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Lincoln Continental production likely to shift to Flat Rock

Lincoln production may be returning to Michigan, according to a new report from Automotive News. While the brand's current big sedan, the MKS, is built alongside the Ford Taurus, Ford Explorer, and their Police Interceptor counterparts at the Blue Oval's Chicago, IL factory, the production version of the Continental won't be screwed together in the Windy City. According to AN, "industry sources" claim the Continental will join the Ford Mustang and Ford Fusion – on which the big Lincoln is loosely based – at the company's Flat Rock, MI factory. The move isn't just based on convenience, though. Ford is selling a lot of Explorers, and shifting Lincoln production away from Chicago Assembly frees up production capacity for the popular SUV. "Chicago Assembly Plant is vital to our global manufacturing footprint and will continue to manufacture the Ford Taurus, Ford Explorer and Police Interceptor vehicles even after we phase out production of the MKS in 2016," Ford told Automotive News. "We will continue to match production to demand." Looking at the numbers further backs up the argument against Lincoln production in Chicago. Last year alone, Ford built nearly 285,000 Explorers and over 73,000 Taurus sedans, compared to just 8,300 Lincolns. Finally, as AN tells it, Ford is almost telegraphing the Continental's arrival in Flat Rock. The facility has a four-week shut down scheduled from June 15 through July 13, which is twice as long as the typical summer vacation, while there's another two weeks off slated for September. Related Video:

Lincoln Corsair reportedly on track for 2020 as replacement for MKC

Last month we told you how Lincoln was considering renaming the MKC crossover as the Corsair. Now, a report suggests that the MKC replacement is on track for 2020, a year ahead of schedule. Ford Authority reports the accelerated timeline, citing unnamed sources. Ford reportedly told dealers at a meeting this spring in Orlando it was considering Lincoln Corsair as the crossover's new name, but that it could change its mind before it went into production as a 2021 model. The accelerated development of the Corsair — or whatever its final name may be — might be a result of Ford's recent decision to do away with sedans and double down on hot-selling crossovers, SUVs and pickups. Ford Authority's sources tell it that Lincoln is borrowing elements including the mirrors, front fenders, tail lights and wide stance from the Aviator Concept that it unveiled in March in New York City. The Aviator was teased with a plug-in hybrid powertrain option, and given Ford's plans to electrify its lineup, it's entirely possible the Corsair will follow that path as well. Lincoln is slowly moving away from its MK alphanumeric naming system, adopting instead exotic travel-themed nomenclature (think Continental, Nautilus and Navigator). In this case, an actual "corsair" was a pirate ship popular along the southern Mediterranean from the 16th through the 18th centuries. Ford also already owns the name Corsair, so that helps. The MKC is Lincoln's strongest-selling vehicle in China, where the brand has seen explosive growth tapping into the droves of newly created wealthy carbuyers. In the United States, Lincoln sold 27,048 MKCs in 2017, making it the brand's third-best selling model behind the MKZ sedan and MKX crossover ( soon to be renamed the Nautilus). For the first half of 2018, it had sold 12,289 units, which was down 8.7 percent from the prior-year period. Related Video: Image Credit: Lincoln Lincoln Crossover Luxury PHEV lincoln mkc lincoln aviator

Lincoln MKC crossover adopts the Continental's grille

The last vestiges of the controversial split Lincoln grille are slowly being removed as the company revamps its lineup. It started with the MKZ and Continental, with the most recent rhinoplasty recipient being the Navigator. Now, based on spy shots, it looks like the MKC crossover will be the fourth to get the new corporate grille. Under the heavy vinyl coverings, we can clearly see the proud Continental-inspired grille. We can also see that it will feature the same chrome mesh with Lincoln badge-shaped openings found on other cars with the grille design. We can also assume that the headlights will receive a substantial refresh, but the lower bumper doesn't look particularly different. The rest of this prototype MKC looks the same as the existing model. The back is covered, which indicates that the taillights may be updated. We wouldn't expect a radically different look, since the MKC already has a full-width taillight treatment. We also noticed that the wheels appear to be inspired by the cool turbine wheels of the Navigator. Whatever the other changes are, we'll probably see them soon. This is clearly just a refresh, and so there's a good chance we'll see the production model revealed by the end of the year, or early next year at the latest. Related Video: