As engineers of Lincoln quietly work to bring the brand back to relevance, an update to the current Lincoln MKS sedan and MKT crossover will be unveiled at the upcoming 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show as 2013 models.

Although official information has yet to be released, the 2013MY MKS and MKT are expected to receive not only mild cosmetic alterations, but mechanical updates as well.

It will be interesting to see if Lincoln’s new design boss (the man responsible for creating the current look of Cadillac) can do anything to make the MKT look at all appealing.

Look for the new Lincoln MKS and MKT in showrooms next year.

[Source: Carscoop]

See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 LA Auto Show Preview here.

What would it take to transform Lincoln from a luxury imitator to a genuine rival to the world’s finest premium marques? While there are numerous factors, one of the most important is a flagship sedan, with size, opulence and it must be rear-wheel drive.

According to two sources inside Ford, the Blue Oval is mulling a flagship rear-drive sedan that would rival the Lexus LS and Mercedes S-Class. Based on a modified version of the Mustang’s rear-drive platform it would be used as an example of the brand’s latest technology and highlight new innovations.

Recently Ford announced major plans for the Lincoln brand, giving the brand it’s own product development team while poaching a top designer from Cadillac.

GALLERY: Lincoln Continental Concept

[Source: FordInsideNews]

Cadillac is hoping to use an unconventional marketing strategy to lure buyers to its upcoming XTS sedan, with plans to market it to limo services as a livery vehicle or “black car”.

While the livery car market is a small niche segment, it naturally attracts a fair number of high-end clients who use the vehicles as executive transport. In New York City, livery cars are ubiquitous among the affluent set, who ride in the back of Town Cars and Suburbans rather than their own vehicle.

Cadillac is hoping to get the XTS into the hands of livery car operators, since the Lincoln Town Car, the king of the livery car segment, has ended, and Lincoln’s replacement, based on the MKT, has been a sales flop. The XTS models sold to livery operators will be identical to the consumer version in terms of content, though livery drivers will be able to have the wheelbase stretched by approved coachbuilders.

From there, Cadillac is hoping that buyers of import brands will come away impressed with the Cadillac, and this will ostensibly translate into conquest sales for the brand.

[Source: Automotive News]

This car is so pimp, it wouldn’t be afraid to slap Snoop Dog.

From an era when good cars were big cars comes what might just be one of the biggest and best of them all, a 1976 Lincoln Continental Town Car. Currently listed for sale at RK Motors this pristine model has just 23,938 miles on the odometer and is in original, unrestored condition.

Described as “an original survivor” with a ride, “second only to a cruise ship” this Lincoln weighs nearly 5,500 lbs and is powered by a numbers matching Ford 385 Series 460 cu-in engine making 202-hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. With stunning chrome and stainless steel outside, plus plenty of rich leather, wood and shag carpeting inside the car features power windows, locks and seats. Not only does the A/C still blow cold, but this pristine machine even has the original Michelin rubber.

Sold with documentation including the original owner’s manual and the car’s build record, it can be yours for $17,900. See the complete ad here.

GALLERY: 1976 Lincoln Continental Town Car

Ford may begin building electric cars in China via joint ventures with Chinese auto makers, replicating the tactics of rivals like General Motors and Daimler AG, parent company of Mercedes-Benz. China is looking to add 1 million EVs by 2015 as part of an effort to curb emissions and the dependence on fossil fuels.

Ford CEO Alan Mulally was in China for the groundbreaking of a new engine assembly plant with local partner Changan Automobile Group, part of a $1.6 billion effort to build four new factories in China. Mulally expects China to play a key part in boosting Ford sales by 50 percent by 2015, and Ford’s Lincoln brand may become part of that strategy, as Chinese demand for luxury cars is rapidly growing.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Given the recent talk about Ford’s luxury division, namely an injection of cash, design independence and a raft of new models coming down the pike, the latest word on the street is that Lincoln plans to axe it’s trademark “waterfall” grille.

First seen on the MKR concept at the North American International Auto Show in 2007, the waterfall has become just about the only defining design feature of the brand’s current product lineup, (some might agree the full-width tailight treatment on some models also counts).

