At last, after years of rolling out dolled-up, plusher versions of mainstream Ford models, Lincoln finally made a big splash of its own at the recently-concluded New York Auto Show. It was the suave and stylish Continental Concept that did the trick. We just can't fathom a better way for Lincoln to announce that they are back in business than bringing back an iconic nameplate in a modern avatar.
What's so impressive about this upcoming full-size luxury sedan aiming to whet the appetites of the Americans and the Chinese? Pretty much everything, if you ask us.
With a wide and low stance, the Continental Concept looks plush, elegant and stylish. Gone are the split grilles of the present-day Lincolns replaced by a huge trapezoidal unit with dollops of chrome. Sleek LED matrix headlights on either side sport exquisite detailing to the extent of lighting up in the shape of tiny Lincoln logos. The silhouette, characterized by the long hood, extra-long wheelbase and the short rear, commands instant respect. Adding a bit of muscle is the prominent belt-line that also discreetly incorporates the E-Latch door handles. The sculpted rear is chiseled to perfection and feature full-size taillights with advanced light-through-chrome technology. Quad tailpipes stacked in pairs on either sides look incredibly good too. Topping it all is the Lincoln Continental's signature 'Rhapsody Blue' metallic paint.
Lincoln claims that the Continental Concept's interiors are made of the most sensual materials ever used in a Lincoln. With Venetian leather seat and door panels, Alcantara seat inserts and armrests, satin headliner, shearling wool carpet and Rose Gold trim around the instrument cluster, we don't argue with that claim. Patented 30-way adjustable seats that conforms to different sizes and shapes, ambient lighting, a fully-reclinable passenger-side rear seat, SPD SmartGlass tinting sunroof, the Revel Ultima audio system with three surround-sound modes - Stereo, Audience and On-Stage, a tablet-supporting lap tray that deploys from the through-center console, a champagne storage compartment and detachable, hand-crafted Venetian leather travel cases mounted to the backside of the front seats ensure that the occupants remain pampered during their time spent inside the car.
Though the specifications aren't released yet, we know that the Continental Concept will be powered by a Lincoln-exclusive 3.0-liter V6 EcoBoost engine. It also features 'Lincoln Drive Control' ride-enhancing technologies, Adaptive Steering and a host of driver-assist technologies like Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Enhanced Park Assist and a 360-degree camera that displays on the MyLincoln Touch screen.
With the American economy showing signs of a full recovery and the luxury car demand in China remaining as high as ever, the Continental has the potential to help Lincoln scale new heights. All Lincoln needs to do is change nothing and bring the Continental as it is to production real quick.
No comments:
Post a Comment