Finished in Rhapsody Blue, the Continental concept is one of the most striking Lincolns in recent memory. It breaks all ties with the company’s current design language and instead adopts a bold, upscale look that is characterized by an arch-shaped radiator grille with mesh inserts, a curved hood and swept-back headlights with laser-assisted high beams.
Out back, Lincoln’s latest concept features pronounced haunches, thin tail lamps connected by a light bar and quad exhaust pipes. 21-inch alloy wheels wrapped by Pirelli P-Zero tires add a finishing touch to the low-slung look and increase the sedan’s road presence.
The cockpit is accessed via E-latch door handles that are integrated into the belt line. While the exterior boasts a relatively understated look, the interior stands out with a wide center console fitted with acres of chrome trim, a sunroof that tints at the push of a button and plush 30-way adjustable front seats upholstered in a combination of Venetian leather and Alcantara. Occupants can enjoy a quiet ride provided by Lincoln’s Active Noise Control technology or play their favorite tunes through a 19-speaker Revel Ultima System stereo.
The passengers who ride in the back can relax thanks to aircraft-inspired tablet lap trays built into the center console and a champagne storage compartment. Alternatively, the rear seats can fully recline, letting the occupants sleep on long drives.
Power comes from a Lincoln-specific 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, but additional technical details were not published. Lincoln says that the concept offers three driving modes called normal, sport and comfort, respectively.
Far from a simple design study, the Continental concept is a hugely important car for Lincoln. A slightly toned-down version of it designed to replace the slow-selling MKS as the automaker’s flagship will be introduced next year, and the sedan will usher in the design language that will influence most – if not all – of the company’s cars over the next few years.
Live photos by Brian Williams.
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