Lincoln Decides Real Names Are A Good Idea, Introduces 2019 Nautilus: Comments

[William Maley]

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The MKX is gone. Well, the name at least. Last night, Lincoln unveiled the 2019 Nautilus. 

Before we get into the vehicle itself, we need to talk about the name. The Nautilus will mark the end of Lincoln's confusing "MK" nomenclature. Part of the change comes down to the launch of the Continental sedan. People like actual names for vehicles.

"When we launched the Continental, I think we underestimated how much affinity there was not only for the name but the fact that people like to associate names with cars. This kind of connection consumers have, especially to American brands and names, we felt like is something Lincoln could own. It's something we've owned in the past," said Robert Parker, Lincoln's head of marketing to Automotive News.

The other part is the Chinese market. The "MK" system isn't as easy to pronounce as actual names.

Lincoln is planning to rename the MKC and MKZ when they get some significant updates.

As we saw in leaked photos yesterday, the Nautilus features the same front end design as the Continental with rectangular grille and slimmer LED headlights. The rest of the vehicle's exterior is unchanged. Inside, Lincoln has made some minor changes with a new digital instrument cluster, SYNC 3, and the optional 22-way power seats.

Power for the Nautilus begins with a turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder with 245 horsepower. Optional is a 2.7L twin-turbo V6 with 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. Both engines will have a stop-start system and an eight-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive that can decouple from the rear axle to improve fuel economy is optional.

New active safety equipment includes an adaptive cruise system that can bring the car to a stop and resume in congested traffic, a lane centering system that uses radar and cameras to keep the Nautilus in its lane, and evasive steer assist that “uses radar and cameras to analyze the gap between slower-moving and stationary vehicles on the road ahead to lessen the risk of a rear-end collision. If the risk is high and there is insufficient space to avoid a collision by braking, the system helps the driver steer around the vehicle.”

No word on pricing, but the 2019 Nautilus will arrive at Lincoln dealers next spring.

Source: Lincoln, Automotive News (Subscription Required)
Press Release is on Page 2

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New Lincoln Nautilus Pairs Powerful Performance With Driver-Assist Technologies That Inspire Confidence

• New Lincoln Nautilus debuts with Lincoln-first technology that inspires driver confidence, like all-new lane-centering feature that helps subtly maintain the vehicle’s position in its lane
• Nautilus is designed to build on the momentum of Lincoln’s best-selling midsize luxury SUV by offering enhanced features for a smoother, more connected drive, and even more standard ownership services
• Catering to the desire of luxury clients for personalized vehicles, Gala, an opulent new Lincoln Black Label theme, debuts on Lincoln Nautilus, taking its cues from the world of haute couture at New York’s Met Gala

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 28, 2017 – The Lincoln Motor Company introduces the new Lincoln Nautilus, a midsize luxury SUV delivering a powerful turbocharged engine range and a suite of advanced technologies designed to give drivers greater confidence on the road.

Nautilus – the successor to Lincoln MKX – joins the recently unveiled 2019 MKC, the elegant Continental, the all-new Navigator, and the stylish MKZ for a lineup of vehicles instantly recognizable as Lincoln.

“With the introduction of Nautilus, Lincoln has a strong, distinctive portfolio with a common and recognizable identity,” said Lincoln President Kumar Galhotra. “We’re excited to add Nautilus to our Lincoln family of luxury SUVs, along with a new name that better reflects the ideas and attitudes of our clients.”

Lincoln’s midsize SUV continues to attract new clients to the brand, with a conquest rate of nearly 40 percent. New clients are crossing over to Lincoln from Cadillac, Lexus and more. Sales continue to be strong, and the vehicle is on track to deliver its best sales year since its introduction in 2007. Tasteful design, exceptional craftsmanship and room for up to five passengers make it a popular choice for clients in the market for a luxury crossover vehicle.

Personalized elegance
The distinctive design of Lincoln Nautilus aligns with the rest of the Lincoln family, presenting a strong, bold signature grille. The midsize utility vehicle maintains its unique, sleek shape, offering a harmonious aesthetic and aerodynamic efficiency. A new wheel selection allows clients to order a Lincoln Nautilus to suit their personal style.

