As part of its plan to turnaround its ailing luxury division, Ford may provide Lincoln with the all-new 2015 Mustang’s rear-wheel drive platform. Lincoln’s brand new MKZ and MKC show encouraging signs for the brand’s financial performance, but the company needs many more models to become a full-line luxury brand.

In order to do that, all Ford vehicle platforms are currently being considered to develop new Lincoln models, including the 2015 Mustang. “We know we need added nameplates. We know that we need to get into other segments with other vehicles,” said Matt VanDyke, global head of marketing, sales and service for Lincoln, told Edmunds in a recent interview.

When asked if that includes a possible sporty model based on the RWD 2015 Ford Mustang platform, VanDyke replied: “Sure. We won’t rule out anything.” That would obviously be great for Lincoln, as the brand’s lineup currently lacks a coupe.

Nevertheless, while the luxury brand will continue to benefit from Ford’s vehicle platforms and powertrains, it will need to build its own identity by offering engineering upgrades, lengthening and shortening vehicle platforms, as well as operating significant styling differentiation.

The first two models that signal Lincoln’s new direction are the 2014 MKZ sedan and 2015 MKC crossover, with the redesigned, slightly longer 2016 Lincoln MKX midsize SUV to arrive in 2015. In 2016, a new full-size sedan will replace the current MKS. These four models are currently Lincoln’s best-selling nameplates.

As for future models, VanDyke says Lincoln is currently in the process of determining what vehicles to add, but he did not say how many models will be added and what they would be like.

By Dan Mihalascu

Note: Lincoln MKZ Coupe rendering pictured

Photo Renderings Copyright: Carscoops.com / Josh Byrnes

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