Lincoln introduces the 2017 Continental at the North American International Auto Show on January 12, 2016 in Detroit.Scott Olson/Getty Images
The unveiling of the 2017 Lincoln Continental Tuesday at the North American International Auto Show completes the four-year rollout of new models that brand president Kumar Galhotra hopes will expand the Ford division's share of the profitable luxury market.
The Continental, which goes on sale this fall, will be Lincoln's flagship. It carries a storied name from the marque, but that's where the resemblance ends. There's nothing old and fusty about this car.
"We made a very conscious, clear effort to deliver the spirit of the Continental but not to let the history of the car become an anchor," Galhotra told Globe Drive.
The retro grille of recent models is gone, replaced by a nose that might put some in mind of Jaguar's XF sedan. Purely coincidence, Galhotra said. It's an original design.
"It's now going to be the new signature grille for the [Lincoln] portfolio," he said, noting the look debuted with the redesigned MKZ.
But the Jaguar comparison may not be out of line. The car's features hint at Jag's original philosophy of grace, space and pace.
Galhotra's presentation emphasized the complex array of electronic features designed to warmly welcome the driver upon approach of the car, lighting the pavement and providing a gentle glow for entry of the vehicle. Both front and back seats feature fine adjustments, with driver's seat thigh bolsters that can even be tweaked separately for the left and right legs.
The torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive Continental's 3.0-litre twin-turbo V-6 is expected to produce 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. There are adjustable suspension and steering settings and electronic aids, including optional pre-collision assist, pedestrian detection and a cruise control system that adapts to stop-and-go commuter traffic.
Pricing for the Continental has not been announced.