Production Lincoln Continental With FWD And AWD To Debut In Detroit

Lincoln has a long way to go to catch up with Cadillac, but the company’s recent launches show that it’s on its way.

Following the MKZ, MKC and MKX, Lincoln is preparing to launch the Continental sedan, the car that will act as the flagship of the brand. Likely to become the most important new model for the marque, the luxury sedan will debut in production specification at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2016.

Lincoln brand marketing manager Imran Jalal confirmed the news to Car&Driver, adding that the car will be based on a front-wheel drive platform, but will also be available with all-wheel drive. For now, Lincoln does not prepare a hybrid version.

The Continental’s styling may influence future Lincoln models, especially when it comes to the grille, which could replace the current “waterfall” grille on upcoming Lincolns. When asked whether existing models could get the grille as part of a mid-term facelift, Jalal said that’s a possibility.

As for naming, the Continental won’t influence Lincoln’s current model nomenclature, even if it doesn’t abide to it. “For now the MK nomenclature is here to stay,” Jalal said. The only exceptions are the Continental and Navigator, two names with a rich history behind them.

Another important decision for Lincoln is it will not offer high-performance models like its rivals. “We have high-performance engines, but we are going for a luxurious feeling rather than sportiness,” Jalal said.

Note: Lincoln Continental Concept pictured