Detroit Auto Show: Lincoln MKC Concept: Comments

[William Maley]

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By William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

January 13, 2013

Lincoln has revealed their MKC crossover concept a day before its official introduction at the Detroit Auto Show and gives us an indication of what a production model could look like when its introduced later this year.

The MKC Concept's overall look is Lincoln's best attempt at distancing themselves from a similar Ford model. The look is a mishmash of Lincoln MKZ, Range Rover Evoque, and Ford Escape. The front end features winged grille with some LED headlamps sitting on either side. Around back, Lincoln designers cut into the bodysides for the rear hatch, giving it a smooth, uninterrupted look.

Inside the MKC Concept, Lincoln pulled a few ideas from the MKZ. There are Lincoln logos embedded in the seat, door stitchings, and even the speakers' grilles. Also, designers put in a floating center console to make room for storage cubbies and cupholders and a push button shifter.

Source: Lincoln

Album: Lincoln MKC Concept

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William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected]or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

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MKC Concept New Opportunity for Lincoln

> Lincoln MKC Concept debuts at 2013 North American International Auto

Show – Lincoln's first-ever small vehicle

> Small luxury utility concept signals future Lincoln entry into industry's

fastest-growing segment

> MKC Concept introduces the "Lincoln Experiences" suite of technology and signature content to enhance the driving and ownership experience

DETROIT, Jan. 13, 2013 – Lincoln today introduces the MKC Concept, a vision of how Lincoln will enter the industry's fastest-growing small luxury utility segment.

With nearly 60 percent growth in 2012 and more than 200 percent in the last four years, the small luxury utility segment has far eclipsed all other luxury segments. The opportunity is a key next step in Lincoln's strategy to grow with four all-new vehicles targeted at the highest-growth segments over the next four years.

"We are reinventing Lincoln by focusing on the largest and fastest-growing segments of the luxury market, while offering clients something different," said Jim Farley, executive vice president of Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln. "The just-introduced MKZ re-establishes Lincoln in the largest luxury segment, and the MKC Concept highlights a key opportunity in the fastest-growing part of the luxury market."

This segment growth is being driven at both ends of the demographic spectrum. Many new buyers are coming into affluence and purchasing their first luxury vehicle. Others are moving from larger vehicles to smaller ones to simplify their lives. This growth includes China, where Lincoln will begin selling in the second half of 2014 through independent dealers.

Creating 'Lincoln Experiences'

Lincoln is being reinvented in every way – from a complete new lineup of stunningly designed vehicles to how dealerships provide surprising personal client services and how drivers engage with their vehicles. The goal is to appeal to a new type of luxury clients considered cultural progressives, who are open to new ideas and experiences.

In current and future vehicles, these "Lincoln Experiences" will include a variety of distinctive features, such as push-button transmission engagement, programmable ride control, unique and diverse powertrains, personalized lighting, and a suite of customizable functions that are unique for each client as the vehicle instantly recognizes the operator and creates a personalized welcoming sequence.

Future Lincolns also will combine these unique experiences with the option of stunning, bespoke interior and exterior design appointments that will transcend typical luxury automotive standards, furthering the brand's transformation. The MKC Concept explores many of these transformative ideas.

Exterior design

The MKC Concept builds on the foundation of the Lincoln Design DNA found in the new MKZ. These warm, open and inviting design cues are a core element of the brand's heritage.

"The MKC Concept has a wonderful stance and sits beautifully on its wheels," said Murat Gueler, MKC Concept lead exterior designer. "It has a sleek, sculpted body and wheel arches and elegant shoulders. The lines of the vehicle appear relatively simple on first look but with a second view reveal a dynamic three dimensionality.

"The Lincoln design team has done an outstanding job with the MKC Concept in communicating Lincoln's design vision for reaching a new and discerning clientele."

An uninterrupted, highly crafted rear-view appearance highlights the signature full-width taillamps. This is made possible by a liftgate design with a side-view cutline – a Lincoln first. It shows how the dedicated Lincoln design and engineering teams have worked together to deliver customer-focused solutions that not only elevate the appearance, but also provide maximum load capability.

"This approach eliminates the traditional vertical cutline on the rear seen on utilities, which in turn contributes to the athletic presence of the vehicle," Gueler said.

The continuity also is apparent in the execution of the frameless windows, which amplify the richness of the design, as does the signature split-wing grille. The exterior is augmented by warm, cream-based white metallic tri-coat paint, 20-inch premium wheels with polished chrome rims, and a large fixed panoramic roof that runs the length of the vehicle.

Interior design, colors and materials

High-end bespoke design, materials and execution inspire the four-passenger interior.

"There is a significant upgrade in materials and a stylish, fashion-oriented package. The materials are combined with progressive combinations and uses of stitching and colors," said Soo Kang, Lincoln interior design chief.

Just like MKZ – which sets the tone for the brand's thoughtful new approach to design – the MKC Concept features a distinct push-button gear shift selector. This enables a flowing, expressive and architectural center console design covered with riveting details, and unique colors and materials.