Given that Lincoln is one brand struggling to find its identity in a saturated luxury market (a combination of badge-engineered vehicles and others in search of market doesn’t help),  frequent changes in design aren’t likely to prove beneficial if Ford wants the brand to embark on the road to sustained growth and success.

With that in mind let’s hope the brand’s new design team comes up with a grille design that really does stand out; a signature touch that not only endures but defines what Lincoln is all about. And if it happens to adorn American luxury vehicles we can actually be proud of, so much the better.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Just as industry analysts and veterans are convinced that the Lincoln brand will share a similar fate to Mercury, Lincoln is determined to prove the naysayers otherwise. According to global product chief of Ford, Derrick Kuzak, Ford promises no fewer than seven new or improved vehicles in the Lincoln lineup by 2014, a mere three years time.

With introductions staggered between 2012 to 2014, Lincoln is scheduled to begin their launch with a restyled Navigator for its 2012 model year. Expect to find the same 3.5 liter EcoBoost V-6 found in Ford’s F-series line of pickups.

Also in development is a new compact crossover based on Ford’s next generation Ford Escape, which will be based on a Ford Kuga chassis, a product that’s currently a foreign market exclusive. Another compact car is also in talks but it probably won’t be introduced until 2016, if at all.

Next, the Ford Fusion based Lincoln MKZ will be revised for 2013. However, expect to see the MKZ’s introduction to be slightly behind that of the Fusion as Ford Motor Company will focus much of their efforts in refining, and further separating, Lincolns with a more upscale interior.

The larger MKS sedan is expected to receive a facelift for 2013 as well. Cosmetic enhancements include a freshened grill and side in order to achieve a more streamlined appearance. Moreover, the MKS may also be available with an efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine expected in the Taurus at the same time.

As far as Lincoln’s current crossovers are concerned, the big daddy MKT will get new grill and taillight treatments, not to mention a gussied up interior. And finally, don’t expect a redesign for the midsize crossover MKX until 2014.

Although it remains to be seen whether these efforts would place Lincoln back on the map, it is a positive sign to see Ford Motor Company at least try.

GALLERY: Lincoln Line-up

[Source: Autonews]

If ever there was a vehicle that people seem to have completely forgotten about, it’s the Lincoln Navigator.

Once a popular SUV that battled head on with the likes of the Cadillac Escalade, the Navigator has failed to win the affections of many buyers who in the luxury SUV segment.

The Navigator is still around, and according to some rumors, an updated Navigator will bow for the 2013 model year, with some styling tweaks, and a rather big mechanical change.

Yes, like most of Ford‘s vehicles, the Navigator will also gain an EcoBoost engine, possibly the same one found in the F-150 pick-up truck.

It is not known if the motor will be tweaked for the big Lincoln, but it has already impressed many auto journalists and buyers with its fuel-economy and power (365 hp, 420 lb-ft of torque).

Expect the new Navigator to arrive in showroom’s by sometime next year.

[Source: Left Lane News]

We’ve heard about money being invested. We’ve heard about the division getting its own stand alone design operation, but will Ford stick to its guns and view Lincoln as a long-term investment?

Given the short-tenure focus of most US corporations these days, it’s difficult to say at this point, but as one of the oldest nameplates in the business, Ford’s luxury brand definitely deserves a chance.

By installing a core group of executives to run Lincoln, many with international experience and declaring that it’s willing to spend real money on the tooling needed to provide the brand’s vehicles with signature styling outside and in, Ford appears to be moving in the right direction.

Other ideas on the table include eliminating gear levers in all Lincoln vehicles in favor of push buttons, as well as cutting the number of dealers nationwide, down to around 325, which rivals the number of Mercedes-Benz stores in the US.

Additionally, Ford is talking about courting new customers with Lincoln, a sub-set of younger, more affluent buyers than its traditional client base; the result could be a proliferation in product offerings, possibly GT cars and even convertibles.

