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Lincoln To Get Bronco-Based Range Rover-Fighter


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Here is a crazy thought...with the introduction of a T6 based Lincoln, maybe Ford has ideas for canning the entire CD6 chassis era and just bring the T6 fully into the North American market to also replace CD6 Explorer and Aviator....CD6 is already an orphaned chassis that underpins just one line whereas T6 can be used moving forward for a "new" product in both 5 seat (Edge/Nautilus) and 7 seat (Explorer/Aviator) on an extended chassis configuration. CAP can then be reused to produce other lines after a rebuild, transformed into a production center for supplying other plants, turned into a joint venture for a Chinese company or just shuttered all together as consolidation continues at Ford. 

 

Like I said, just a crazy thought....

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51 minutes ago, twintornados said:

Here is a crazy thought...with the introduction of a T6 based Lincoln, maybe Ford has ideas for canning the entire CD6 chassis era and just bring the T6 fully into the North American market to also replace CD6 Explorer and Aviator....CD6 is already an orphaned chassis that underpins just one line whereas T6 can be used moving forward for a "new" product in both 5 seat (Edge/Nautilus) and 7 seat (Explorer/Aviator) on an extended chassis configuration. CAP can then be reused to produce other lines after a rebuild, transformed into a production center for supplying other plants, turned into a joint venture for a Chinese company or just shuttered all together as consolidation continues at Ford. 

 

Like I said, just a crazy thought....


Not crazy especially when mustang sedan stays on current coupe platform.

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1 hour ago, twintornados said:

Here is a crazy thought...with the introduction of a T6 based Lincoln, maybe Ford has ideas for canning the entire CD6 chassis era and just bring the T6 fully into the North American market to also replace CD6 Explorer and Aviator....CD6 is already an orphaned chassis that underpins just one line whereas T6 can be used moving forward for a "new" product in both 5 seat (Edge/Nautilus) and 7 seat (Explorer/Aviator) on an extended chassis configuration. CAP can then be reused to produce other lines after a rebuild, transformed into a production center for supplying other plants, turned into a joint venture for a Chinese company or just shuttered all together as consolidation continues at Ford. 

 

Like I said, just a crazy thought....

IDK, moving explorer back to a BoF vehicle would hurt some of the refinement it has in terms of ride and driving characteristics. The explorer should continue to elevate itself to compete with products like the telluride instead of going backwards to chase the more rugged feel. When they moved the explorer to the unibody setup with the 5th gen, it just instantly made the explorer into a more premium feeling product, they drive so much better than most of the older explorers I've been in. I don't want to see them walk that back. 

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33 minutes ago, DeluxeStang said:

IDK, moving explorer back to a BoF vehicle would hurt some of the refinement it has in terms of ride and driving characteristics. The explorer should continue to elevate itself to compete with products like the telluride instead of going backwards to chase the more rugged feel. When they moved the explorer to the unibody setup with the 5th gen, it just instantly made the explorer into a more premium feeling product, they drive so much better than most of the older explorers I've been in. I don't want to see them walk that back. 

More weight and less efficiency too.

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I'm ... not hating this. I asked Gemini to turn the Everest into a Lincoln.

Ascender is a Mitsubishi name. Ford Authority brought up calling it the Navigator Sport. I suspect that would lead to some confusion over naming, which is why the MK-whatever names went away. I know I fight the whole "Bronco Sport vs Bronco" issue on the regular here.

Adventurer? Wellerman? A couple ship names.

Sentinel? Lincoln concept car.

Leland? For founder Henry Leland.

Lincoln Everest-600.png

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15 hours ago, T-dubz said:

 

 

I think ford needs to let the Everest focus on fun and off road, similar to Bronco. No lariat, platinum or titanium trims, no chrome. Those will all be handled by Lincoln.

 

Below is how I would envision the trims. Maybe this would fail miserably, but I like it. These prices fall in line with the 4Runner and Lexus GX which I think would be its main competition.

