[Bloggin]

The only upgrade the Continental needs is to move to a 300+ mile EV platform, with AWD standard, all the technology and autonomy that Ford has to offer to date, and Lincoln luxury and service.

The Lincoln Continental Electric Concept.....

 

[rmc523]

Agree. Let's hope that there is a next-gen RWD model.



So many option packages are confusing, especially if you want a particular feature but have to buy other features that you could care less about. Loaded cars would simplify the assembly line and spread costs throughout the range.
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So why do BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Aston-Martin, Bentley, Jaguar ( ... naming them all would take too long) do it? Oh yes, these are the brands that have eaten away at Ford/Lincoln's market share over the decades (Remember when just about all we had to chose from was Ford, GM & Chrysler; the Big Three?).

I don't have a problem with option groups - it helps simplify the build process. Only selling loaded cars leave too many sales on the table.

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Those brands actually change up their styling every few years, though.

Cadillac produces these sexy concepts, only to continue with the same art and science look they've had for almost 20 years now.

 

[Andrew L]

Something to think about: http://cadillacsociety.com/2018/08/15/upcoming-cadillac-flagship-could-be-an-ev-launching-in-2021/


As I have stated they need to start electrifying the Continental's powertrain if it is to stay around and compete which I think it should.

 

[Assimilator]

I don't see electrification in the cards for the Continental or any the other aging CD4 product. It might be one reason Ford is pulling the plug on Continental. Continental is under tariff pressure now and they can't build them in China without electrification, so they may have to kill them off until they get something on CD6 or C2 which all get Ford's new Hybrid drivetrains.

 

[Bellanca4.2]

It would make sense for the Continental. The 3.0L in mine just sounds so mediocre. I’d rather hear nothing than the sounds it makes.

**Maybe not a sound business case as it doesn’t sell well enough, more that it would fit the image.**

 

[Assimilator]

I think a Lincoln EV would be absolutely perfect, silent and smooth. Although I've never had issues with the sound of the EcoBoost engines, the quieter the better IMO.

I'm hoping Lincoln gets a version of Ford's BEV sooner than later, I was under the impression it was on the map since 2014 but I haven't heard anything about it in the past year and zero evidence it was near. I'm still digging for info on Lincoln but it's scarce.

Lincoln will certainly have the Ford developed resources to compete with the electrification of it's premium competitors, at least in HEVs and PHEVs. Ford's BEV program still has a long way to go.

 

[Andrew L]

Was just posted in private Lincoln group that the suicide door Lincoln may be shown in mid December that's what the dealers have been told anyway.

 

[spudz64]

Was just posted in private Lincoln group that the suicide door Lincoln may be shown in mid December that's what the dealers have been told anyway.

And same source noted the build will be limited to just 80 units! This really is shaping up to be a truly unique special edition!
​

 

[wingsnut]

I completely love the idea, but only 80 units huh? I bet that changes real quick and they continue with more, once they gauge customer reaction.

 

[rmc523]

I completely love the idea, but only 80 units huh? I bet that changes real quick and they continue with more, once they gauge customer reaction.

I don't like the idea, only because it's going to be based on the current FWD-based model.

 

[zipzoomflyfast]

I love the idea as well! Only 80 units....seem SUPER LOW.

 

[Logans Run]

I don't like the idea, only because it's going to be based on the current FWD-based model.

I guess they can only work with what they have now. This is either the last hurrah for Continental, or it is testing the market for feasability of a new one. If this is a success, it helps them to decide to give it a new platform. With unique features like this, they could sell them at a much higher price point, even at a lower volume (200 or 300 a month) and make a profit.
Either way, it is nice to see that they are trying still!

 

[wingsnut]

I guess they can only work with what they have now. This is either the last hurrah for Continental, or it is testing the market for feasability of a new one. If this is a success, it helps them to decide to give it a new platform. With unique features like this, they could sell them at a much higher price point, even at a lower volume (200 or 300 a month) and make a profit.
Either way, it is nice to see that they are trying still!