This so-called sub-set of buyers represents around 25 percent of the luxury market in the US and, currently, the fastest growing in the segment. As a result, the opportunity is there for Lincoln to achieve great things, provided Ford sticks to its plan of creating a ‘proper’ luxury brand.

Look for the first idea of what the “new Lincoln” is all about with the debut of the 2013 MKZ at the Detroit Auto Show in January. One hint that’s slipped out is the MyLincoln Select Drive system, that allows for adjustable suspension, steering and throttle settings.

[Source: Autoblog]

With the current model, neé Zephyr, getting quite long in the tooth, Lincoln is getting ready to launch its successor, with a concept scheduled to be unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show.

The next generation MKZ will utilize the same architecture as its high volume stablemate, the Ford Fusion, as well as the European Mondeo, which means it will retain front-wheel drive, with AWD likely available as an option. As for powertrains, a Hybrid is rumored to be part of the mix (the current model has proved quite popular) along with a V6 and turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder.

However, the new MKZ, expected to be introduced as a 2013 model, will likely break the mold in terms of styling. Lincoln’s new design boss, Max Wolff, who worked at Cadillac before moving across town, reportedly arrived in time to leave his signature on the latest Z, so expect something a little edgier and more distinctive.

In addition, look for the introduction of MyLincoln Select Drive, with adjustable settings for the steering, throttle response and suspension system.

Further down the road, there are rumors circulating that Lincoln could get a version of the platform that underpins the rear-drive Australian Falcon, which could make for some very interesting vehicles, though the brand doesn’t have enough clout yet to be asking for such things. However, provided Lincoln gains some solid ground with upcoming new or revised products, such an idea isn’t beyond the realms of possibility.

[Source: Car & Driver]

Despite some sources claiming that Lincoln could perhaps be headed the same way as Mercury, due to having too many badge engineered vehicles, a recent announcement by Ford Motor Company could prove the naysayers wrong.

In an effort to turn things around, Lincoln will get its own design operation, independent from Ford, which will work in conjunction with the brand’s product development team, a move seldom seen in today’s auto industry. The idea is that subsequent Lincoln products will look and feel far more unique than its current offerings (perhaps like the Mk 9 concept shown above) as well as being more fuel efficient; expect to see variations of the corporate EcoBoost technology employed on upcoming powertrains, along with a range of new transmissions.

Given current industry lead times, it’s likely the first of the new offerings could arrive within the next three years.

[Source: Autoline Daily]

Pope Paul VI was the first pope to travel the world, visiting Asia, Africa, and the Americas extensively. When he came to the USA for the first time, he needed something fitting to represent the Catholic Church—and this Lincoln Continental served nicely.

This Continental was built upon a request from the Vatican, who needed a ride for Paul VI’s address to the United Nations in 1965. To fulfill the order, coachbuilder Lehman-Peterson built it in just two weeks. They stretched it to 21 feet and added a removable roof section, with a PA system to address the huddled masses and a removable transparent window, more to shield the pope from the weather than from the likes of Carlos the Jackal.

When Pope Paul VI came to New York, he addressed the United Nations, attended the World’s Fair, and witnessed a Yankees game, to the chagrin of Red Sox fans. After his whirlwind New York tour the Pope and his Continental went to Bogotá, Colombia, where the car was modified to fit in with the city’s 8,000-ft elevation.

The car never made it back to Italy after the South American trip, but rather to Chicago where, given the right series of events, it could have become the Bluesmobile. Instead, it carried a series of astronauts: Frank Borman, James Lovell and William Anderson after they orbited the moon, and then the Apollo 11 crew after the 1969 moon landing.

Just another example of a Lincoln Continental becoming part of world history. And this bit of history could be yours at Pebble Beach, where it will go up for auction on August 19th. Auction house Bonhams believes it will go for $250,000 to $350,000, which seems low for a car that’s a genuine holy roller.

GALLERY: 1964 Lincoln Continental Pope Mobile

[Source: New York Times]

Ford will introduce a new performance customization option to its vehicles in the near future, offering adjustable settings for things like the steering and suspension. Called MyFord Select Drive, it will likely allow for three different settings for the steering responsiveness and the firmness of the shock absorbers, as well as the transmission shift characteristics on automatic models.