 

Everest Sport - like an F150 STX $42k

Everest Tremor - mid range Off-roader $48k

Lincoln version Premiere - entry luxury trim $60k

Lincoln version Reserve - Mid level luxury $67k

Everest Raptor - Top of the line Off-Roader $72k

Lincoln version black label - Top of the line luxury $77k

 

 

 

Everest price range $45K to $80K is fine. About in line with 4Runner and Bronco. Although worth pointing out Ranger Raptor is only $57K... a bargain really. This may explain why Ford is interested in a Bronco pickup - the name change could help it get higher MSRP.

 

Lincoln price range should be $65K to $100K. Navigator starts at $92K so the top version of Lincoln T6 should eclipse the cheapest Navigator. Some competitor MSRP range for comparison:

  • Lexus GX $67K to $85K
  • Land Rover Defender 110: $64K to $150K (the Octa MSRP is way up there but the main range tops out around $115K
  • Rivian R1S $79K to $128K
  • Mercedes G-Wagen $148K to infinity... 

The G-Wagen MSRP is clearly the outlier but the upcoming "baby G" will be in the same price range as the other. "baby G" is probably a misnomer since it is supposedly not that different in size, just cheaper - like Ranger Rover vs. Defender. 

 

Edited by bzcat
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53 minutes ago, BenKohnen said:

I'm ... not hating this. I asked Gemini to turn the Everest into a Lincoln.

Ascender is a Mitsubishi name. Ford Authority brought up calling it the Navigator Sport. I suspect that would lead to some confusion over naming, which is why the MK-whatever names went away. I know I fight the whole "Bronco Sport vs Bronco" issue on the regular here.

Adventurer? Wellerman? A couple ship names.

Sentinel? Lincoln concept car.

Leland? For founder Henry Leland.

Lincoln Everest-600.png

I don't hate that, either, but it'd be lost in a Lincoln showroom amidst al the others CUVs/SUVs. I think that a real "Rover fighter" would need to have a more muscuar, truckike appearance to differentiate itself from its float-boat cousins.

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2 hours ago, DeluxeStang said:

IDK, moving explorer back to a BoF vehicle would hurt some of the refinement it has in terms of ride and driving characteristics. The explorer should continue to elevate itself to compete with products like the telluride instead of going backwards to chase the more rugged feel. When they moved the explorer to the unibody setup with the 5th gen, it just instantly made the explorer into a more premium feeling product, they drive so much better than most of the older explorers I've been in. I don't want to see them walk that back. 

 

Gen 4 Explorer was BoF and rode and drove just fine....Dodge Durango, Lexus LX, Toyota Land Cruiser and 4Runner, a few choices of BoF that are refined to today's riding standard. Unibody design certainly gives a more sedan like ride, but modern suspension geometries make it a moot point. From a pure weight saving mode, unibody and giga-cast are the way to go....again, it was just "a crazy thought".  

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1 hour ago, twintornados said:

 

Gen 4 Explorer was BoF and rode and drove just fine....Dodge Durango, Lexus LX, Toyota Land Cruiser and 4Runner, a few choices of BoF that are refined to today's riding standard. Unibody design certainly gives a more sedan like ride, but modern suspension geometries make it a moot point. From a pure weight saving mode, unibody and giga-cast are the way to go....again, it was just "a crazy thought".  

 

Doesn't make any sense to move Explorer to T6 when it has 2 dedicated plant in US and China on CD6. The midsize SUV/CUV market is so big there is no need for either/or kind of binary decision: Ford needs multiple entries in this size just to cover all the basis. The Explorer/Bronco duality shows there is plenty of demand for both kinds of approach to this size segment. Ford probably is leaving money on the market for not having 2 or 3 more models in this size like Toyota. 

