Lincoln MKZ Concept

 

The MKZ Concept presented at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show previews an upcoming production model and redefines Lincoln’s design direction.

Based on the same platform of the Ford Fusion, the MKZ Concept is a close-to-production sedan that will be launched in mid-2012.
 
The exterior design features a balanced body volume with a flowing silhouette that gently connects the roofline to the tail profile, giving a look that sits between the a three-box sedan and a pure hatchback.
 
The front end is characterized by a new interpretation of the trademark grille, which includes two wing-shaped elements that feature horizontal bars and integrate the headlights.

The car’s sides feature smooth surfaces and a sharp, arched character line that runs just below the high waist line, defining the car’s shoulders.

The interiorcontinues the “warm tones” theme with a taupe/cream scheme.

Among the main design elements are the modern dashboard, the partially floating center tunnel, the back-lit logo on the sill plate and the original storages integrated in the rear of the front seats. The leather seats feature a distinctive perforation pattern.

After the video we report selected information from the official press release.

Exterior Design

“The MKZ Concept’s shape is a vision of simplicity completed with just a few strokes,” said Max Wolff, Lincoln design director.

“Our movement as a brand is toward something we call elegant simplicity. It’s something warmer and more restrained, which is moving away from complex designs and traditional luxury.”

Warm hues are evident in every aspect of the new vehicle’s Cognac-colored exterior. The deep finish is achieved with a rich base coat covered in multiple layers of tinted clear-coat finishes.

By retaining key, recognizable brand design elements, the MKZ Concept remains clearly identifiable as a Lincoln. One example is the reinterpretation of the split-wing grille, introduced on the 1938 Lincoln-Zephyr.
The sedan’s profile is dominated by a long, sleek and sweeping roofline that allows the design to break away from the traditional sedan three-box shape.

The lengthening of the roofline enables a more flowing, elegant and more naturally aerodynamic appearance.

A panoramic glass roof spans uninterrupted from the windshield to the top of the backlight. Integrated into the sedan’s aluminum and boron steel superstructure, the fixed-glass expanse extends to the side roof rails of the cabin, creating an airy, open interior.

LED technology enabled an extremely thin and distinctive full-width tail lamp graphic. Exhaust tips are cleanly integrated into the rear fascia.

Interior Design

The Lincoln MKZ Concept’s four-seat interior is open, warm and inviting. “The front graphic is repeated in the dramatic sweep of the instrument panel, helping tie the interior to the exterior.”

“These flowing forms create a comfortable and functional interior that particularly appeals to the younger, more diverse customers we are targeting,” said Wolff.

Innovative interior features include push-button transmission gear selection, an open, tiered center console and liquid crystal instrumentation.

The reconfigurable 10.1-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) LCD positioned ahead of the driver operates with the latest version of MyLincoln TouchTMas does the nearly flush-mounted center 8-inch LCD touch screen.

Interior materials include poplar wood, aluminum in bright and satin finishes as well as leather.
Champagne-colored leather seats with dark taupe accents feature a champagne perforation pattern, so-called because the perforations on the seat backs conjure the image of champagne bubbles rising from the bottom of a glass.

Technical Features

The Lincoln MKZ Concept is based on an all-new midsize platform, and can be equipped with multiple powertrain options in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.

The Lincoln MKZ Concept features Lincoln Drive Control and the Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) adjustable suspension.

Lincoln’s design

During the past 14 months, Lincoln has built a dedicated team – including designers, engineers, quality and manufacturing experts as well as marketing and sales leaders. The team includes people from luxury brands, some outside of automotive.

“This team wakes up every morning thinking about Lincoln – and only Lincoln,” Fields said. “These are the people committed to delivering world-class vehicles with a customer experience to match.”
Many of the new team members begin working this year in the all-new Lincoln Design Studio in Dearborn, Mich.

Under Wolff’s direction, construction of the 40,000-square-foot studio began in early 2011 and ultimately will house more than 180 modelers, engineers, stylists and designers in a space that encourages creativity and collaboration.

“This is the first time Lincoln has had its own studio since the 1970s,” said Wolff.

