Mummified in official, officious words like “effortlessly powerful” and “quiet luxury,” the new Lincoln Continental concept car slid silently into New York City Sunday evening. Wearing the brand’s new face and promising great things for the future, the Continental concept is a huge gamble for the Lincoln brand.
Though it bears a name that could make—and break—the Lincoln brand, the Continental’s arrival feels awkward, certainly not the answer to a brand’s struggle for identity.

If anything, the Continental concept is an effigy for that crisis of identity: It was built for the Chinese market first—Ford Motor Company president and CEO Mark Fields said “China” about 50 times in his brief speech to the press last night—even though Lincoln only entered the Chinese market last November.

It wears subtle, understated lines that draw more from the waistline of the beautiful but relatively obscure 1956 Continental Mark II than from the more iconic, more design-forward suicide-doored model introduced in 1961.

But perhaps most representative of Lincoln’s schizophrenia is the response to nearly every question regarding this car’s clearly enumerated production-intent status: “It’s a concept.” Or, stated more plainly, “It’s just a concept.”

Variations of this phrase were the sole response to questions about powertrain, pricing, features, and more. And these were the responses not of jaded communications reps, but of the executives, who moments before had emphasized that the Continental concept is, as I wrote several times in my notes, emphasizing their emphasis, a “very strong hint at a production car.”

Those executives included Fields, but more importantly Kumar Gulhotra, Lincoln’s president as of last September, a position he holds alongside his title of Ford Motor Company vice president, and Lincoln’s design director David Woodhouse.

None of this is to say that the Continental isn’t impressive: in fact, it is. It’s also hugely satisfying in many ways, at least for those with automotive aesthetic tastes that span the better part of the last century. Chunky, substantial, vintage design details abound in the sleek, modern Continental’s otherwise svelte form--a form that also has hints of the 2002 concept of the same name.

The heavy, chrome-laden grille—a huge upgrade from the baleen whale of today; the transparent-chrome tail lights; the extensive use of metal in the cabin; even the new super-high-tech door handles. All of these aspects speak of a luxury of time, of mass, and of craft. It’s a refreshing design that almost borders on the cyberpunk.

The profile of the Continental concept gives us yet more hints as to the car’s role—and its nature, under the skin, too. With a short nose, a long, gracefully arched cabin, and a proportional, but snubbed, tail, the Continental concept is classic three-box sedan design with a clear emphasis on the back seat--both requisites for success in China.

That rear seat is clearly in the class of the Audi A8, Mercedes-Benz S Class, and BMW 7-Series in terms of room. In the concept, it’s more in the class of the Maybach in terms of features and equipment, with embedded computer workstations, detachable briefcases, reclining executive seats, champagne flutes embedded in the center console, and extensive hand-stitched leather and heavy chromed metal. But the car’s target competition, per Gulhotra, is the Mercedes-Benz E Class and Audi A6.

Lincoln is attempting to straddle two segments, just as it attempts to straddle two markets, as it makes its play for expanded profits. Some might argue a similar strategy worked for Cadillac with the CTS—a move only recently undone with the arrival of the on-segment ATS and new CTS. Cadillac, too, will be entering the Continental’s theoretical space at this year’s New York Auto Show, with its own CT6 large sedan.

Looking back to the Continental’s proportions, we see that short front end and very small fender-to-door distance, which gives it a somewhat futuristic look. That stubbiness also intimates the powertrain layout: the new 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine will most likely be transversely mounted, with front-wheel drive the standard and all-wheel drive available. For most, this is the rational choice.

For fans of the original Continentals—and for those hoping for a return to some of that old-school engineering on top of the old-school luxury, however, it may prove a disappointment. It does make perfect sense, however, given Lincoln’s access to parent company Ford’s engineering portfolio—and don’t forget, all-wheel-drive sells luxury cars even in states and cities that rarely see true winter weather.