News comes via a patent filing by Ford with the U.S. Government and no word has been given on which vehicle the MyFord Select Drive system will first appear in. One suggestion is that we’ll first see it in the next-generation Lincoln MKZ, branded as MyLincoln Select Drive. Ford is eager to revive the Lincoln brand, infusing some sporting characteristics into its quasi luxury image and this system could help. Making that scenario even more likely is that fact that the MKZ competes directly with the Buick Regal, which GM now offers (in GS trim) with its own performance customization feature called Interactive Drive Control.

[Source: FordInsideNews]

A recall has been issued out for owners of 1997-2004 Ford F-150s, 1997-1999 F-250s and 2002-2003 Lincoln Blackwoods to address a fuel tank strap that has become susceptible to corroding due to de-icing chemicals used on roads in cold weather. Owners of affected vehicles will receive a recall notice in mid-September and replacement straps will be installed on their vehicles. If the straps aren’t available when the recall repairs are done, an interim repair utilizing a cable support under the fuel-tank strap will be installed.

The defect has already lead to three unfortunate fires and one injury according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Mercedes-Benz dealerships have been awarded the top spot for the third consecutive year in an independent study issued on yesterday using secret shoppers to determine how customers are treated. Both Jaguar and Lexus tied for second place with Toyota and Chrysler being the best among mass-market brands in the Pied Piper study.

Mercedes-Benz has been locked into a tight race with BMW to overtake Lexus this year as the top-selling brand in the U.S market however Lexus lost sales caused by the March earthquake in Japan halting production. Mitsubishi and Suzuki finished at the bottom of the survey due to low volume sales. Lincoln scored the worst among luxury brands falling to below the industry average and Ford fell to bellow the industry average as well.

In total, 3,524 “mystery shoppers” were sent to U.S dealerships rating how sales people performed in explaining the features of the car to finalizing a sale.

[Source: Automotive News]

For 2012, Lincoln has lowered the price of its not-so-successful EcoBoost MKT three-row crossover by $3,000. There are no equipment of styling changes for this model year, but Lincoln is hoping the lower price will make the car more desirable to consumers. For 2012, the MKT will no longer have the all-wheel drive model with the naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V6. Instead, the AWD model with the 355-hp 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 will cost $46,295 with the price reduction.

The price will remain the same for the entry level front-wheel drive MKT with the non-turbocharged, 270-hp 3.7-liter V6 costing $44,300. The entry level model is rated at 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway for a combined fuel rating of 20 mpg. The EcoBoost model is rated at 16 mpg city, 23 highway for 18 mpg respectively.

When Ford went through a slump in 2006, the company took its employees in groups to see many of its upcoming products to boost morale within the company. With Lincoln set for a rebirth, the company will do the same calling it the “Lincoln Experience”. The employees will be shown new styling and strategy direction for the brand to improve interest and excitement. The workshop will be held for two weeks in July.

Ford has not invited Lincoln dealers or members of the press yet and it is unlikely that the public will be included regarding the news, but we can expect that leaks will occur. It is likely that top Ford executives should be present at the event including Lincoln’s new head of design, Max Wolff.

Stay tuned for more info!

[Source: Ford Inside News]

One of the newest safety features in the 2012 Ford Explorer are its rear seatbelts, which inflate during an accident. Now, spurred by the Explorer’s success and advanced safety ratings, Ford is making these available on the Flex and a number of Lincoln vehicles.

The seatbelts expand to protect the head, neck, and chest for rear-seat passengers—most of whom are children or the elderly, as 40% of Explorers have been purchased by parents. They are compatible with child seats and are slim enough to work like normal seatbelts.

And as a result, the Explorer is one of many Ford vehicles with a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety. The Flex is another; expect its safety street cred to rise once its belts are upgraded. It’s not known which Lincoln vehicles will features these, but the MKX and MKT are probably a good guess.

In an effort to try and stimulate falling sales of it’s North American luxury brand, Ford Motor Company has announced it will be spending $1 billion in a last-chance revitalization effort.