Upon approach, Lincoln Nautilus welcomes clients with Lincoln embrace lighting, first from the outside, then from the cabin. The new cabin is thoughtfully designed, providing a spacious, modern interior that keeps the focus on comfort and serves as a sanctuary from the outside world. Acoustic side glass is added to reduce wind noise for rear passengers, and advanced engineering solutions decrease noise from the road.

Available Ultra Comfort seats can be adjusted up to 22 ways for personalized comfort, providing lumbar massage designed to reduce fatigue. Developed with input from orthopedic surgeons, this feature is especially beneficial on long trips or while waiting in traffic. Heated and cooled seats are available on the Reserve model. Available 13-speaker and 19-speaker Revel® audio systems offer the ultimate sound experience to add to the soothing environment.

Sleek form, effortless function
A sleek console serves to open up the cabin, while the sophisticated push-button gear shift integrates seamlessly with classic knobs and buttons. A concealed wireless charging pad allows compatible smartphones to stay connected, and puts an end to the hassle of tangled cords. A large center touch screen serves as the portal to standard SYNC® 3 with both Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility, enabling clients to manage audio, phone, navigation and more either from that point or steering wheel-mounted controls.

The leather-wrapped, hand-stitched steering wheel is mounted ahead of a 12.3-inch fully configurable digital instrument cluster that displays easy-to-read driver information crisply and clearly.

Confidence assured
New for 2019 is a suite of Lincoln-first driver-assist technologies designed to inspire confidence and make each journey enjoyable.

“The technology in this vehicle is thoughtful and purposeful,” said Galhotra. “We focused on bringing in innovative features to make each drive effortless for our clients.”

A suite of new technologies for Lincoln Nautilus includes a lane-centering feature that pairs with adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality to help subtly maintain the vehicle’s position in its lane using a combination of radar and cameras. Also debuting is evasive steer assist, which uses radar and cameras to analyze the gap between slower-moving and stationary vehicles on the road ahead to lessen the risk of a rear-end collision. If the risk is high and there is insufficient space to avoid a collision by braking, the system helps the driver steer around the vehicle.

Additional driver-assist technologies include Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Information System, active park assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping aid and an auto-hold feature, which relieves the driver from having to hold the brakes in stop-and-go traffic.  

Two turbocharged options
Lincoln Nautilus moves to an all turbocharged engine lineup for 2019, offering a powerful 2.7-liter engine that delivers an estimated 335 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque. Power is delivered courtesy of three technologies – turbocharging, direct injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing.

A standard estimated 245-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is efficient and smooth in operation. Both engines include standard Auto Start-Stop capability, plus an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Lincoln Black Label
For clients seeking a unique personalized experience, Lincoln Black Label is available for the new Nautilus. Lincoln Black Label not only provides premium materials in specially curated designer themes, but also offers a host of membership privileges. These include annual vehicle detailing, anytime carwashes, and access to a select list of restaurants where noted chefs will provide an at-your-service dining experience.

The three Lincoln Black Label themes for the new Nautilus are Chalet, Thoroughbred and all-new Gala:

• Chalet, new for Lincoln Nautilus, evokes the contrasting pleasures of pulse-pounding mountain slopes and the inherent comfort of an après-ski lodge. With Espresso and Alpine Venetian leathers and deep Silverwood appliqués, each touch is designed to awaken the senses
• Thoroughbred celebrates the distinguished and elite lifestyle of horse racing, offering a reflection of traditional American history. Rich Venetian leathers capture the spirit of the equestrian life, while Chilean Maple wood, Alcantara® accents and Jet Black trim carry the excitement throughout
• Gala, inspired by haute couture at New York’s Met Gala, features seats draped in a deeply hued and elegant Carmine leather complemented by Onyx leather and an Alcantara headliner. Handsome Nouveax Armor aluminum accents bring a lightness to the cabin, with a luster magnified by the available panoramic roof

Effortless ownership
Lincoln continues to increase its focus on service offerings that provide an effortless ownership experience, like standard Pickup and Delivery for the new Nautilus. Lincoln is the only luxury automaker to provide Pickup and Delivery as a standard service for all its vehicles to save clients time and effort.

