Ford Inside News banner

Lincoln Previews MkC with NAIAS Bound Concept

43K views 92 replies 29 participants last post by  nruggiero 
#1 ·
The Rebounding of a brand: Part Two
FordInsideNews
January 13, 2013
By: Austin Rutherford


Just one short year ago, we received our first glimpse on the restyling the Lincoln brand would aspire too. That was shown in the MkZ Concept, which previewed the production MkZ very closely. However, this vehicle was compromised design-wise. Max Wolff, Lincoln's new lead designer, had only been able to change a few points on the car, mainly the grill. Now comes a complete effort: The MkC Concept.

The MkC Concept is truly the first Max Wolff designed vehicle and carries his vision for mixing tradition with modern themes. Like the MkZ, the grill carries the modern spreading bird wing grill with the traditional central sternum. Moving along the sides, the character lines appear to be stronger than any Lincoln in years and give the vehicle the appearance of a lower stance. The tail end also carries the traditional full length taillights, but with a slimmer modern design. Noticeably lacking on the back again is the Lincoln Star. Instead "LINCOLN" is prominently written instead a crevice created by the thinning of the taillights.

Noticeable in the packaging of the vehicle is that the overhangs compared to the Escape, from which is shares its platform, are much smaller. This leads to a sporty stance that almost makes it look like it comes be rear wheel drive. This is also helped by what appears to be longer door openings.

Flying into the interior, the overall design appears mostly carryover from the 2013 MkZ. Once again, the shifter has been replaced by buttons on the dash. The concept also has a full length panoramic vista roof, though we do not know if the production MkC will carry an MkZ-like glass roof that opens onto the back window. The back seat features captain chairs that will most likely be replaced by seating for three for production. Overall, the interior looks very production, which it should. The interior features real wood inlays with a healthy dose of aluminum. An artistic arrangement on the door panels can be seen where the elbow fits into the door.

The MkC will Lincoln's smallest offering yet and is hoping to crack into the lucrative luxury CUV market for the first time. In order to do that, it must offer features that are expected and even some of its own. This is where the "Lincoln Experiences" will come into play, which will combine "features, such as push-button transmission engagement, programmable ride control, unique and diverse powertrains, personalized lighting, and a suite of customizable functions that are unique for each client as the vehicle instantly recognizes the operator and creates a personalized welcoming sequence."

No engines were announced with the concept, but Lincoln did promise that there would be power train options.

With only a month under its belt, the Lincoln Motor Company is hard at work. The question just remains: will it be enough? Time will time and successful launches will prove their worth. Lincoln hopes for an increase of 18 percent in 2013 to start it off. Added to that, Lincoln will launch four all-new vehicles in the next four years in luxury's highest growing segments.

Expect to see the production version of the MkC at the New York International Auto Show later this year with production starting in October of this year at Louisville Assembly.














MKC Concept New Opportunity for Lincoln

> Lincoln MKC Concept debuts at 2013 North American International Auto
Show – Lincoln’s first-ever small vehicle

> Small luxury utility concept signals future Lincoln entry into industry’s
fastest-growing segment

> MKC Concept introduces the “Lincoln Experiences” suite of technology and
signature content to enhance the driving and ownership experience

DETROIT, Jan. 13, 2013 – Lincoln today introduces the MKC Concept, a vision of how Lincoln will enter the industry’s fastest-growing small luxury utility segment.

With nearly 60 percent growth in 2012 and more than 200 percent in the last four years, the small luxury utility segment has far eclipsed all other luxury segments. The opportunity is a key next step in Lincoln’s strategy to grow with four all-new vehicles targeted at the highest-growth segments over the next four years.

“We are reinventing Lincoln by focusing on the largest and fastest-growing segments of the luxury market, while offering clients something different,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president of Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln. “The just-introduced MKZ re-establishes Lincoln in the largest luxury segment, and the MKC Concept highlights a key opportunity in the fastest-growing part of the luxury market.”

This segment growth is being driven at both ends of the demographic spectrum. Many new buyers are coming into affluence and purchasing their first luxury vehicle. Others are moving from larger vehicles to smaller ones to simplify their lives. This growth includes China, where Lincoln will begin selling in the second half of 2014 through independent dealers.

Creating ‘Lincoln Experiences’
Lincoln is being reinvented in every way – from a complete new lineup of stunningly designed vehicles to how dealerships provide surprising personal client services and how drivers engage with their vehicles. The goal is to appeal to a new type of luxury clients considered cultural progressives, who are open to new ideas and experiences.

In current and future vehicles, these “Lincoln Experiences” will include a variety of distinctive features, such as push-button transmission engagement, programmable ride control, unique and diverse powertrains, personalized lighting, and a suite of customizable functions that are unique for each client as the vehicle instantly recognizes the operator and creates a personalized welcoming sequence.

