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Aye Captain! Hennessey's 2018 Lincoln Navigator has 600 HP

Texas tuner John Hennessey wants to steer the 2018 Lincoln Navigator into some serious performance SUV waters, presently dominated by the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Range Rover SVR. Upping the power of Lincoln's range-topping sport-utility, from 450 horsepower to an even 600 hp, is enough to hustle the Navigator from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds and run the quarter mile in 12.9 seconds at 107 mph. In terms of the 0-60 sprint, this performance upgrade nets you about 0.7 seconds versus the stock model. Good to know, in case you're hot to run a Navigator at your local drag-strip. "The 2018 Navigator is a world-class luxury SUV and we wanted to take its already impressive power and performance to the next level," said president and company founder, John Hennessey. So, what exactly has been done under the hood? The key to the performance improvements is better breathing, courtesy of a HPE600 twin-turbo engine upgrade. Using the Navigator's twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 as its base, Hennessey adds a new engine management computer, a stainless steel exhaust system, high-flow air induction, and a large front-mounted intercooler with blow-off valve. Hennessey's six-wheel VelociRaptor, which uses the same base engine, produces 602 hp and 622 lb-ft of torque. Optional extras include 22-inch forged alloy wheels, a lowering kit, and Brembo brakes at the front and rear. Those brakes might not be a bad idea, especially considering this 600-hp motor is attached to approximately three tons of SUV that will, eventually, need to be stopped. This performance package rings in at $19,950 (including installation) and comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty from Hennessey. Only 200 examples will be built for the 2018 model year. While not quite as crazy as the VelociRaptor, this Lincoln is also only about one-third the price of that monster truck. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Aftermarket Lincoln SUV Luxury Performance Hennessey lincoln navigator

Lincoln owners in San Diego, your chauffeur awaits

In an effort to make up lost market share, Lincoln is trying desperately to differentiate itself from other luxury automakers. The automaker is offering and expanding a number of services aimed at setting itself apart not only from Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and Audi, but also the Fords that so often share showroom space. One such offering, the Lincoln Chauffeur, is expanding beyond its initial rollout in Miami, Florida, across the country to San Diego, California. The concept is simple. For $30/hour, a chauffeur will drive you around in your own vehicle, stopping at the store, the gas station, or even at school to pick up the kids. The chauffeur can do these things with or without you present, meaning the driver can drop you off at the airport and return the car home, allowing others to use the car rather than leaving it parked at the airport. The service is available to old and new Lincoln owners, though the former get eight free hours to try the service. San Diego was part of a planned expansion. If things continue to go well, look for further rollouts in cities across the country. Related Video: News Source: Lincoln via Automotive News Lincoln Ownership

Mulally wanted to kill Lincoln as late as last year, Fields vows to turn it around

Lincoln fans might want to give incoming Ford CEO Mark Fields a pat on the back for having a hand in saving the brand from the chopping block last year. He's among the people spearheading the rejuvenation of the division away from its stodgy image to appeal to younger customers.
According to two unnamed sources speaking to Bloomberg, CEO Alan Mulally was ready to kill Lincoln last year. Following the slow production ramp-up of the MKZ combined a with a costly ad campaign, Mulally was frustrated and openly suggested dropping the brand. However, Fields and Jim Farley, Ford's marketing boss, convinced the CEO that the brand was worth saving. They also created a plan to prevent similar problems for new models in the future.
It seems that one part of the strategy may involve waiting until new models are at dealers before starting a big ad campaign for them. Lincoln global director, Matt VanDyke, recently told Autoblog that the division is holding off on a full marketing push behind the new MKC crossover to prevent the supply problems that plagued the MKZ last year. Its big offensive begins in the fall when the CUVs are at all of the dealers and consumers are at home watching more TV. VanDyke also told Bloomberg that Fields, Farley and Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of the Americas, have more direct oversight over new product launches now.