Ford rolls out V6 Lincoln Concept

Lincoln introduces the Continental Concept at the New York International Auto Show on Wednesday, signalling a further application of the latest Lima-built Ford V6 EcoBoost gasoline engine.

The car is an all-new full-size sedan that is due in 2016, heralding the “future of quiet luxury”.

According to Ford-speak, the car is “elegant, effortlessly powerful”, as the Continental Concept blends “meticulous craftsmanship and technologies designed to create better drivers and provide passengers with a more relaxing and entertaining environment inspired by first-class travel”.

“Luxury at its best is about simplifying and quietly exceeding expectations, rather than being the loudest statement on the road,” said Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company president and chief executive officer. “The Continental Concept showcases the promise of quiet luxury from Lincoln going forward. It also is a strong indication of what’s to come next year as we introduce our new Lincoln Continental full-size luxury sedan.”

“Some brands talk about ‘the machine,’ ” said Kumar Galhotra, Lincoln president. “Lincoln is different. For us, it is about more than the machine. It is about what our vehicles do for our clients.”

New technology is a hallmark of the vehicle, notes Ford, as Rhapsody Blue metallic paint calls back Lincoln Continental’s signature colour.

“Inside are the brand’s most sensual materials ever, including Venetian leather seat and door panels, Alcantara seat inserts and armrests, satin headliner and shearling wool carpet,” drools Ford. “Rose Gold trim around the instrument cluster provides warmth. Bright chrome trim on the instrument panel adds contrast.”

Patented 30-way Lincoln-designed seats use a new-to-market design that conforms to passengers’ sizes and shapes. The passenger-side rear seat can fully recline by moving the front passenger seat forward with the touch of a button.

Under the skin, the Continental Concept is powered by a "unique" Lincoln-exclusive 3-liter V6 EcoBoost engine. Details of the engine are unlikely to be known until early 2016, according to Ford sources. The Concept also features Lincoln Drive Control ride-enhancing technologies and Adaptive Steering. The car rides on polished-aluminium, painted-pocket 21-inch wheels.

Driver assist technologies include Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Enhanced Park Assist and a 360-degree camera that displays on the MyLincoln Touch screen.