The headliner is wrapped with high-end material, providing a warm and luxurious feel. The pillars are wrapped with premium leather. The seats also feature premium leather and include a unique embroidered Lincoln Star and crimson stitch accents.

The Lincoln Star lattice also is subtly placed on the MKC Concept's floor mats to complement the lattice design in the speaker mesh, light fixtures and lug-nut covers.

The smooth leather also wraps the door trim uppers, armrests, bolsters, console side rails, instrument panel and cargo area.

"There is a rich softness to the exterior and interior palette of the MKC Concept," said Susan Lampinen, group chief designer, Color & Material Design. "The leather-wrapped architecture complements the open-pore and designer hand-dyed woods."

Other refined details include finishes like appliqués cut from layers of reconstructed natural wood infused with a metallic flake for a glistening effect on the steering wheel, upper instrument panel and door panels.

A true Lincoln

"The Lincoln MKC Concept is designed to strike a perfect balance between warm, inviting comfort and the engaging and superb dynamic qualities of performance, ride, handling and braking," said Farley. "This balance is focused toward a new luxury automotive client emerging in the marketplace – someone who recognizes a great vehicle and demands a balance between all-out performance and comfort."

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[PONTIAC06]

I don't know that I've ever wanted to say this about Lincoln, but it's beautiful...I see a few design cues that may not be "unique" but it's hard to be completely unique in this segment...I'm genuinely impressed...other than the mirrors, seats, and full length console, I don't see much that is "concept" only either...and I'm sure they'll offer the full glass roof (maybe minus the sliding rails). Without any sarcasm, great job Lincoln!

[ocnblu]

I'm very pleased with it as well. Gives hope, along with the MKZ, for the continued existence of an American luxury brand. Pleased it is not Euro or Asian in appearance. AWD with 2.0L EB or 3.7L power sounds ideal. This matches up very well to the SRX.

The Concept C was a good concept, (wide, roomy, short) but in the end it came across as an AMC Pacer in execution. The idear of a wide, six-passenger luxury city car should still be tried by someone... Lincoln is as good a place as any, with 1.6L EB power.

Next up should be a RWD flagship sedan and coupe, imo, to inject some authority into the brand.

Edited January 13, 2013 by ocnblu

[regfootball]

like it, and best of all, IT WOULD SELL....LINCOLN NEEDS A SELLER.

Might kill some MKX sales, but oh well.

[Delta Force79]

Wow I really like it, it's the first CUV since the Enclave was introduced that I would consider buying. I love Lincoln's new full width taillight deisgn on this as well as the MKZ. I feel the front of this is a better execution of Lincoln's new front styling than that on the MKZ though. I especially like the side sculpting bellow the beltline and the wrap around tailgate. I'm very impressed and if the MKZ is any indication, the production model should be pretty close to this when it's released. Good job Lincoln, now where's a RWD flagship?

Edited January 13, 2013 by Delta Force79

[regfootball]

interior is bang up but I am reserving judgement on pushbutton trannies.

[Intrepidation]

Easily the best looking Lincoln in a long time. Someone finally figured out how to make the split grill work too. It looks very premium and nothing like the Escape. I hope they build it as is.

[regfootball]

definitely looks a class or two above the Escape.

[Camino LS6]

I still hate this entire segment, but this looks pretty good for what it is

[Drew Dowdell]

Great looking in person.

[David]

While it is another Jelly Bean CUV, I will say this is the best looking one to date for the Lincoln line. I actually love the interior and am excited to see Push Button Trannies like the old chrysler we had from the 60's. Only thing that would be great would be to have the oil filter upside down in the engine bay so you could unscrew the cover and pull out the TP Roll and replace it. Those were the coolest oil filters ever along with the push button tranny.

[PurdueGuy]

The tails at one angle made me think Dodge, and at another angle looked like they were traced right off an Aston Martin. Still, I think they need to move away from the big light bar, if for no other reason than to try something new when what they're doing isn't selling cars. I think the grill works well, and the vehicle overall looks unique and interesting. I'm not sure it's a home run, but it's good.

[smk4565]

I don't care for the new look of Lincoln on any car, but it looks better here than on the MKS. I bet the new Escape and the MKC (which sounds like the name for a coupe) steal sales off the Edge and MKX. That euro-Focus platform just seems so much more modern and better than the Edge/MKX.

So how long before the Lincoln Fiesta comes out?

[A Horse With No Name]

On 1/14/2013 at 10:50 AM, Drew Dowdell said:

Great looking in person.

Agree completely...as I have said before Lincoln has a design language that works well for crossover and small SUV vehicles.

On 1/15/2013 at 8:41 PM, smk4565 said:

I don't care for the new look of Lincoln on any car, but it looks better here than on the MKS. I bet the new Escape and the MKC (which sounds like the name for a coupe) steal sales off the Edge and MKX. That euro-Focus platform just seems so much more modern and better than the Edge/MKX.

So how long before the Lincoln Fiesta comes out?

I don't agree by any means...