2002 Lincoln Continental Concept

The Lincoln Continental concept, the ultimate expression of American Luxury and the culmination of nearly two years of research and development, was unveiled at the 2002 Los Angeles Auto Show. Continental is a powerful but understated executive car with unique proportions that optimize space for the elegant, sophisticated and supremely comfortable interior. The design embraces features from Lincoln’s past, such as center opening doors, but the execution is thoroughly modern.

Two important goals of the Lincoln design team were to maximize interior space and optimize ingress and egress. This led to the creation of a unique proportion, in which the Continental’s cabin is centered within the wheelbase. The passenger space is exceptionally large, the trunk is cavernous, and a powerful 6.0-liter V-12 engine resides under the hood.

The powered center-opening doors are triggered by remote or simply by a touch of the flush aluminum door handles. The Continental’s doors operate independently and with both doors open, the pillarless aperture is almost six feet wide. All this is made possible by articulating hinges that open to 90 degrees and a ring frame that adds structural rigidity along the A-pillar, rear roof pillar, sill and roof rails.

The headliner and the Eames lounge chair-inspired seats are covered in full-grain aniline leather dyed a creamy hue called Rhode Island Sand. A translucent silk panel shades the overhead fiber optic light strip. The flooring is a close-sheared midnight blue sheepskin. The instrument panel and doors are trimmed in a combination of Rhode Island Sand and Midnight Blue leather. The dark leather helps mask the transition to the window glass.

The Continental’s full-width instrument panel is built around reconfigurable displays for engine functions and vehicle systems, including concierge and telematics features, navigation and the THX-certified audio system. The chaplets that ring the speedometer and other gauges displays are fixed to the glass for a jewel-like effect.

Built-in laptop tables stow in the console. The case holders built into the front seat backs fold down to allow an attaché to be opened without removing it from the sleeve.

A cabinet between the rear seats houses crystal and a drinks dispenser. Each rear door has a large umbrella holder and compartments that can be personalized. The Continental, for example, is fitted with cigar humidors.

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
engine	V12
position	Front Longitudinal
displacement	6000 cc / 366.1 in³
power	308.7 kw / 414 bhp @ 6000 rpm
specific output	69.0 bhp per litre
torque	560 nm / 413.0 ft lbs @ 5270 rpm
body / frame	Aluminum & Composite Body over Frame
driven wheels	RWD
front tires	Continental P275/45R22
rear tires	Continental P295/40R22
front brakes	Discs w/6-Pot Calipers, ABS, Power Assist
f brake size	x 405 mm / x 15.9 in
rear brakes	Discs w/4-Pot Calipers, ABS, Power Assist. Electronically-Actuat
r brake size	x 395 mm / x 15.6 in
front wheels	F 55.9 x 22.9 cm / 22.0 x 9.0 in
rear wheels	R 55.9 x 25.4 cm / 22.0 x 10.0 in
steering	Four-Wheel Steering w/Speed Sensitive Varible Assist
f suspension	Multi-Link w/Driver Selectable Electronic Damping
r suspension	Multi-Link w/Driver Selectable Electronic Damping
wheelbase	3470 mm / 136.6 in
front track	1675 mm / 65.9 in
rear track	1655 mm / 65.2 in
length	5444 mm / 214.3 in
width	1950 mm / 76.8 in
height	1500 mm / 59.1 in
transmission	6-Speed Automatic
gear ratios	:1