All-New 2015 Lincoln MKC Provides Fresh Choice For Small Premium Utility Customers

NEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2013 – The Lincoln Motor Company’s reinvention takes a major step forward  with the unveiling of the all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC small premium utility vehicle.

The Lincoln MKC is a unique creation from the ground up with an assortment of first-in-class features. Its all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine offers excellent performance while its ingeniously implemented wraparound liftgate is an example of masterful customer convenience.

The luxurious interior embraces driver and passengers alike, and its new and innovative technology personalizes the MKC ownership experience. Lincoln MKC follows the MKZ sedan to become the second all-new Lincoln in as many years as the brand continues its reinvention.

“Lincoln MKC is a perfect blend of inspired automotive design and dynamic driving performance in a segment that has grown in popularity in recent years,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president of Ford global marketing, sales and service and Lincoln. “As a challenger luxury brand, entering this segment is a natural next step for us. MKC will do more than just compete – it will change the way people think about Lincoln.”

Building the Right Vehicle at the Right Time

Lincoln MKC – first introduced as a concept vehicle at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit – represents a critical milestone in the company’s plan to expand its lineup.

Arriving on the heels of the all-new and successful 2013 Lincoln MKZ sedan, MKC becomes the second new vehicle in the brand’s plans to introduce four new luxury vehicles by 2016.

MKC gives Lincoln a compelling offering in the small premium utility vehicle segment, the fastest-growing part of the luxury market. The segment has grown by 25 percent since 2012 and by more than 200 percent since 2009. The segment growth is being driven by new luxury buyers who are coming into affluence, as well as by current luxury owners who are moving from larger vehicles to smaller ones as their life desires change.

With MKC, Lincoln continues its move toward targeting a younger, more diverse customer. The vehicle also positions Lincoln to resonate with drivers in desirable markets on the East and West coasts.  

Designed to Inspire Inside and Out

The Lincoln design team faced the dual challenge of creating a standout vehicle in a competitive field, while further refining the Lincoln design DNA that started with the 2013 MKZ. From its signature split-wing grille to its uniquely crafted, hands-free wraparound liftgate, the Lincoln DNA is evident.

“Our design team worked tirelessly to create a vehicle that attracts new customers to the brand while meeting the expectations of longtime Lincoln drivers,” said Max Wolff, director, Lincoln Design. “The execution of the new liftgate is a prime example of how a premium design element can create a better customer experience.”

MKC presents a sleek, sculpted body that helps it stand out among peers. Its high beltline and low shoulders create a sturdy, athletic presence, while features such as soft exterior lighting, pedestal side-view mirrors and an available panoramic, all-glass Vista Roof® give the vehicle a luxurious, sophisticated personality. 

The unique design also carries through to the interior, where craftsmanship and high-tech combine to offer a warm, luxurious environment. An architecturally unique instrument panel showcases Lincoln’s signature push-button gear shifter, which provides an open, inviting interior space. Plush leathers with French stitching, and available Bridge of Weir leather and real wood trim accentuate MKC’s elegance and grace.

“We gave attention to every detail to convey a stylish, fashion-oriented vehicle,” said Soo Kang, Lincoln interior design chief. “Our use of colors, materials, stitching – every detail was considered to create an overall luxurious experience.”

To be more consistent with the Lincoln driving experience, an all-new Lincoln steering wheel debuts on MKC and will be available on all future Lincoln vehicles. This highly tactile leather-wrapped wheel provides better feeling and control and puts the brand’s new design DNA in the driver’s hands.  

The enhanced THX® II Certified Audio System, an industry-first featuring THX-distributed bass technology and 14 right-, center- and left-slot speaker assemblies, is available. The state-of-the-art audio system delivers a rich, immersive surround sound experience that reproduces music as it was mixed in the studio.

SYNC® with MyLincoln Touch™ enables drivers to personalize MKC by using voice-activated commands or simple touch controls on the class-exclusive 8-inch touch screen. Knobs and buttons on the center console provide additional and easy access to control the air conditioning and sound system. 

Lincoln Luxury Meets Dynamic Performance

When equipped with the all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, MKC offers a projected 275 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 300 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm, according to preliminary test data. Class-exclusive Active Grille Shutters are designed to help improve MKC fuel efficiency at highway speeds.

