Lincoln Navigator Concept spreads its wings at the New York auto show
Gullwing doors, a roomier and more comfortable cabin and more power highlight the concept.
After revealing a new Continental flagship sedan earlier this year, Lincoln is now turning its attention to its biggest and best known product at the New York auto show. The Navigator Concept made its world debut in the Big Apple to signal the possible direction for the next-generation of Lincoln's full-size luxury SUV. While head-turning features like the Tesla Model X-inspired doors and steps seem unlikely to make it to a production version, things like the engine, more spacious cabin and technology items will almost surely make the cut.
Like the Continental, Lincoln is continuing a more understated exterior design theme that doesn't overly excite or bore. A larger version of the company's new signature grille dresses the front end, while the special lighting sequence first seen on the Continental make its way onto the Navigator Concept that sees the front and rear lights gradually turn on when approaching the vehicle with the key. Lincoln says the concept's clean and uncluttered exterior lines and Storm Blue paint job are inspired by luxury sailboats and yachts.
Providing easy access to the roomiest Navigator interior to date are power gullwing doors and deployable concertina steps where passengers will be coddled by one of the six perfect positions seats that offer 30-way adjustments for maximum comfort. The yachting theme continues inside with teak trim pieces and a wardrobe management system to hold the gear required for spending a day on the boat. For road trips, occupants can stay entertained with the rear headrest-integrated digital touch screens, onboard Wi-Fi connection or listen to tunes on premium Revel audio system.
Powering the concept is a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine that produces north of 400 horsepower, which is a little bump over the current Navigator's 380 horsepower engine. Ride and handling behavior is adjustable with numerous selectable drive modes that alter steering and suspension traits.
The latest safety tech features installed on the Navigator Concept include pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection that uses a radar and camera to monitor what's ahead for potential collisions. If the system detects a possible impact it will first warn the driver, and then fully engage the brakes if the driver doesn't apply the brakes on their own. A lane keeping system will vibrate the steering wheel to let drivers know they are veering out of their lane, and then induce light steering inputs to position them back towards the center of the lane. And a 360-degree camera and park assist system provides a bird's-eye view around the Navigator Concept for easy parking.