lincoln's long history includes many legendary names, and despite its short life, Zephyr retains a spot in that pantheon. Perhaps its will return once again: Ford Motor Co. applied to trademark Zephyr on May 11. Trademark filings can have ambiguous meanings, and often they're legal plays to get or keep the rights to a name. But in the last year, we've seen signs Lincoln is looking to use real names on its vehicles again. Obviously, it's keeping Navigator for its flagship sport-utility vehicle with a new model due next year. Reprising Continental for the MKS replacement was also well received. That said, Lincoln still uses the MKX and MKC "names" for its crossovers. Zephyr is a dustier moniker. It was used in the 1930s and '40s on a mid-level model spearheaded by Edsel Ford. The stylishly aerodynamic model was set between the Ford V8 De Luxe and more expensive Lincolns. It returned in 2006 as the Lincoln version of the Ford Fusion before that model was renamed MKZ. Mercury also used Zephyr on its version of the Ford Fairmont in the late 1970s and early '80s. Ford last held a trademark on the Zephyr name in 2013. The filing says Ford seeks to use Zephyr for "motor vehicles and parts and accessories therefor." That could mean a new car — or just parts. Putting the Zephyr badge back on the MKZ is the most likely bet. Meanwhile, Ford also moved to get the Thunderbird trademark on May 11 for the same vehicles and parts purpose, and it filed for the Mustang trademark for shampoo and lotions on May 4. A Lincoln spokesman said, "In the normal course of our business, we file trademarks for names," but had no further information. Related Video:

GM design boss Welburn says Lincoln isn't a Cadillac rival [w/poll]

General Motors Vice President of Global Design, Ed Welburn, had some dismissive words for a certain cross-town luxury brand during an interview with Car and Driver. When asked about his thoughts on Lincoln, Welburn deflected, before saying, "I don't consider Lincoln to be a competitor for Cadillac."
"They're not a global luxury brand. I don't consider them a competitor. Are they a competitor for Buick? Quite possibly. But not for Cadillac," GM's head designer explained. Welburn, who's been at the helm of GM Design North America since 2003 and is the first to hold the position of VP of Global Design, has been instrumental in the styling renaissance at GM, so predictably, Car and Driver's interview with him focused on the design aspect of cars.
During the interview, Welburn explicitly denied plans for a reborn Cadillac XLR, even as a new Chevrolet Corvette is hitting the market and strides are being made with Cadillac's V-Series performance arm saying, "We have a lot of cars that we're working on for the Cadillac brand. The XLR is not one of them right now."

2021 Lincoln Navigator gets a black top with new Special Edition Package

For 2021, you can add a two-tone paint scheme to the Lincoln Navigator's list of vaguely retro-inspired luxury elements. The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's top-drawer Black Label variant adds a new Special Edition Package, and it includes a black roof as well as black 22-inch wheels, a black mesh grille, a black rooftop spoiler, and black mirror caps. Lincoln is already one of the bravest manufacturers when it comes to its color palette, and the Special Edition Package's black-roof treatment can be combined with any of six different body colors: Burgundy Velvet, Chroma Crystal Blue, Chroma Molten Gold, Silver Radiance, Pristine White, or Flight Blue. The package will become available in the Spring and is priced at $6,695. The 2021 Navigator Black Label starts at $99,420 or $102,620 for the longer-wheelbase L version. For those who don't want to go full two-tone, Lincoln continues to offer the mid-grade Navigator Reserve with a Monochromatic Package that brings black wheels, a dark finished grille and body-color mirror caps. It's available in combination with Infinite Black, Ceramic Pearl, or Pristine White body color for $3,965. Related Video: