Lincoln C-Segment Vehicle

[Ammo]

We've heard the rumors and should expect an announcement/unveiling in the next few months.

The rumor is the C-segment car was killed but the CUV lives on. I think this is a big mistake, especially with the launch of the ILX.

I do think there's a market for a Lincoln compact sedan that uses the 1.6L EcoBoost used in the Fusion as standard equipment for a Lincolnized Focus, with the 2.0L as the upscale engine and exclusive AWD.

Is there any chance Ford could surprise us with such a car? The current Focus is underpowered for buyers looking for some added "go" and the ST lacks an automatic and has a "boy racer" look to it. Plus, launching with the 1.6L EB gives it a huge advantage in fuel economy over the Verano (fuel economy) and ILX (power).

Here's hoping Ford isn't dropping the ball.

EDIT: Unless Lincoln is secretly working on a new Mustang-platform small sedan. Then all is forgiven and it's time to salivate.

[Envoy4Life]

I want an ATS killing Lincoln. Now. And I love Cadillac.

[LetsRace]

I want an ATS killing Lincoln. Now. And I love Cadillac.

Me too. But all clues indicate that it won't happen. If Lincoln doesn't want rwd for whatever the reason at least make a very sophisticated awd like Audi and make it standard in every vehicle mkz size and up. If Audi could why can't Lincoln? Or better yet if the ford brand could do it why not Lincoln.

[Envoy4Life]

I agree. Lincoln needs some help...

[nruggiero]

If the new MKZ doesn't help Lincoln, Ford will probably cut it from life support. That's why they're being so slow with the next products.

[nruggiero]

Lincoln needs some help...

That's an understatement.

[Uzzy]

I want an ATS killing Lincoln. Now. And I love Cadillac.

ATS? Lincoln would be lucky to beat the Verano.

Cadillac vs. Lincoln is dead.

[CrunkedRL]

I keep hearing these rumors hear that Lincoln is introducing a compact concept at the LA Autoshow this year...not sure how substantiated it is but we'll definitely know next week.

[nruggiero]

I keep hearing these rumors hear that Lincoln is introducing a compact concept at the LA Autoshow this year...not sure how substantiated it is but we'll definitely know next week.

I recently read an article that stated it would be shown in Detroit. Who knows.

[ausrutherford]

The Acura ILX has been a huge failure so far...

The CUV is taking the Evoque route.

[matt.w]

Any rumors on when it (or a close concept) will debut? LAIAS was put forward quietly a couple of months ago, but then nothing.

[Ammo]

The Acura ILX has been a huge failure so far...

Because it's a tarted up Civic with the Civic engine and transmission. Underpowered for a luxury car.

If the ILX had the base Accord engine it might be a different story. There IS a market for the "premium compact" below the 3-Series, G, A4, etc.

Here's the problem with the current "premium compact" market:
1) Verano isn't sporty enough and looks like it was designed for seniors, not the youth market. Also, fuel economy lacks
2) ILX, despite having the fuel economy, is down on power and is little more than a fully loaded Civic.
3) A4, 3-Series, ATS, G-Series, etc. are too pricey. (truth be told, it's a shame the TSX is going away because that's a good price point)
4) Focus (if you can call it a premium compact) is down on power unless you get the ST which only comes in manual hatchback form.

There's a void in the luxury market for Millennials. Millennials don't have the spending power of our 80's counterparts (the ones who feasted off of Reaganomics) yet we still have the aspirational tastes in autos. (Also, around that time Lexus, Infiniti and Acura joined the market by undercutting prices to get luxury. We don't exactly have a Lexus or Acura today to buy an emerging luxury brand)

[2b2]

well I waited posting in case I just was grumpy this morning...

We've heard the rumors...

Is there any chance Ford could surprise us...

EDIT: Unless Lincoln is secretly working on a new Mustang-platform small sedan. THEN all is forgiven and it's time to salivate.

it might be time-change jetlag or seasonal-affect-disorder
or low blood sugar
OR what I heard recently about the "MKC"
but
lately I've been thinking that Lincoln has just become a "hobby" for FLincMoCo

we'll see the "MKC" soon, probably a not-quite-production version at NAIAS,
tho it won't arrive for almost a year yet
and
I've gotten a 'vibe' that a new Aviator (probably Explorer based) could arrive first of any "CD4+3" vehicles (within 2 years )
and
tho I STILL believe a Mustang-co-platformed car IS in the works...
...unLess Lincoln is allowed(forced?) to vamp** the whole lineup to be a proper "setting for a Rwd jewel";
imho Lincoln will still be a half-assed Brand


** can't say "revamped" until their act has been gotten(really)together at least once in living memory

+
imho the barely mentioned "Bespoke Program" could help (Did they really SAY "bespoke"?) but I can't figure out what they're waiting for?

I agree. Lincoln needs some help...

Lincoln's Fordish Masters need a cattle prod up theirs

If the new MKZ doesn't help Lincoln, Ford will probably cut it from life support. That's why they're being so slow with the next products.

you've got a PM at FiN, N.R.

[CheetahDC]

The Acura ILX has been a huge failure so far...

The ILX looks like its taking sales away from the TSX. For example...
October 2011 2012
TSX 2977 1577
ILX 0 1529

I'm guessing that's not what they wanted to do...but I'm not even sure what they're trying to do with the ILX versus the TSX.

[megeebee]

We've heard the rumors and should expect an announcement/unveiling in the next few months.

Who is "we"?