I thought the same. Test the sedan waters with something quite unique in the industry in a quick and agile skunk works project, rather than throw billions at a new sedan that sells in paltry numbers.

 

[Andrew L]

If they do a next gen it needs to have an electrified power train like the S-Class, 7 Series, and A8 are getting.


/brokenrecord

 

[rmc523]

I thought the same. Test the sedan waters with something quite unique in the industry in a quick and agile skunk works project, rather than throw billions at a new sedan that sells in paltry numbers.

I agree to an extent. Would it really be an indication of sales potential if it's not representative of the future product? i.e. A new version would be RWD/AWD that more buyers in that segment (may) want, vs. a modified FWD version.

 

[wingsnut]

I agree to an extent. Would it really be an indication of sales potential if it's not representative of the future product? i.e. A new version would be RWD/AWD that more buyers in that segment (may) want, vs. a modified FWD version.

I honestly would not expect many more sales by just changing proportions a slight bit. AWD is there regardless. Look at CTS. Volumes are just as bad.

 

[brucelinc]

I heard that the "special edition" was coming. Are we sure that means suicide doors? Why on earth go to that level of engineering on a lame duck....and for so little volume? I was told that suicide doors were originally considered but abandoned due to several factors. I suppose the engineering could already be done but this just seems very odd to me.

 

[wingsnut]

I heard that the "special edition" was coming. Are we sure that means suicide doors? Why on earth go to that level of engineering on a lame duck....and for so little volume? I was told that suicide doors were originally considered but abandoned due to several factors. I suppose the engineering could already be done but this just seems very odd to me.

Kind of reminds me of the level of engineering that would be needed and that Ford took on when they adapted an IRS suspension system for Mustang Cobra back in 1999. It was a drop in solution to an existing live axle platform, using tubular steel structure and same mounting points (mostly). I love one-off projects like this. I have been involved in several myself. As always, there are trade-offs, and that setup was HP limited to about 700 or so, but you have to admit, Ford got some good press when they first offered it in Mustang, years before Camaro. And yeah, Ford opted out on next gen, but not entirely due to cost. Recall that back then, they buried Camaro in 2002, it had little competition, and the drag racers loved the cost/simplicity/durability of solid axle swaps.

Anyway, I honestly don't know what Ford has planned for the SE Conti., but suicide doors can be added and I think would really get peoples attention.

 

[rmc523]

I honestly would not expect many more sales by just changing proportions a slight bit. AWD is there regardless. Look at CTS. Volumes are just as bad.

Obviously proportions alone aren't going to flip a switch sales wise.....but I was getting at RWD proportions PLUS a more dramatic design that would get people's attention vs. the nice looking, but somewhat invisible one we have now.

 

[spudz64]

From what we heard, this is to commemorate the Continental's 80th anniversary (Edsel's original one off debuted March 1939, production 1940 model started production in Dec 1939).
Lincoln teased a pic of a suicide/coach door Continental this past spring to their dealers, and then some news of this anniversary model filtered out of some dealer's employees (in a Facebook Lincoln page)
First was rumored to be a 250 unit build, now word is its just 80 units, possibly over $100,000.
Rumor is its a 6" wb stretched model, all Black Label, fully optioned.

My thoughts are either its:

A- Its going to be subcontracted out (think Ford GT) and mostly hand built/modified, as adding the suicide doors is not as simple as it sounds! (traditionally suicide door vehicles need doors that have a vertical rear door edge, with no radius around the rear wheel well) I also expect the rear seating to be fully decked out and opulent, like the Continental Concept from 2015 was. This would be a one time run to commemorate the Continental legacy and drum up "oohhhs!" and "Ahhs!" in the press and public.
B- Similar to above but possibly the design changes to make the suicide rear doors will filter to the regular Continental soon after.
Time will tell!