FoMoCo Game Changer | The 2019 Lincoln Aviator Platform

FoMoCo Game Changer | The 2019 Lincoln Aviator Platform

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Many may not realize this, but with the introduction of the 2019 Lincoln Aviator at the 2018 New York International Auto Show we are getting our first look at an all-new platform from FoMoCo. At first glance this news might not seem like much to be concerned with. However, if you’re a fan of performance you might want to take note. “Why,” you may ask? Well it’s really quite simple. The Aviator’s underpinnings represent the first time Ford has designed and produced a RWD Uni-Body SUV chassis in the US.

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I don’t want to get too excited here, but this could represent a seismic shift in design philosophy inside the Blue Oval. Since 2010 Ford has served us a nearly unending procession of new FWD based SUVs. I may be dating myself a bit here, but in my day real SUVs primarily sent their power wheels like God intended. That’s the way Dad did, that’s the way America did it, and it used to work out pretty well. That is until the soccer moms and EPA had to go sticking their noses into our good time.

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In the name of road manners, fuel economy, packaging, platform sharing new True-SUVs from Ford have been essentially nonexistent. The one bright light has been the new Expedition/Navigator. Those full-size twins have been selling at a record pace, and Ford has taken notice. While the Aviator is going to be the first launch on this platform, it certainly won’t be the last. You are undoubtedly looking at the makings of the next-generation Ford Explorer. But wait, there’s more.

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What if one of the new products that are coming up based on the U611 is the replacement for the Taurus (which shares a base with the current Explorer and MKWhatever)? What if that new Taurus felt more like a modern take on a Crown Victoria (the last RWD Ford sedan sold in the US)? What if it’s the basis for a new Lincoln Town Car? More importantly, what if it is the long awaited base for a true “Hot-Rod Lincoln”? Could a V8 fit between the frame rails?

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Most importantly of all, are we seeing a new design philosophy truly taking hold within Ford. From the products we know that are coming down the pike (Bronco, GT500, Mach 1) and the relaxing of regulatory mandated fuel efficiency standards; we may be seeing yet another shift in the Ford Universe. On with an eye towards performance. One which we can all get behind, I, for one am looking forward to what the future will bring. I hope you are too. In any event, SVTP will be here to make sure you are kept up-to-date on all the latest happenings. Until then, keep it between the ditches, and I’ll see you when the future gets here.

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I caught this and the Navigator at the NYIAS, hopefully this is the start of something good for Lincoln. The fit and finish on the Navigator was very un-Ford like, IE: actually good.

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Understand this is primarily about the Navigator, but the underlying tone of the article is much more about the near future of Ford as a whole.

I can only hope youre right, @SID297. With Ford announcing they will only sell trucks and SUVs, some of your comments seem like a stretch.

Ford will only Sell Trucks, SUVs, Crossovers and the Mustang - No Other Cars - The Fast Lane Truck

Then again, this new platform could be exactly the reason they aren't selling anything else; because the future of Ford cars depend on the release and future development of this platform.

One can hope!!

(Sign me up for a new IRS Crown Vic).

Ford is (mostly) ditching their current car lineup, doesn't mean they won't develop new ones if there's a business case for it.

Nice but it will cost a pantload.

Our 2005 Aviator stickered at over $50k. Nuts! I bought it 80%+ off 9 years later with 60k on the clock. I do like it though. Ride quality head and shoulders above an Explorer of that era.

That 32V 4.6 is nice and torquey too.
 
As a previous Aviator owner, and a fan of both RWD and Ford, I'm definitely on board with this.
Definitely helps that it's a lights out premium design inside and out, and I'm in for my new DD.
PLEASE give us the Gen 3 Coyote/10A!
I guess the premium 3.5 Ecoboost could be acceptable, but I'd prefer the V8.
-J
 
Meh, it looks cool but it's gonna cost way too god damn much and not do anything that a hot rod German performance wagon doesn't already do. Like, this thing will never see off road, they'd do better using the Flex to make somethign like this. I'm probably in the minority here but I live in Europe and currently on a 45 day TDY in Germany and all the Audi/BMW/Mercedes turbo wagons out here are super nice. And all RWD too since forever ago.

Give me the Mark IX with a factory supercharged Gen3 coyote engine and the 10 speed ubertrans. THEN, I'll get excited about a Lincoln.
 
Don't hold your breaths for a V8. This is going to be a plug-in hybrid. The "best" we can [unfortunately] expect is an Ecoboost V6. Think Raptor or F150 Platinum.
 
Maybe I missed it in the OP, but the original article from Lincoln about this new platform stated one of the reasons to turn the engine 90 degrees was to make it easier for all-wheel drive. Put that in the mix as well.
 
I like it, but I suspect I won't care for the price. For the $$ it will likely cost I'd sooner spend it on a Jeep Trackhawk because...well because 707hp.
 

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