The Lincoln Aviator Shinola Concept Is Detroit’s Take On Luxury

Lincoln and Shinola have teamed up to create a luxurious new Aviator concept.

Set to debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance later this month, the model draws inspiration from Shinola’s Canfield Sport watch, Runwell bicycle and leather goods.

While the exterior doesn’t look terribly special at first glance, it’s bluish-white paint job is inspired by Shinola’s mother of pearl watch dials. The model has also been equipped with copper accents, which are a nod to the copper-plated structure on the aforementioned bike.

Also Read: Lincoln’s Reborn Aviator Flies Into Audi Q7 And Volvo XC90 Territory

Bigger changes occur in the cabin as drivers will find Shinola whiskey leather on the seats, steering wheel and dashboard. It’s contrasted by creme suede seat inserts as well as woven textiles that draw inspiration from the Shinola brand stripe.

Elsewhere, there’s woven metal mesh trim which “imparts industrial luxury.” The concept also has soft touch surfaces, copper accents as well as contrast stitching and piping. They’re joined by the usual amenities including a digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment system.

According to Lincoln design director Kemal Curic, “Shinola opened up their showroom to us as a playground – allowing us to explore how their brand’s lifestyle ethos could be woven into a new theme for one of our vehicles.” He added this was a “rare gift,” which designers made the most of as the “fresh insights our team gained studying popular design motifs make this new Aviator concept a true celebration of craftsmanship.”

Lincoln didn’t say what powers the concept, but it likely features a familiar twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 that produces 400 hp (298 kW / 406 PS) and 415 lb-ft (563 Nm) of torque. The Aviator is also available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that consists of a twin-turbo V6, an electric motor and a 13.6 kWh battery pack. It enables the model to produce a combined output of 494 hp (368 kW / 501 PS) and 630 lb-ft (854 Nm) of torque as well as travel 21 miles (34 km) on electricity alone.