 

Toyota vs. Ford

  • Highlander vs. ??? (should be Edge)
  • Grand Highlander vs. Explorer
  • Crown Signia vs. ??? (there was talk of a wagon-like Outback competitor before but never happened)
  • 4Runner vs. ??? (should be Everest)
  • Prado ("Land Cruiser") vs. Bronco (not directly but same heritage name offroader idea different execution)
  • RX vs. Nautilus
  • TX vs. Aviator
  • GX vs. ??? (should be Lincoln T6)
Edited by bzcat
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1 hour ago, bzcat said:

Doesn't make any sense to move Explorer to T6 when it has 2 dedicated plant in US and China on CD6.....

 

I would not count on Chinese market production facilities since they use several versions of different Ford chassis' in different classes with different motors. CD6 is an orphaned chassis, sadly. Ford designed it, and built it out, then the market changed and Ford just abandoned it....

Edited by twintornados
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54 minutes ago, twintornados said:

 

I would not count on Chinese market production facilities since they use several versions of different Ford chassis' in different classes with different motors. CD6 is an orphaned chassis, sadly. Ford designed it, and built it out, then the market changed and Ford just abandoned it....

The market didn’t change - Ford just abandoned it. 

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I had a go, I know one of them looks a little Lexus-ish with the side sheet metal, but it gives you a rough idea. I prefer the front end of the two door version, and the side of the four door. 

 

I think something where they take the rectangular grille of the bronco, and blend that with the horizontal light bar Lincoln was would look unique and classy. 

unnamed (1).jpg

unnamed (2).jpg

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On 2/25/2026 at 2:14 PM, jpd80 said:

This discussion also begs the question of what is happening at CAP in 2029,

will CD6 be done and replaced by something newer and better?

 

See this is the thing, you can’t talk about TTP in isolation and I’m waiting

for the other shoe to drop - I get that Ford imay not ready to say anything

yet because UAW agreement but clearly money will need to be spent there..

 

That's a good point about next-gen Explorer and Aviator at this point.  I'm guessing they'll just end up being rebodied with some modifications to lower costs.  I can't see them switching back to T6 or something like that as some have mentioned.

 

On 2/25/2026 at 4:23 PM, atomcat68 said:

I like Navicross for this. I would also be tempted to name it Mark Four, if is a serious off road four wheel drive vehicle like a Range Rover.

 

I don't mind Navicross (even if that might be better for a coupe type thing).  Absolutely not for the Mark __ name......they tried that years ago and it just confused everyone.  leave that in the dustbin.

 

20 hours ago, T-dubz said:

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This Everest I could definitely see people paying msrp for. A few styling tweaks would make it even better.

2023-ford-everest-titanium.webpThis Everest no one cares about.

 

I think ford needs to let the Everest focus on fun and off road, similar to Bronco. No lariat, platinum or titanium trims, no chrome. Those will all be handled by Lincoln.

 

Below is how I would envision the trims. Maybe this would fail miserably, but I like it. These prices fall in line with the 4Runner and Lexus GX which I think would be its main competition.

 

Everest Sport - like an F150 STX $42k

Everest Tremor - mid range Off-roader $48k

Lincoln version Premiere - entry luxury trim $60k

Lincoln version Reserve - Mid level luxury $67k

Everest Raptor - Top of the line Off-Roader $72k

Lincoln version black label - Top of the line luxury $77k

 

Except, to warrant having the more offroad type ones, you'll need the regular ones to justify it.

 

16 hours ago, jpd80 said:

It already does, Everest is basically Ranger Stationwagon,

everything from the B pillar forward is the same.

Shares the 116” wheelbase with the four door Bronco.

 

a reskinned and better interior on the upgraded Everest may

make a better starting point for a Lincoln, that would also avoid

the touchy subject of Ranger and Everest internal competition.

 

As mentioned previously, Bronco costs were carried by USA

and covered a big portion of T6.2 development cost plus the

gasoline powertrain modules.

