Lincoln Brand's New Face

Lincoln's flagship SUV, the Navigator, which will have its world premiere at the Chicago Auto Show, has replaced its traditional lattice grille with a new Lincoln face that places the emblem in the center and splits the grille into two sections on the sides, similar to other current models. Lincoln calls this the "Split Wing Grille," and it has been sequentially adopted across all models from the "MKZ" to the latest "MKC". With the minor change to the Navigator, the entire lineup has now completed its transition to the Split Wing Grille.


In addition to the new grille, the front face has been refined with a newly designed hood, new HID headlights with integrated LED position lamps, and LED accents on the bumper, along with adaptive headlights, creating a sophisticated impression. The taillight design has also been updated to a paddle shape, achieving a more luxurious appearance. This design, which combines the left and right taillights with a garnish, is a motif that mirrors the design connecting the left and right LED accent adaptive headlights on the front bumper.

20-inch wheels are standard, and the "Reserve Package," which features more luxurious items, comes standard with polished 22-inch wheels. Additionally, chrome-accented running boards and an electric moonroof can be added as options.



Inside, genuine leather and real wood are generously used as a mark of a luxury vehicle. For the wood trim, "Premium Ziricote Wood Trim," known for its exceptional beauty and grain, typically used for accents on yachts but very difficult to process, is used extensively. Most surfaces that come into contact with the hands are covered in high-quality leather. The front seats are equipped with a ventilator and heater, and the second-row seats have heaters. In the "Reserve Package," even the third-row seats are upholstered in premium leather.



The infotainment system has also been updated. Like other Lincoln lineup models, it features "MyLincoln Touch," which allows for intuitive operation of navigation, audio, phone, and climate control, as well as "SYNC" for voice control of audio and phone. A new engine start/stop switch has also been adopted.

Downsized 3.5-liter V6 Engine

The engine has been downsized from the previous 5.4-liter V8 to a newly developed 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo EcoBoost engine. It is announced to produce at least 370 horsepower and 59.5 kgm of maximum torque. The final specifications are scheduled to be determined just before the delivery of the production models. This new 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine is paired with a 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission that allows for manual shifting. The ability to switch between rear-wheel drive and 4WD with the touch of a button is also a characteristic of the "Navigator."



Furthermore, the new Navigator is equipped with mechanisms such as electric power steering that provides appropriate steering effort based on speed, an electronic controlled damping system (CCD), and hill start/descent assist. The CCD system uses multiple vehicle sensors to monitor road conditions every 0.002 seconds, providing optimal damping force to the suspension according to the road surface. By selecting one of three control modes—Normal, Sport, or Comfort—the vehicle's ride comfort can be customized. This system offers a smooth and comfortable ride, as well as the enjoyment of sporty handling.

Additionally, it is equipped with hill start/descent assist, which supports uphill starts by holding the vehicle stationary for up to two seconds after the driver releases the brake pedal when stopped on a slope of 5 degrees or more, and Nivomat, which automatically maintains a level vehicle height when towing. These features provide the performance expected of a true SUV.



With the introduction of the new Navigator, Lincoln will complete its new generation of full-lineup offerings, including the new compact SUV "MKC." The Navigator will be manufactured at the Louisville, Kentucky plant, with production scheduled to begin this summer. The new Navigator should be visible in showrooms across the country this autumn. As the current model is officially sold in Japan, we eagerly anticipate its early arrival.