I'll be the first to say that in the world of exotic and luxury tuning, it's the Euro & JDM brands that take the cake – or should I say, they've been served the cake? Aftermarket manufacturers having been continually supported with product for brands such as BMW and Lexus, and tuning houses have catered to elite restyling of Mercedes and Jaguar – but why haven’t we seen Lincoln tossed in the mix?


Maybe its always been the allure of a foreign brand – or more likely, it's because the American platforms might not have inspired or possessed the traits that the market was looking for. I'm here to say that the all-new Lincoln Continental could put the Dearborn brand back in the game. While being stuffed with plenty of power, it also simply oozes luxury. But, it's also just a little too early to make 100% bet as to if it will stick or not – yes, the consumer world should bite on the hot new model in general – but what the aftermarket does is of another story.


The auto enthusiasts droll over customized Bentley and Porches – but how would they feel about a finely tuned Continental? At least as far as full-size luxury and VIP tuning goes, I think this Lincoln has a solid base to build upon. Let's look at some pictures and details;

• The all-new Lincoln-exclusive 3.0-liter V6 engine with twin turbochargers that produces a projected 400 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque [1] is designed for smooth, responsive, yet quiet power.
• Lincoln Drive Control provides the driver a choice of three settings – comfort, normal and sport – adapting steering and suspension settings to tailor ride and handling. Available adaptive steering helps optimize steering response, enabling the vehicle to react more smoothly and precisely to driver input.
• Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection uses radar and camera technology to scan the roadway ahead and, if a collision risk with a vehicle or pedestrian is detected, provides a warning to the driver. If the driver does not respond in time, the system can automatically apply up to full braking force to help reduce the severity of or even eliminate some frontal collisions. Effortless assistance for the daily commute is available with optional adaptive cruise control, which can automatically slow Continental in stop-and-go traffic – resuming speed when traffic clears.
• To take the stress out of parallel and perpendicular parking, the new 360-degree camera system uses views from cameras mounted in the grille, decklid and 180-degree side mirrors, then seamlessly stitches these snapshots together to create an image in the screen so the driver can see around the car – as if a camera is overhead.
• Lincoln’s new flagship welcomes drivers with a brand-exclusive lighting sequence. As the driver approaches the car with the key, LED signature lighting in the lower front fascia and taillamps subtly engages, while signature lighting in the headlamps awakens in a fluid motion. Lincoln mat lights then brighten the pavement around the front doors, helping show any hazards, while select interior lights warmly illuminate the cabin.
• Continental door handles are designed to offer elegant and effortless entry with new E-latch door release. The release is discreetly integrated within the beltline, leaving the body side clean. With the gentle touch of a button, the vehicle’s doors pop open, then use available power-cinching technology to automatically close and secure.
• One highlight is Lincoln’s new Perfect Position Seats – inspired by private jets and high-end office furniture – that can be adjusted up to 30 ways.
• Rear passengers can enjoy first-class travel amenities, too, with such available features as audio and climate controls, sunshades, and reclining, heated, cooled and massaging seats. The streamlined interior provides generous rear legroom.
• Continental occupants also can enjoy an available Revel® audio system developed to work in concert with the interior design and acoustics, transforming the cabin into a personal amphitheater with three distinct listening modes – Stereo, Audience and On Stage. Use of the E-latch release enables optimal speaker positioning in the Continental doors, alongside the conveniently located seat controls.
• For those seeking the highest expression of Lincoln luxury, three Lincoln Black Label designer themes are available – Chalet, Thoroughbred and Continental-exclusive Rhapsody.
• All models feature new design details. Stitching on the seats is specified at six to seven stitches per inch for a couture-like appearance, and the slats of the center console door are laser-cut to maximize consistency of the grain pattern.

Will Vaccar offer restyling and performance options for the all-new Lincoln – or perhaps a bespoke Vaccar Continental for special customer order? Perhaps. It definitely has our attention.



- Aaron Vaccar
  Lead Design
  Vaccar



<Info Source: Lincoln Motor Company>

News from Dearborn (1/15/16): The 1st all-new Ford Focus RS has rolled off the line in Saarlouis, Germany!  We love the 350HP it comes stocked with, but we're really excited about all-wheel drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring – which will basically alter the handling, grip, and cornering speed experience. The RS features selectable drive modes, including drift mode that allows controlled oversteer drift - and launch control!  (Read the original press release, below)

The 2017 Ford Fusion Sport will be amazing. Of course, I'm here speaking to the auto enthusiasts – the lovers of cars, the tuners, the aftermarket product manufacturers and consumers – this is going to be a car of interest.


Now, we might be bias. Vaccar has been building custom and concept project vehicles with Ford, hand in hand since the SEMA Show of 2009. With that being said, our first design and build for them was, in fact, a 2010 Ford Fusion Sport. Back then, it was stocked with all-wheel-drive, exclusive 3.5-liter V6, as well as sporty exterior and interior upgrades. When we got our hands on it, we went wild with creating prototype products: Turbo XS single turbo kit with intercooler and exhaust, Air Lift adjustable performance suspension, KSport big brake kits, Nutek Wheels 20” piece rims, Auto Meter gauge-equipped triple dash pod, Vaccar concept bucket seats and more. But, there wasn't a major 'Fusion following'...yet. Today, you can search online and easily navigate to forums and Facebook pages all catering to the platform - and they're gaining popularity.


The young adult market as been mostly hyping-up the Focus ST, the Fiesta ST, and of course the all-new Focus RS (and rightfully so) – but let me place a bet that the Fusion Sport will soon become an important player too. I'm not saying it's going to be the landslide of a winner in the performance realm, but it's a car we will definitely be paying attention to. It's fun and it's functional, and that's why its a big win for us (and it's something that we learned from our original concept model too).


Now, fast forward to today; Fusion Sport is going to come from the factory as an all-wheel-drive platform with a twin-turbocharged motor producing an estimated 325hp and 350tq, real-time suspension tuning based on road inputs and setup, and unique 19” wheels. It seems as if Ford has been paying attention, will you be?


- Aaron Vaccar
   Lead Design
   Vaccar

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(Info Source: Ford Motor Company)