Darn. No sooner do I write a review of the Lincoln Zephyr, wherein I spelled out the history of the Zephyr name, which I happen to like... than Ford decides to change it. As Autoblog reports, the 2007 Zephyr, to be revealed at the upcoming Chicago show, will be known as the MKZ, or Mark Z. It also has a new, more powerful 3.5-liter V-6 engine, a newly designed front end, and more traction with available all-wheel drive.

It seems that Lincoln wants to distance the Zephyr... uh, MKZ, from its Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan siblings. Probably a good idea as many journalists have complained about that very thing. Why pay more for a Lincoln badge when you can option up a Fusion or Milan and save a few bucks?

Frankly I doubt the name change will sell any more cars. If anything, it will only add to the confusion in consumer's minds over what Lincoln stands for. Some critics believe Ford will eventually drop the marque, so if I were Lincoln and was trying to convince the world otherwise, I certainly wouldn't choose the last letter in the alphabet for a new model.