2018 Lincoln Navigator Concept

While the 2018 Navigator won't have the fancy doors or steps that this concept has, it'll certainly share some of this model's design cues, such as its new Lincoln grille.

Navigating Its Way Back

The 2018 Lincoln Navigator concept is a head turner for sure. One person I was standing near at the auto show even asked, "Is this Jason Bourne's truck or something?" Considering that the current Navigator (in its basic form) has literally been in production since 2003, it probably is a good thing that this concept has people talking so much. Now of course, the production model won't have suicide doors, a fancy suit center in the rear, actual steps coming out of the interior, or any of that, but it will share a lot of its basic design with this show car. And I say that's a good start!

Similar to the current Expedition and Navigator on sale, I would expect Ford's 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6 that's good for 380 HP to carryover in some form, as V8 powertrains are becoming too old school these days of course. However, the available transmission will receive an upgrade from 6-speeds (I assume), since its definitely much needed. Eight gears would be fine, but given that Ford recently co-developed a new 10-speed transmission with GM, that MAY even make an appearance in these new full-sized SUVs. 

Overall, I do like what I see. It's big and imposing, but its also a needed improvement over the current model, and (may) inject some new life into a flat-lining segment. Or at least one that's been monopolized by General Motors. What are your thoughts? I'd expect the new Navigator and Expedition to arrive in late 2017 as 2018 models.

Copyright © 2017 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.