Lincoln Shakeups Continue as Ford Lays Down the Law for its Luxury Brand

After rejuvenating Ford and euthanizing Mercury, FoMoCo is finally ready to take its top-tier brand seriously. This means it will set standards for Lincoln by taking cues from true premium marques.

Ford recently spoke with its remaining 1,100 Lincoln dealers and spelled out a plan - or provided them with an ultimatum - that will hopefully please and attract customers while allowing for time to re-characterize and rebuild the ailing luxury brand. If these requests aren't met by October 1st, Ford just won't think dealers are committed enough to continue selling Lincolns.

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Next Lincoln Models to get Unique Designs and Different Technology than Fords

According to an Automotive News report, future Lincoln vehicles will be heavily differentiated from their Ford counterparts, as the two brands will no longer share design cues and technology.

“The strategy isn't just new products, but full differentiation from the Ford brand in not only design, but in technology”, said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of global product development, on the sidelines of the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

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Ford Recalling F-Series Trucks, Edge and Lincoln MKX Over Fire Hazard

Nearly 15,000 Ford trucks and crossovers are being recalled in the States because of problems with electrical systems that can short and create a fire. The recall concerns certain 2011MY Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550 and Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles.

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2011 Lincoln Luxury Sports Sedan MKZ Hybrid

NEW YORK, March 31, 2010 – Lincoln today introduces its first hybrid – the new 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid – a premium midsize car poised to be the most fuel-efficient luxury sports sedan in America.

2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

“Today’s luxury customers do not want to make sacrifices. Lincoln has found a way to deliver a luxury sports sedan with the comforts they expect, the technology they want and the environmental responsibility society demands,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group Vice President, Global Product Development.

Ford’s latest hybrid sports sedan, the 2011 Lincoln MKZ has finally lifted off its covers at the New York Auto Show. Using its second generation of hybrid technology, the company aims to ‘further broaden its aggressive electrification plan.’ From the Department at Ford Motor Company comes the new hybrid version of the Lincoln MKZ. The MKZ hybrid is fitted with the same gasoline-electric system found in the hybrid versions of its corporate twins, the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan.

The 2011 Lincoln MKZ hybrid powertrain combines a 156-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine and 106-hp electric motor for a total system output of 191 hp; it’s rated for 41 mpg in the city and 36 on the highway in the Fusion and Milan variants. Ford cited its hybrid as “the most fuel-efficient luxury sports sedan in America” as it returns 41 miles per gallon of average fuel consumption.

In pure electric mode, the MKZ Hybrid can reach 47 mph. While we have yet to match those numbers (the Milan hybrid we tested returned 32 mpg combined), Ford says it expects similar EPA ratings for this MKZ. The company goes on to name the car’s Public Enemy No. 1, the Lexus HS250h, and says that the MKZ will offer the best fuel economy of any luxury sports sedan.

Lincoln's first-ever hybrid model is expected to deliver at least 41mpg (5.7 lt/100km) in the city and reach speeds of up to 47 mph (75 km/h) in pure electric mode.

Lincoln’s take on the Ford hybrid theme, of course, will be much better equipped than either of its less-expensive brethren. It will include swiveling HID headlamps, cushy heated and cooled leather seats, and, of course, a slightly snazzier version of the nifty, configurable EcoGuide instrument cluster. In the Milan and Fusion hybrids, a screen-based botanical garden grows leaves and vines as a reward for fuel-efficient driving; the Lincoln adds pretty flowers!

The loads of standard features in the hybrid include, SmartGauge with EcoGuide, Lincoln SYNC, 10-Way Power Passenger Seat, Genuine Wood Trim, Reverse Sensing System, Keyless Entry Keypad, Easy Fuel Capless Fuel-Filler, Personal Safety System, MyKey, Integrated Spotter Mirrors, Acoustic Laminated Windshield and standard Bridge of Weir leather seats.

Other standard goodies include Sync voice-activated controls; sustainable wood trim for the dash, doors, and steering wheel; and reverse and cross-traffic sensors. Pricing has not yet been announced, but we speculate it will cost around $38,000 to start. Sales will begin later this year.

Holy Bat Race! To the Batmobile, Carscoop!

Since the beginnings of hot-rodding and customization, the world of modifying cars has been a realm in which car fans could express themselves in an almost uncountable number of ways. It plays host to a broad spectrum of possibilities; ranging from minor appearance items like headlight eyelashes and spoilers to fully coach-built supercars like James Glickenhaus's Ferrari P4/5 and Michael Stoschek's recent tribute to Lancia's Stratos, it's a vast space filled with five-dollar accessories, million dollar showboats, and everything in between.

