A few grainy spy shots wormed their way through the Web over the last week, but Lincoln finally unveiled the new Continental in Detroit and it’ll be hitting showrooms this fall.
The new Continental was designed with a theme — “Quiet Luxury” — and three terms permeate the press materials: Elegance, Effortless Power and Serenity.
(If the Continental were focused toward Millennials, these would be easy hashtags.)
The styling is unquestionably elegant. The character line flowing from the front fender vent, echoed just above the rocker panel, keep the big Lincoln from looking too slab-sided. The rear fender kicks up, adding some “hips” to the rear view. The chrome strip at the beltline hides the integrated door handles nicely.
And as every OEM must have a signature grille, the Continental follows. The split chrome strip below the main opening is a bit odd, but distinctive. At first glance, the mesh in the grille opening looks like a simple eggcrate — but no, the apertures mimic the classic Continental logo.
An available four hundred horsepower turbo V-6 defines effortlessness. As this will likely be a transverse powerplant, powering either the front or (optionally) all four wheels, the overall feel may be less refined than a traditional rear-drive luxury car, but for the intended owner, this will not be an issue.
Lincoln’s press release notes that the seats were inspired by private jets, offering 30-way adjustments, heating, cooling, and massage. Three exclusive interior design packages are available: Chalet, inspired by ski lodges, with two-tone leather and wood; Thoroughbred, with saddle-inspired leather, quilted to evoke a horse blanket; and Rhapsody, featuring blue leather and aluminum accents.
There was word on pricing.