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| 2017 Lincoln Continental |
First introduced in 1939, Lincoln hopes to win back some of their fanbase by reviving an old nameplate with a new mission and design language. The Continental concept debuted last year, and now we get an in-depth look at the production version this year at the 2016 North American International Auto Show. This is a very pivotal model in Lincoln's lineup, as it carries a lot of nostalgia in its name and has big implications for the future Lincoln models to come.
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| The last version of the Lincoln Continental was sold in 2002. |
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Lincoln's new Continental rides on what's essentially a stretched CD4 Ford Fusion platform, but is certainly more luxurious than its smaller sibling vehicle. Its suspension has been specifically re-engineered to be more unique to this vehicle, and the the car will be available as a front or all-wheel-drive vehicle. The exterior design is strikingly similar to the concept, and I find it interesting how the door handles are integrated into the window sills and aren't standalone on the doors. Lincoln did away with their "split-wing" grille that strangely reminded of some Oldsmobiles. I expect to see that grille making its way across the entire Lincoln lineup over the next several years as models reach their mid-production cycle updates. And of course: What's a proper luxury car without chrome, chrome, and more... You guessed it: Chrome. Oh, and LED headlights everywhere. The overall combination is nicely done. Under the hood, three engines will be available. A 2.7 liter turbo 4-cylinder, an all-new 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque 3.0 liter turbo V6, and finally a 3.7 liter naturally aspirated V6 engine. The 3.0 can only be had with AWD. All engines will use a six-speed automatic transmission (weird, given that many competitors offer 8-speed transmissions these days), and selectable drive modes of Normal, Sport, and Comfort will be available as well.
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| Comfort is a first-class affair in both rows of seating in the new Continental. |
The interior is just as glorified as the exterior, and features 30-way power front seats with adjustable multicontour support, massaging, heating, cooling, and whatever else Lincoln decided to throw in to ensure they're as soft as a cloud. I must say, I really want to sit in them myself just looking at them! And you likely won't hear many complaints from back seat passengers, as those seats are heated, cooled, have massaging features, and recline as well. The huge rear center armrest can also be folded down when no one is sitting there to reveal rear seat climate controls and seating controls. What will curiously be omitted from the list of fancy features is "hands off the wheel" autonomous driving features. However, regular driver's assistance tech such as blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control, and parallel and perpendicular parking assist, among other features, will all be included. Basically, Lincoln doesn't want you getting TOO comfortable in this large, cushy sedan. Ford's new SYNC 3 system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will also come standard. Check out my previous post to read up on SYNC 3 and its latest features.
Dawn of a New Day?
The Continental will be available in three trim levels: Premiere, Select, Reserve, and Lincoln's exclusive Black Label. It is set to compete with the likes of Cadillac's equally new CT6 sedan, Audi's A6, various Lexus models, and other mid-sized and large luxury vehicles of similar size and price. Expect it to release later this year.
Lincoln's slow selling MKS sedan bows out in favor of this new model, and honestly, it comes not a moment too soon. Lincoln has been lost amongst a sea of not necessarily "better" luxury competitors, but a sea of competitors who actually knew who they were. In other words, their brand had an actual identity that attracted buyers for one reason or another. Lincoln recognizes its still viewed as a little too "old school" for today's "new school" buyers, and they need a fresh halo vehicle in order to breathe some new life into the brand. For now, there's no vehicle more poised to do so than this new Continental (...or perhaps a new Town Car).
Copyright © 2016 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.
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