Ford Motor Co. has confirmed that it will build a Lincoln seven-passenger crossover vehicle based on the same platform as the upcoming production version of the Ford Fairlane.

While the Lincoln crossover will share “hard points” with the Fairlane, it will feature unique Lincoln styling cues, like a bow-wave, double-wing grille, powerful beltline, thin, horizontal taillamps, and a significant C-pillar. Peter Horbury, Ford’s North American design chief, compared the crossover’s styling with “the sleekness of a Gulfstream jet.”

Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s global product chief, said the Lincoln crossover is the best example of the changes that Ford is making to commonize platforms and manufacturing while still maintaining distinctive styling.

Ford “didn’t just drop a new grille and badge on this vehicle,” Kuzak said. “I’ll be frank: We toyed with the idea. But the team agreed the easy way wasn’t the right way.”

The Lincoln crossover is expected to go on sale in 2008 for the 2009 model year.

## Source: Automotive News ##

Posted in: Ford, Lincoln, Concept Cars, Minivans/MPVs, Crossovers, Design, Future Vehicles
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