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 Once again, the shifter has been replaced by buttons on the dash.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.
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.