Lincoln Star Concept: Rejuvenation, Anyone?

Tim Healey
by Tim Healey

Lincoln is promising three new fully-electric vehicles by 2025. Ford’s luxury arm took the wraps off of a concept previewing one of them last night.

Lincoln claims a fourth EV will debut by 2026.

The concept hints at the design the brand will employ for its EVs — that’s one news nugget we were able to glean from a buzzword-heavy press release that prompted eye rolls from this editor.

We do know the doors will be backlit and the star in the Lincoln logo will light up when drivers approach the vehicle. We also know that the planned platform will be able to accommodate rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive setups.

Lincoln also promises that its EVs will be able to wirelessly “talk” to other vehicles and infrastructure and that there will be new advanced driver-aid systems, such as what Lincoln calls “Help Me See” and “Park for Me.” Both seem self-explanatory.

The concept’s cabin has wraparound seating, a “lounge posture”, leg rests, device storage, and a glass cooler for beverages.

The A- and D-pillars are transparent with metal latticework that is visible from the inside, and there’s a full skylight with a digital shade. There are infotainment screens for both seating rows, and Lincoln offers three “rejuvenation” modes that are meant to help occupants relax. They’re tied to the time of day, and Lincoln makes vague promises about how software updates could lead to more customization in the future.

There’s a front trunk with glass that can shift from transparent to opaque, one-pedal driving, a floating instrument panel, a hidden compartment for secure storage of expensive electronic devices like laptops that also has wireless charging, and a cargo-area outdoor chair.

The Star is a concept, so it’s hard to say what, if any, features are slated for production any time soon. Our take is that it brings back the old-fashioned, uh, concept of having concept cars — something auto shows have been sorely lacking. It could’ve been the star of the New York Auto Show last week (pun fully intended).

Oh well. No matter when the wraps came off, it looks pretty good, and some of the features sound useful, while others seem silly (rejuvenation modes? Really?). We’ll be keeping an eye on Lincoln to see what actually makes production.

[Images: Lincoln]

Tim Healey
Tim Healey

Tim Healey grew up around the auto-parts business and has always had a love for cars — his parents joke his first word was “‘Vette”. Despite this, he wanted to pursue a career in sports writing but he ended up falling semi-accidentally into the automotive-journalism industry, first at Consumer Guide Automotive and later at Web2Carz.com. He also worked as an industry analyst at Mintel Group and freelanced for About.com, CarFax, Vehix.com, High Gear Media, Torque News, FutureCar.com, Cars.com, among others, and of course Vertical Scope sites such as AutoGuide.com, Off-Road.com, and HybridCars.com. He’s an urbanite and as such, doesn’t need a daily driver, but if he had one, it would be compact, sporty, and have a manual transmission.

More by Tim Healey

Comments
Join the conversation
2 of 17 comments
  • Duties The U.S . would have enough energy to satisfy our needs and export energy if JoeBama hadn’t singlehandedly shut down U.S. energy exploration and production. Furthermore, at current rates of consumption, the U.S. has over two centuries of crude oil, https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/energy/exclusive-current-rates-consumption-us-has-more-two-centuries-oil-report.Imagine we lived in a world where all cars were EV's. And then along comes a new invention: the Internal Combustion Engine.Think how well they would sell. A vehicle HALF the weight, HALF the price that would cause only a quarter of the damage to the road. A vehicle that could be refueled in 1/10th the time, with a range of 4 times the distance in all weather conditions. One that does not rely on the environmentally damaging use of non-renewable rare earth elements to power it, and uses far less steel and other materials. A vehicle that could carry and tow far heavier loads. And is less likely to explode in your garage in the middle of the night and burn down your house with you in it. And ran on an energy source that is readily extracted with hundreds of years known supply.Just think how excited people would be for such technology. It would sell like hot cakes, with no tax credits! Whaddaya think? I'd buy one.
  • 3SpeedAutomatic I just road in a rental Malibu this past week. Interior was a bit plasticity, but, well built.Only issue was how “low” the seat was in relation to the ground. I had to crawl “down” into the seat. Also, windscreen was at 65 degree angle which invited multiple reflections. Just to hack off the EPA, how about a boxy design like Hyundai is doing with some of its SUVs. 🚙 Raise the seat one or two inches and raise the roof line accordingly. Would be a hit with the Uber and Lyft crowd as well as some taxi service.🚗 🚗🚗
  • Dartdude Having the queen of nothing as the head of Dodge is a recipe for disaster. She hasn't done anything with Chrysler for 4 years, May as well fold up Chrysler and Dodge.
  • Pau65792686 I think there is a need for more sedans. Some people would rather drive a car over SUV’s or CUV’s. If Honda and Toyota can do it why not American brands. We need more affordable sedans.
  • Tassos Obsolete relic is NOT a used car.It might have attracted some buyers in ITS DAY, 1985, 40 years ago, but NOT today, unless you are a damned fool.
Next