Additionally, starting Jan. 1, 2018, new Lincoln owners will receive a six-month complimentary CLEAR membership, allowing them to speed through security at participating airports and major arenas nationwide. Lincoln Black Label members will receive a 12-month complimentary membership.

Ease of ownership is also enabled through the Lincoln Way™ app. Lincoln Way allows clients to start, lock, unlock and locate their new Nautilus, as well as schedule remote starts to enable the vehicle to heat or cool to comfortable levels. Owners can use the app to monitor fuel levels, and check tire pressures and battery status. Lincoln Way also allows clients to make monthly vehicle payments or pay for parking.

The new 2019 Lincoln Nautilus will be available at Lincoln dealers this summer. 

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[David]

Totally agree on the Names are superior to Alphanumeric crap. Really like the external look and internal clean dash. This auto I will have to check out when it is on the lot. Wonder how the internal dimensions are for big people like me.

Bill how is the inside and especially back seat for a 6'6" tall person?

Wonder if a Hybrid or EV version is on the road map?

[oldshurst442]

Quote

"When we launched the Continental, I think we underestimated how much affinity there was not only for the name but the fact that people like to associate names with cars. This kind of connection consumers have, especially to American brands and names, we felt like is something Lincoln could own. It's something we've owned in the past," said Robert Parker, Lincoln's head of marketing to Automotive News.

 

Wow! What a mind blowing concept that is! 

Its not as if there was any outcry by enthusiast fans in all kinds of automotive forums across North America.

Or any proof of how soccer moms and bling bling daddies show affection to their Cadillac ESCALADE...when talking about their...ESCALADE...(or Mustang or Corvette...)

Its not even how when Lincoln introduced the name plate Continental is gonna make a comeback that even foreign car lovin' US autojournalists lips salivated the way the name Continental flowed from their lips as opposed to Cadillac's first ever CT6...

All I want for Xmas from Detroit this year is the announcement that Cadillac will now copy Lincoln and go down this same path...

[William Maley]

39 minutes ago, dfelt said:

Bill how is the inside and especially back seat for a 6'6" tall person?

2

I'll ask Drew since he'll be at the show and can give a better answer. I haven't sat in an MKX at all.

[Suaviloquent]

Okay, so when I first heard that this new grille was going to be on the refreshed MKX and MKC, I was expected the ugliest Lincoln ever. Because the split wing design was best executed on the MKX by far...

And I am thoroughly surprised. This new front end integrates quite well.

However, I really can notice the lack of the the bulging hood that the Continental has, which to be fair, makes more of a statement for a flagship vehicle. Just like how the Bentayga can't fool anyone it's a jacked up Mulsanne.

The Black Label interior with the wine colored leather, wow that is a looker. And the same wine colored exterior paint.

Lincoln I still believe is in search of a proper platform dedicated for luxury vehicles. It doesn't mean all-RWD based only. Just a prestige auto platform that meets the kind of body structure rigidity, NVH and premium unibody build material specs that match the competition. Now why do some press releases say there's a new "8-speed" auto co-developed with GM. Where's the 9-speed?

And here's why Lincoln can't progress any further with just upgrades in the form of a trim level reorganization:

They can do these special 5-10% of sales Black Labels all they want, but that won't stop Genesis and even Kia making more relevant luxury/sport cars that don't wow with just a trim level or engine option.

Lincoln is almost done establishing its identity. There's a long way to go for that identity to be acknowledged across the auto market.

 

[A Horse With No Name]

Agree on the paint color, this thing is just stunning in a dark color.

[Frisky Dingo]

Wow, it's almost as if Lincoln is......gasp.....finding it's own identity again. This is the second great looking debut in what, a week?? Good for them. 

And on a side note, I have to admit, this morning on my way to work, there was a lovely dark blue Lincoln Continental that made me do a double take. In an area where I see no shortage of Porsches, MB's, and the like, mind you.

[A Horse With No Name]

1 hour ago, Frisky Dingo said:

Wow, it's almost as if Lincoln is......gasp.....finding it's own identity again. This is the second great looking debut in what, a week?? Good for them. 

And on a side note, I have to admit, this morning on my way to work, there was a lovely dark blue Lincoln Continental that made me do a double take. In an area where I see no shortage of Porsches, MB's, and the like, mind you.

