ARMCHAIR EXECUTIVE: What Does Lincoln NEED To Do To Ensure The Continental Is A SUCCESS?

I have to give it to Ford's head honcho, Mark Fields. It seems like he's going to be the executive to possibly stage a return to greatness for the Lincoln brand. Of course it's super early to really tell, but if the 2015 New York Auto Show and Continental Concept displayed at it is a sign of things to come, the future is bright.

Since it's early we want to turn to you, the AutoSpies faithful, to weigh in on what the company NEEDS to do to ensure that the marque is taking the figurative automotive industry bull by the horns.

What does the Lincoln Continental NEED to be a runaway success?

Should the Continental be a technological tour de force? Does it just have to look stunning? Should it follow the same formula as the all-new Ford F-150 — lightweight aluminum construction, fantastic powerplant that's got some juice and is fuel efficient, etc.

IF you were an executive at Ford, what would your angle be?

In case you missed it: today, the very first spy shots of the all-new Lincoln Continental doing developmental testing emerged.

TauronB2G - 4/23/2015 11:33:22 PM

+2 Boost

It needs a V8 ...but that's not going to happen. It needs a full suite of driver aids, hud display, radar cruise control, laser lights, wifi hot spot, real driving dynamics and handling. Lastly, it's going to need Lincoln not to abandon it on the showroom floor like it does everything else. I'd like them to make and keep the car current with its competitors. It should have everything the E and 5 series have.
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Agent00R - 4/23/2015 11:48:52 PM

+2 Boost

I actually don't think it needs a V8.

TauronB2G - 4/24/2015 6:47:57 PM

+1 Boost

Why wouldn't Lincolns flagship and tech leader not need a V8? The MKS doesn't have one and it doesn't sell either. With the exception of the slow selling CTS and the not selling Acura whatever it is, the competition has V8's.
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jtz7 - 4/24/2015 7:50:57 AM

+2 Boost

That is one hell of a design one hell of a design indeed.

Car4Life - 4/24/2015 9:09:18 AM

+1 Boost

CONSISTENCY, Note to Lincoln; in order for you to grow your business you have to give your customers something to grow into for multiple generations.

1 legit model every 7-8 years is not going to cut it, the continental is a start, but keep the ball rolling!

MDarringer - 4/24/2015 9:10:00 AM

+3 Boost

It needs to be gorgeous, loaded standard, and priced well below expectation.

ChiAutoGuy - 4/24/2015 9:31:47 AM

+2 Boost

I'm not sure if the success of the Continental really has that much to do with the car - assuming the car is objectively decent compared with the competition. The success will depend on how well this is branded and how well lincoln improves the overall dealer/customer experience - The #1 reason I and many people have never considered a Cadillac or Lexus is that they are 'old-people' cars....Lincoln is in the same boat - They are working on changing this perception but not nearly enough

FormerBenz - 4/24/2015 10:55:44 AM

+1 Boost

It might just be my next car. Though I'd love the CT-6, its not gorgeous enough and I hate the name... should be Calis or even Seville.... I hear the Continental will be followed up with the Versailles... Names, how original.

TomM - 4/24/2015 9:02:20 PM

+2 Boost

The "Continental" is actually the replacement for the MKS. IF they actually price the MKS not far above what they MKS was - they won't be able to make enough of them. For AMERICAN Large Luxury Car Buyers - the ones who need to trade in their Town Cars and Grand Marquis - and for those now moving up to a big comfortable car - there really isn't a competitor besides Lexus. And these people would prefer to buy an American Car too. So - it should be made in the USA somewhere.

So - it has to be smooth - quiet - luxurious - and with "adequate" power (A Rolls Royce Term). It does NOT have to set records at the track - or be more "nimble" and lighter than competitors. I believe Ford has hit the nail on the head. I am still trying to figure out WHO Cadillac expects to sell the CT6 to - now that they have verbally excluded selling to any of the above.

valhallakey - 4/25/2015 2:05:02 AM

+1 Boost

They should redo the doors and have suicide rears. I think a nice turbo V6 with 400hp would not hurt, but if would like to also see someone star making some small V8s, say between 2.5L to 3.5L.