Fairlane-based crossover confirmed for Lincoln
Automotive News is reporting today that Ford has confirmed to analysts that Lincoln will be getting a seven-passenger crossover vehicle based on the same platform as the upcoming production version of the Ford Fairlane. The Lincoln crossover's codename is D472 and it's expected to reach showrooms next year as a 2009 model. Here's the important nugget of info: the Lincoln crossover will not be a rebadged Ford Fairlane. While it will share "hard points" with the Fairlane, the entire skin should be all Lincoln and sport the double-wing grille, high beltline and thin taillamps that we've been told will be Lincoln's styling cues going forward. Peter Horbury, Ford's Design Chief in the U.S., compared the D472's styling with the "sleekness of a Gulfstream jet." We should expect that by 2009 other vehicles in Lincoln's lineup like the MKZ, MKX and Navigator will also get the double-wing grille treatment to match new products like this seven-seat crossover and the upcoming MKS sedan. [Source: Automotive News]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
John P. 6:21PM (1/12/2007)
I can't wait to see it. Lincoln will need something above the mkx. I'm hoping it gets that twin-turbo v6.
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BOB 4:06PM (1/12/2007)
None too soon!
I hope it is a big winner -- although the BMW and Range Rover models are real SUVs, they are bought mainly as cars, so this Lincoln does not need to be a real truck. I wonder if its name will be "NAVIGATOR"? -- to replace the tired model with the new potato masher grille?
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Craig Cote 4:20PM (1/12/2007)
Lincoln, what a joke. Will it be built in Mexico? Will it's resale value be a kick below the belt when compared to a Lexus? Will it dependability and performance continue to stink as has been documented year after year in Consumer Reports Magazine? Will it's parent company Ford even be around in the next few years? Lincoln should quit trying when they've been so thoroughly bested in every aspect by such a young division of Toyota, the king LEXUS!
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TheOne442 4:59PM (1/13/2007)
I totally agree with BOB.
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mkbruin 4:21PM (1/12/2007)
BOB, the X3 is based on the 3 series platform. the X% is based on the 5 series platform. They are both car based crossovers.
The LR3, RR Sport, and Range Rover are SUV's based on their platform design and available low range gearbox. The LR2 is a car based platform, and as such is a crossover and not an SUV.
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Hamud 5:14PM (1/12/2007)
#2 Lincoln has been beaten by other brands because it was nothing more than a rebadged Ford with a chrome grille. Now it's starting to turn things around by making unique models. Ford's been around for more than 100 years helping the USA to be what it's now, what makes you think they wont be around for the next 100? Think a bit before starting to say that kind of crap...
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Daniel 5:58PM (1/12/2007)
Craig and Paul - hit yourself in the head with a hammer.
Thanks
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Accordsforall 8:16PM (1/12/2007)
Hmmm
When I see the Fairlane and the Lincoln "version" in the flesh.. them maybe I will believe it. Until then.. copies.. copies.. copies. Last thing I want to do is (besides ever walk into a Ford / Merc, Linc dealership) is buy a vehicle like the Tribute / Escape / Mariner.. and have it look identically like the Tribute, Escape and or mariner.. same with the Exploder / Aviator and or Mountineer. The Fusion and or 500 for Mercury is also no excuse. CHANGE THE DAMN SHEET METAL!!!
And stop adding thin fake plastic covers over the lights and charging 5g for the privilige of driving a up level brand.. when the same thing.. is at Ford / Linc.
And oh yeah.. SEPERATE LINC AND MERC!!! Ya got to semi luxo brands.. and they both sell the same damn crap.
CUT THAT DAMN SHT OUT!!!
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DRC 4:54PM (1/12/2007)
Asian car companies are no better than American car companies. I can't understand why people are rejoicing in the Big 3's difficulties. They are really putting a lot of effort into design and quality and their products are up to par, if not better and definately much more attractive than any asian cars. The only thing that Toyota, Honda etc. are winning is the battle of perception.
