Ioniq Electric

Make
Hyundai
Segment
Hatchback

With the MKZ and Continental discontinued, Lincoln focuses solely on the lucrative SUV and crossover markets in the US with models like the Aviator and Corsair. Things are different in China, however, where there is still a high demand for luxury sedans.

For years, there have been rumors that the Lincoln Zephyr sedan is making a comeback. The Zephyr name was last used for a luxury sedan based on the Ford Fusion back in 2006 before it was rechristened MKZ, though the nameplate dates as far back to the 1930s when it was used for a V12-powered sedan. Back in April, Lincoln revealed the Zephyr Reflection Concept previewing China's future reborn Zephyr, and now photos of the production version have leaked online early.

Ahead of the official reveal, the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has released photos of the new Zephyr, and it looks almost identical to the concept. That's not a bad thing, because the Zephyr is a slick-looking thing. Like the concept, the reborn Zephyr sport slim LED headlights connected by a full-width light bar spanning across the bumper and sporty-looking air intakes on the front bumper. Even the peculiar black A-pillar has carried over from the concept.

Two models are shown in the photos. One version looks like a higher trim finished in red with an abundance of chrome accents adorning the exterior, while the other white model features black accents on the side mirrors and roof. Lincoln is offering 235/50 R18 tires or larger 235/45 R19 tires depending on the trim.

In terms of proportions, the new Zephyr measures 196.1 inches long, making it around three inches longer than the MKZ. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine rated at 235 horsepower.

No photos of the interior are available yet, but it's probably safe to assume the cabin will look virtually identical to the concept's. In the concept, the dashboard was dominated by a massive full-width screen incorporating three displays that could be individually themed and there was a noticeable lack of physical buttons in the high-tech cabin. With images showing the production model in all its glory, an official reveal should be just around the corner, but don't get your hopes up about the new Lincoln Zephyr coming to America.