“Having our own space is critical to the continued development of the brand. We are passionate about creating beautiful, even seductive, vehicles – and the MKZ Concept marks just the beginning.”

“Lincoln is an important part of our company’s success,” said Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company president of The Americas.

“The luxury piece of the industry is significant. In any given year in the U.S., the luxury segment is 11 to 13 percent of overall sales, and it is important for us to win customers in the luxury market with strong new vehicles. That is a key reason we have invested so heavily in Lincoln.”

Source: Lincoln/carbodydesign

Lincoln MKC Concept

With the MKC Concept presented at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show Lincoln previews its first model in the compact luxury crossover segment.

The MKC Concept translates the design language introduced by Lincoln in 2012 with the MKZ into a compact crossover layout – currently the industry’s fastest-growing market segment.

Exterior Design

Based on the Ford Escape platform, the MKC’s exterior is characterized by a dynamic stance, with an arched roofline and a rising belt line and large 20-inch wheels framed by flared wheel-arches.

“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 surface treatment adopts sculpted surfaces with sharp crease lines. In side view, the main design element is the sharp character line that extends from the headlight to the rear tailgate, giving shape to two muscular shoulder and washing out under the B-pillar.

The front end features the signature split-wing grille – a styling cue introduced with the Zephyr in the 1930s, and reinterpreted with the 2012 MKZ.

The rear end is characterized by the full-width tail-lights – showcasing the same theme as the MKZ – and the distinctive clamshell liftgate, which is executed with side-view cutline that underlines the horizontal lines of the rear section.

“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 adds.

The refined execution is completed with the frameless windows and the large fixed panoramic roof that runs the length of the vehicle.

The concept shown at the Geneva show was painted in a high-end cream- based color, with a tri-metallic coat.

Interior Design

The four-passenger interior is characterized by natural, premium materials.

“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.
Smooth, premium leather wraps the seats, pillars, door trim uppers, armrests, bolsters, console side rails, instrument panel and cargo area.
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.

“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.”

Lincoln MKC Concept dimensions

• Wheelbase: 106.9 in./2,717.2 mm
• Overall length: 179.3 in./4,550 mm
• Width without mirrors: 76.1 in./1,932.6 mm
• Width with mirrors: 80 in./2,032.3 mm
• Height: 63.2 in./1,607.1 mm

Source:  carbodydesign

1921 Lincoln Model L

Tourer Coachwork: Murray

The Lincoln Motor Company was established in 1917 by entrepreneur Henry Leland. He had previously started the Cadillac Motor Company in 1903 from the remains of Henry Ford's second failed attempt to start an auto company (Henry's third attempt resulted in the Ford Motor Company we know today).

Leland's Lincolns were well-built but very expensive, and somewhat bland in design. Ford Motor Company acquired Lincoln in 1922 and Edsel Ford, Henry's son, was put in charge. He used his natural design instincts to lead Lincoln to build beautiful, luxurious cars.

The Lincoln L model was introduced in 1920 and was powered by a 357.8 cubic-inch V8 engine producing 90 horsepower, riding on a 130 inch wheelbase and weighing in at 2490 pounds. It was priced at $4,300. The large body built by Murray features unique features such as a 'fat man' steering wheel that folds out of the way for ease of entry and a cigar lighter that extends from a reel to reach throughout the interior. All of the bright metal on the car is pewter, including the decorative headlight surrounds. This car is the second oldest Leland-built Lincoln known to exist.

1917 Model L Lincoln

Chassis Num: 5189

After leaving Cadillac in 1917 Henry M. Leland formed the Lincoln Motor Company to build aircraft motors. After the war, the company retooled to manufacture luxury automobile. Encountering severe financial troubles during these transitional years it was subsequently bought in 1922 by the Ford Motor company for $8 million dollars. This vehicle was one of 441, four passenger two door coupes produced in 1922 model year. The list price was $3900 for an eight cylinder well designed quality motor car.

Among the features in this model were; 'fat man Steering wheel,' two position headlamps and tinted windshield visor. Ford Motor Company reduced the cost of the Lincoln models and improved the sales greatly over previous year totals.

 Source - Frick Car Museum