Ultimately, the Continental concept is an emblem, a rallying point, for Lincoln. It previews new commitments and new goals for the brand. It lights a path toward future design. But can it focus these efforts toward the new, toward life and growth rather than a navel-gazing reliance on the past, for a brand that has, for decades, stumbled in a myopic rose-tinted haze?

Hey, don’t ask so many questions. It’s just a concept.

By Justin King
Tuesday, Mar 31st, 2015 @ 1:44 pm

Bentley designers are none too pleased after seeing the first images of Lincoln's Continental concept, due to be formally unveiled this week in New York.
The British luxury automaker appears to have found a striking resemblance between Lincoln's new Continental and the Continental Flying Spur.

It is not uncommon for concepts and production vehicles to seemingly mimic design elements of rivals, but Bentley chief designer Luc Donckerwolke and exterior design head Sangyup Lee argue that Ford's luxury division took the apparent inspiration too far.

"I would have called it Flying Spur concept and kept the four round lights," Donckerwolke quipped in a Facebook post.

In a follow-up interview with Car Design News, Donckerwolke claimed that Lincoln's move is "not respectable" and building such a 'copy' is giving a bad name to the car design industry.

He took his grievance directly to Lincoln chief designer David Woodhouse, sarcastically asking "Do you want us to send the product tooling?" on Woodhouse's Facebook page.

Lincoln and parent Ford have not yet publicly chimed in on the brewing controversy.

Lincoln Continental Concept Shows the Future of Quiet Luxury and Upcoming Full-size Sedan

– Elegant, effortlessly powerful and serene, the Lincoln Continental Concept signals the brand's all-new full-size sedan coming next year and the future of quiet luxury

– Lincoln Continental Concept integrates technologies designed to create better drivers, rejuvenate and entertain passengers, including all-new, Lincoln-exclusive 3.0-liter EcoBoost® engine, patented 30-way seats and premium Revel audio system

– New Continental Concept introduces E-Latch door handles, LED matrix headlamps with laser-assist high beams and SPD SmartGlass® tinting sunroof

NEW YORK, March 30, 2015 –Lincoln today introduces the Continental Concept, signaling an all-new full-size sedan coming next year and the future of quiet luxury.

Elegant, effortlessly powerful and serene, the Continental Concept blends meticulous craftsmanship and technologies designed to create better drivers and provide passengers with a more relaxing and entertaining environment inspired by first-class travel.

"Luxury at its best is about simplifying and quietly exceeding expectations, rather than being the loudest statement on the road," said Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company president and CEO. "The Continental Concept showcases the promise of quiet luxury from Lincoln going forward. It also is a strong indication of what's to come next year as we introduce our new Lincoln Continental full-size luxury sedan."

With a sleek silhouette and a new centered chrome grille, the Continental Concept signals the arrival of a new face for Lincoln. A raised Lincoln badge is surrounded by a span of repeating polished aluminum Lincoln Star emblems.

E-Latch door handles tuck discreetly in the clean vehicle beltline. The door handle technology also provides for elegant entry. The doors open effortlessly with the touch of a button positioned on the underside of the door handle wings and close quietly.

"Some brands talk about 'the machine,' " said Kumar Galhotra, Lincoln president. "Lincoln is different. For us, it is about more than the machine. It is about what our vehicles do for our clients."

New technology is a hallmark of the vehicle. It starts with the vehicle sensing your approach and lighting up to greet you inside and out.

Outside, signature full-width tail lamps feature advanced light-through-chrome technology. Powerful LED matrix head lamps with laser-assist high beams reduce glare and improve visibility.

Rhapsody Blue metallic paint calls back Lincoln Continental's signature color.

Inside are the brand's most sensual materials ever, including Venetian leather seat and door panels, Alcantara® seat inserts and armrests, satin headliner and shearling wool carpet. Rose Gold trim around the instrument cluster provides warmth. Bright chrome trim on the instrument panel adds contrast.

