Its High Time the Current Lincoln Town Car Chassis was Updated

Time is running out at Ford to make a decision on how to replace or update its flagship luxury sedan, the Lincoln Town Car. Within twelve months a plan must be agreed upon by executives, marketing and engineers on a suitable successor, but the solution could be simpler than initially expected if a stretched out Ford Five Hundred architecture is chosen, complimented with all-wheel drive and V8 power.

Paul Mascarenas, the executive director for medium and large front and all-wheel drive platforms at Ford commented on the situation, stating that there are a number of viable alternatives available, and that the Five Hundred-based vehicle is just one of the tentative solutions.

Ford needs to make a decision on how to replace or update its flagship luxury sedan, the Lincoln Town Car. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

If given the green light, this new Town Car would become the largest vehicle to be based off the front-wheel drive midsize platform, also shared with the Ford Freestyle crossover and Mercury Montego. The platform was developed off of Volvos large car architecture, underpinning the S80, ensuring class-leading safety and top-notch vehicle dynamics. The trio will go on sale next month, mostly featuring a CVT transmission, except for specific trim levels

A stretched out Ford Five Hundred architecture with all-wheel drive and V8 power could be used for the new Lincoln. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

But in order for this plan of action to become reality, a great deal of work on the Five Hundreds structure is needed. Aside from styling the vehicle as a Lincoln, its most likely that the vehicle will also be defined by a wheelbase stretch and an extension of the front and rear overhangs. On the issue, Mascarenas said, "I would think [the wheelbase could be extended] 3.9 inches, 4.9 inches before you would need to start widening the vehicle to balance out proportions."

Considering

If Lincoln were to use the Five Hundreds platform, it will only be the AWD model. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

A secondary point to consider is that if Lincoln were to use the Five Hundreds platform, it will only be the AWD model. Lincoln hasnt had a front-wheel driven vehicle in its range since the demise of the Continental several years back, and considering its customer base and determination to uphold a prestigious image, theyre not about to start with their high-end executive model. As for power, Mascarenas said a V8 could fit in the engine

Although the plan for a Five Hundred based Town Car sounds most viable, keeping the current Town Car underpinnings is still an option thats on the table. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

In a time where Chrysler and General Motors are switching to rear-wheel drive, Ford feels that its best to stick with what theyve got. Mascarenas stated, "Im not sure the customer needs rear-wheel drive," which furthers the idea that a rear wheel driven Town Car isnt going to be produced. With no suitable, modern rear-driven platform on hand, it appears that Lincoln will be doing the second best thing, following the footsteps of Jaguar and its X-Type by introducing all-wheel drive.

Although the plan for a Five Hundred based Town Car sounds most viable, Mascarenas also suggested that keeping the current vehicles underpinnings could be an option. The old Panther-based chassis has been in production since 1978, and is currently shared with the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Marauder.

If Ford seriously want Lincoln to compete with Cadillac, keeping the old Panther-based chassis shouldnt be an option. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

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