Joeychgo
August 18th, 2006, 12:56 PM
August 13, 2006
by Dan Fritter / American Auto Press
Ford Confirms New Range Topping Lincoln
For years the Town Car has filled the top spot in Lincolns lineup. A huge yacht of a car, it has sold surprisingly well, no doubt the product of a captive market of geriatrics whove no other choice when it comes to full-frame, rear-wheel drive, four door American luxury sedans. Beyond that market, the Town Car has had limited appeal to those with broader horizons, with its limo-service looks and mediocre interior driving many would-be buyers towards much fresher, and downright better-built luxury sedans.
And when it comes to better luxury sedans, there is simply no domestic equivalent to the European super saloons from the likes of BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, Bentley, Rolls Royce, et al. And while at first glance such a comparison hardly seems fair, recalling Lincolns early pre-war days confirms the marques pedigree sufficiently worthy. Early Zephyrs and Continentals were truly world class automobiles, and while the 70s, 80s and 90s saw the Lincoln name fall from grace, FoMoCo is looking to restore some of the brands former luster with this: the Lincoln MKS.
While certainly not as endearing as some of Lincolns previous model names, the MKS shows a lot of promise. Expectedly based on the Volvo S80s platform, the new flagship interprets Lincolns new, modern design language into a full-size luxury sedan that leaves the recently remodeled (2003) Town Car looking like the ugly sibling.
Shown in concept form earlier this year, the MKS sports a decidedly aggressive front fascia that is sure to be a hit with potential buyers, regardless of whether they watch the NBA or the PGA. The same wide, shiny grille that earned the Navigator its street cred and the current Zephyr/MKZ its good looks is slightly more angular here, and flows upwards to the tapering projector-beam headlamps. Bulging ducts house fog lights in the corners, and a low front air dam contrasts black plastic corners with body-colored bumpers and a second chrome grille below the large, main grille. The front fenders are adorned with very Range Rover-esque vents while the window line mimics that of an Infiniti, but unfortunately, the bottom of the car is ringed in very American black plastic, cheapening the look somewhat. Out back, the concept cars sculpted exhaust tips probably wont see production, but hopefully the unique trunk and taillight shapes will.
Inside, the concept set itself apart from its European counterparts with a drop-dead gorgeous blend of satin aluminum accents, bright wood trim and lusty black leather that suited the white leather interior perfectly. If the production model retains even half the concepts interior appeal, Lincoln should have no trouble selling their latest creation.
And given what it should be based on, the MKS will be an undoubtedly safe, comfortable place to be too, and with the lessons learned with the critically acclaimed LS sports sedan, the new car should ride and drive as good as it looks.
set itself apart from its European counterparts with a drop-dead gorgeous blend of satin aluminum accents, bright wood trim and lusty black leather that suited the white leather interior perfectly. If the production model retains even half the concepts interior appeal, Lincoln should have no trouble selling their latest creation.
And given what it should be based on, the MKS will be an undoubtedly safe, comfortable place to be too, and with the lessons learned with the critically acclaimed LS sports sedan, the new car should ride and drive as good as it looks.
The new-look MKS Lincoln flagship should help the brand complete their image. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)
http://car-reviews.automobile.com/images/cars/ArtImages/67316/alt.jpg
by Dan Fritter / American Auto Press
Ford Confirms New Range Topping Lincoln
For years the Town Car has filled the top spot in Lincolns lineup. A huge yacht of a car, it has sold surprisingly well, no doubt the product of a captive market of geriatrics whove no other choice when it comes to full-frame, rear-wheel drive, four door American luxury sedans. Beyond that market, the Town Car has had limited appeal to those with broader horizons, with its limo-service looks and mediocre interior driving many would-be buyers towards much fresher, and downright better-built luxury sedans.
And when it comes to better luxury sedans, there is simply no domestic equivalent to the European super saloons from the likes of BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, Bentley, Rolls Royce, et al. And while at first glance such a comparison hardly seems fair, recalling Lincolns early pre-war days confirms the marques pedigree sufficiently worthy. Early Zephyrs and Continentals were truly world class automobiles, and while the 70s, 80s and 90s saw the Lincoln name fall from grace, FoMoCo is looking to restore some of the brands former luster with this: the Lincoln MKS.
While certainly not as endearing as some of Lincolns previous model names, the MKS shows a lot of promise. Expectedly based on the Volvo S80s platform, the new flagship interprets Lincolns new, modern design language into a full-size luxury sedan that leaves the recently remodeled (2003) Town Car looking like the ugly sibling.
Shown in concept form earlier this year, the MKS sports a decidedly aggressive front fascia that is sure to be a hit with potential buyers, regardless of whether they watch the NBA or the PGA. The same wide, shiny grille that earned the Navigator its street cred and the current Zephyr/MKZ its good looks is slightly more angular here, and flows upwards to the tapering projector-beam headlamps. Bulging ducts house fog lights in the corners, and a low front air dam contrasts black plastic corners with body-colored bumpers and a second chrome grille below the large, main grille. The front fenders are adorned with very Range Rover-esque vents while the window line mimics that of an Infiniti, but unfortunately, the bottom of the car is ringed in very American black plastic, cheapening the look somewhat. Out back, the concept cars sculpted exhaust tips probably wont see production, but hopefully the unique trunk and taillight shapes will.
Inside, the concept set itself apart from its European counterparts with a drop-dead gorgeous blend of satin aluminum accents, bright wood trim and lusty black leather that suited the white leather interior perfectly. If the production model retains even half the concepts interior appeal, Lincoln should have no trouble selling their latest creation.
And given what it should be based on, the MKS will be an undoubtedly safe, comfortable place to be too, and with the lessons learned with the critically acclaimed LS sports sedan, the new car should ride and drive as good as it looks.
set itself apart from its European counterparts with a drop-dead gorgeous blend of satin aluminum accents, bright wood trim and lusty black leather that suited the white leather interior perfectly. If the production model retains even half the concepts interior appeal, Lincoln should have no trouble selling their latest creation.
And given what it should be based on, the MKS will be an undoubtedly safe, comfortable place to be too, and with the lessons learned with the critically acclaimed LS sports sedan, the new car should ride and drive as good as it looks.
The new-look MKS Lincoln flagship should help the brand complete their image. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)
http://car-reviews.automobile.com/images/cars/ArtImages/67316/alt.jpg