Lincoln ready for 'takeoff' with Aviator crossover

LOS ANGELES — Lincoln Motor Co. is upping its commitment to the popular large premium crossover segment with a three-row Aviator that executives believe could become the brand's highest volume U.S. nameplate.

After years of the lowly MKT atrophying at the bottom of sales charts, Lincoln next summer will start selling an Aviator that was engineered on a new rear-wheel-drive platform and will come in gasoline and plug-in hybrid versions. The electrified model, called the Aviator Grand Touring, combines an electric motor with a 3-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine to deliver the brawniest powertrain the luxury brand has ever offered at 450 hp and 600 pound-feet of torque.

Lincoln President Joy Falotico told Automotive News she "absolutely believes" the Aviator could supplant the Nautilus as the top-selling U.S. nameplate.

"Aviator is aptly named, because Lincoln is at a takeoff point," Falotico said ahead of the vehicle's debut Wednesday at the Los Angeles Auto Show. "Our momentum is strong."

The vehicle's introduction comes after the brand has updated and redesigned most of its vehicles, including the lucrative Navigator SUV as well as its MKC and Nautilus crossovers. U.S. sales are down 9.6 percent in 2018, but Lincoln has posted worldwide volume gains for four consecutive years and is on pace to hit its goal of 300,000 annual sales by the end of the decade.

"We're looking to build a luxury brand for the long term, in a healthy way," Falotico said. "Our inventory is down and our transaction prices are up. We're dialing back on our rental and fleet volumes, and we're leaning into our strengths."

The Aviator, bearing a name last used in 2005, is poised to become one of Lincoln's strengths.

Executives have described the vehicle, a sibling of the Ford Explorer, as the epitome of Lincoln design.

The new rwd architecture allowed designers to create a sculpted look that tails off toward the rear of the vehicle, similar to an aircraft in flight.

Engineers used the new platform to offer a standard 3-liter gasoline engine paired with a 10-speed transmission that gets 400 hp and 400 pound-feet of torque. An all-wheel-drive version is optional.

The plug-in hybrid's stats, 450 hp and 600 pound-feet of torque, beat hybrid versions of the BMW X5 and Audi Q7, Lincoln says.

The Grand Touring electrified model features two new drive modes: "Pure EV," which uses only the electric motor, and "Preserve EV," which uses only the internal-combustion engine. Lincoln executives declined to provide electric range or other mileage figures, although chief engineer John Davis said it will likely hit at least 50 km (31 miles) of electric range specifically in China.

The vehicle debuts a new air glide suspension system, which replaces traditional coil springs with air bladders that can raise or lower the vehicle up to 80 mm (3.1 inches) depending on the situation. An adaptive suspension feature uses the forward-facing camera to scan the road for obstacles such as potholes and constantly adjust the vehicle accordingly.

"Aviator represents the very best of our brand DNA and signals the direction for Lincoln vehicles going forward," Falotico said in a statement. "It offers elegance, effortless performance and unparalleled comfort — a true representation of Lincoln's vision for the future."

The vehicle is also packed with technology and driver-assist features.

In addition to the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 features, customers can upgrade to Co-Pilot 360 Plus, which features new technologies including traffic jam assist, reverse brake assist, and active park assist plus, which can park the vehicle in either a parallel or perpendicular position without the driver needing to steer, brake or accelerate.

The Aviator debuts a "phone as a key" feature; customers can download the Lincoln Way app and use their smartphone to lock, unlock and start the vehicle. Up to four phones can be connected. If the phone's battery dies, Lincoln says a backup passcode can be entered on the exterior keypad to enter the vehicle, and the center touch screen can be used to start the engine.

The interior includes 28 Revel audio speakers, wireless phone charging and available 30-way massaging front seats.

The steering wheel also has been redesigned to have a cleaner, simpler look with fewer buttons.

The Aviator will be built at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant, alongside the Ford Explorer. The next-generation Explorer is expected to be unveiled next year.