Lincoln gets its groove back by tapping its classic design history as on this 2010 MKZ with its split grill that dates back to 1940.
Lincoln is rocking a renassiance by re-connecting with its roots as a classic American marque. There's a lot to be said for remembering who you are, expecially when that inspires designs that link today's cars with each other while referencing brilliant past classics. Joining that renewed focus with state of the art engineering advances such as Ford Motor Company's brilliant EcoBoost engines (direct injection and turbo charging give the power of a V8 with the economy of a V6) has lit a fire under the brand that deserves recognition.
Lincoln went through some dark years when each of its offerings were stand-alone designs having no continuity or coherence, either to past models or each other. For 2010, Lincoln seems to have realized that the sum can be greater than the parts only if the parts work together to make a powerful, singular statement.
While Cadillac, with its CTS chases BMW's five series as a European style sports sedan, Lincoln seems dedicated to redefining what made it a great American luxury car to begin with: a comfortable, powerful, easily driven car with style and a wide ranging options list to make it as posh as buyers wish. Gone are the floating boats that U.S. luxury cars grew into during the 1960s and 70s. New Lincolns have reassuring sense of safe, on the road feel without the harsh sports sedan ride of German offerings, coupled with short turning circles that make them easily manueverable in city traffic.
MKS and MKZ sedans along with the new MKT crossover share a family resemblance with their "ships prow cutting through water" grill designs derived from the 1930s Lincoln Zephyrs and the 1940 Lincoln Continental along with hop-up rear fender lines and uniform application of the brand's star logo.
Check out the slide show below to see classic Lincoln design elements that bring renewed style to the company's current offerings.
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Comments
I hate American cars, but I admit, you've got me looking at these. I agree - there's a nice verve to the new designs I haven't been able to put my finger on. Great slideshow! Wow, it *is* interesting, the split grill, and frankly how the emblem is worked in.
Nice read. Thanks
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