Lincoln News...
Lincoln May Consider
Mustang-based Coupe
Ford Motor Co. is
considering making a Mustang-based sporty Lincoln coupe this decade, possibly in
2009, insiders say.
The proposal, still in its early stages, would give Lincoln its first rear-drive
coupe since the Mark VIII was killed in 1998.
Ford has acknowledged studying a Mustang-based Mercury. A company insider says
the Lincoln proposal is more serious.
The Lincoln would have a unique interior and exterior. But it would share
underpinnings with the Mustang, which was redesigned for the 2005 model year to
great fanfare.
Ford has said it expects to produce at least 192,000 Mustangs this year at its
Mazda joint-venture plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The highest Mustang production in
recent years was 191,432 units in 1999. But that was at a different plant in
Dearborn, Mich., that only produced Mustangs. In addition to the redesigned
Mustang, the Flat Rock plant also is expected to build about 75,000 Mazda6
sedans, five-doors and wagons this year.
Over time, production of the Mustang and Mazda6 is likely to dip. That could
free space for the Lincoln.
Lincoln spokeswoman Sara Tatchio wouldn't confirm the coupe. But she said that
reviving the luxury brand's bread-and-butter large-car business takes
precedence. Two new sedans are expected beginning in 2007.
- Amy
Wilson, Automotive News, October 10, 2005
This page was last updated on
10/30/05.