MKC comes standard with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged engine, projected to produce 240 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 270 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm, according to preliminary test data. This makes Lincoln MKC an all-EcoBoost vehicle.

MKC comes standard with front-wheel drive and 18-inch wheels. Drivers can upgrade to Lincoln’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and 19-inch wheels for enhanced cornering and handling and an even sportier look.

The Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system also includes Continuously Controlled Damping. Drivers can use Lincoln Drive Control to select from sport, comfort and normal drive modes to cater to their driving mood. CCD constantly monitors the road; the suspension reacts on average within 20 milliseconds, providing a smooth ride with enhanced handling.

CCD also is available in the standard front-wheel drive configuration of MKC.

“The width of MKC’s track has been set to allow the designers the freedom to create a planted stance for the vehicle, and it provided engineers the opportunity to minimize body roll and give the vehicle a more sporty feel,” said Lisa Drake, MKC chief engineer.

Technology Provides Protection, Confidence

MKC offers advanced technology such as collision warning with brake support, a Lane-Keeping System and driver assist to help drivers avoid common accidents. The collision warning system is designed to alert the driver if it detects a potential front-end crash. The system issues an audible alert in the cabin, a visual alert on the windshield and automatic brake assist sensitivity.

MKC introduces available park-out assist technology, a class-exclusive feature that enhances the vehicle’s active park assist capabilities. Where active park assist helps guide drivers into tight parallel parking situations, park-out assist steers drivers out of tight parking spots. 

The vehicle’s Lane-Keeping System uses rearview mirror-mounted cameras to identify lane markers and help drivers avoid unintentionally straying from their lane. Dashboard-mounted cameras monitor driver alertness. If the system detects a driver’s alertness level dropping below a given threshold, a warning is issued via a chime and a pop-up message appears on the left-hand cluster screen.

MKC also offers a standard Blind Spot Information System, which continuously monitors the vehicle’s blind spots with radar sensors, and class-exclusive cross-traffic alert, which detects traffic as the vehicle backs from a parking space.

Driver confidence and safety is furthered by the inclusion of seven standard airbags, including a class-exclusive driver’s knee airbag. In preparing MKC for the road, the vehicle was subjected to 5,000 virtual and real-world crash tests and a variety of conditions.

Experience Lincoln’s Uniquely Warm Reception

MKC will greet owners with exclusive Approach Detection, which senses when an owner is near and responds by illuminating “welcome mats” on the ground next to both front doors. Simultaneously, headlamps, taillamps and door handles glow with soft lighting tuned to complement the vehicle’s exterior color.

MKC will be the first Lincoln to have always-on built-in connectivity, allowing owners to utilize a smartphone app to control the vehicle. With the MyLincoln Mobile™ app, MKC owners can start, lock, unlock and locate the vehicle, as well as set interior temperature gauges.

Drivers also can use the app to place a call for roadside assistance, monitor the vehicle’s fuel level, check tire pressure and battery status, and program engine start times to allow the vehicle to heat or cool to comfortable levels.

Lincoln MKC production is slated to begin in the second quarter of 2014 at Louisville Assembly Plant in Louisville, Ky. Vehicles are due in showrooms next summer.

Source: Ford.com

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INTRODUCING

LINCOLN BLACK LABEL

Welcome to Lincoln Black Label, a premium ownership experience designed exclusively for the Lincoln driver. It begins with selecting a design theme from our collection to best fit your tastes. Each theme comes with unique interior and exterior offerings made to incredibly high standards solely for Lincoln Black Label. Your experience continues with a host of services and benefits like Lincoln has never offered before. Owning a luxury vehicle has never been like this.

ON YOUR TERMS

A choice of three specialty collection themes that reflect your individual style, as well as a dedicated Lincoln Black Label team that knows your tastes and anticipates your needs.

AT YOUR LEISURE

Online tools and a dedicated liaison let you interact with Lincoln on your schedule throughout the shopping, purchase and ownership experiences.

AT YOUR SERVICE

Seamless service that works with your schedule, values your time and adapts to your preferences.

