Ever since Lincoln set about revitalizing its vehicle line-up in 2014, each year has brought an exciting new surprise for fans of American-made luxury vehicles.
After the jaw-dropping tenth generation of Lincoln’s storied Continental nameplate debuted in 2016 for the 2017 vehicle year, it has become clear that Lincoln’s designers are dedicated to going back to the drawing board and exploring what made Lincoln such a beloved and enduring twentieth century brand.
The industry consensus is that Lincoln no longer intends to market its vehicles as slightly more upmarket versions of their Ford counterparts. Instead, the past three years have seen the arrival of the mid-sized Nautilus (which replaced the MKX), and the three-row Aviator, which hits dealership lots this summer and which reimagines the vehicle of the same name produced during a brief period in the early 2000s.
So far, both of these vehicles have see strong reviews and have been the subject of great excitement on the part of the automotive press. In a crowded field, the new Lincoln vehicles stand out thanks to their sumptuous appointments, luxe materials, and intuitive engineering.
With interest in luxury vehicles growing across the population, it is no surprise that with these revitalized nameplates, the number of people looking to test drive a new Lincoln this year has grown exponentially.
This has led to a fair amount of industry excitement about what comes next from this legendary producer, so it is perhaps unsurprising that advance reports of the prototype for the next big Lincoln vehicle, the Corsair, caused a huge stir when they were released earlier this month.
As its name suggests, the Corsair shares with its older siblings the Navigator, Nautilus, and Aviator a spirit of class and adventure. Designed to replace the MKC compact crossover, preview photos of the corsair show that its design will double-down on the nautical theme the brand seems to be cultivating, with a swept back, aeronautic look that is reminiscent of the high-browed profile of the Aviator.
But there is more to the new Corsair than just good looks. Reports suggest the Corsair will feature three different engine options, including one that will include both internal combustion and electric functionality. While it isn’t clear yet what kind of power this engine will offer, a plug-in hybrid option is sure to attract the attention of eco-conscious drivers who want the style and quality that comes with a luxury SUV without the increased carbon footprint.
Without any information about what the inside of the Corsair will look like, it is hard to comment on what luxury features will be available. But if the similarity to the Aviator carries through, it should contain a classy mix of warm natural accents and cutting-edge tech.
The Corsair is scheduled to arrive in 2020, which means that by next year, Lincoln fans will have a full selection of redesigned options open to them, from the classic Continental sedan to the full size Navigator, the three row Aviator, the crossover Nautilus, and the compact Corsair.
Perhaps more importantly, these new vehicles will provideluxury options that don’t just offer a package of premium features, but a whole aesthetic ethos.