NickF1011 Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 I've seen Cameron Diaz in person, sans makeup, and believe me, the C concept looks better, much better. Don't believe me, then here's the proof. It's amazing what a little makeup can do. I think that someone may have nailed it, the C concept is a trial balloon for one way a C-segment crossover can go. In talking with Freeman Thomas at the NAIAS, I know that they are considering alternatives to rear compartment access. I hope that a few of you will venture over to Automotive Traveler and leave your comments, the good, the bad, and the ugly. I realize that it is a polarizing design and is clearly targeting younger enthusiasts but I'm way beyond that demo, and having seen it in the flesh, I love it. That being said, that packaging, applied to a Mercury-branded vehicle not shared with Ford, seems like a great idea to me. You get my point though. There has never been a vehicle I saw that I thought was ugly in pictures that I changed my mind about after seeing one in person. There are some things I like about this vehicle. The powertrain for instance. The youth seems to like it though, so I agree with you on your Mercury thoughts. The Mercury brand is intended to be a bit more attainable by more a more youthful audience, based on its pricing structure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deanh Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 Having just gotten back from NAIAS at 5 AM this morning, I just want to say two things; first, no photos can do this car justice therefore I can't understand the comments posted here. If you saw it in the flesh you would have seen that except for some minor details -- which I expect might be changed by the time you see it at the Chicago show -- it's simply stunning. Second, concepts when best done, stretch the envelope and show POSSIBLE future design directions. Rarely do they get into production intact. Rather than me comment here, I invite you to check out my C concept analysis and images at: http://www.automotivetraveler.com/index.ph...&Itemid=194 I came away equally impressed by the new Taurus. My comments and analysis can be viewed at: http://www.automotivetraveler.com/index.ph...&Itemid=194 Among the Detroit Three, Ford had the most clearly focused message and was hitting on all cylinders, no matter what you might think of the Lincoln C Concept. Best wishes, Richard Truesdell Editorial Director, Automotive Traveler http://www.automotivetraveler.com/home great site rich, very classy...I for one am in the "like" it aisle, my gripe is the color...eeeeek, not very flattering at all. Concepts are a double edged sword, they push envelopes to encourage public reaction, based on said reactions reality sets in and "strong points" are evaluated at a production level, costs are analysed and SOME tidbits trickle down. a dash like this would probably NEVER make it to production along with our cherished suicide doors ( something commonly griped about in regards to the Flex ) check out the Taurus and numerous cues taken from the Interceptor, it underlines my point.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MKII Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 (edited) Wow, this car looks like it would be a blast to drive, just its stance gives a perception of being a road hugger. Forget the younger driver, I think a car like this concept would attract the "mild-life crisis" consumer, plus IMO looks good for global tastes. Loaded to the gills with every tech gadget and all the other finer items found in the luxury segment, plus very distinctive looks (production model will be toned down I am sure) and fun powerplant, plus hopefully some driving dynamic DNA from the old Richard Parry-Jones school of thought, this car could be a big time profit maker. Who'd of thought, a C segment size car that could generate some much $$$$$$$$$$. But the best news is the EB 1.6 T predicted 43mpg hwy comment, wooho looks good for the next Focus. Looks like Ford N.A. will have another mpg car segment winner (c segment) when the next Focus is launched. With fuel efficieny like that Ford N.A. wouldn't need Hybrid mass production. Edited January 14, 2009 by MKII Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lfeg Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 I do not know if anyone else noticed this, but this is a 6 seater! 3 sets of belts, front and rear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
autotronic Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 I do not know if anyone else noticed this, but this is a 6 seater! 3 sets of belts, front and rear. It seats six comfortably, as this photo shows. Freeman Thomas said that it's the length of a Focus and as wide as an MKS. He also claimed that it has more interior space than the 1961 Continental. Having owned a '63 and a '65 I would tend to agree, especially as this is a FWD car with no transmission hump. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deanh Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 It seats six comfortably, as this photo shows. Freeman Thomas said that it's the length of a Focus and as wide as an MKS. He also claimed that it has more interior space than the 1961 Continental. Having owned a '63 and a '65 I would tend to agree, especially as this is a FWD car with no transmission hump. return of the bench seat..woohoo, probably means auto only, but a 6 passenger mini car with apparent comfort?????? therein lies probably the main question being presented to the discerning public...