The Lincoln thing is growing on me.

[regfootball]

i agree, I like names better, but here i would argue that the MKx is probably one of the most well known, successful, and memorable 'letter' names out there, particularly by a Muhrican mfr.

They must have flipped on that idea so much, that throwing away the brand equity of the MKx name they think they can overcome that.

At least its attractive still, unlike Continental.

It shows you how simple important things like model naming of the cars are left to the group think or dictators of the marketing wings of these companies, and they justify their whims and crap and then spin it to try to make everyone fall in line.  Closed circuit to johan@cadillac NOBODY WANTS CT6, etc.  Maybe Lincoln going wise will compel those within GM to tell Johan to stuff it in his shorts and go back to REAL MODEL NAMES for Cadillac.  Or at a minimum revise the well know letter names like DTS.

[David]

13 minutes ago, regfootball said:

i agree, I like names better, but here i would argue that the MKx is probably one of the most well known, successful, and memorable 'letter' names out there, particularly by a Muhrican mfr.

They must have flipped on that idea so much, that throwing away the brand equity of the MKx name they think they can overcome that.

At least its attractive still, unlike Continental.

It shows you how simple important things like model naming of the cars are left to the group think or dictators of the marketing wings of these companies, and they justify their whims and crap and then spin it to try to make everyone fall in line.  Closed circuit to johan@cadillac NOBODY WANTS CT6, etc.  Maybe Lincoln going wise will compel those within GM to tell Johan to stuff it in his shorts and go back to REAL MODEL NAMES for Cadillac.  Or at a minimum revise the well know letter names like DTS.

ATS, CTS, DTS, XTS, CT#, XT# are all forgettable. These auto's will just pass by people who look at the auto industry. Most of BMW and MB auto's are forgettable in the Alphabet crap soup.

What we remember is the Names. Cadillac could change everything right now for 2018 and no one would care making the cars and CUVs name based.

[oldshurst442]

No...not even go back to the STS and CTS stuff.

Yes, STS & CTS flow better than CT6 & XT5 and when one says CTS-V or STS-V its a million times better than CT6-V but, Escalade and Escala, and Eldorado and Cien just sound so...elegant and high class and...this is where Cadillac's heritage comes in...ARROGANT. 

I dont necessarily want to go back to Fleetwood or Seville or Deville. Those should be retired. Fantastic names, but lets use new ones.

Names like Eldorado is where its at.

El Miraj is a fantastic name too.  Arrogant and elegant all at the same time. Plus, its sounds like a Middle Eastern Oil Sheik could feel pride in driving around in. 

Eldorado...nothing beats THAT name in elegance and opulence and luxury and it literally oozes with arrogance. 

Escala is cool as that too, sounds like elegance, in a Spanish kinda way, like Eldorado and...Seville. But Seville is outdated. 

Deville was a French name which was nice for the time. It literally means Town Car in English. Which Lincoln retired. Hint hint. 

Back to Lincoln. 

Continental is such a powerful and stately name. That is why Bentley uses. That is why Lincoln used it a long time ago.

Nautilus. 

I like it.  Good for a mid level luxury SUV. No bring on those actual names, Lincoln. Make Cadillac pay for ignoring their own rich history and heritage!

 

[smk4565]

The new naming structure is the best move Lincoln has made in 10 years.  The problem is this is still just a Ford Edge and the Continental is just a long wheelbase Fusion.

[oldshurst442]

Correction: I forgot to include a word:

Coupe DeVille  is what actually means Town Car. 

DeVille by itself just means "of the city(town)" 

Coupe of the city(town). 

Sedan of the city(town).

 

 

Edited November 30, 2017 by oldshurst442

[caddycruiser]

12 hours ago, smk4565 said:

The new naming structure is the best move Lincoln has made in 10 years.  The problem is this is still just a Ford Edge and the Continental is just a long wheelbase Fusion.

Most valid point and the strangest one Lincoln keeps overcoming...despite this. Read long term reviews, see build quality issues people have, yet...the "it's a Continental!" recognition has odd crown appeal to it. The kind of cred other brands wish they could figure out. I like this new name. MKX was the only one with recognition, but this is better.

