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.

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  • KwikShiftPro4X That ship has sailed. The new cheap/base car will be $30G.
  • The original ToolGuy™ We have inexpensive cars already
  • Jeff S Doubt we will see any new vehicle in the low 20s unless it is an EV and Chinese but wouldn't count on that happening. Not against more affordable vehicles but don't foresee that happening in the immediate future.
  • FreedMike So, Porsche is selling $100K cars that owners aren't allowed to drive. Way to keep the customers happy, guys!
  • The Ayatollah of Rock n Rolla If the new REO actually happens, and it happens roughly where their target price sits, but at least below $30k, I think that is a great inexpensive truck that would solve the truck needs of the vast majority of current truck buyers.As for cars...we need CARS. Not stupid SUVs. Not ugly crossover blobs. CARS. Coupes, sedans, wagons. Start building something midsized, and make the price point in the mid 30s or lower. AWD optional. And yes, I know Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai/Kia still make sedans. But GM, Ford, and Chrysler/Stellantis need to get on the ball and bring out some competition.
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