Ford's worked really hard to separate Lincoln and Ford in terms of product lineup and approach. Offering high performance Lincoln's would essentially take us back to the days when Lincoln's were just Ford's in suits. High performance stuff suits Ford a lot better, and can still command a healthy premium. Leave it how it is now, one brand offering performance and exciting cars, and the other focusing on effortless luxury. Each brand does its own thing that sets it apart.
I just don't see the point of a high performance Lincoln line unless it's things that really move the needle, like a Lincoln mustang coupe or something. It just goes against Lincoln's entire ethos. Leave the performance cars to Ford. It seems like they're doubling down on those anyway.
As an enthusiast it sounds cool, but it doesn't really make sense with the quiet flight thing and the fact that all they sell are cuv/suv now. I think some class leading hp numbers might help some, but going full harsh/sport in a brand that is selling on being a 'sanctuary' doesn't compute. Stupid power and smooth/composed/quiet yes, going after 'ring numbers.. not so much.
Apart from purchase subsidies (until 2022), there are several other forms of subsidies given to BEV manufacturers. According to the information in BYD’s annual reports, direct government subsidies to that company totalled €3.4 billion in the period from 2018 to 2022. They increased massively, recently, from about €0.2 billion in 2020 to €0.6 billion in 2021, and to €2.1 billion in 2022 alone (Figure 5). Relative to business revenues, this corresponds to an increase of direct subsidies from 1.1% of revenues in 2020 to 3.5% in 2022.
Tesla, still buys or forms JVs for their batteries.
BYD does everything that needs a battery and has the resources and expertise to rapidly expand production of new technology like they did with LFP batteries.
The ovious solution of legacy automaklers is to partner with other automakers to build scale faster. if they don't they will always be behind the cost curve.
somewhat disagree...theres a reason Apple builds all their items in China as well...labor costs are a huge part of overheads...also, that supply chain in China isnt over reguilated as it is here...if they had to abide by the same EPA rules as here I would lay money on their cars being pricier....you could probably add their safety standards compared to here as well...US regulation is rather crippling with what manufacturers have to abide by...rules BYD doesnt have to conform to.
Hence, I referred to the render as such.
I think Lincoln could do a relatively easy half-measure, with boosts in power (particularly felt as smooth torque) and some GENTLE tweaking, to tighten but not frighten, as it were. Too many of the big-money sport versions seem to sacrifice ride and luxury feel to pursue some strange need for "rawness". Don't go that far, just offer a trim that gives a good return in feel/dynamics for the inevitable price bump.
If Lincoln really wanted to do a "Red Label" that would have a place fighting AMGs, Ms, etc...it'd almost be another division, with the focus on quiet luxury over the last decade.