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 return of the bench seat..woohoo, probably means auto only, but a 6 passenger mini car with apparent comfort?????? therein lies probably the main question being presented to the discerning public...... Do they fit? Yes. Do the people in that picture look like they would be comfortable for more than 15 minutes? Not exactly. It does bode well for the interior being incredibly roomy if they cut it back to a traditional 5 seat, or even 4 seats for a true Lincoln "coddling" experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deanh Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 Do they fit? Yes. Do the people in that picture look like they would be comfortable for more than 15 minutes? Not exactly. It does bode well for the interior being incredibly roomy if they cut it back to a traditional 5 seat, or even 4 seats for a true Lincoln "coddling" experience. just having the option of seating 6 in relative comfort bodes well....teens would lap this concept up.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xr7g428 Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 I think the car looks like ass, at least in that color, and in the pictures I have seen. Given that, I can't seem to get any feel for the actual size of the vehicle. When I look at the picture of the car holding six, it looks big, when I see it all closed up, it looks like one of those robot vacuums on steroids, and seems small. When you put people in from of it, it starts looking big. Maybe the reason it looks so much like a pacer for the new millennium is that the proportions are just too different for us to get in pictures... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ANTAUS Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 Looks like they placed the "portly" people in the middle seats for the camera... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 Do they fit? Yes. Do the people in that picture look like they would be comfortable for more than 15 minutes? Not exactly. It does bode well for the interior being incredibly roomy if they cut it back to a traditional 5 seat, or even 4 seats for a true Lincoln "coddling" experience. I prefer the 4 seat 'coddling' experience.....how about fully adjustable (powered) rear seats? If they got rid of the bubble butt on it it wouldnt be bad looking. That's my only problem with it....I don't at all mind the rest of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mooseman Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 (edited) I'm reading all of the really negative comments on this board about the C and I can't believe it. After years of bashing Ford for bland designs, finally there is something brought forth with some character and life and it gets this treatment. Unbelievable. I don't know how much skin in the game most of you have in this industry or with Ford but my livelihood depends on Ford products. I could sell this thing very well and I wholeheartedly welcome whatever version of this comes to my lot. Or do you all want to just give everything to Mini and call it a day? I am excited about the direction of Ford and Lincoln and it includes the C. I say bring it on. I can prove you all wrong on this vehicle. I was enamored with this car the very second I laid eyes on it. It is an absolute game changer. It is absolutely perfect in every way. I have never ever seen a car before that I've said "I absolutely have to have it." But the Concept C is the first. I could honestly gush for days over this design. Please, please, let Ford know that there are design aficionados out there, guys raised on Architectural Digest, ID Magazine, HOW Design, etc. who would give their left arm for such an astonishingly brilliant creation. As long as Ford doesn't Zephyr this product, it must be made. The crease must remain exactly, the rear must remain exactly, the grille, and the seats. Don't dumb it down at all. I know the roof has to go, but all the proportions must remain. For all that is holy, please please please build this car. My deposit is waiting. Oh, and I am in that 30-40 demographic. Edited January 15, 2009 by mooseman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twintornados Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 Looks like they placed the "portly" people in the middle seats for the camera... Oh ANTAUS...can't you spot the rich guys and their "dates"...??? <wink-wink> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BORG Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 (edited) I was enamored with this car the very second I laid eyes on it. It is an absolute game changer. It is absolutely perfect in every way. I have never ever seen a car before that I've said "I absolutely have to have it." But the Concept C is the first. I could honestly gush for days over this design. Please, please, let Ford know that there are design aficionados out there, guys raised on Architectural Digest, ID Magazine, HOW Design, etc. who would give their left arm for such an astonishingly brilliant creation. As long as Ford doesn't Zephyr this product, it must be made. The crease must remain exactly, the rear must remain exactly, the grille, and the seats. Don't dumb it down at all. I know the roof has to go, but all the proportions must remain. For all that is holy, please please please build this car. My deposit is waiting. Oh, and I am in that 30-40 demographic. I think that's the ultimate problem when translating concept to production, they ultimately compromise the design integrity to make it fit those engineering benchmarks and then your left with a car that barely resembles what you loved about the original. The MKT springs to mind actually, a design that tried too hard to carry design elements of the concept which make less sense when watered down (such as that flush liftgate). That is why I think it's best for production design to essentially spring from the engineering overlay and not the other way around. The Taurus is a good design because it works with the chasis. Edited January 15, 2009 by BORG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edstock Posted January 15, 2009 