On the back of official photos of the 2017 Lincoln Continental leaking online, full details about the car have just been revealed in Detroit.
When the new Continental was previewed in concept guise last year, some claimed it looked all too similar to the Bentley Flying Spur but now we’ve seen it in production-guise, it certainly has its own unique style and is easy to distinguish from any Bentley, or any other car for that matter.
Lincoln is remaining mum on some details about the new Continental but has confirmed that as standard, it will be installed with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine delivering 400 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. This engine won’t be found in any other Ford products and has been designed exclusively for Lincoln.
That powertrain will be mated to the Continental’s advanced all-wheel drive system complete with Dynamic Torque Vectoring which is able to transfer torque on demand between the rear wheels when the car is cornering. An adaptive steering system is also available and the automaker claims that it helps optimise steering response and can be installed alongside Lincoln Drive Control, offering the driver three driving modes; comfort, normal and sport. Each of these modes offer distinct steering and suspension characteristics.
Elsewhere, the Continental comes complete with Pre-Collision Assist and Pedestrian Detection, two systems designed to improve the safety of occupants. Thanks to a range of cameras and sensors, the car is able to detect a possible collision and automatically brakes when necessary. Adaptive cruise control is also available as an optional extra.
For those who struggle to parallel park, a 360-degree camera system is available and works thanks to cameras in the grille, decklid and side mirrors to display a birds-eye view image on the infotainment system.
Inside, the Lincoln Continental comes standard with plush seats offering 30 different ways of adjustment alongside massage, heat and cooling features. An advanced Revel audio system is also offered and to make the interior a completely peaceful place to be, Active Noise Control and acoustic laminated glass adorn the cabin.
Other key elements Lincoln is keen to draw attention to is the vehicle’s unique door handles, designed to fit neatly within the car’s beltline. The inside of the door handles utilise a small button which just requires a soft touch to trigger. The luxurious sedan also comes complete with a panoramic sunroof.
The 2017 Continental will be produced at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan and go on sale this fall.