REDEFINING A CLASSIC

For those who appreciate a tasteful, modern aesthetic, we offer this fresh take on a classic. The black-and-white interior is highlighted by subtle red accents. The soft, clean interior feels warm and inviting. Black Argento wood trim complements this neo-traditional design.

A FEELING LIKE NO OTHER

Fine chocolate ignites our senses like nothing else, and this interior aspires to do the same. Uncommonly soft, beautiful leather, with a subtle antiqued finish, adds richness and depth to the interior color palette of “Ganache” and “Truffle”. The Ziricote wood, found on high end yachts and fine musical instruments, is now being used for the first time in an automobile. It features a stunning natural grain and warmth with no dyes or stains needed.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Inspired equally by the fashion world and the theater district, this interior is for those with an eye for the dramatic. The jet black cabin with Foxfire Red headliner captures the excitement of standing center stage. Italian-made accents throughout the vehicle add a lush texture. Designer Black Tie wood brings even more elegance to this stylish interior.

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Lincoln Vehicles

2011 marked the start of the Lincoln brand's dramatic transformation. To support this effort, we pulled together a dedicated team of engineering, marketing, sales and service professionals, and consolidated dealers in the top 130 luxury markets. We also refreshed the MKS full-size sedan and MKT three row crossover for launch this year. With the unveiling of the all-new 2013 MKZ, this compelling new Lincoln design direction was fully realized.

New technologies on the Lincoln MKS and MKT deliver more power, better fuel economy and an even more engaging driving experience, giving full-size luxury sedan and crossover customers fresh reasons to consider Lincoln. The MKZ Concept, which debuted at the North American International Auto Show to widespread acclaim, signals a significant step in Lincoln’s reinvention, providing a clear vision of its next-generation vehicles.

 

2013 Lincoln MKZ

 

Through dealer consolidation, we are now better able to compete in the top 130 luxury markets. We see a key opportunity in winning a core group of luxury customers who are looking for new and personalized experiences, along with standout designs that represent a better value than those offered by other premium manufacturers. Customer Service initiatives feature two-person teams to assist customers, as well as service bay cameras that allow customers to use their mobile devices to observe work being performed on their vehicles.

Lincoln plans to offer seven new or significantly refreshed products by 2015.

Source: ford.com

New Lincoln Black Label Collection For The Luxury Customer Previewed Aat Pebble Beach

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif., Aug. 15, 2013 – Lincoln, the luxury automobile brand, today previewed Lincoln Black Label, a collection of ultra-premium exterior and interior themes mated to an even higher level of personal services and experiences that mark the next step in the brand’s reinvention.

Showcased on an all-new MKZ and the MKC Concept, Lincoln Black Label eventually will be available on every new Lincoln vehicle. This full-range availability enables more vehicles in the model portfolio to be equipped with this higher-level expression of luxury than currently offered by any competitor.

“The new Lincoln Motor Company is built on three foundational elements – design, quality and personal service; Black Label represents our highest expression of these elements,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president of Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln.

“The progressive luxury client craves to know the story behind the products and services they engage – they want to feel that personal connection. That’s at the heart of Black Label; we want to provide special experiences for every Black Label client before, during and after they choose their new Lincoln vehicle.”

Lincoln and Black Label dealers will collaborate to create a consistent, personal and integrated client shopping and ownership experience. The entire process will provide respect for the luxury of time with a complete suite of elevated customer services to be unveiled at the time of Black Label market introduction.

Limited-edition design themes, ultra-premium materials, meticulous execution and elevated client service will be the hallmarks of Lincoln Black Label.

Black Label was conceived and designed by a select Lincoln Design team to reflect the breadth of the brand. In its earlier days, Lincoln was a favorite vehicle for unique, sophisticated and luxurious bespoke exterior and interior themes. This has inspired a new direction to provide a higher level of luxury available to all clients of the brand – not just those who purchase the most expensive, top-of-range models.

Creating a family of elegant themes that represents confidence and sophistication, each of the three interior environments presented at the preview is coordinated with exclusive exterior colors.

The materials for each interior environment have been selected to reflect the team’s desire to create a warm and sophisticated package that also tells a story.

After starting with nearly two dozen concepts, the Lincoln Black Label design team honed in on a select few themes, each inspired by trends in fashion, food and architecture as well as lifestyles and experiences.

