Lincoln Continental Concept Glitters in New York

Nobody saw this coming. The Lincoln Continental Concept that debuted at the 2015 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) is a preview of the new 2017 Lincoln Continental that the company plans to introduce next year.

Calling the Continental "the future of quiet luxury," Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company president and CEO, defined that concept with this explanation: "Luxury at its best is about simplifying and quietly exceeding expectations, rather than being the loudest statement on the road."

The automaker says the Continental signals a new face for Lincoln, the third attempt to redefine the brand's styling that the company has made during the past decade. The new grille design features a raised Lincoln star emblem centered within a polished aluminum latticework of repeating Lincoln emblem outlines, a shape that is also in evidence within the LED matrix headlights with laser-assist high beams.

Rhapsody Blue paint is designed to emulate the Continental's historical signature color. E-Latch door handles stow into the Continental's beltline for a clean profile, and the Continental Concept rides on 21-in. polished aluminum wheels.

Beneath the hood, a turbocharged, 3.0-liter V-6 engine supplies the power, and this power plant is claimed to be exclusive to Lincoln. Adaptive steering is also standard, along with Lincoln Drive Control technology that equips the Continental with Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes.