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Lincoln Motor Company

Lincoln Continental: Revived and Competitively Priced

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Continental is back, the all-new flagship sedan for the Lincoln brand.

2017 Lincoln Continental.
2017 Lincoln Continental.

The Ford Motor Company is sticking with its beleaguered Lincoln marque, committing billions of dollars to revive what was once the best-selling luxury automotive brand in the United States.

Leading that effort is the 2017 Lincoln Continental, its new flagship sedan with a competitive $45,485 base price. That’s $6,475 higher than the Lincoln MKS sedan it replaces, but it is also approximately $7,000 below the cost of the 2017 Cadillac CT6, one of its competitors.

The Continental name is familiar to anyone who knows automotive history. The first-generation model debuted in 1939 and picked up again after the Second World War before it was discontinued in 1948. From the late 1950s to until 2002, various Continental models were released, including two-door hardtop, convertible, and four-door sedans.

Four-door convertible and limousine variants were also produced, including one for President John F. Kennedy. Indeed, the president was assassinated in Dallas in 1963 while riding in a convertible parade limousine custom-built for the Secret Service. That model was later retrofitted with full armor and a fixed roof. Upon its retirement the presidential limo was placed in the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich., where it can be seen to this day.

2017 Lincoln Continental.
2017 Lincoln Continental with belt line door handles.

2017 Lincoln Continental

The 2017 Lincoln Continental will begin the 10th generation for this model line. This one is based on a stretched and modified version of the platform underpinning the Ford Fusion. Thus, front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is available. Most competitors except for the Audi A6 offer standard rear-wheel drive with all-wheel drive available.

The all-new Lincoln Continental offers four trim levels, five package options, and three engines. Add $2,000 to the base Premiere edition to get all-wheel drive. A 3.7-liter, V-6 engine is standard, making 300 horsepower and comes paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive models also get adaptive steering, continuously controlled damping, and active noise cancellation. With such a modest price premium, it seems likely most models will come with all-wheel drive.

Premiere, Select, Reserve, and Black Label Editions

Slip inside and the Continental Premiere offers push-button start, a power tilt and telescopic steering column, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a 10-speaker sound system, and SYNC 3 infotainment. Also present is Lincoln’s push-button transmission shifter and SiriusXM satellite radio. All models come with eight airbags; numerous safety features will be available, including adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera.

Next up is the Select trim ($48,440), powered by the base engine with the same $2,000 upgrade for all-wheel drive. This model also brings in 19-inch wheels, a power trunk, leather-trimmed seats, and various luxury and technology embellishments.

2017 Lincoln Continental
Plush seating options mark the 2017 Lincoln Continental.

The Continental Reserve ($54,840) brings in a twin-turbo 2.7-liter, V-6 engine making 335 horsepower (available with the Select), again with standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. At the top of the line is the brand’s Black Label models, sedans offering a collection of designer themes, a personalized client experience, and member services. As outfitted, customers will gain a rear-seat package, bringing in heated, cooled and reclining rear seats.

400 Horses Available

The Lincoln Continental will also offer a third engine choice, this one exclusive to the brand. Available with Reserve models only, this 400-horsepower, 400 foot-pounds of torque, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter, V-6 engine comes with standard all-wheel drive and torque vectoring.

You may have heard about a number of special amenities accompanying the Continental. These upgrades include 30-way adjustable front seats, a 19-speaker Revel Ultima sound system, a double-pane moonroof, and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels. Add in every conceivable feature and your final price will push closer to $75,000.

Are you eager to get behind the wheel of the Lincoln Continental? If so, you’ll get your chance when deliveries begin this fall.

2017 Lincoln Continental
SYNC 3 and a 360-degree camera mark the 2017 Lincoln Continental.

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Photos copyright the Lincoln Motor Company.

Ford Bets $5 Billion on Lincoln

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Lincoln gets another lease on life.

2015 Lincoln MKZ.
This Lincoln MKZ is just one example of a Ford-based model.

Ford’s Lincoln brand may have some life left in it after all. Last week, Reuters reported that Ford has committed to invest at least $5 billion in Lincoln over the next several years as well as to introduce an all-new modular platform for the brand and for select Ford products. Reuters also said that its previous CEO, Alan Mulally had considered shutting Lincoln or selling it. The new boss, Mark Fields, plans to revive Lincoln and has gained the backing of Bill Ford and other board members to carry out the initiative.

Lincoln Motor Company

The Lincoln Motor Company, purchased by Ford in 1922 and championed as the company’s luxury brand, has seen good times and bad times. The good times were as recently as 1998 when Lincoln held the top spot among luxury makes in the United States. Today, Lincoln sells far fewer models and is in eighth place, selling about half as many cars as its arch-rival, Cadillac.

Much of that neglect can be found in two areas: financial support and products.

