Lincoln Motor Co. yesterday unveiled its latest midsize premium SUV, Aviator, and its hybrid hangar mate, Aviator Grand Touring, at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Aviator offers three-rows of seating, optional all-wheel drive and a choice of gas or hybrid powertrain. The standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, paired with a 10-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission, is expected to deliver 400 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque for responsive acceleration.
With the hybrid Grand Touring option, the twin-turbocharged engine is mated with advanced electrified technology and is targeted to produce 450 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque.
“Aviator represents the very best of our brand DNA and signals the direction for Lincoln vehicles going forward,” says Joy Falotico, president of Lincoln. “It offers elegance, effortless performance and unparalleled comfort – a true representation of Lincoln’s vision for the future.”
John Davis, Ford chief program engineer, says, “This is our most advanced hybrid technology,” says John Davis, chief program engineer, “Together with the standard twin-turbocharged gas engine and advanced electrified Grand Touring technology, Aviator is set to define effortless performance – performance that only Lincoln can deliver.”
According to Lincoln, the allure of flight has long inspired automotive design, and the Aviator takes that inspiration to the next level.
“The connotations of flight are intrinsic in the lines of the vehicle,” says David Woodhouse, Lincoln’s design director. “You have the stature and presence of the grille at the front, then the body and tail taper off – creating a distinct aerofoil analogy.”
In keeping with its aeronautical theme, Lincoln says the Aviator delivers on a brand concept called Quiet Flight, which “supports tenets of beauty, gliding, human, and a crafted sanctuary.”
Notable features on the new Aviator include:
- Customizable drive experience via a 12.3-inch standard configurable LCD instrument cluster with easy-to-read dynamic graphics and prompts.
- A suspension system that automatically lowers to allow easier entry and cargo loading.
- Smartphone access via the Lincoln Way™ app.
- Adaptive Suspension with Road Preview that uses an advanced forward camera to constantly scan the road, seamlessly adjusting the suspension as needed to keep the ride as smooth as possible.
Pricing will be announced closer to next year’s launch, but industry experts expect Aviator stickers to start between $45,000 and $50,000.
