Lincoln MKC Concept

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In 2010 Lincoln confirmed plans for a new compact crossover positioned below its MKX, which, along with another compact car, would form the point of entry for the resurgent American luxury brand.

We say resurgent as the new compact crossover is just one of seven new or significantly refreshed models due by 2014 that are aimed at turning around Lincoln’s woeful sales levels.

Almost looking like America’s version of the ultra-popular--and ultra-fashionable--Range Rover Evoque, the new Lincoln MKC concept car, which makes its debut at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show this week, is a preview of Lincoln’s future compact crossover due in the next year or two.

The compact crossover segment shows rapid growth, though it’s also one of the most hotly contended, with cars like the BMW X1, Buick Encore, MINI Countryman and the aforementioned Range Rover Evoque already earning much praise.

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Thankfully, the MKC, which we suspect will look the same in production trim, as the MKZ has shown, is one of the better looking vehicles in this segment.

In designing it, Lincoln’s team had a good place to start: the MKC is built on the underpinnings of the Ford Escape. Transferring the marque’s new design language, which was first featured on the MKZ, Lincoln’s team has come away with a sleek, sculpted body, a powerful stance and an elegant look, which bears little resemblance to the lines of the humble Escape.

One interesting element is the uninterrupted rear-view appearance highlighted by the full-width tail-lights. This is made possible by a two-piece liftgate design with a side-view cutline--a Lincoln first. Also worth mentioning is the panoramic glass roof running the length of the vehicle, which is quickly becoming one of the brand’s signature elements.

Inside, the theme was high-end design with bespoke materials and execution. This translates to warm materials such as soft leather with light hues, a lattice design with natural-look materials for the speaker mesh, light fixtures and lug-nut covers, and trim cut from layers of reconstructed natural wood infused with glistening metallic flakes on the steering wheel, upper instrument panel and door innards.

Also borrowed from the MKZ, the MKC's cockpit is mostly notable for what's not there: a conventional shift lever, left behind for pushbutton controls and a touch-screen interface--the place where the MyLincoln Touch infotainment system will live.

As for powertrain details, Lincoln is keeping quiet, though we wouldn’t be surprised to see Ford’s 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines from the Escape carry over. A hybrid option borrowed from the Ford C-Max may feature as a range-topping option, relegating V-6 powerplants for MKZ-and-larger models.

Stay tuned for live photos of the MKC following its debut in Detroit and don't forget to stay glued to our dedicated show hub over the next 48 hours for all the latest updates.

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- http://www.motorauthority.com/news/...act-crossover-concept-debuts-in-detroit-video

 

[Merc1]

It actually doesn't look too bad from the outside, but the interior is the same old thing. There is simply not enough difference to make this a true luxury vehicle.


M

 

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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."

###
About Lincoln
Lincoln is the luxury automotive brand of Ford Motor Company, committed to creating compelling vehicles with an exceptional ownership experience to match. Lincoln will introduce four all-new vehicles in the next four years. For more information about Lincoln, please visit media.lincoln.com or www.lincoln.com. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/lincoln.

- http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/lincoln-mkc-concept-detroit-poll/

 

[martinbo]

Wow, as a South African, I know nothing about Lincolns. I can't recall ever seeing one even. So, all prejudices aside, I think that this is a great looking vehicle. Yes, one could argue that it lacks ultimate originality, being a confluence of a number of seen-before themes from Audi (side-on that rear tailgate shutline is pure Q7), Hyundai (the front and rear swage lines that fade as they converge toward the centre of the car - ix35), Porsche (tail-light graphic - Carrera 4), KIA (tiger grill and headlight integration of the Sportage) and I could go on and on...

But it is a confluence (detractors will say pastiche) that works well overall in my opinion.

 

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[Human]

Wow, as a South African, I know nothing about Lincolns. I can't recall ever seeing one even. So, all prejudices aside, I think that this is a great looking vehicle. Yes, one could argue that it lacks ultimate originality, being a confluence of a number of seen-before themes from Audi (side-on that rear tailgate shutline is pure Q7), Hyundai (the front and rear swage lines that fade as they converge toward the centre of the car - ix35), Porsche (tail-light graphic - Carrera 4), KIA (tiger grill and headlight integration of the Sportage) and I could go on and on...

But it is a confluence (detractors will say pastiche) that works well overall in my opinion.

Leave the Koreans out of this

For the rest I agree solidly. The car has a destinctive, pleasing design with much EU flair included. I like it.

 

[Sunny]

Awesome looking. American designs keep getting better and Japanese keep getting crappier.

 

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[hoffmeister_fan]

Lincoln has some great designs with this and MKZ. If only their underlying hardware was worthy of the premium price they are charging.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

I think this is a good start for Lincoln (again). Elegant & sophisticated products. Once they get the engineering straight, they should be fine.

 

[martinbo]

I think this is a good start for Lincoln (again). Elegant & sophisticated products. Once they get the engineering straight, they should be fine.

Reportedly, it's based on Ford Kuga underpinnings which is no bad thing for this segment.

 

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[aleks_16]

[/quot

Something is similar but I can´t point it out.

 

[Gianclaudio]

Awesome looking. American designs keep getting better and Japanese keep getting crappier.

Spot on!

 

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When Lincoln pulled the wraps off the MKC Concept at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year, we said that the very attractive concept was going to closely mirror the production vehicle. With few exceptions, a clad prototype recently caught running on public roads seems to substantiate our statement.

From what the pictures reveal, the disguised Lincoln MKC production mule and show concept seem to share the same waistline with identical sculpting over the wheels. The midsection of the two also appear to match with the same flare and styling. The lower rockers have been cleaned up a bit, mainly to be more practical in the real world (the deep chisels on the show car would have collected mud and snow).

Taking a look at the exposed front bumper, we see a very similar lower fascia complete wtih the metal skid plate on the chin. The window profile also seems to match the concept, though we're still unclear exactly how that C- and D-pillar section is going to look. Of course, and it always seems to be the case when concepts evolve into production vehicles, the MKC gains four normal door handles, standard-sized mirrors and a slightly smaller wheel/tire package. We expect the production version of the Lincoln MKC to debut later this year.​

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- http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/lincoln-mkc-prototype-caught-partially-covered-reveals-some-cha/​

 

[LaArtist]

nice concept

 

[Merc1]

Looks really good under there.


M

 

[HighestOfHigh]

When the Lincoln MKC Concept debuted back in January, it received fairly positive feedback from both Autoblog editors and readers alike, and this bodes well for the production version of the luxury crossover judging by these latest spy shots. Reader Ivan Lo captured a few pictures of some MKC prototypes driving around with minimal camouflage, which gives us our best look yet at the design of this new Escape-based Lincoln.

Based on the spy shots from back in May, we already knew that the production MKC would sport some real door handles, a little side cladding and bigger door mirrors, but these latest shots also show us that the rear quarter windows have been enlarged and the integrated dual exhaust outlets have been replaced by round pipes. This means that the MKC will retain the concept's narrow headlights and what is arguably Lincoln's best execution of its split-wing grille. Even better, the rear view confirms the stylish horizontal taillights will remain intact, as well as the Audi-like wraparound liftgate. Since the entire taillight assembly rises along with the liftgate, redundant lights were also added into the rear fascia.

Unfortunately, the low angle of these spy shots leaves us without a view of the interior, but based on its looks alone, the MKC is shaping up to be a promising vehicle for a brand that so badly needs some fresh metal.

- http://www.autoblog.com/2013/10/14/lincoln-mkc-spy-shots/