If the Big 3 fail, you can be sure it will affect everyone around the country. They still employ the vast majority of american auto workers. I hope that you all are not so deluded/clueless that you can't see the negative ramifications of a GM/Ford bankrupcy to the american economy...you all probably are.
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Hithome 4:59PM (1/12/2007)
DRC.........you are one of the few smart people on this entire blog!!! The rest of you please re-read his entry!!!!!!!!!!!
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Robert 5:03PM (1/12/2007)
How has the Zephyr/MKZ's reliability been weak when it scored second in its class (admittedly to the ES, but not far behind)? No, I really want this answered.
Why is Mexico worse than Japan when the quality numbers are there? I really want this answered too.
If it costs $5k less than a Lexus with similar power, features and quality, why would it be stupid to buy it? I suppose emotional appeal could matter, but the ES has the emotional appeal of a rock to many of us (the IS is better).
Expectation of long-term reliability (based on stellar past performance, admittedly) provide Lexus with its high resale value. If the MKZ proves to be reliable long-term, as it has shown initially, its resale will improve as expectations line up with reality.
With the MKZ and MKX this year. The MKS and Fairlane-based Lincoln debuting along with an updated MKZ in '08 for the 2009 model year and potentially an MKR and an updated MKX in '09 for 2010, I think Lincoln will be in good shape.
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Gerry 5:41PM (1/12/2007)
It makes sense for Ford to build a Lincoln variant of the Ford Fairlane. I'm not going to be one in the market for a rebadged Ford CUV, but maybe Ford will surprise me. (I doubt it.)
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Robert 5:16PM (1/12/2007)
I don't understand the badge engineering that Ford does. They have a few good cars and designs but I never see anything that really makes me want to even look at the other brands (Merc and Lincoln). But then again I'm not in target audience age wise.
Rob
http://www.autoshortlist.com
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yeahright 5:25PM (1/12/2007)
It may or may not be a great vehicle, but it's a safe bet that it's going to carry a lame-o name. Alongside the MKX, the MKZ and the MKS, will this be the MKF or the MK?. And will anyone other than a Lincoln junkie ever be able to keep them all straight?
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Lee Gibson 5:57PM (1/12/2007)
The Big 3's problems are not my fault, nor is it my responsibility to fix them. They've done this to themselves, and now they need to fix it.
If they do, great. If not, we'll get by without them. Good riddance.
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Michael Karesh 6:27PM (1/12/2007)
This all but confirms that Mercury will not be with us much longer.
I'm also not sure I buy the unique sheetmetal bit. Notice how much unique sheetmetal the MKX has vs. the Edge?
The Fusion et al have been posting low repair rates in my research. Next set of results around the end of February.
http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php
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ROB B 9:32AM (1/13/2007)
This shows us the Ford is getting it. People don't want re-badged Fords named Lincolns. Lincolns need to have their own unique sheetmetal and extremely luxurious interiors. The Fusion/MKZ is a good step towards going this as well as the Edge/MKX.
To posts #2 and 4. Read post #5, they get it.
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Joel A 6:01PM (1/12/2007)
That's welcome news. I know I'm one of the segments that Lincoln is aiming and its new crop--the Zephyr/MKZ and the MKX--are not only looking sweet, but quite distinct from all the Lexus/BMW/MB that dominate out here in SoCal.
I have no prob buying American WHEN the product's right. And Ford's latest products for its Ford/Mercury/Lincoln lines are looking mighty fine in appearance and quality.
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JP 6:01PM (1/12/2007)
The Ford bashers come out swinging once again without seeing so much as a spy shot, let alone actual facts about the vehicle. Proof that a lot of people look no further than the badge. I'd love to see Autoblog take a new Toyota and photochop in some Ford badges, then after the Ford haters do their worst post the real picture and watch the backpedaling.
Maybe a stunt like that is more up Winding Road's alley, but would be fun none the less.
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DJ 7:23PM (1/12/2007)
First of all, it'll be called the MKC - "C" for crossover.
Second, I hope they will use the interior design from the Meta One crossover concept. http://www.mercuryvehicles.com/metaone/interiorphotos.asp
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