Financially, the Ford Motor Company has provided $500 million or less in annual support. That amount covers all expenditures, including product development, engineering, tooling, facilities and related costs. Introducing a new platform alone typically costs at least $1 billion.

Ford, Lincoln Product Similarities

As for product, Ford has kept Lincoln’s costs to a minimum by building models that are based on Ford platforms. Look at any Lincoln product and there is a corresponding Ford model. For instance, the Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition are similar as are the MKX crossover and the Ford Edge. Over the past few years Ford has sought some differentiation, but the Lincoln MKZ is still closely related to the Ford Fusion. One of its most recent new models, the MKC crossover, is built on the Ford Escape’s platform. But at least it has its own skin and interior.

News of Ford’s additional investment in Lincoln follows the brand’s introduction to the Chinese market, with the first customer deliveries having already occurred this month. The United States and China will likely be Lincoln’s two largest markets going forward, with Ford estimating 300,000 annual global sales by 2020, an ambitious number that would nearly triple sales within five years.

D6 Modular Platform

The modular premium platform (dubbed D6) Ford has in mind for Lincoln would produce front-, rear- and all-wheel drive vehicles. Likely, its introduction is at least five years away and that means the current model line would be revived once before any new models roll out. Reuters says that the first model would be a midsize sedan followed by a crossover. That could mean replacements for the MKZ and MKT, the latter based on the platform underpinning the Ford Flex.

In the interim, replacements for the MKX crossover and MKS sedan will arrive in early 2015 and in early 2016 respectively. A stretched wheelbase version of the MKS is in the offing too, but is slated for the Chinese market only. Message board comments from Lincoln dealers and supporters expressed dismay that the US market isn’t being considered for the stretched model, underscoring what some see as continued neglect for the brand.

After all, with the Lincoln Town Car no longer produced, there is no model to fill its place. Lincoln has attempted to do so with the MKT crossover, but that effort has failed.

The Competitor Factor

That Ford wants to make good on its Lincoln revival is a step in the right direction. Whether it pulls it off is another matter, especially as its competitors continue to grow and produce the types of vehicles customers want.

See Also — Lincoln MKC: Luxurious, Entry-Level Crossover

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Pricing Announced for 2015 Lincoln MKC Crossover

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If you are a Lincoln dealer, the arrival of the 2015 Lincoln MKC crossover cannot come soon enough. Since Mercury was dropped by Ford at the end of 2010, Lincoln dealerships have been thirsting for new product. Moreover, the existing Lincoln line has long been weak from top to bottom with only a new MKZ arriving during the past year.

2015 Lincoln MKC Pricing

Come next summer, the 2015 Lincoln MKC will augment Ford’s premium brand line up. This week, Lincoln announced its pricing, giving the new model a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $33,995, including destination and delivery. That price is set below its competition including the Acura RDX priced from $35,415 and the Audi Q5 priced from $38,195.

Three trim levels will be available with the MKC: Premiere, Select and Reserve. MKC shoppers will have a choice of two EcoBoost four cylinder engines and may also pay to upgrade to all-wheel drive from front-wheel drive.

All 2015 Lincoln MKC models will be equipped with 18-inch painted aluminum wheels set within all-season tires, automatic HID headlamps with LED lighting, body-colored heated side mirrors, and LED tail lamps. A smoked chrome grille, bright belt line molding and anodized roof rails are included.

2015 Lincoln MKC

The MKC shares its platform with the Ford Escape.

 

Cabin Amenities and Trim Levels

Inside, the MKC is furnished with a 10-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, a 4-way power passenger seat with recline, heated front seats, a 60/40 split bench rear seat with recline, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with a tilt and telescopic function. Power windows, power door locks, dual-zone climate control, an overhead console with sunglasses holder, LED map lights, manually adjusted front head rests, and a front floor console with two cup holders is standard.

Choose the MKC Select ($37,225) and your model receives luster nickel wheels, ambient lighting, a 10-way power passenger seat, configurable daytime running lights, power folding mirrors, a universal garage door opener, and a upgraded steering wheel draped in Wollsdorf leather.

For customers considering the MKC Reserve ($40,930), they’ll get two-toned polished wheels, cooled front seats, a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel column, a Vista Roof with power shades, a voice-activated navigation system, an embedded modem, cooled front seats, and a blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert.

Other amenities included across the 2015 Lincoln MKC line are remote start, cruise control, four power points, a reverse sensing system, and SYNC with MyLincoln Touch. SYNC is a voice-activated communication and entertainment (infotainment) system featuring an 8-inch touch screen in the center stack.

2015 Lincoln MKC

SYNC with MyLincoln Touch is standard with the MKC.

 

Free-Standing Packages

Customers can also consider certain free-standing packages and features. SelectPlus ($1,100), available only with the MKC Select brings in voice-activated navigation and the blind-spot navigation system with cross-traffic alert.