Ambient lighting enhances the interior, creating a serene environment. Soft-gold LED lights glow from the center console and from the halo light overhead.

Patented 30-way Lincoln-designed seats use a new-to-market design that conforms to passengers' sizes and shapes. The passenger-side rear seat can fully recline by moving the front passenger seat forward with the touch of a button.

From a panel mounted on the through-center console, rear passengers also can control climate settings and the Revel Ultima audio system, which allows passengers to select from three surround-sound modes: Stereo, Audience and On-Stage.

Rear-seat comfort is further highlighted by an SPD SmartGlass® tinting sunroof, which allows passengers to control heat from direct sunlight. With the touch of a button, the glass can cool the vehicle interior by as much as 18 degrees Fahrenheit, while blocking 99 percent of UV rays.

Rear-seat passengers also enjoy the convenience of a tablet-supporting lap tray that deploys from the through-center console. It also features a champagne storage compartment. Detachable, hand-crafted Venetian leather travel cases are mounted to the backside of the front seats.

Under the skin, the Continental Concept is powered by a Lincoln-exclusive 3.0-liter V6 EcoBoost® engine. It also features Lincoln Drive Control ride-enhancing technologies and Adaptive Steering. The car rides on polished-aluminum, painted-pocket 21-inch wheels.

Driver assist technologies include Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Enhanced Park Assist and a 360-degree camera that displays on the MyLincoln Touch™ screen.

"The Lincoln Continental name is associated with iconic beauty and elegance," said David Woodhouse, Lincoln design director. "Capturing those qualities and building upon them drove us as we crafted this thoroughly modern sedan concept."

The clearest pictures yet of the 2017 Lincoln Continental emerged this week as a spy photographer caught a test mule leaving Ford Motor Co.’s product development center in Dearborn, Mich.

While the car has a conventional sedan shape, it appears Ford has invested heavily in the jewelry. The headlamps for instance, have five chrome-trimmed elements housed behind a plastic cover. Those oblong elements are vaguely reminiscent of the Lincoln compass logo.

The bottom section of the light assembly features a hockey-stick-shaped band of LEDs. The lights give the Continental a distinctive appearance.

The thin, full-width taillights continue the design theme that is used on the MKC utility vehicle and MKZ sedan. The reverse lights are trimmed in chrome for a more upscale look. The entire red section of the lights that stretches across the trunk lid has the same basic shape as those used on the Dodge Durango SUV.

The car in the photos appears to have a retractable full-length sunroof similar to the one used on the MKZ.

Rear ingress and egress should be easy due to the large doors, a requirement for the Chinese market.

The Lincoln Continental, introduced as a concept car at the New York auto show in April, is expected to be unveiled in production form at the Detroit auto show next month.

All-New Lincoln Continental Delivers Quiet Luxury: Elegant, Effortlessly Powerful, Serene

- Lincoln Motor Company introduces its elegant new flagship – the all-new Continental – coming this fall
- Effortless power comes from new 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces a projected 400 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque1; advanced safety technology is also featured
- Serene interior offers the comfort of Lincoln's innovative Perfect Position Seat, spaciousness, rear seat amenities, Revel® audio system and top-grade materials

DETROIT, Jan. 12, 2016 – Lincoln Motor Company heralds the return of its flagship – the all-new Lincoln Continental – an elegant, effortlessly powerful, serene full-size sedan
that delivers quiet luxury to the industry's most discerning customers.

Beginning this fall, Continental offers first-class travel for clients in America and China, bringing warm, human touches and a contemporary design.

The full-size sedan is designed to appeal to culturally progressive clients who define luxury on their own terms – craving superior quality, craftsmanship and safety.

"The Continental name has long been associated with the ultimate in Lincoln beauty and luxury," said Kumar Galhotra, president of Lincoln. "With the all-new model, we are focusing on creating more human, personally tailored experiences for our clients – providing what we call quiet luxury."