Lincoln has been struggling in the luxury sector, faced with stiff competition from German and Japanese brands with a product portfolio that essentially consists of badge-engineered Fords.

In 2010, the brand sold 85,828 cars in the US, by comparison, BMW sold more than that from just one of its product lines (the 3-Series sold more than 100,000 units during the same period).

And with the imminent demise of the highly-profitable Town Car, the brand’s fortunes are set to decline even further, especially in the short term.

Nevertheless, Ford has said that for the time being, it remains committed to revitalizing it’s premier marque, though today, $1 billion doesn’t go a long way  in the automobile business, especially for an entire brand.

A good deal of the revitalization plan involves asking dealers to commit to Lincoln, by upgrading their stores to bring them more in-line with imported luxury brands, though Ford says it plans to reduce the total number of Lincoln franchises.

Nevertheless, that should give the remaining retailers are chance to boost their bottom line, especially if the automaker sticks to its promises of bringing to market seven new products within the next five years.

[Source: Left Lane News]

The rejuvenation of Lincoln doesn’t just begin with Roger Sterling. Ford has ordered its Lincoln dealers to spend at least $1 million per dealer to keep up with contemporary luxury trends, or get the hell out of the way.

Lincoln’s rebuilding begins now, said Alan Mulally to 120 Lincoln dealers at a meeting in Detroit last week. Ford expects its dealers to spend at least $1 million on renovating their showrooms, and double that if it’s a Ford-Lincoln combination (and to pour one out for dearly-departed Mercury). If dealers don’t follow through with the renovations, Ford reserves the right to revoke their franchises.

“We talked about the product and the experience and our commitment to make Lincoln a world-class luxury brand,” said Christian Bokich, Lincoln spokesman. “We have seven new or significantly refreshed vehicles coming out in the next three years.”

Ford wants its dealer renovations ready by the end of next year, just in time for a new MKZ sedan and a Focus-based luxury crossover. Ford currently has 1,100 Lincoln dealerships in America, but the majority of dealers targeted are based in urban markets.

[Source: Automotive News]

Despite recent rumors that Lincoln might be headed for the chopping block, not helped by GM CEO Dan Akerson’s outburst last week, Ford Motor Company has repeatedly said that it’s committed to the Lincoln brand. Not only that, but part of future product portfolios will included a Navigator SUV.

Scott Tobin, director of product development for Lincoln, said during a short video on the company’s Facebook page, that not only will the Navigator stick around long-term, it will likely remain as a large, heavy-duty vehicle designed for hauling and towing, which probably means it will retain body-on-frame construction and possibly larger displacement engines, though in Ford’s corporate-wide push to improve fuel efficiency, at least one EcoBoost engine will probably join the roster. To view Tobin’s comments, click on the link here.

Ford is cutting 150 jobs from its Buffalo Stamping Plant in upstate New York, as production of the Ford Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town Car comes to a close.

The vehicles, based on Ford’s ancient “Panther” platform, are slated to be killed off in September, and Ford says that the layoffs are necessary to keep costs in line once the Buffalo plant stops producing components for the Panther vehicles. The plant will employ 500 workers once the cuts are made.

Ford will also lay off thousands of workers at its plant in St. Thomas, Canada, where the vehicles are assembled.

[Source: Left Lane News]

According to the latest barely substantiated rumors, Lincoln the famous American luxury brand know for its large sedans and SUVs is about to get into performance coupes. Lincoln will hopefully join the fight in the performance luxury car sector up against some of the best including: Mercedes- Benz, Audi, BMW and Inifiniti. According to June’s issue of Road & Track, Lincoln may produce a lightweight, mid engined two-seater with either a supercharged V6 or a naturally aspirated V8.

Lincoln is planning to introduce seven new or revamped models within the next three years. A brand constantly trying to differentiate itself from Ford may be able to do just that with a new sports car. Furthermore, if Lincoln can produce this performance vehicle, it will be more likely to attract different demographics than soccer moms and retirees to its dealerships.

[Source: Automotive News]