Residing in that enormous region of "in-between" is a small company called Fiberglass Freaks in Logansport, Indiana, but they're not your average car shop. In fact, you could say they're one-of-a-kind.

Owned and operated by Mark Racop (the "what guy") and Jeff Sandberg (the "how guy"), and staffed by six full-time and eight part-time employees, Fiberglass Freaks is much like Harley Davidson; they sell dreams. In the case of this unassuming small-town Indiana garage, however, they're giving people the opportunity to own a real 1966 Batmobile.

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NHTSA Warns Ford Owners on Older Recall Concerning 17.5 Million Vehicles

In an unusual announcement today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) voiced concerns that millions of Ford vehicles previously recalled for a faulty cruise control system may have not been repaired, despite FoMoCo's notification efforts.

The safety agency noted that Ford Motor Company "has been diligent in contacting owners of the affected vehicles, including sending re-notification letters to owners in many cases."

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Lincoln MK9 Concept, 2001

Lincoln MK9 Concept, 2001

Lincoln MK9 Concept, 2001

The Lincoln MK9 was a Lincoln concept car first showcased in 2004. The vehicle hinted at a future comeback of a Lincoln Personal luxury car. The MK9 was a follow-on vehicle from the 2003 Lincoln Navicross concept, with similar styling cues.

The MK9 kicked off Lincoln's new naming convention of using letter and number combinations while hinting at a continuation of the Lincoln Mark series. While the naming system is similar to that of Mercedes-Benz or BMW, it does not contain any references regrading the vehicle's engine size or generation.

The Concept car features Lincoln's hallmark waterfall grille with the Lincoln diamond at its center. Two chrome accents on top of the vehicle's left and right shoulder run the entire length of the car. Chrome accented air vents are located near the doors on the front fenders.

The interior is flushed with lacquered wood and leather. Dark Cherry wood is used for the floor, while white leather is used for the headliner. The seats are models after the "Eames Lounge Chair" from the 1950's and are trimmed in red leather.

Rare Find: 1984 Lincoln Continental with Factory Installed BMW Straight-Six Turbo Diesel

Did you know that Lincoln offered its mid-1980s Continental sedan and Mark VII coupe models with a factory-installed BMW straight-six turbo diesel? It may sound bizarre -to say the least- but it is true.

The BMW-sourced 2.4-liter inline-six turbo diesel engine, which was used in the shark-nosed 1980s 524TD, delivered an output of 115HP and was backed by a ZF four-speed automatic transmission. It was available optionally in 1984 and 1985 on the Continental sedan and Mark VII coupe models instead of the standard 140HP 4.9-liter gasoline-fed V8.

One of these extremely rare [since few buyers opted for the diesel] BMW-powered Lincolns has been found for sale on Craigslist with the asking price set at $2,800.

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Customized 2011 Explorers and other Ford Models Teased Ahead of SEMA Show

FoMoCo is really gearing up for this year's edition of the Las Vegas SEMA Show in the beginning of November where it will display more customized models that we can keep track of. Aside from the Fiesta cars we told you about in a previous article, the Dearborn automaker has also joined forces with several other tuners to create customized versions of the all-new 2011 Explorer, Taurus SHO, Edge and Fusion Sport, as well as the all-new Lincoln MKX. Follow the jump to check out pictures and details on all of Ford's aftermarket-prepped models.

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Ford Reportedly Considering New Lincoln Continental Model, but a Compact Makes so Much More Sense

Reports indicate that Ford has been meeting with dealer representatives to discuss the brand's options, including batting the Continental name around. Sadly, that's not likely because of the silly alphabetical naming system Ford's luxury brand has been using (I liked Zephyr to begin with) and the fact that Lincoln needs to be made young, not even more inaccessible.

As part of the renovation, Lincoln hopes to reveal up to seven new models in the next couple years. After the 2011 MKX, expect the rest of the lineup to get significant refreshes; that means new marketing and styling for the MKZ, MKS, Navigator, and MKT (with new limousine and extended-legroom models once the Town Car has moved on).

That leaves room for one new model, which could either be the aforementioned flagship or possibly even a compact entry-level model to make up for the loss of Mercury.

The compact seems more likely in the short term, as Ford is trying to convince Lincoln dealers it can make the brand youthful and yuppie to drive sales (versus its current aged, stagnant, and scattered state).

