STORY:
Lincoln recently revealed the all-new Navigator Concept, offering a glimpse at what comes next for the brand’s best-known nameplate.
"The all-new Navigator Concept reinforces our commitment to give every Lincoln client what we call quiet luxury – vehicles and experiences that are elegant, effortlessly powerful and serene," said Kumar Galhotra, president of Lincoln. "This kind of quiet luxury sets Lincoln apart. Now, we're showing fans of large SUVs how we can exceed their expectations, without being the loudest statement on the road."
Lincoln first introduced the the upscale SUV in 1997, and has now re-imagined the Navigator for modern clients interested in better performance, more space and further refinement.
The design team drew inspiration from luxury sailboats and yachts while designing the new concept. This influenced everything from the clean, modern lines and 'Storm Blue' paint on the exterior that mimics the grays and blues of sea and sky, to the teak finishes, custom gear and wardrobe management system found inside.


PERFORMANCE:
Drivers can choose several drive modes to improve ride and handling and to find the drive experience that best suits their mood – including steering, suspension and noise levels. Each mode is accompanied by a matching digital animation in the cluster. It is equipped with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine.


INTERIOR:
The leather-wrapped interior is rendered in a light blue. Six Lincoln-patented Perfect Position Seats adjust 30 ways to best support occupants’ different body types. The driver’s seat, for instance, includes independent deployable thigh supports for maximum comfort.  

A 360-degree camera and enhanced park assist features take the stress out of parking, exiting a parking spot and maneuvering. The system seamlessly integrates views from four cameras – creating an overhead image that allows drivers to see all around the vehicle.  Head restraint monitors provide passengers Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing them to wirelessly share music and content from personal devices.  For drivers, a central display can be customized from the digital touch screen housed in the center stack. 

All of this is accessed through power gullwing doors and deployable concertina steps. A special lighting sequence welcomes passengers for every journey – a signature Lincoln feature. 


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<source: Lincoln Motor Co.>

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>