Creating a design statement with a crossover isn't the easiest thing to accomplish, but Lincoln makes a serious attempt to turn heads with the stylish MKC.
The concept debuts Tuesday at the Detroit auto show, and it previews a coming crossover due in 2014 that Lincoln hopes will add sales and prestige to its historic, if stagnant, image. The utility vehicle is handsome in the bulging manner of the BMW X6, a sport ute with athletic undertones.
“You see the swelling of these muscles, but it's very subtle,” said Murat Gueler, lead designer for the concept.
The MKC features flared wheel arches, a prominent split-wing grille in front that summons the spirit of the 1930s Zephyr, and a noticeable beltline that gives shape to the sides.
The MKC rolls on 20-inch wheels mounted in Pirelli rubber all set off with polished aluminum rims. Indeed, the entire vehicle is an exercise in tasteful use of brightwork, with different materials employed to accent features inside and out. The most dramatic element of the cabin is a panoramic roof, which offers a wide view of the above. It's also enhanced with a slim dual rail running through the center of the ceiling, which adds ambient lighting.
Inside is wood, chrome and the fresh signature of Lincoln: a push-button transmission shifter mounted to the right of the steering wheel first used in the MKZ. The brand's star emblem and extensive latticework are also stitched throughout the interior.
The MKC is the first fully completed vehicle created from the reborn Lincoln design studio. The MKZ sedan was done before the studio opened.
Though the MKC has plenty of style, its purpose is all business. Ford is hoping a small utility vehicle can give it traction -- and sales -- amid tough competition both foreign and domestic. The segment is showing growth, Ford says, and the MKC is part of a product blitz that includes four new vehicles in the next four years.
Lincoln hopes to appeal to a broader range of customers and lower its customers' average age in the process. Today, its average customer is 65 years old. Brand execs hope to drop that to 57 and strengthen Lincoln's presence on the trend-setting East and West coasts. Called “brand agnostics,” Lincoln wants to target customers who don't have entrenched loyalties and are seeking a less-conspicuous luxury appearance. Lincoln sales have dipped 4 percent last year to 82,150 units.
About the Detroit auto show
The annual North American International Auto Show, better known as the Detroit auto show, has maintained its place as a barometer for the entire industry. For 2013, NAIAS takes place Jan. 14-27 and will host concept cars, green cars and supercars from all the major automakers, including what's expected to be a highlight this year: the new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette. Check out Autoweek's complete coverage of the Detroit auto show here.
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