Back To The Future: Ford Revives Lincoln Continental

(RTTNews) - Ford Motor Co. (F) plans to revive the iconic Lincoln Continental name with the introduction of a new flagship Continental luxury sedan this week.

The automaker hopes that restoration of the classic name will enable to boost the sale of luxury cars in the U.S. and China, the world's two largest auto markets.

Ford's Lincoln Motor Co. will unveil a prototype of the new Continental Sedan, the Lincoln Continental Concept, at the New York International Auto Show that opens later this week. The company noted that the Lincoln Continental Concept signals the brand's all-new, full-size sedan coming next year.

Mark Fields, president and CEO of Ford said, "The Continental Concept showcases the promise of quiet luxury from Lincoln going forward. It also is a strong indication of what's to come next year as we introduce our new Lincoln Continental full-size luxury sedan."

After a few slow-selling years and nine generations of cars, Lincoln announced the end of Continental production in 2002. The nine generations of cars includes the convertible parade limousine in which President John F Kennedy was assassinated in 1963.

The decision to end Continental production was due largely to the continued shift in the consumer marketplace away from large front-wheel drive luxury cars. After the Continental was discontinued in 2002, it was largely replaced by the Lincoln LS and eventually the Lincoln MKZ.

The full-size concept sedan to be displayed at the New York Auto Show will have a sleek silhouette and a new centered chrome grill. It will be powered by a Lincoln-exclusive 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine, patented 30-way seats, and premium Revel audio system.

Driver-assist technologies include Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Enhanced Park Assist and a 360-degree camera that displays on the MyLincoln Touch screen.

The Continental Concept will introduce E-Latch door handles, LED matrix headlamps with laser-assist high beams, and SPD SmartGlass tinting sunroof, which allows passengers to control heat from direct sunlight.

The car's interiors feature Venetian leather seat and door panels, Alcantara seat inserts and armrests, satin headliner and shearling wool carpet. The passenger-side rear seat can fully recline by moving the front passenger seat forward with the touch of a button.

The rear seat features a tablet-supporting lap tray that deploys from the through-center console and a champagne storage compartment.

David Woodhouse, Lincoln design director said, "The Lincoln Continental name is associated with iconic beauty and elegance. Capturing those qualities and building upon them drove us as we crafted this thoroughly modern sedan concept."