If that's the case, there's no need to rule out the flagship down the line. Once Lincoln can pull in some sales, money could then be aimed at the top-tier S-Class and LS segment. If Lincoln can get that far, it may very well be considered "ok". However, as it stands, Ford is looking shut down more than 200 dealers due to slumping sales.

Jesse Toprak, an analyst at TrueCar, says, "The biggest problem is [Lincoln's] brand identity itself. A lot of people have the image of the car that your grandpa owned." If you'll recall, that was Cadillac's major problem about ten years ago and now they're putting out M5-hunters, power-wagons, and good-looking crossovers. Should Lincoln be able to pull off the type of renaissance that Cadillac did, CEO Alan Mulally is even willing to get Lincoln its passport and go international with the brand.

By Phil Alex

Source: Autonews (Sub. Req.)

*Opening Photo: 2002 Lincoln Continental Concept Study

________LINCOLN CONTINENTAL PRODUCTION & CONCEPT MODEL GALLERY________

Ford Reportedly Considering New Lincoln Continental Model, but a Compact Makes so Much More Sense

Reports indicate that Ford has been meeting with dealer representatives to discuss the brand's options, including batting the Continental name around. Sadly, that's not likely because of the silly alphabetical naming system Ford's luxury brand has been using (I liked Zephyr to begin with) and the fact that Lincoln needs to be made young, not even more inaccessible.
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Mulally wants Ford to Cut Company-wide Lineup Down to Around 20 vehicles

Alan Mulally, President and CEO of FoMoCo, told an audience of business leaders at the Confederation of British Industry in London today that Ford is looking to downsize its current lineup to 20-25 models in an attempt to "simplify" and build better cars.

It seems to make sense; instead of spreading yourself too thin and trying to be everything to everyone at the cost of quality, spend more of your resources on fewer models to ensure a well put-together product.

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Canadian 1966 Batmobile Replica Commands Audi R8 Money

Last week, Carscoop asked you what your favorite TV or movie car was. Many of you expressed a fondness for the Lincoln Futura-based Batmobile used in the Adam West TV series of the late 1960s.

One of our readers tipped us off to this sweet, '66 Batmobile replica in Saint-Eustache, Quebec. You'll no longer be the "uncool dad" when you drop your kids off at school in this baby, old chum.

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Lincoln in 2011

Lincoln in 2011 Today we cover 4 of the upcoming models from Lincoln. With the announced phase-out of the Mercury brand, Ford is expected to put greater resources into its luxury Lincoln marque.

2011 Lincoln MKS

2011 Lincoln MKT

2011 Lincoln MKZ

2011 Lincoln Navigator

2010 Lincoln Town Car Signature Limited

2010 Lincoln Town Car Signature Limited


2010 Lincoln Town Car Signature Limited


2010 Lincoln Town Car Signature Limited


2010 Lincoln Town Car Signature Limited

2010 Town Car Signature Limited Sedan Vehicle Performance Review

* 4,601 cc 4.6 liters V 8 front engine with 90.2 mm bore, 90.0 mm stroke, 9.4 compression ratio, overhead cam and two valves per cylinder 99W
* Unleaded fuel 87 and petrol
* Multi-point injection fuel system
* 19.0 gallon main unleaded fuel tank 15.8
* Power: 178 kW , 239 HP SAE @ 4,900 rpm; 287 ft lb , 389 Nm @ 4,100 rpm

Specifications

2010 Lincoln Town Car Signature Limited Specifications

2010 Lincoln Town Car Signature Limited Engine Performance & Fuel Economy

• 4,601 cc 4.6 liters V 8 front engine with 90.2 mm bore, 90.0 mm stroke, 9.4 compression ratio, overhead cam and two valves per cylinder 99W
• Unleaded fuel 87 and petrol• Multi-point injection fuel system
• 19.0 gallon main unleaded fuel tank 15.8
• Power: 178 kW , 239 HP SAE @ 4,900 rpm; 287 ft lb , 389 Nm @ 4,100 rpm

2010 Lincoln Town Car Signature Limited Handling, Brakes, & Suspension

• ABS• Four disc brakes including four ventilated discs
• Electronic traction control via engine management
• Immobilizer• Spacesaver steel rim spare wheel
• Wishbone front suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs, beam rear suspension rigid with stabilizer bar and coil springs
• Automatic rear suspension levelling

