Lincoln Motor Company debuted its sleek and futuristic crossover concept, the Star, to an online worldwide audience this past week, marking its major shift toward its electric vehicle transition. Lincoln has been a popular brand in the chauffeured transportation space with its long-running SUV, the Navigator, as well as the Aviator and Nautilus. This year is also the centennial of the brand.
As we reported last year, Lincoln expects half of its global volume will be zero-emissions vehicles by mid-decade and plans to electrify its portfolio of vehicles by 2030. This is part of the company’s Ford+ plan and Ford Motor Company’s planned investment of more than $30 billion in electrification by 2025.
“As Lincoln enters the next chapter in our transition to a zero-emissions future, the Lincoln Star Concept will lead the way for our portfolio of fully electric vehicles,” said Lincoln President Joy Falotico. “It is an excellent example of how we are redefining luxury for the next generation as we work to transform the vehicle into a third space—a true place of sanctuary—for our clients.”
Video of and more information about the Star Concept can be viewed here.
“This is a shining example of what happens when we combine Lincoln luxury with flexible electrical architecture to create unimaginable experiences for customers,” said Ford Motor Company President and CEO Jim Farley. “We can truly revolutionize how people engage with the brand and scale it across an exciting lineup of products that catapult Lincoln into the digital, connected age.”
Although the Star is a concept vehicle, its structural design is informing the next generation of Lincoln products and could end up in production vehicles soon. Designers worked to create harmony throughout by using light in a modern new way. Illuminated crystallines, plus backlit doors, seats, and exterior features elevate the architectural space to create the ultimate sanctuary. The new Lincoln star on the fascia lights up like a jewel—greeting clients upon approach while giving new meaning to the Lincoln Embrace welcome sequence. The brand continues to build on its Quiet Flight DNA.
The company’s rear- and all-wheel-drive flexible battery electric architecture and next-generation Lincoln Intelligence System enable the new design thinking and connected experiences the Star Concept offers. Using the area no longer occupied by a gas engine, a front trunk allows for ample storage, expanding the feeling of spaciousness inside.
The new Lincoln Intelligence System takes the definition of “digital assistant” to a new dimension, enabling experiences such as connected vehicle-to-vehicle and infrastructure capabilities, as well as next-generation leading driver-assist features such as Help Me See and Park for Me.
“Electrification is removing many traditional vehicle design constraints, allowing us to reimagine what a vehicle can be,” said Ford Chief Design Officer Anthony Lo. “The Lincoln Star is a study of experiences and themes that push the boundaries of Lincoln design—and it’s just the start.”
Lincoln reported its best annual global sales in 21 years, up 7 percent over 2021, and plans to build on its momentum with the recent launches of the all-new Zephyr in China and the new Navigator in North America.
Visit lincoln.com for more information.
[04.25.22]