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2004 Lincoln Aviator Concept

Same Name, Whole New Bag of Tricks

The current Aviator isnt exactly Lincolns top seller, surprising those outside of Ford Motor Companys Dearborn, Michigan head office as well as many automotive journalists that predicted nothing but success for the midsize luxury SUV.

Just why the Ford Explorer-based SUV has been snubbed by consumers might have more to do with the success the domestic premium nameplate is experiencing with its full-size Navigator, with buyers generally preferring larger sport utilities. In Canada the Aviator has done better, prompting the division to keep it in its 2004 lineup despite it being dropped here at home.

Following Lincolns pattern of basing its cars and SUVs on Ford-derived architecture, the brand will release

To the surprise of Ford executives and automotive journalists alike, the current Lincoln Aviator is not a top seller. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

an all-new Aviator for the 2005 model year. Compared to the current Aviator-Explorer duo, it will be harder to see the similarities to the 2005 Ford Freestar that donates its basic architecture. This bodes well for performance potential, as the Freestar is based on the sensational Volvo P2 platform that underpins the award-winning XC90 .

"The next-generation Aviator is a new kind of Lincoln; its our first-ever, car-based SUV," stated Phil

Ford will release an all-new car-based Lincoln Aviator for the 2005 model year. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

Martens, Ford Motor Company group vice president, Product Creation.

That means Lincoln should fair better against such best-in-premium-class sellers as the Lexus RX 330 and BMW X5, due to better on-road handling and a more comfortable ride. In concept form it gets massive 21-inch diameter cast and polished aluminum wheels, complete with the Lincoln star at hub position. Of course production models will receive more conservative rims, but much of the Aviator concept is expected to make it to local showrooms relatively unchanged. According to the press release,

The new Aviator should be good news to those who appreciate classic Lincoln styling. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

"this sneak peek strongly suggests the direction that the exterior design will take moving forward."

This should be good news to those who appreciate its classic Lincoln styling details. Its bright metal molding that forms at the base of the front fascia and follows the front fenders up and over the arcing roofline and down the vehicles backside is vaguely reminiscent of the 61 Continental - a styling cue expected to be featured throughout the majority of future Lincolns.

The new concept, which is more of a "teaser vehicle" or prototype of a future model according to the Lincoln press material, features

A horizontal "light-bar" spans the entire width of the large glass liftgate, a very American design cue. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

a wide chrome egg-crate grille that integrates the headlights at opposing sides, also inspired by past Lincolns. From its front three-quarter view I cant help thinking about the old AMC Eagle 4x4 wagon, one of the first crossovers. It does, however, take on a shape thats all its own from every other angle mind you.

The hearse-like C-pillars are extremely thick, which is probably not the best for rearward visibility but unique in the crossover category just the same. A horizontal "light-bar" spans the entire width of the large glass liftgate, a very American design cue that is executed effectively on this car without looking dated. Just under the liftgate is a flat-folding tailgate, just like station wagons of

Although vaguely reminiscent of the current model, the new Aviators interior is stunning and features many unique styling cues. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

yore. The gorgeous Behr hardwood floor with bright aluminum strips that graces the cargo floor is a nice touch that most definitely wont be making production. Hopefully its 30 cubic feet of storage space will.

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