“Each of the theme-based offerings from Black Label is designed with a specific customer profile in mind,” said Susan Lampinen, group chief designer, Color and Material Design. “Lincoln Black Label will offer a variety of choices as well as a narrative that speaks to luxury clients – we want them to feel a personal connection with the theme and see themselves in the car.”

Lincoln Black Label themes
Center Stage, inspired by fashion and theater, is designed for the most expressive clients. The Jet Black interior is highlighted by a Foxfire Red headliner, capturing the drama of being in a dark theater with the impact of a rich, deep red accent color. Alcantara suede with uniquely designed perforation adds plush texture to the doors and seats.

Indulgence is inspired by the lure of premium chocolate to ignite a rich sensory experience. Ganache- and Truffle-colored Venetian leather with a subtle antiqued finish adds richness and depth. The Ziricote wood trim features a beautiful natural grain and color inherent in the wood with no added dyes or stains. This wood - new to the automotive industry - is often used in high-end yachts.

Modern Heritage offers a fresh take on the classic black-and-white interior with subtle red accents. Designed for the client who appreciates a clean, modern aesthetic, the soft white interior is warm and inviting. Renewed and engineered wood trim - imbued with metal flake between its layers - creates a sparkling effect to stylishly highlight this modern classic design. 

The selection of Lincoln MKZs with Black Label execution includes:
• Indulgence with Chroma Couture exterior and Truffle interior
• Center Stage with Black Tie exterior and Jet Black with Foxfire Red accents interior
• Modern Heritage with Confidential White tri-coat exterior with Vianca interior

MKC Concept features Chroma Flame exterior with its Modern Heritage theme.

Material selection, meticulous execution and craftsmanship will elevate Lincoln Black Label vehicles. Lincoln Black Label materials experts examined options from the entire sphere of luxury offerings to create the Black Label palette.

“Because Lincoln Black Label is our highest offering of the expression of personal luxury, we took our materials selections personally as well,” said Lampinen. “We believe this personal touch and involvement will help separate Lincoln from other offerings.”

Specialty leathers: Carefully selected and engineered to deliver the softest feel with a premium appearance, the seats are made from Venetian leather. Custom-made for Lincoln Black Label, less than 1 percent of hides globally meet the requirements for becoming Venetian leather.

The instrument panel, center console and doors are leather-wrapped and stitched. Subtle Diamond-L and Linking-L perforation patterns specially designed for Black Label accent the seats and door trim.

Natural woods: Sought out globally and selected for maximum richness of color and grain, these woods for the instrument panel, door appliqués and steering wheel bezel complement the themes. The Ziricote wood used with Indulgence was selected because its natural beauty resonates without stains or dyes.

Alcantara®: A long-recognized premium material associated with high design in a variety of industries, including interior design, consumer electronics and aviation, as well as automotive, Lincoln designers specifically selected it to wrap the headliners, visors and pillars and to trim the floor mats.

Clients interested in acquiring a Lincoln Black Label-equipped vehicle will find the shopping and selection process personal and enjoyable. Whether a client’s first point of contact is through the Lincoln website or at the dealership, Black Label experts will guide them through the process. Lincoln Black Label is intended to launch near the end of 2014.

“Lincoln Black Label will offer an experience for our clients that will engage them, not overwhelm them,” said Farley. “Lincoln Black Label is another important step in our brand’s reinvention to appeal to a whole new group of progressive luxury clients.”

Source: ford.com

Lincoln Needs A Flagship

Lincolns were iconic vehicles for decades and had a style that set them apart from nearly car on the road. They don't build Town Cars or Lincoln Continetals any more. The new commercials for the Lincoln Motor Company won't lead me into a showroom. The new TV spots only serve to remind us of what's been lost. They need a flagship and there is nothing on the horizon.

You Could Go On A Fox Hunt In Your '56 Lincoln!

'57 Lincoln Premiere

Lincoln Luxury Car

Something like this would restore the Lincoln Motor Company, build something on the level with Bentley and Rolls-Royce but price it below them. The Luxury Fords won't make a splash in the market, Lincoln needs a big hitter, a modern Continental is the machine they need, but will we ever see it again in the showroom?

