Lincoln Continental Concept

Unveiled in Big Apple ahead of the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) is the new Lincoln Continental Concept, signalling the return of the nameplate after a 13-year absence. Grandiose it may look, but this is no mere show car – the company says that it previews a production full-size sedan coming next year.

The imposing front fascia presages Lincoln's new design language, and from what we can tell, it's full of the marque's logo – there's a huge badge smack in the centre of the wide front grille, and its shape is repeated multiple times in the pattern of the aluminium grille, as well as in the headlight's modules (LED low beams, laser-powered high beam).

Down the flanks, there are bulging rear haunches – bringing to mind a certain British luxury marque – and discreet E-Latch doorhandles hidden in the beltline that open the doors electrically.

Lincoln Continental Concept

Full-width tail lights (with light-through-chrome technology) and quad tailpipes bring up the rear. There's also lashings of chrome, multi-spoke 21-inch polished aluminium wheels and Rhapsody Blue metallic paint, the latter said to be the Continental's signature colour.

Step inside and you'll find an interior fit for a king, with upholstery consisting of Venetian leather and Alcantara, satin headliner and shearling wool carpet. Rose gold adorns the instrument cluster, augmented by yet more chrome (the centre console is literally full of it) across the cabin.

Other noteworthy features include soft gold LED ambient lighting, an SPD SmartGlass electrochromic sunroof, travel bags mounted behind the front seats (made from the same Venetian leather as the seats), a 19-speaker Revel Ultima sound system and a full-length centre console complete with champagne bottle storage, stowable tablet lap trays and audio and climate controls.

Lincoln Continental Concept

There's even 30-way (!) power-adjustable seats (individual thigh extensions, 11 inflatable bladders and four-way adjustable headrests), complete with a Camry-style chauffeur mode for the front passenger seat – allowing the rear passenger to move it out of the way for more legroom.

Under the bonnet sits a 3.0 litre turbocharged EcoBoost V6, while the chassis features Lincoln Drive Control adaptive damping and adaptive steering. On the safety side, there's Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Enhanced Park Assist and a 360-degree view camera, with the feed displayed on the MyLincoln Touch display in the centre console.