2017 Lincoln Navigator Concept

The 2017 Lincoln Navigator Concept designers need to be investigated for substance abuse, pun intended. How else did they reach the agreement to hook up the Navigator Concept with gull-wing doors and teakwood entrance steps? These features certainly caught everyone by surprise.

Thankfully, Kumar Galhorta, the Lincoln president said that the features were just their designers using their creativity to give enthusiasts a closer look on the vehicles cabin. He added that features won’ make it to production.

The concept fall in line with Lincoln’s objective to revamp its SUV lineup as the segment is experiencing an upward growth powered by decreasing fuel prices which has made the segment attractive yet again to automakers

Read along to find out more about the 2017 Lincoln navigator Concept:

2017 Lincoln Navigator Concept Exterior

The new Lincoln Navigator Concept exterior profile is based on an aluminum platform similar to the one used on the 2015 Ford F-150. This platform will lead to a less weight hence a better performance and improved fuel economy. Apart from the gull-wing doors and steps that lead to its cabin which won’t make it to production, the SUV is almost unchanged from the 2016 model.

The few new features added include a grille that looks similar to that of the Bentley Bentayga and a clamshell bonnet that mimics Range Rover’s. Other features remain unchanged since Lincoln doesn’t want to tamper with the Navigator’s iconic exterior profile which is already popular in the market. The exterior is finished in a stylish blue paintwork.

2017 Lincoln Navigator Concept Interior

The gull-wing doors open to reveal an interesting cabin.  The Navigator features 6 highly contoured seats. Can you believe that all the seats are 30-way power adjustable? Well, if this is hard to believe, you will be surprised to learn that the Concept’s cargo space doubles up as a functional closet with shelves.  The vehicle shifter buttons look like the keys of a piano.

Its interior designers put emphasis on its entertainment package. The car features a gigantic touch-screen in front for the driver.  Each rear passengers gets a tablet-like screen mounted on the headrests of all the seats. The exterior soft shade of blue paintwork continues on the inside where the seats are upholstered in premium blue-colored leather.

The cabin also features a variety of semi-autonomous technologies which are likely to reach production. These technologies include a 360 degree camera, pre-collision braking assist with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist and parking assist among others. Most automakers don’t reveal their full interior styling cues in a concept; therefore, expect much more cues in the production model.

Engine Specs

During the launch, Lincoln remained mum about the Navigator’s drive-train details. However, Galhotra said that the SUV will be powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5 L V-6 engine similar to the one on the current model.

However, the new engine will be tweaked to produce over 400 hp from the current 380 hp.  The engine will likely improve on the currents Navigator’s EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg on combined drives. We also understand that the driver will have an option to vary driving modes.

Details on its acceleration and top speed are not available but you can expect a slight improvement over the current model when the production model hits the streets.

Price and release date

It being a concept, we did not expect the automaker to release details about its price or official release date during its unveiling in New York. However, we understand that the production model will be released late next year as a 2018 model year car. Expect a slight hike on its price over the current model when it comes out.

Competition

The Navigator competes with a number of other capable SUVs, they include the Nissan Patrol, Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti QX80 and Ford Expedition to name just but a few.