Author Share Posted January 15, 2009 consistancy showing up in the threads...not enough power, uses too much gas and costs too much...hey, I baked a cake and I want to eat it too.... (nah, I'll just screw with everyone and leave it out in the rain.....everyone will wonder who it was, it took so long to bake it..) Green icing, too. The C is the town car for the high-density urban area. When the owners summer in the Hamptons or wherever, they take the MKT and the golf clubs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mooseman Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 I think that's the ultimate problem when translating concept to production, they ultimately compromise the design integrity to make it fit those engineering benchmarks and then your left with a car that barely resembles what you loved about the original. The MKT springs to mind actually, a design that tried too hard to carry design elements of the concept which make less sense when watered down (such as that flush liftgate). That is why I think it's best for production design to essentially spring from the engineering overlay and not the other way around. The Taurus is a good design because it works with the chasis. Given what I've read by the designers, it sounds like more than just a bit of preliminary engineering has been done. Even the suicide doors and seats are apparently doable. Considering how simple the lines are, here is hoping that it comes out more intact than the MKT. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zipnzap Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 Renaults big arse Megan sells well in Europe, l wonder if you will be able to do this in your Lincoln Nick.http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=BILF_teMkks&...feature=related Oh, lawl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KINGCOBRA88 Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 I don't mind the front and side profile so much. But that badonkadonk butt HAS to go. That thing has a bigger booty than some porn star's I've seen. My vote is for a "Hell NO!". You took the words out of my mouth Such a shame that the Lincoln could have a sexy new car... Even though I do agree that small cars should be given to Volvo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasonj80 Posted January 16, 2009 Share Posted January 16, 2009 (edited) You took the words out of my mouth Such a shame that the Lincoln could have a sexy new car... Even though I do agree that small cars should be given to Volvo. After Seeing it last night I actually like it -- it really is not as ugly as the pictures shown. The back is smaller in person, actually the whole car is smaller than what it looks like in the pictures. I thought it was very ugly in the pictures, but it actually works fairly well in person. Edited January 18, 2009 by jasonj80 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ray101988 Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 Hmm when I first saw it I was like but the more I look at it the more I like it. It reminds me of something out of IRobot or something like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
battyr Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 Heh. Could someone with photoshop add a Fiesta grill to the Concept C? It might give an idea what the next Focus might look like? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mackinaw Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 Just got back from the 2009 NAIAS. No matter if you like the C or not, it's definitely generating a lot of traffic at the L-M exhibit. Different clientele too, very few grey-haired pot-bellied baby boomers, but a lot of the iPod crowd. I also noticed a lot of the L-M folks scurrying about taking notes and writing down comments. Interesting to say the least. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpd80 Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 Just got back from the 2009 NAIAS. No matter if you like the C or not, it's definitely generating a lot of traffic at the L-M exhibit. Different clientele too, very few grey-haired pot-bellied baby boomers, but a lot of the iPod crowd. I also noticed a lot of the L-M folks scurrying about taking notes and writing down comments. Interesting to say the least. I wonder if those people see the C concept as an up market version of the Mini Cooper. There could be an interesting and profitable little niche market there...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twintornados Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 I wonder if those people see the C concept as an up market version of the Mini Cooper.There could be an interesting and profitable little niche market there...... It certainly is for BMW.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
battyr Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 Just got back from the 2009 NAIAS. No matter if you like the C or not, it's definitely generating a lot of traffic at the L-M exhibit. Different clientele too, very few grey-haired pot-bellied baby boomers, but a lot of the iPod crowd. I also noticed a lot of the L-M folks scurrying about taking notes and writing down comments. Interesting to say the least. Historically when ever you try to market a car to an old person, no one buys it. That is why the 500 and Freestyle failed. If you try to sell a car to a young person, then old people with money buy it to look young. Something like the C might be the best thing to sell in Lincoln dealers. IMHO, puting the Lincoln name on it will just confuse buyers. Sell it in Lincoln dealerships with the Mercury name or do something like bring back the Merkur name or put the Volvo name on it and sell it at high volumes in Lincoln dealerships. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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