2010 Lincoln Town Car Signature Limited Exterior Dimensions & Aerodynamics

• Painted front and rear bumpers
• Driver power heated painted door mirrors with automatic operation, passenger power heated painted door mirrors
• Electric trunk/hatch pull down
• External dimensions: overall length (inches): 215.4, overall width (inches): 78.5, overall height (inches): 59.0, wheelbase (inches): 117.7, front track (inches): 63.4, rear track (inches): 65.9 and curb to curb turning circle (feet): 40.3
• Complex surface lens halogen bulb headlights
• Luxury trim wood & leather on doors and wood/woodgrain on dashboard
• Metallic paint• Fixed rear window with defogger
• Weights: curb weight (lbs) 4,345
• Windshield wipers with variable intermittent wipe

2010 Lincoln Town Car Signature Limited Interior Features & Electronics

• 12v power outlet: front
• Air conditioning with fully automated climate control 2 and auto
• Element antenna• Anti-theft protection
• Front and rear ashtray
• Manufacturer's own RDS audio system with AM/FM, Disc Autochanger and six-disc remote changer
• Cargo capacity: all seats in place (cu ft): 21.0
• Front seats cigar lighter• Clock
• Coming home device• Compass
• Computer with average speed, average fuel consumption and range for remaining fuel
• Overhead console• Cornering lights/curb illumination
• Delayed/fade courtesy lights• Cruise control
• Front seats and rear seats cup holders
• External temperature• Floor mats
• Driver front airbag with multi-stage deployment, passenger front airbag with occupant sensors and multi-stage deployment
• 40/20/40 split heated electrically adjustable driver seat with height adjustment, lumbar adjustment, five adjustments and tilt adjustment memory, memory and memory, 40/20/40 split heated electrically adjustable passenger seat with height adjustment, lumbar adjustment, five adjustments and tilt adjustment electric, electric and electric, 40/20/40 split center seat
• Height adjustable 3-point reel front seat belts on driver seat with pre-tensioners, height adjustable 3-point reel front seat belts on passenger seat with pre-tensioners, lap static front seat belts on center seat
• Front seat center armrest• Garage door opener
• Two height adjustable head restraints on front seats
• Headlight control with dusk sensor• Height adjustable pedals
• Internal dimensions: front headroom (inches): 39.5, rear headroom (inches): 37.4, front hip room (inches): 57.0, rear hip room (inches): 57.9, front leg room (inches): 41.6, rear leg room (inches): 39.6, front shoulder room (inches): 60.3, rear shoulder room (inches): 59.9 and interior volume (cu ft): 108.7
• Low tire pressure indicator
• Memorized adjustment with two settings on door mirror position with five driver's seat positions
• Parking distance sensors rear and radar
• Digital keypad power locks includes trunk/hatch and speed sensing
• Vehicle speed proportional power steering
• Front power windows with one one-touch, rear power windows
• Front and rear reading lights
• 3-point reel rear seat belts on driver side, passenger side and center side
• Rear seat center armrest
• Three fixed bench front facing rear seats with zero adjustments
• Automatic operation rear view mirror
• Steering wheel mounted remote audio controls
• Remote control remote trunk/hatch release
• Leather seat upholstery with additional leather
• Seating: six seats• Service interval indicator
• Front side airbag
• Smart card / smart key manual and includes memory seat adjustments
• Nine speaker(s) other
• Wood & leather steering wheel with tilt adjustment
• Illuminated driver and passenger vanity mirror
• Ventilation system

2010 Lincoln Town Car Signature Limited Sedan Standard Equipment

Climate Control
• Front Air Conditioning• Rear Air Conditioning
Convenience
• Power Outlet(s)• Cruise Control
• Steering Wheel Tilt• Keyless Entry
• Power Trunk/Liftgate• Auto On Headlights
• Power Windows• Power Locks
Interior
• Cup Holders• Illuminated Visor Vanity Mirror(s)
• Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Safety
• Auto Day/Night Mirror• Traction Control
• Passenger Air Bag• Power Mirrors
• Theft Deterrent System• Side Air Bag(s)
• Heated Outside Mirrors• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Rear Window Defroster• Parking Distance Control
• Front Wipers• Memory Mirrors
• Adjustable Pedals• Driver Air Bag
Seats
• Memory Seat• Heated Front Seats• Dual Power Seats
Sound and Entertainment
• Antenna• Compact Disc Changer
Technology
• Homelink Universal Transmitter
Trucks and Towing
• Heavy Duty Battery

2010 Lincoln Signature Limited Sedan Warranty

Basic Coverage: 4 yr. / 50,000 mi. Contact a dealer about warranties & pricing
Free Maintenance: N/A Contact a dealer about maintenance & pricing
Drivetrain: 6 yr. / 70,000 mi.
Roadside Assistance: 6 yr. / 70,000 mi.
Rust: 5 yr. / Unlimited mi.

Pictures