Modern Continental

The Lincoln Motor Company could use a real flagship sedan, imagine a modern Continental! RWD with a supercharged 5.8 V8! If Lincoln wants to increase sales they need something to compete with the Cadillac CTS and the European Luxury sedans.

1956-1957 Continental Mark II

Cool '56 Lincoln!

Merry Christmas

The Wreath Is On The Door

The wreath is on the door
And the snow is on the tree
God has laid His holy hands
On all that we can see.

Be quick to raise your voice
And praise what He has brought.
Keep now His love in every choice
And Christmas in every thought.

Merry Christmas

Huge JFK Auction Includes Two Classic Lincolns

Want to own a piece of American history? Perhaps you should consider 35th President John F. Kennedy's limousine, a 1960 Lincoln Continental, or the last car he safely rode in before his assassination, a 1963 Lincoln Continental convertible. Both of them will be up for sale at the Camelot: Fifty Years after Dallas auction on October 24, a JFK 50th anniversary auction in Boston.



Click Here for pictures of the 1960 Lincoln Continental.

The black 1960 Continental was part of the presidential motorcade and is bulletproof. The body has been restored to the tune of about $35,000, according to RR Auctions, but the interior was left alone. That's okay, because the winning bidder will be able to enjoy lounging in the well-preserved seats and stepping on the original tan carpeting, just as President Kennedy did. The next owner can even play President, with a divider window, passenger air controls and a two-way telephone - if a chauffeur is hired, of course. The starting bid for the Continental is $25,000.

The other car is more historically relevant (but in this writer's eye, less beautiful), and commands a starting bid of $50,000. The white, convertible 1963 Continental was the last car President Kennedy rode in before his assassination in Dallas - with a notarized document by the car's owner at the time as proof. It was used to transport the President, his wife, Jacqeuline, and Texas governor John Connally "from a breakfast and speech at the Texas Hotel ballroom through the streets of Fort Worth to Carswell Air Force Base, where they boarded a short flight to Dallas on the morning of November 22, 1963," according to RR Auctions. Lincoln specialist Baker Restoration in Connecticut restored the car, which included an engine replacement, body work and paint. Most of the interior, including the seats, are in original condition.

The two cars are for sale amongst 290 other JFK-related items, such as the controversial sixth-floor window of the Texas School Book Depository through which Lee Harvey Oswald shot President Kennedy. Oswald's wedding band is also up for auction, as is his United States Marine Corps raincoat, stenciled with his name. Read more about the auction, including other items up for auction, in the press release below.

UPDATE: A previous version of this post incorrectly referred to the 1960 Lincoln Continental as a stretch – the text has been corrected.

Source: RR Auction

2015 Lincoln MKC Production Version Presentation

Lincoln has fully revealed the production version of the MKC, following a concept shown at the beginning of the year at NAIAS. It will reach dealerships next summer.

Click Here to watch the video.

Source: Youtube.com

2015 Lincoln MKC Aims To Rejuvenate The Brand... Again

Ford is slowly but surely attempting to revitalize the Lincoln brand, with the new MKZ sedan pointing the way forward for the Blue Oval's struggling luxury division. Here at the LA Auto Show, Lincoln is showing the next new product that aims to give the brand new life, the 2015 MKC crossover.

The MKC is based on the trusty Ford Escape, but this is far more than just a rebadge job. Lincoln has used completely new sheetmetal here, with the brand's familiar split-wing grille front and center, and a classy, wraparound tailgate with super slim taillamps that span the width of the hatchback. It's one of the better applications of Lincoln's new design language we've seen thus far, and the end result is a taut-looking crossover that is at the same time both modern and luxurious-looking.

Further differentiating itself from the Escape, the MKC packs an all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, good for 275 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. (On the base end, Ford's 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with 240 hp and 270 lb-ft is available.) The MKC also uses a new Continuously Controlled Damping adaptive suspension, and is available with both front- and all-wheel drive.

The compact crossover segment is hugely important in the US market, and with a fresh-faced product with solid architecture, the MKC looks to be a pretty solid offering. We'll get our first taste of the new Lincoln MKC sometime next year, with cars hitting dealerships in the summer.

Click Here to view other pictures.

Source: Lincoln