[Scout]

On 11/29/2017 at 4:01 PM, oldshurst442 said:

Nautilus

I guess that's ok. But for some reason when I see that I think

[Robert Hall]

The name I'd rather have seen is 'Nautica', but that's too well known for the clothing brand, I guess.. 

Though the Nautica I really like is the Nautica in the Flats here in Cleveland. 

Edited December 1, 2017 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[oldshurst442]

So...what you guys are saying is that nautilus may not be a good name. 

One thinks of hazelnut chocolate spread while the other prefers the name to be of a trendy, almost yuppie, jeans and plaid shirt store.  

I see Nautilus and I see this...like literally everywhere in Montreal...

And what is a Nautilus Plus in Montreal you ask?

 

I still love the name regardless of what Montrealers may recognize the name Nautilus as.

What would be cool in my little world is if Lincoln would use the name Nausicaa instead.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nausicaa

 

Quote

Nausicaa (/nɔːˈsɪkiə/;^[1] Greek: Ναυσικάα or Ναυσικᾶ, pronounced [na͜ʊsikâa]; also Nausicaä, Nausikaa) is a character in Homer's Odyssey. She is the daughter of King Alcinous (Αλκίνοος, Alkínoös) and Queen Arete of Phaeacia. Her name, in Greek, means "burner of ships" (ναῦς: ship; κάω: to burn).^[2]

 

Burner of ships...cant get more awesome than that. 

 

[Scout]

2 minutes ago, oldshurst442 said:

I see Nautilus and I see this...like literally everywhere in Montreal...

You see cranes everywhere. Must be a lot of construction going on in Montreal. 

[Robert Hall]

10 minutes ago, oldshurst442 said:

So...what you guys are saying is that nautilus may not be a good name. 

One thinks of hazelnut chocolate spread while the other prefers the name to be of a trendy, almost yuppie, jeans and plaid shirt store.  

The funny thing is, I didn't realize Nautica was still a thing in clothes..I wore Nautica (and Ralph Lauren) quite a bit in my 20s.

[oldshurst442]

11 minutes ago, Scout said:

You see cranes everywhere. Must be a lot of construction going on in Montreal. 

The city is growing, I guess. It cant possibly be that the infrastructure is failing us...

 

6 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

The funny thing is, I didn't realize Nautica was still a thing in clothes..I wore Nautica (and Ralph Lauren) quite a bit in my 20s.

I had a couple of shirts from Nautica while I was in my 20s too. I also had a watch from them.  Beat that! 

[David]

Guess I am dating myself as we have the most cranes of any city right now in North America and I still wear Nautica cloths.  

[regfootball]

Lincoln and greek gods, not such i get the tie in.

[oldshurst442]

Nausicaa aint a God. Or Goddess as she is a female. But Im just being a douche correcting you as I sometimes get defensive about Greek history. I do understand your concerns though!

Ill give you one tie in. It is a stretch but one has to have an open mind and an imagination.

Keep in mind that the one on the far right is Lincoln. The President which the luxury brand was named after.

This is what the Ancient Greeks did to respect their heritage.

Carve in stone and rock versus carving in marble...

 

 

The Lincoln memorial.

 

The architecture for the Lincoln memorial was inspired by the Parthenon...

And what was inside the Parthenon, but is represented how it was in Nashville USA.

Greek Goddess Athena. 

And what is inside the Lincoln Memorial.

Id say that statue of Athena would be another inspiration. 

Along with the fighting for democracy part of both cultures. And many other similarities between these two fantastic peoples of different times and eras. 

 

 

[Robert Hall]

Nausicaa sounds to much like Nausea.

[oldshurst442]

5 hours ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

Nausicaa sounds to much like Nausea.

Well, nausea is a greek rooted word...

https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/nausea

 

Quote

 

Origin

Late Middle English: via Latin from Greek nausia, from naus ‘ship’.

 

 

Hence Nausicaa being a name that means burner of ships.

I think we've had enough Greek lessons for the day! 

[Paolino]

I love the idea of cars having names instead of the alphanumeric obsession we currently have... I don't know what's up with Lincoln though; I think they look premium, I know they're trying, but all of their new cars' designs just make me say, "Eh."