Lincoln to adopt Mini-like personalization strategy?

There's no single silver bullet that will cure all that ails the Lincoln brand, and Ford knows that just as surely as we do. Coming out with exciting new models like the well-received MKC crossover counts as several steps in the right direction, assuming of course that the production version is as appealing as the concept just shown at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, but more is needed. According to Jim Farley, executive vice president of Lincoln, one more trick may be "mass customization."

Put another way, Lincoln is considering ways to allow buyers to customize their new vehicles right off the showroom floor, similar to how things are done at Mini, and, to a lesser extent, Scion, where Farley previously served as corporate manager. Imagine, for instance, ordering a new MKC with a large Lincoln insignia embossed into the leather seatbacks, according to Automotive News.

While we're not so sure anybody is all that interested in paying extra for more Lincoln logos, it's a strategy that has proven rather fruitful at Mini. Only time will tell if Ford's erstwhile luxury division will once again be seen as something truly worth reaching for, and if customers are willing to pay a further premium for customization.

News Source: Automotive News - sub. req.

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Lincoln MKC Concept shows real promise

Ford's efforts to resuscitate its moribund Lincoln luxury brand began in earnest with the introduction of its 2014 MKZ sedan, a model many labeled as the marque's make-or-break offering. Of course, one model does not a comeback make, and with the MKZ just now starting to trickle into dealers, it will be some time before America's jury of consumers comes in with their judgment. More to the point, it's likely to take better than a decade's worth of products and sustained marketing effort to even begin to figure out whether Lincoln has a shot at redemption or if it will die of Mercury poisoning. After all, rival General Motors has been pouring resources into Cadillac since the late '90s, and if the sales charts are any guidance, it's still probably too early to declare its rebirth a success.

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Would a Mustang-based Lincoln look like this?

Designer Josiah LaCalla has taken a stab at what a Ford Mustang-based Lincoln model might look like with the Continental Mark X1 concept. Make no mistake, Ford's luxury arm has made it abundantly clear that it won't be pursuing any new products outside of volume models, which means a flashy halo grand tourer like the one you see here isn't in the cards. LaColla used the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG as a basis for his creation, which explains the long nose, but we certainly don't mind the idea of a rear-wheel drive Lincoln with a cabin pushed to the aft.

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Refreshing or Revolting: 2013 Lincoln MKZ

After the 2013 Lincoln MKS sedan and 2013 Lincoln MKT crossover debuted, Ford’s luxury automaker set its sights on updating the smaller MKZ sedan. The 2013 Lincoln MKZ sedan lost little during its transformation from the striking MKZ concept to production form.

Up front, the MKZ gains a modern interpretation of the 1941 Lincoln Continental’s signature split-wing chrome grille. Angular headlights flow from the grille to form a V-shape that flows toward the rear of the vehicle. Numerous strakes give depth to the hood. From the side, the four-door features a swooping coupe-like profile similar to more expensive European cars such as the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. The rear window finishes off in with a trunk lid-integrated rear spoiler. Thin taillamps run the full-width of the car and are comprised of many LEDs.

Side mirrors have been moved to the door to allow for larger front door windows. The available panoramic glass roof slides back over the rear window. Despite growing 4.3 inches in length, just over three inches in width, and about an inch in height, Lincoln claims the 2013 MKZ is 10-percent more aerodynamic than the previous car.

Inside, Lincoln kept much of the concept car’s flair including high-grade leather standard as well as real metal and wood trim on the steering wheel, door panels, and dashboard. An 8-inch color screen in the center stack controls the MyLincoln Touch interface. The center console offers lots of storage options made possible by replacing the floor-mounted transmission shifter with center-stack mounted gear selector buttons. Steering wheel mounted paddle shifters are also new. A 10.1-inch color screen in front of the driver displays time on a digitized, analog-look clock, tachometer, and speedometer as well as navigation and vehicle information.

What do you think about the 2013 Lincoln MKZ’s styling? Is it an improvement over the 2012 MKZ? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.

Last week, we reviewed the 2013 Acura RDX crossover with several commenters saying it was neither refreshing nor revolting. Chevyss454 said, “Neither, it’s bland, although it is a improvement over the other one.” lions208487 echoed his thoughts, saying, “Everything is improved from the previous gen, but that being said it’s still not a great car.”

Still, some liked the new look. 92Vectra1.6i felt it was refreshing because “the front end is improved from changes to the beak.” Awesome one agreed, saying, “Great redesign. I love it.”

Others, like 21budd, weren’t so sure: “Sort of bland, looks like a half used bar of soap with wheels but I mean that in a good way.”

Via: motortrend

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