Basic Specs

Base FromTBA
Unveiling 2009 NAIAS
Availability 2012+
Status Speculative
Engine 1.6L 180hp EcoBoost 4 Cylinder
Body Style Hatchback
Segment Near-Luxury
Size Compact
By Mark Kleis
Monday, Jan 12th, 2009 @ 2:35 pm

First unveiled at the 2009 North American Auto Show, Ford ’s Lincoln luxury brand has created a futuristic eco-friendly concept called the Lincoln C Concept. The Lincoln C Concept is named after the segment for which it will belong for the first time for the brand – the C segment.
The C Concept is a C-sized car, built on the platform for the recently unveiled 2012 global Ford Focus. Because of its park-able size, Lincoln says the C Concept is aimed at the ‘urban consumer.’

“Modern luxury buyers who live and work in large, urban areas want to play their part in helping the environment by moving to a smaller vehicle, but they still want to enjoy the luxuries of life,” said Peter Horbury, executive director of Lincoln design, the Americas. “The Lincoln C offers sensible indulgence.”

At the heart of the C Concept is a 1.6L EcoBoost engine. Despite its compact size, the four-pot develops a healthy 180 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, ensuring performance isn’t completely sacrificed in the name of fuel economy. Given that it is still a Lincoln, owners will demand power that is at least relatable to the V8s they are accustomed to. However, fuel economy is still an excellent at 43 mpg.

The C Concept also packs plenty of technology, with voice activated everything – from its navigation system to its built-in organizer.

Although the C Concept looks good on paper, its in-the-flesh look is up for debate. Lincoln’s designers created the C Concept to look like a go-kart with classic Lincoln design cues, but it seems to come across as a bit too mismatched. Lincoln’s new corporate face is a given for the new concept, but the combination of a low beltline and high roof gives the C Concept a greenhouse look – especially in person.

That being said, the C Concept is a good indication that Lincoln is at least moving in the right direction. For the past few years BMW ’s MINI has been the only premium small car on that market, but that could be changing in the near future with a production version of the C Concept.

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