Source: Lincoln - Press release, pics, and video after the jump.
MKC Concept New Opportunity for Lincoln
> Lincoln MKC Concept debuts at 2013 North American International AutoShow – Lincoln’s first-ever small vehicle
> Small luxury utility concept signals future Lincoln entry into industry’s
fastest-growing segment
fastest-growing segment
> MKC Concept introduces the “Lincoln Experiences” suite of technology and
signature content to enhance the driving and ownership experience
signature content to enhance the driving and ownership experience
Lincoln today introduces the
MKC Concept, a vision of how Lincoln will enter the industry’s
fastest-growing small luxury utility segment.
With nearly 60 percent growth in 2012 and more than 200 percent in
the last four years, the small luxury utility segment has far eclipsed
all other luxury segments. The opportunity is a key next step in
Lincoln’s strategy to grow with four all-new vehicles targeted at the
highest-growth segments over the next four years.
“We are reinventing Lincoln by focusing on the largest and
fastest-growing segments of the luxury market, while offering clients
something different,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president of
Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln. “The just-introduced
MKZ re-establishes Lincoln in the largest luxury segment, and the MKC
Concept highlights a key opportunity in the fastest-growing part of the
luxury market.”
This segment growth is being driven at both ends of the demographic
spectrum. Many new buyers are coming into affluence and purchasing
their first luxury vehicle. Others are moving from larger vehicles to
smaller ones to simplify their lives. This growth includes China, where
Lincoln will begin selling in the second half of 2014 through
independent dealers.
Creating ‘Lincoln Experiences’
Lincoln is being reinvented in every way – from a complete new
lineup of stunningly designed vehicles to how dealerships provide
surprising personal client services and how drivers engage with their
vehicles. The goal is to appeal to a new type of luxury clients
considered cultural progressives, who are open to new ideas and
experiences.
In current and future vehicles, these “Lincoln Experiences” will
include a variety of distinctive features, such as push-button
transmission engagement, programmable ride control, unique and diverse
powertrains, personalized lighting, and a suite of customizable
functions that are unique for each client as the vehicle instantly
recognizes the operator and creates a personalized welcoming sequence.
Future Lincolns also will combine these unique experiences with the
option of stunning, bespoke interior and exterior design appointments
that will transcend typical luxury automotive standards, furthering the
brand’s transformation. The MKC Concept explores many of these
transformative ideas.
The MKC Concept builds on the foundation of the Lincoln Design DNA
found in the new MKZ. These warm, open and inviting design cues are a
core element of the brand’s heritage.
“The MKC Concept has a wonderful stance and sits beautifully on its
wheels,” said Murat Gueler, MKC Concept lead exterior designer. “It has
a sleek, sculpted body and wheel arches and elegant shoulders. The
lines of the vehicle appear relatively simple on first look but with a
second view reveal a dynamic three dimensionality.
“The Lincoln design team has done an outstanding job with the MKC
Concept in communicating Lincoln’s design vision for reaching a new and
discerning clientele.”
An uninterrupted, highly crafted rear-view appearance highlights
the signature full-width taillamps. This is made possible by a liftgate
design with a side-view cutline – a Lincoln first. It shows how the
dedicated Lincoln design and engineering teams have worked together to
deliver customer-focused solutions that not only elevate the appearance,
but also provide maximum load capability.
“This approach eliminates the traditional vertical cutline on the
rear seen on utilities, which in turn contributes to the athletic
presence of the vehicle,” Gueler said.
The continuity also is apparent in the execution of the frameless
windows, which amplify the richness of the design, as does the signature
split-wing grille. The exterior is augmented by warm, cream-based white
metallic tri-coat paint, 20-inch premium wheels with polished chrome
rims, and a large fixed panoramic roof that runs the length of the
vehicle.
Interior design, colors and materials
High-end bespoke design, materials and execution inspire the four-passenger interior.
“There is a significant upgrade in materials and a stylish,
fashion-oriented package. The materials are combined with progressive
combinations and uses of stitching and colors,” said Soo Kang, Lincoln
interior design chief.
Just like MKZ – which sets the tone for the brand’s thoughtful new
approach to design – the MKC Concept features a distinct push-button
gear shift selector. This enables a flowing, expressive and
architectural center console design covered with riveting details, and
unique colors and materials.
The headliner is wrapped with high-end material, providing a warm
and luxurious feel. The pillars are wrapped with premium leather. The
seats also feature premium leather and include a unique embroidered
Lincoln Star and crimson stitch accents.
The Lincoln Star lattice also is subtly placed on the MKC Concept’s
floor mats to complement the lattice design in the speaker mesh, light
fixtures and lug-nut covers.
The smooth leather also wraps the door trim uppers, armrests, bolsters, console side rails, instrument panel and cargo area.
“There is a rich softness to the exterior and interior palette of
the MKC Concept,” said Susan Lampinen, group chief designer, Color &
Material Design. “The leather-wrapped architecture complements the
open-pore and designer hand-dyed woods.”
Other refined details include finishes like appliqués cut from
layers of reconstructed natural wood infused with a metallic flake for a
glistening effect on the steering wheel, upper instrument panel and
door panels.
A true Lincoln
“The Lincoln MKC Concept is designed to strike a perfect balance
between warm, inviting comfort and the engaging and superb dynamic
qualities of performance, ride, handling and braking,” said Farley.
“This balance is focused toward a new luxury automotive client emerging
in the marketplace – someone who recognizes a great vehicle and demands a
balance between all-out performance and comfort.”
About Lincoln
Lincoln is the luxury automotive brand of Ford
Motor Company, committed to creating compelling vehicles with an
exceptional ownership experience to match. Lincoln will introduce four
all-new vehicles in the next four years. For more information about
Lincoln, please visit www.lincoln.com. Follow us on
Facebook at facebook.com/lincoln.