A Technology package ($2,235), available only with the MKC Reserve, brings in adaptive cruise control with collision warning and brake support. The package also include active park assist, a front sensing system, and lane-keeping assist.

A Climate package ($580) is available with the Select and Reserve only, what adds rain-sensing wipers, a heated rear seat, a heated steering wheel, and automatic high-beam headlamps.

Free-standing features can be bought regardless of trim level and include upgraded wheels, a Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) suspension system for front-wheel drive editions, an enhanced THX II certified audio system, all-wheel drive, and the larger 2.3-liter engine. A 2.0-liter inline-four is standard. Pricing for these options ranges from $395 for the 19-inch premium painted wheels to $2,495 for all-wheel drive.

2013 Lincoln MKZ

The Lincoln MKZ is the other new product for Ford’s premium brand.

 

Lincoln Model Line Outlook

With the MKC joining the MKZ and MKZ Hybrid as Lincoln’s newest products, the brand is finally seeing much-needed new product, but there is much more needed to rebuild a brand that last captured the luxury sales crown in 1998. Lincoln’s newest products take aim at a new generation of Lincoln owners, people that are probably not familiar with the brand.

Meanwhile, traditional owners have the MKS sedan and larger crossovers including the MKX and MKT to consider as well as the aged Navigator SUV. All four products are likely to be replaced in the next two to three years, but there is still no Lincoln product that provides a strong differentiation from the Ford brand, a deficiency that will likely limit Lincoln’s appeal going forward.

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2015 Lincoln MKC photos and MKZ shot courtesy of the Lincoln Motor Company.

Lincoln MKC Concept: When Reality Happens

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Car manufacturers routinely introduce concept vehicles at popular auto shows to gauge customer and media feedback. Though most concepts are never built, in recent years weve seen a greater tendency for automakers to present a new idea and quickly find a way to bring that vehicle or something like it to the market.

Lincoln MKC Concept
Detroit debut: Lincoln MKC Concept

Detroit Debut

At the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Ford Motor Company is presenting its first-ever C-segment Lincoln concept, dubbed the MKC. This five-passenger model, riding on a compact vehicle platform, represents the smallest Lincoln ever. Likely, this concept will become a reality with Auto Trends forecasting production beginning by 2014 and the new Lincoln product hitting showrooms as a 2015 model year crossover sport utility vehicle.

The concept vehicle comes as Ford seeks to update its luxury brand. Lincoln, the segment leader as recently as 1998, has seen a steady decline in sales as luxury car shoppers flee to the competition. Indeed, even its archival Cadillac is handily beating the Lincoln brand, outselling its American competitor by a 2-to-1 margin.

Lincoln Motor Company

Ford, however, believes that Lincoln’s revival is just a new model or two away from catching on. In December 2012, Ford took out ads in major media with the theme, Introducing the Lincoln Motor Company. Those ads appeared on the eve of the introduction of its two newest models the Lincoln MKZ and Lincoln MKZ hybrid, midsize sedans. The MKZ is Lincoln’s best-selling vehicle line.

The Lincoln MKC Concept features the new face of Lincoln. Gone is the polarizing grin that dominated several models over the past few years with a new grille and sculpted hood defining the current design language.The MKC Concept features muscular shoulders, a creased beltline and sleek body lines flowing to what Lincoln describes as a clamshell liftgate. Most notable is its panoramic glass roof, a new feature that was introduced with the 2013 Lincoln MKZ.

Cabin Highlights

Inside, the cabin is bright, airy and luxuriously appointed, with embroidered premium leather, elegant wood and chrome accents and an analog dashboard with digital read outs. The center stack features SYNC with MyLincolnTouch surrounded by buttons to control audio, climate and other in-cabin features.

The Lincoln MKC is a front-wheel drive model; all-wheel drive would be optional. This crossover sits on a 106.9-inch wheelbase and is 179.3 inches long by 76.1 inches wide by 63.2 inches tall. The concept is outfitted with 20-inch premium painted wheels with polished aluminum rims set within all-season radial tires.

Engine Possibilities

As a concept, no powertrain arrangement has been nailed down. Given Fords success with all things EcoBoost, a 2.0-liter in-line four cylinder engine seems likely. Thats the same engine offered in the Lincoln MKZ, a 240-horsepower motor paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. A diesel for overseas markets seems possible, while a hybrid edition should not be ruled out.

Bringing the MKC Concept to the market would have Lincoln pitting this crossover against some highly formidable competition including the BMW X1. Other small crossovers include the Acura MDX, Audi Q5 and the Infiniti EX. Cadillac is exploring the market and within a few years this booming segment is expected to be populated by models across the brand spectrum. Thus, the Lincoln MKC Concept may be green-lighted for production as early as this month.

See Also — Lincoln MKC: Luxurious, Entry-Level Crossover

Photos courtesy of the Lincoln Motor Company.