Future Lincolns also will combine these unique experiences with the option of stunning, bespoke interior and exterior design appointments that will transcend typical luxury automotive standards, furthering the brand’s transformation. The MKC Concept explores many of these transformative ideas.

Exterior design
The MKC Concept builds on the foundation of the Lincoln Design DNA found in the new MKZ. These warm, open and inviting design cues are a core element of the brand’s heritage.

“The MKC Concept has a wonderful stance and sits beautifully on its wheels,” said Murat Gueler, MKC Concept lead exterior designer. “It has a sleek, sculpted body and wheel arches and elegant shoulders. The lines of the vehicle appear relatively simple on first look but with a second view reveal a dynamic three dimensionality.

“The Lincoln design team has done an outstanding job with the MKC Concept in communicating Lincoln’s design vision for reaching a new and discerning clientele.”

An uninterrupted, highly crafted rear-view appearance highlights the signature full-width taillamps. This is made possible by a liftgate design with a side-view cutline – a Lincoln first. It shows how the dedicated Lincoln design and engineering teams have worked together to deliver customer-focused solutions that not only elevate the appearance, but also provide maximum load capability.

“This approach eliminates the traditional vertical cutline on the rear seen on utilities, which in turn contributes to the athletic presence of the vehicle,” Gueler said.

The continuity also is apparent in the execution of the frameless windows, which amplify the richness of the design, as does the signature split-wing grille. The exterior is augmented by warm, cream-based white metallic tri-coat paint, 20-inch premium wheels with polished chrome rims, and a large fixed panoramic roof that runs the length of the vehicle.

Interior design, colors and materials
High-end bespoke design, materials and execution inspire the four-passenger interior.

“There is a significant upgrade in materials and a stylish, fashion-oriented package. The materials are combined with progressive combinations and uses of stitching and colors,” said Soo Kang, Lincoln interior design chief.

Just like MKZ – which sets the tone for the brand’s thoughtful new approach to design – the MKC Concept features a distinct push-button gear shift selector. This enables a flowing, expressive and architectural center console design covered with riveting details, and unique colors and materials.

The headliner is wrapped with high-end material, providing a warm and luxurious feel. The pillars are wrapped with premium leather. The seats also feature premium leather and include a unique embroidered Lincoln Star and crimson stitch accents.

The Lincoln Star lattice also is subtly placed on the MKC Concept’s floor mats to complement the lattice design in the speaker mesh, light fixtures and lug-nut covers.

The smooth leather also wraps the door trim uppers, armrests, bolsters, console side rails, instrument panel and cargo area.

“There is a rich softness to the exterior and interior palette of the MKC Concept,” said Susan Lampinen, group chief designer, Color & Material Design. “The leather-wrapped architecture complements the open-pore and designer hand-dyed woods.”

Other refined details include finishes like appliqués cut from layers of reconstructed natural wood infused with a metallic flake for a glistening effect on the steering wheel, upper instrument panel and door panels.
 
See less See more
14
#3 ·
The MKC's rear design is my most favorite part of this car. If Max Wolfe & Company can continue to crank out well executed designs such as this over the next 24-36 months there will be no limit to where this brand will go over the next few years. IMHO you don't have to push the design envelope very far in the luxury/pseudo luxury car arena. You just have to create products that will embody distinctive styling, uncompromising technology, and attention to detail.
 
#4 ·


I am getting an Audi vibe from this shot



A bit Aston Martin with those tail lights
 
#8 ·


I am getting an Audi vibe from this shot



A bit Aston Martin with those tail lights
Audi must be the model to follow for Lincoln: a luxo brand based on a mainstream cars platform with FWD. Audi cars are based (all of them) in a Volkswagen platform.

The design is very atractive and modern. I agree, has something from Audi and Aston Martín , but that is ok for me. This car will be a succes!
 
#10 ·
I said it on other sites, but................ Lincoln has managed to make a C class CUV that looks substantial, athletic, and elegant all at the same time.

I believe that this is the most successful in its class. All of the others have an almost soft look about them.................... even the Q5, which I do like alot. The Q5 does look very athletic in its upper sport trims.
 
#11 ·
Simple, elegant Lincoln MKC
debuts Monday at Detroit auto show

January 12, 2013 at 1:00 am
By Karl Henkel


Lincoln Motor Co.'s new concept MKC is unmistakably a Lincoln.
Ford's luxury brand has managed to individualize Lincoln's new compact crossover...

..."It's definitely not a jazzed-up Escape," said Dave Sullivan, manager of product analysis at research and forecasting firm AutoPacific Inc. "It's definitely an original-looking design; it's not copying anything else."...

...The concept is the first Lincoln completely designed by Max Wolff — director of design at Lincoln and a former Cadillac designer — and he made sure to let consumers know they're driving a Lincoln.

The interior is peppered with hundreds of Lincoln star lattices, most of them stitched into leather on the doors, seats and dashboard.

