2017 Lincoln MKZ revealed - all-new 400hp/400tq V6 TT w/AWD
#77
Depending on where the Lincoln Continental nets out, the upcoming Volvo S90 may be the most expensive luxury car with a transverse engine. Whether either of these cars are taken seriously as true luxury cars remains to be seen of course. Atleast the Volvo will maintain true luxury car proportions.
#78
Depending on where the Lincoln Continental nets out, the upcoming Volvo S90 may be the most expensive luxury car with a transverse engine. Whether either of these cars are taken seriously as true luxury cars remains to be seen of course. Atleast the Volvo will maintain true luxury car proportions.
#79
I partially agree with you on this, mainly due to the growing list of so-called "entry-level" vehicles with upmarket/luxury badges on them. A traditional Tier-1 vs. Tier 2 comparison would have been something along the lines of a Lexus LS460 vs. an Acura RL (now RLX), both considered flagship sedans of their respective companies. But, today, there are so many small, compact, or otherwise less-impressive vehicles, even within traditional Tier-1 brands, that it greatly complicates direct comparisons. Take Lexus, for instance. It would be quite difficult, at least IMO, to consider a CT or an IS to be a Tier 1 luxury vehicle. Or the Infiniti Q50, Q60, or QX50. Or the Cadillac ATS. Or the Acura ILX. Or the Audi A3. Or the BMW 1 or 2-series. Yet, these vehicles carry so-called "luxury"-grade nameplates....sometimes Tier-1 names. So, my point is that there is a LOT more difference between top and entry-level vehicles of the same brand than there is between top-level (or entry-level) vehicles between different upmarket-grade brands themselves.
Last edited by Toys4RJill; 11-24-15 at 06:32 PM.
#80
http://www.topspeed.com/cars/lincoln...-ar166725.html
Just my own opinion on this, but I'd also like to see a new Chrysler Imperial or New Yorker in the picture to go toe-to-toe with the Continental and CT6. The current Chrysler 300 platform (an excellent, E-Class Mercedes-derived platform at that) is already set up for V8/RWD/AWD. I don't know if Sergio Marchionne would go for that, though....he doesn't seem very interested in that type of car. So far, though, Dodge and Chrysler have been more interested in using that platform for burnout-specials than for making a really super-luxurious version of it, like a New Yorker or Imperial would be.
Last edited by mmarshall; 11-24-15 at 06:46 PM.
#81
2017 Lincoln MKZ revealed - all-new 400hp/400tq V6 TT w/AWD
The Continental and CT6 won't be competitors really. If it turns out the way it looks like it will it will be more along the lines of the XTS
#82
What do you think of the idea for a super-luxury version of the Chrysler 300 platform as a New Yorker or Imperial (bringing back a name from the past like Lincoln did)? I modified my post above, but I don't think you saw it. The 300 uses an excellent Mercedes-derived RWD/AWD platform....but until now, it has only been used for lower-level V6 versions and stiff-riding semi-sports-sedans like the Hemi/SRT. Seems like the thought of an Imperial-type flagship, luxo-cruiser version hasn't been an option.
#84
Well, I am starting to open up to the notion that Buick, Acura, and Lincoln are all true luxury brands. I fully respect the fact that there are some RWD drive cars in the Lexus, BMW and MB line up, but Lexus is missing a lot of the upper tier of the upper MB, BMW and Audi areas such as hi tech diesels, serious twin turbos and a no excuse V12/W12. As for tiers, perhaps Lexus is in between a Tier 1 and Tier 2 brand. Even though I am starting to forget about the whole Tier idea.
#85
2017 Lincoln MKZ revealed - all-new 400hp/400tq V6 TT w/AWD
Originally Posted by mmarshall
What do you think of the idea for a super-luxury version of the Chrysler 300 platform as a New Yorker or Imperial (bringing back a name from the past like Lincoln did)? I modified my post above, but I don't think you saw it. The 300 uses an excellent Mercedes-derived RWD/AWD platform....but until now, it has only been used for lower-level V6 versions and stiff-riding semi-sports-sedans like the Hemi/SRT. Seems like the thought of an Imperial-type flagship, luxo-cruiser version hasn't been an option.
Didn't Marchionne say something about not meaning Chrysler to be a luxury brand?
#86
You may have a point about Marchionne......like I said earlier, he doesn't seem terribly interested in really upscale luxo-cruisers. Maserati, of course, a Fiat-owned brand, does sport/luxury Quattrorporte sedans here in he U.S., but almost nobody buys them.
#88
Back to the thread-topic MKZ, here's a nice video slide-show on the 2017 redesign. It gets repetitious, though, and shows some of the same shots over again. You probably won't want to sit through the whole thing, but it shows some stuff in good detail:
#89
I wouldn't consider the Acura ILX or Audi A3 true luxury sedans, either....the A3's 1.8L turbo lacks power, and its interior is too plain compared to the A4/A6. The ILX, despite excellent build-quality and precise assembly at the factory, noticeably lacks insulation and ride comfort for something in the luxury class.
As far as the new MKZ goes, like I told Steve, I want to wait until I get a chance to actually see it and test-drive it to determine if IMO it deserves to be called a luxury-grade sedan. It certainly looks better with the new Jaguar-esque front end, and the interior console-controls look a little more user-friendly, but, overall, I was not impressed with the last one at all. Time will tell.
Last edited by mmarshall; 11-24-15 at 08:53 PM.
#90
Nice change for Lincoln. I was a bit caught off guard with this MKZ major/minor, but it makes sense with the Continental Concept. I like the front of the MKZ, but the old rear and C-pillar does not flow well the new front design. The Continental Concept is more cohesive. Now it will be really exciting in 2-3 years when the car transitions fully. As it stands we get these new generation powertrains by Lincoln to tide us over, I can live with that.
I'm curious what they might rename the MKZ to. Back to Zephyr? The Continental is returning, The Navigator is staying put. Rumor has it the Aviator will rejoin the line.