Elegance through design

All-new Continental design is thoroughly modern, with Lincoln's new signature grille and an athletic profile that is dynamic and progressive.

Lincoln's new flagship welcomes drivers with a brand-exclusive lighting sequence. As the driver approaches the car with the key, LED signature lighting in the lower front fascia and taillamps subtly engages, while signature lighting in the headlamps awakens in a fluid motion. Lincoln mat lights then brighten the pavement around the front doors, helping show any hazards, while select interior lights warmly illuminate the cabin.

Continental door handles are designed to offer elegant and effortless entry with new E-latch door release. The release is discreetly integrated within the beltline, leaving the body side clean. With the gentle touch of a button, the vehicle's doors pop open, then use available power-cinching technology to automatically close and secure.

An elegant available panoramic sunroof covers nearly the entire roof area; the front half slides up and over the rear – creating a large open-air driving experience and an even greater feeling of spaciousness for up to five Continental occupants.

Effortless power

Continental offers available technologies that help create better and safer drivers.

The all-new Lincoln-exclusive 3.0-liter V6 engine with twin turbochargers that produces a projected 400 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque1 is designed for smooth, responsive, yet quiet power.

Continental's available all-wheel-drive system is paired with Dynamic Torque Vectoring that transfers torque on demand to the appropriate rear wheel when driving through corners – providing confident handling and stability.

Lincoln Drive Control provides the driver a choice of three settings – comfort, normal and sport – adapting steering and suspension settings to tailor ride and handling.

Available adaptive steering helps optimize steering response, enabling the vehicle to react more smoothly and precisely to driver input.

Continental's Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection is designed to enhance occupant safety. A system of cameras and sensors detects if a potential collision may occur, then automatically applies the brakes, bringing the vehicle to a full stop to help avoid or reduce impact.2

Effortless assistance for the daily commute is available with optional adaptive cruise control, which can automatically slow Continental in stop-and-go traffic – resuming speed when traffic clears.

To take the stress out of parallel and perpendicular parking, the new 360-degree camera system uses views from cameras mounted in the grille, decklid and 180-degree side mirrors, then seamlessly stitches these snapshots together to create an image in the screen so the driver can see around the car – as if a camera is overhead.

Serene interior

The all-new Continental interior is designed to help all occupants rejuvenate.

One highlight is Lincoln's new Perfect Position Seats – inspired by private jets and high-end office furniture – that can adapt up to 30 ways. The patented design allows the seat to adjust to an individual's body shape and weight for optimal stretch and comfort, and includes massage, heat and cooling features. Independent thigh extensions are available to help reduce muscle fatigue.

Rear passengers can enjoy first-class travel amenities, too, with such available features as audio and climate controls, sunshades, and reclining, heated, cooled and massaging seats. The streamlined interior provides generous rear legroom.

Continental occupants also can enjoy an available Revel® audio system developed to work in concert with the interior design and acoustics, transforming the cabin into a personal amphitheater with three distinct listening modes – Stereo, Audience and On Stage. Use of the E-latch release enables optimal speaker positioning in the Continental doors, alongside the conveniently located seat controls.

Innovations in managing vehicle noise and vibration, including Active Noise Control and acoustic laminated glass create a quiet, comfortable environment conducive to conversation or contemplation.

For those seeking the highest expression of Lincoln luxury, three Lincoln Black Label designer themes are available – Chalet, Thoroughbred and Continental-exclusive Rhapsody.

Inside, opulent materials include leather seating, leather-wrapped console and instrument panel, unique stitching, genuine wood or artesian aluminum appliqués.

All models feature new design details. Stitching on the seats is specified at six to seven stitches per inch for a couture-like appearance, and the slats of the center console door are laser-cut to maximize consistency of the grain pattern.

The all-new Lincoln Continental will be produced at Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan. The Lincoln flagship goes on sale this fall.

1. Tested with 93-octane fuel.
2. Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver's judgment.