A panoramic roof — optional in the new MKZ — makes the car feel more spacious than it actually is; the concept is currently a tight squeeze for anyone 6-feet and taller, though once inside, legroom is plentiful...

..."It doesn't all have to be right in your face," said Soo Kang, Lincoln interior design chief. "It's a quiet way to be pure luxury."...

MORE...
 
#12 ·
Whoa! This MKC Concept looks amazing!!!!!
Good job Lincoln Motor Company.





Definitely more luxurious looking than the Escape, and the rear quarter-vew has some hints of Audi, specially with the rear tailgate that has the whole tailight clusters on them. Nice.
I hope the production MKC looks at least 90% close to the conept.
 
#16 ·
I think the production version will most definitely be softened, similar to what happened to the Vertrek to Escape/Kuga.
The concept does give the impression that it belongs in the premium class, hope it translates into the production version as well.
Interior bits and pieces are too concept form to form any thoughts, will wait and see what really happens inside the cabin.
 
#17 ·
WOW! It looks great! The exterior design is nothing short of awesome!

For some reason, the horizontal grille elements seem to work much better on this vehicle than they do on the MKZ.

This (the production version) may be the vehicle that reverses Lincoln's status and rep for good.
 
#19 ·
I don't see anything to go crazy about myself. The rear is absolutely hideous in my opinion the front is typical new Lincoln fashion which I'm not thrilled with. However I do like the interior it looks very classy and the side view is pretty nice. I still would have much rather have Mercury around and have seen an all new Mercury Mariner instead of this.
 
#20 ·
The MKC's rear design is my most favorite part of this car. If Max Wolfe & Company can continue to crank out well executed designs such as this over the next 24-36 months there will be no limit to where this brand will go over the next few years. IMHO you don't have to push the design envelope very far in the luxury/pseudo luxury car arena. You just have to create products that will embody distinctive styling, uncompromising technology, and attention to detail.
Dang, exactly what he said.

Crunked, I have been trying to say the exact same think forever, but in far more words.
How eloquent of you:thumb:
 
#21 ·
I don't see anything to go crazy about myself. The rear is absolutely hideous in my opinion the front is typical new Lincoln fashion which I'm not thrilled with. However I do like the interior it looks very classy and the side view is pretty nice. I still would have much rather have Mercury around and have seen an all new Mercury Mariner instead of this.
We all miss Mercury.
But is it worth hating on every Lincoln that comes along?

This is a good looking CUV, far better than any Mercury, ever. Heck, even extreme GM fans love this styling.
 
#23 ·
For me this is a homerun! If the production MKC is as close to this as the MKZ was to its concept then Lincoln will have a major hit on its hands!! It looks premium while still being sporty, but not overtly.

Well done, I absolutely love it!

Edit: Even though I knew better I just had to take a peek at the reader comments on some of the articles. I would bet the farm that 90% of the tards who post 'Just another tarted up Ford' comments either still live in their parent house and/or drive smoking piles of sh!t because they cannot afford a new Yugo. Typical internet echo chamber, its currently cool to bash Lincoln so these brainless followers maintain their seat on the bandwagon. :facepalm:
 
#24 ·
We all miss Mercury.
But is it worth hating on every Lincoln that comes along?

This is a good looking CUV, far better than any Mercury, ever. Heck, even extreme GM fans love this styling.
naturally I empathize with Mercury-cravings
but
re: the MKC (except for its initial - I still-&-especially-now prefer 'G')...

There was a Crimmas commercial (Target iirc) where the pampered daughter, after opening her gifts, says in a blasé yet slightly surprised voice, "I'm completely satisfied"
to which I reply, "amateur!"
and say about the the delicious MKC, "I'm not disappointed ... at all ... so far"

(without a waterfall grille, that might be my highest praise
...no, wait: "delicious" was higher!)

styling nitpicks forthcoming after my coffee 'IV' kicks in
 
#26 ·
I don't see anything to go crazy about myself. The rear is absolutely hideous in my opinion the front is typical new Lincoln fashion which I'm not thrilled with. However I do like the interior it looks very classy and the side view is pretty nice. I still would have much rather have Mercury around and have seen an all new Mercury Mariner instead of this.
until I see the production MKC in person (could be several years from now since Reno/NW-Nevada has NO Lincoln dealers), imho the last version of the Mariner is still the most beautiful SuvCuv of all time


HOWEVER
imho the A3 is a "style-free" brick (without needing to compare it to any other vehicle - it just IS), the X3 is too in another way.
Making a vehicle in this segment have ANY style (without being a Japanese-ish joke) is an amazing achievement = a Grand Group of 2 (TWO) designers: Max & Schreyer; that's it
&
imho the MKC is even better than that
in that
it tempts me to think of using its styling theme on all Lincolns, yes even cars
(which I'm not convinced at all is the Plan)
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top