2016 Lincoln Continental Concept

Lincoln has a new Continental, but it calls it a concept car for now. Previewed ahead of its official debut at the New York Auto Show, the Lincoln Continental Concept is an anticipation of the all-new full-size sedan coming next year.

The sedan features an all-new one-piece centered grille, classic proportions and sophisticated details including LED matrix headlamps with laser-assist high beams, full-width tail lamps with light-through-chrome technology and E-Latch door handles, tucked discretely in the vehicle beltline. Lincoln says these handles make opening and closing doors easier and quieter. 

The raised Lincoln badge is surrounded by a span of repeating polished aluminum Lincoln Star emblems, while the Rhapsody Blue metallic paint reminds of the classic Lincoln Continental’s signature color. The car rides on polished-aluminum, painted-pocket 21-inch wheels.

The interior features the brand’s “most sensual materials ever,” including Venetian leather seat and door panels, Alcantara seat inserts and armrests, satin headliner and shearling wool carpet. Details include Rose Gold trim around the instrument cluster, bright chrome trim on the instrument panel and ambient lighting. 

The 30-way adjustable seats use a new-to-market design that is said to conform to passengers’ sizes and shapes. The passenger-side rear seat can fully recline by moving the front passenger seat forward with the touch of a button.

Rear passengers also can control climate settings and the Revel Ultima audio system from a panel mounted on the through-center console. There’s also an SPD SmartGlass tinting sunroof, which allows passengers to control heat from direct sunlight. At the touch of a button, the glass can cool the vehicle interior by as much as 18 degrees Fahrenheit (7.7 degrees Celsius) , while blocking 99 percent of UV rays.

Under the skin, the Lincoln Continental Concept features a Lincoln-exclusive 3.0-liter V6 EcoBoost engine, but the company didn’t offer details about its specifications yet. The car also features Lincoln Drive Control ride-enhancing technologies and Adaptive Steering. 

Driver assist technologies include Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Enhanced Park Assist and a 360-degree camera that displays on the MyLincoln Touch screen.

“The Continental Concept showcases the promise of quiet luxury from Lincoln going forward. It also is a strong indication of what’s to come next year as we introduce our new Lincoln Continental full-size luxury sedan,” said Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company president and CEO.

We’ll learn more about the study on Wednesday, when it debuts officially at the New York Auto Show.