Next Lincoln Navigator to drop V8 in favor of V6, but Ford Expedition might get both
#46
Lexus Fanatic
If Lincoln had their way it would adopt an interior that looks more similar to their newest products.
#47
Lead Lap
It also had to look like a classic Lincoln. The company tried big changes with most of the rest of their line-up, and where has it gotten them? Almost nowhere. Most of their newest products are panned by auto-press and customers alike. The only reason Ford is still holding on to the marque itself is that, with the disappearance of Mercury, Volvo, Jaguar, and Land Rover from the Ford stable, there is nowhere else for the corporation to turn for its upmarket/premium-level lineup. Without Lincoln, they would have nothing to compete with GM's Buick and Cadillac.
How can that be true when the MKC has not even hit the streets yet and has the new-style interior?
#48
Lexus Fanatic
Even so, younger persons, though, don't seem to be responding to Lincoln's newer products like they are to Cadillac's CTS and ATS. If Lincoln sales don't improve, they are going to be in serious trouble. And the previous Town Car customers (that car was also very popular in the limo/livery-buisness) generally don't have anywhere selse to go, either, though, as I mentioned above, some of them may (?) take a second look at the new Navigator. The standard running boards on SUVs in this class might appeal to older, less-lithe persons and the problems they would normally have getting in and out of something that high off the ground.
OK, fine, we'll just disagree on that part. No problem. Styling is often subjective, and its tastes can vary from person to person. But, in Lincoln's case, I also based my opinion on the fact that the company's best sales have generally come from their most traditional-looking products.
The former LS, I thought, was a great idea, and was much different from anything across the street at Ford dealerships. But Lincoln neglected the car, didn't market it well, and, despite repeated urgings, never gave the V8 Sport version a 5MT like it did with the V6 Sport, which hurt it with the potential BMW 5-series customers that the car was aimed at.
The Lincoln Mark-series luxury-coupes, despite the fact that some of them were done on a RWD T-Bird chassis, were also quite different from most Fords. Lincoln, though, just wouldn't keep them in production after the 1990s.
I was basing my comments on the images shown in this thread. Like I said several posts ago, I haven't actually seen it close-up yet. I hope to do so tomorrow at the D.C. Auto Show, if Lincoln has one on display.
The first part has nothing to do with this- the"big" changes they made have all been half-assed.
None of their models were compelling and had enough differentiation from their Ford counterparts.
The Lincoln Mark-series luxury-coupes, despite the fact that some of them were done on a RWD T-Bird chassis, were also quite different from most Fords. Lincoln, though, just wouldn't keep them in production after the 1990s.
How can that be true when the MKC has not even hit the streets yet and has the new-style interior?
Last edited by mmarshall; 01-23-14 at 01:47 PM.
#49
Can you blame them though. There's nothing smaller than the midsize MKZ sedan which gets expensive when ticking off the options box. No dedicated performance line. No current smaller sedan. The RWD coupe is still a rumor, and the next MKS which should be a better vehicle than the one it'll replace is too expensive for the younger audience. So currently you are left with the Cute-ute MKC. Hopefully it'll generate some revenue and volume for Lincoln that they can expand the line-up.
#50
Lexus Test Driver
Well, that's just it. You might refer to it as "dated", but others (me included) feel that's what makes it look like a Lincoln....the classic, squared-off styling both inside and out. There is often too much change in the auto industry (especially in styling) just for change's sake and little else. When a vehicle has a nice classic look, an automaker is wise to stick with it (or make only minimal changes)...time, in that case, won't make any difference.
#51
Lexus Test Driver
Yesterday's tease pics looked terrible. Today's pics much better. I'll happily upgrade my comments to it looks decent.
In the future, Lincoln should better control which pics get out first. First impressions are everything.
In the future, Lincoln should better control which pics get out first. First impressions are everything.
#54
Lexus Fanatic
Unfortunately, that type of mentality is what bankrupts car companies. Those who stand pat and do not update products or mesh with current trends are the ones that fall away.
GM, in particular, suffered from this during the 80's and 90's (along with other problems) and it hurt them bad.
GM, in particular, suffered from this during the 80's and 90's (along with other problems) and it hurt them bad.
But, today, there seems to be too much change simply for the sake of change's sake, and nothing else. The success of classic retro designs like the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chevy HHR, the three classic ponycars (Mustang/Camaro/Challenger), Porsche 911, VW New Beetle, and others proves that. GM and Chrysler may have indeed gone bankrupt, but it sure wasn't because of those designs. They went bankrupt because they built low-quality cars with poor fit/finish and lousy materials.
Today, no car company is making it a goal to appeal to older (classic) people who aren't going to be around or buy/lease a new car or truck every two to three years. It's not where the money is and it does not build future generation sales.
#56
Lexus Fanatic
#58