 

Clearly, Ford USA wants to maximise Bronco sales and avoid

any chance of a lower cost SUV diverting sales away…..


that’s my theory because Everest was never intended for USA

and if the Lincoln thought is there, still loads ot rework needed.

Would make post 29 Everest top trims very luxurious indeed.

 

 

IF Ford was to reuse GE1 as a PHEV or EREV with say, 2.3EB then

a new kind of Mach E and legacy may be possible because GE1

is basically modified C2. With cast aluminium front, Center and

rear frames (skateboard)

 

I think everyone has run with the "Lincoln Bronco" thing, but I think what's really happening is we'll see a T6-based model that will use Everest as a starting point, perhaps with a more boxy silhouette.  If you're not having the model have removable doors and roof, there's really no point in using Bronco as a starting point, as you'd have to rip up so much when they already have a "regular" vehicle construction platform mate.

 

16 hours ago, tbone said:


As far as I’m concerned, they have no choice at this point. The well is pretty damn dry right now.
 

Of the potential model names mentioned so far, I’m still liking Mountaineer and Ascender.  I don’t love the Mountaineer’s connection to the Mercury brand for the sake of the Lincoln brand, but it is a good name.  Surveyor isn’t  too bad as well. Navicross reflects crossover too much for me, and if this is supposed to be a serious luxury off-roader like the G-Wagon or Range Rover, that isn’t the proper image projection. 

 

No need to revive an old GM Isuzu rebadge name of Ascender.

I still think it's dumb to reuse a Mercury name....they've worked hard to shed a rebadged image, and borrowing that name just seems lazy to me.

 

5 hours ago, BenKohnen said:

I'm ... not hating this. I asked Gemini to turn the Everest into a Lincoln.

Ascender is a Mitsubishi name. Ford Authority brought up calling it the Navigator Sport. I suspect that would lead to some confusion over naming, which is why the MK-whatever names went away. I know I fight the whole "Bronco Sport vs Bronco" issue on the regular here.

Adventurer? Wellerman? A couple ship names.

Sentinel? Lincoln concept car.

Leland? For founder Henry Leland.

Lincoln Everest-600.png

 

No thanks.

I also don't like any of those names except Sentinel.  Give it something more modern/"strong".

 

47 minutes ago, DeluxeStang said:

I had a go, I know one of them looks a little Lexus-ish with the side sheet metal, but it gives you a rough idea. I prefer the front end of the two door version, and the side of the four door. 

 

I think something where they take the rectangular grille of the bronco, and blend that with the horizontal light bar Lincoln was would look unique and classy. 

unnamed (1).jpg

unnamed (2).jpg

 

I think this was done more as a design exercise, but I don't see them making a 2-door version.

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9 hours ago, twintornados said:

Here is a crazy thought...with the introduction of a T6 based Lincoln, maybe Ford has ideas for canning the entire CD6 chassis era and just bring the T6 fully into the North American market to also replace CD6 Explorer and Aviator....CD6 is already an orphaned chassis that underpins just one line whereas T6 can be used moving forward for a "new" product in both 5 seat (Edge/Nautilus) and 7 seat (Explorer/Aviator) on an extended chassis configuration. CAP can then be reused to produce other lines after a rebuild, transformed into a production center for supplying other plants, turned into a joint venture for a Chinese company or just shuttered all together as consolidation continues at Ford. 

 

Like I said, just a crazy thought....

Yeah, that's probably what they're planning. An additional Lincoln vehicle that's in niche/halo territory sounds too good to be true. Also, a C2-based Aviator to replace CD6 would make it a commodity product like the Lexus TX and Infiniti QX60. T6 is their best bet to avoid that.

