Lincoln just announced they’re going to produce a limited run of 80 Continentals with suicide doors. The special edition is to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Continental and is rumored to have a pricetag north of $100k…
There are so many things wrong with this that a simply “ugh” doesn’t do it justice…
Let’s kick this off with some positive thoughts. The Continental does have arguably the coolest door handles in the biz and hands-down the cushiest seats around. Its also, as a package, a good-looking car befitting the price range it inhabits.
Now on the the not-so-great stuff..
Looks:
In my opinion, the Continental looks way too much like its cheaper/smaller brother the MKZ. Thats a car that starts at $36k and pretty much looks identical to the Continental. Even I have to look for the Conti’s rad door handles to discern the two. That’s a pretty big problem when you’re talking about your flagship car.
Drivetrain:
I know they had no choice as far as available platforms, but FWD just doesn’t cut it in this space. Yes they have an AWD option but its still FWD-based and most buyers in this market segment want the real wheels to have priority.
Doors:
The Continental was to be Lincoln’s “We’re back baby!” moment. Given that, why the hell didn’t they give it suicide doors from the outset? They can clearly do it as they’re offering it now so why didn’t they then?
I’d bet my 87 Supra Turbo that if they had offered it with suicide doors and made it stand out more from the MKZ, they would’ve had a hit on their hands….I know I would’ve seriously considered it.
Buuuuut they didn’t and now with rumors swirling that the Continental is going to the great country club in the sky after this model run, Lincoln has thought to add the one thing that could’ve possibly saved it fom the beginning.
That they think people are going to fork over 6-figures for this is another Blackwood moment for the sometimes confused brand. C’mon guys…
