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Lincoln Aviator concept takes a shine to Shinola

At the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, Lincoln is displaying a special Aviator concept that was created in collaboration with the Detroit-based Shinola brand of watches and accessories. The SUV features unique exterior design elements, but the most eye-catching aspects are found in the cabin. The interior is awash in Shinola's whiskey-colored leather, which for once in an automobile actually looks like real cowhide. The rich, brown hue contrasts sharply with off-white cloth seat inserts and more off-white on the dash and door panels. Tying the two colors together is a neat center stripe on the seats that is another Shinola signature design element. The dash and center console also are adorned with a metal mesh trim, said to be inspired by Shinola watch bands. The exterior, meanwhile, is finished in pearl white, similar to Shinola's mother of pearl watch faces. The wheels and grille insert are matte copper. For now, the Aviator Shinola concept is just a design exercise. But a good portion of the Lincoln brand's recent comeback can be attributed to its emphasis on interior design, and specifically, an imaginative use of color and materials. So, we could see Lincoln making a collaboration like this official. After all, they've done it before. A Shinola Aviator is just the hipper, modern version of the same idea that sold the Continental Mark V back in the day, as the commercial below reminds us. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Lincoln Corsair's grille is growing in spy photos

We've recently seen the refreshed Ford Escape in spy photos, and it appears its luxurious platform mate, the Lincoln Corsair, is getting a refresh, too. It's a significantly more modest restyle, with one exception: The Corsair is getting a bigger grille. Yes, like so many other makes and models, Lincoln is updating its little SUV with a big grille. The width and even the shape aren't that different than the current model. But it's taller, having been stretched downward into the front bumper. It may now have a thicker lower chrome bar like the Navigator. Besides the grille, the rest of the Corsair looks nearly unchanged. Even the headlights look the same as the current model. The rear is also the same. Photos don't show the interior, but expect that to be generally the same, too, possibly with a larger infotainment screen. With how mild this refresh is, we expect it will be revealed this year as a 2023 model. The Corsair should retain its full range of powertrains including the standard turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder, optional turbo 2.3-liter four-cylinder, and plug-in hybrid 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Mulally wanted to kill Lincoln as late as last year, Fields vows to turn it around

Lincoln fans might want to give incoming Ford CEO Mark Fields a pat on the back for having a hand in saving the brand from the chopping block last year. He's among the people spearheading the rejuvenation of the division away from its stodgy image to appeal to younger customers.
According to two unnamed sources speaking to Bloomberg, CEO Alan Mulally was ready to kill Lincoln last year. Following the slow production ramp-up of the MKZ combined a with a costly ad campaign, Mulally was frustrated and openly suggested dropping the brand. However, Fields and Jim Farley, Ford's marketing boss, convinced the CEO that the brand was worth saving. They also created a plan to prevent similar problems for new models in the future.
It seems that one part of the strategy may involve waiting until new models are at dealers before starting a big ad campaign for them. Lincoln global director, Matt VanDyke, recently told Autoblog that the division is holding off on a full marketing push behind the new MKC crossover to prevent the supply problems that plagued the MKZ last year. Its big offensive begins in the fall when the CUVs are at all of the dealers and consumers are at home watching more TV. VanDyke also told Bloomberg that Fields, Farley and Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of the Americas, have more direct oversight over new product launches now.