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10 hours ago, twintornados said:

Here is a crazy thought...with the introduction of a T6 based Lincoln, maybe Ford has ideas for canning the entire CD6 chassis era and just bring the T6 fully into the North American market to also replace CD6 Explorer and Aviator....CD6 is already an orphaned chassis that underpins just one line whereas T6 can be used moving forward for a "new" product in both 5 seat (Edge/Nautilus) and 7 seat (Explorer/Aviator) on an extended chassis configuration. CAP can then be reused to produce other lines after a rebuild, transformed into a production center for supplying other plants, turned into a joint venture for a Chinese company or just shuttered all together as consolidation continues at Ford. 

 

Like I said, just a crazy thought....

Definitely not, CD6 is not going anywhere. It will be expanded, not eliminated 

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1 hour ago, Texasota said:

Let the speculation begin on what new Ford vehicles will be built on CD6. Mustang Sedan?

Maybe the Mach-E/Edge replacement and a Nautilus-adjacent Lincoln. 

Here is my own attempt at a T6 Lincoln with AI, but it ended up being more extreme so I may revise it later:

lincolnlx100(2).png

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2 hours ago, T-dubz said:

image.thumb.jpeg.cb78a7c370cdcc25b4e2f61c9a156147.jpegIMG_4538.thumb.webp.0235d1f2b950f67865c2b2c720b451e2.webp
these were ones I did a long time ago. Funny thing is, you can see these in the background in one of Biondis first videos about creating his Lincoln bronco


I am liking what you have going on here.  
 

4 hours ago, rmc523 said:

 

No need to revive an old GM Isuzu rebadge name of Ascender.

I still think it's dumb to reuse a Mercury name....they've worked hard to shed a rebadged image, and borrowing that name just seems lazy to me.

 

 

No thanks.

I also don't like any of those names except Sentinel.  Give it something more modern/"strong".

 


I don’t disagree with you, but I still like the names. But if you want to create something unique and defining, come up with a new name. Ford Authority referenced Navigator Sport today, which is a terrible idea.  The two vehicles wouldn’t be comparable in style/type, with respect to the Navigator.  They referenced the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, which do share quite a bit of design language, but this scenario will be nothing like that.  

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7 hours ago, rmc523 said:

 

That's a good point about next-gen Explorer and Aviator at this point.  I'm guessing they'll just end up being rebodied with some modifications to lower costs.  I can't see them switching back to T6 or something like that as some have mentioned.

Thinking that by 2029, CD6 will then be 10 years old and perhaps Ford wanting to do another platform as Explorer….. or, they may just evolve CD6 with wiring /tech updates ect.

 

The whole thing about sizing of Escape-Edge-Explorer-Expedition- Expedition XL,

Just wondering if the larger size of Explorer bumps up against Expedition sales 

or whether we should be looking at this regarding BOF lineage and unitary lineage.

Everest/Bronco 116” WB to Expedition 122” WB to Expedition XL 131” WB

Bronco Sport 105” WB to Territory 107” WB to Equator 112” WB to Explorer 119” WB

 

Just spitballing here but ther are many choices that could be used to fill in the 

product spaces but whether Ford sees advantage to so many choices?  maybe not 

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11 hours ago, Texasota said:

Let the speculation begin on what new Ford vehicles will be built on CD6. Mustang Sedan?

 

No the whole point of the Mustang Sedan is to help keep the coupe viable. 

 

A Mustang CUV is something all together different and more likely, unless they go the 911 Dakar route with the sedan.  

 

What I guess is going to happen is that Ford will be able share powertrains/harnesses between the CD6 and S650, like they did with CD4 (last gen Fusion in NA) and S550. Powertrains also will be shared with T6 and a lesser degree with T3 (F-150) platform

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On 2/24/2026 at 8:41 AM, rmc523 said:

 

I'll throw some random ones out there:

 

Pioneer

Aeronaut

Pulsar

Celestial

Zenith

 

1. Too close to cheap stereo

2. Too close to Areostar

3. Polestar 

4. Sextant 

5. My back and knees ache thinking about walking across the living room floor to change the channel. 

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