New Lincoln Continental Targets China Market

Ford Motor Co. took the wraps off the production version of its all-new Lincoln Continental flagship model today at the Detroit auto show. The fullsize luxury sedan, which is due to launch this fall as a replacement for the current MKS, maintains most of the styling cues of last year’s concept model.

Ford will build the new Continental exclusively at its Flat Rock, Mich., plant. But 60% of the car’s sales are expected to come from China, which Ford targeted with the car’s spacious interior, quiet cabin and smooth ride.

About 90% of the car’s content will be shared between U.S. and Chinese models, according to the carmaker. Differences include modified interior trim and engine calibration.

The Continental has a longer wheelbase but is lower and shorter than the MKS. An optional all-wheel-drive system is paired with a dynamic torque vectoring system that Ford says improves cornering and overall handling.

Power will come from a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine that will be exclusive to Lincoln. The engine is expected to make 400 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque.

The interior Lincoln features acoustic laminated glass and an active noise control system to improve NVH characteristics. Other refinements include leather upholstery, real wood and aluminum accents. The heated and cooled front seats can be adjusted 30 different ways. The second row gets standard reclining and heated seats.