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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.

2020 Lincoln Corsair revealed with baby Aviator looks

NEW YORK — Since Ford has unveiled the new Escape, it only makes sense that Lincoln would reveal its redesigned Escape-based luxury crossover, the 2020 Lincoln Corsair. The new crossover takes the place of the also-Escape-based MKC. Design-wise, the only real giveaway that the Corsair is built off the Escape's front-drive platform is the short stretch between the base of the A-pillars and the front wheels. Otherwise, the Corsair simply looks like a scaled-down Aviator. While not particularly groundbreaking, it's far from a bad choice, as it looks both broad-shouldered and sleek with a big front fascia and gently falling roofline. Even better, the interior clearly takes cues from the bigger Lincoln crossovers and SUVs with a horizontal layout, lots of chrome, and a bit of a midcentury modern feel. The Corsair does get unique touches such as a full-width air vent design, and a center stack that juts out unsupported from the dashboard. It's the inverse of the Aviator and Navigator control stacks. Lincoln's 24-way power adjustable front seats will be available as an option, while manual sliding and reclining rear seats are standard. Lincoln also touts sound-deadening features such as a dual-wall firewall panel and active noise canceling as standard features. Owners will also be able to use their cellphones as keys to access the car and to control functions from afar, storing settings for the infotainment, seats and climate control among other things. A key fob still comes with the car, and if a phone goes dead, the car can still be accessed and started using both the outside keypad and the infotainment touchscreen. Phones can be deactivated remotely, too, in case of it being stolen or lost. With Escape underpinnings come powertrains similar to that crossover. But the Corsair starts its line with the Escape's top-rung engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four making 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. It comes with front-wheel drive as standard, but all-wheel drive is available. According to the Corsair's lead engineer, John Jraiche, the all-wheel-drive system can shift 100% of power to the front or rear. It also disengages the rear wheels when not needed for improved efficiency. The other engine announced is a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four making 280 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This engine isn't available on the Escape, and it comes standard with all-wheel drive.

Ford tweaking Model E dealer program to address dealer concerns

Ford's been working on its strategy and sales reorganization for a couple of years, the initiative that created the Blue (ICE), Pro (commercial), and Model E (electric) divisions. On the Model E side, part of continuous reworking of the EV arm has been in response to dealer lawsuits filed in numerous states, since Model E not only stipulated investments of anywhere from $500,000 to $1.2 million, the automaker initially wanted dealers to set no-haggle pricing, offer remote pickup and delivery for service appointments, and build chargers that would operate around-the-clock. Another big part of the tweaks to Model E is the continually unstable ground the entire electric project is built on. As part of understanding what dealers are facing and how to keep the electric wheels turning, Automotive News reports that the automaker held 11 meetings with dealers this year in six cities. Based on the feedback, more changes are coming to Model E as soon as next month.   During the roadshow, Ford told dealers to pause their investments into getting certified for Model E. This directive followed a corporate change in plans as Ford pulled investments in battery-electrics in favor of consumers' choice for hybrids. The head of Ford Blue — the internal-combustion-powered division that, with Ford Pro, has been paying the bills as Model E posts big losses — told AN, "We don't want them to make any decisions between now and the middle of June, when you can maybe have a more informed decision-making process based off what we work out with council in the next few weeks." One change has already been made public, the VP of EV programs telling an AutoNews business conference audience, “What weÂ’re finding is more dealers want to be involved in it and we donÂ’t want to be exclusive to just a handful, and so weÂ’re making a change where weÂ’re opening up that and not requiring as many certifications or investments for a dealer to participate in the EV revolution." Don't take that comment as a revelation; since the beginning, dealers complained about being excluded and needing to throw so much money at the program. Take that comment as Ford needing to find a better way in the "rapidly changing" environment. The official list of updates won't come until next month, when Ford meets its dealer council, and it should touch on topics beyond EVs.