Lincoln-speed part deux Although I completely disagree with the fiction... err...goal of making Lincoln the L-M volume leader (as stated by MkF... ie MarKFields), Lincoln does need more product so...  how about using a renewed Panther chassis for an ultimate road car? something the LS never was. The trick here is to combine the longest 123.7" Panther wheelbase with ultra modern styling: zero-tolerance overhangs for a just under 200" ovl (compare with this 120.6 x 198.9"), take some space shuttle cues from the upper body of this RollsRoyce,   (negative-image to emphasize structure but yeah, two-tone with black chrome wouldn't be bad), but make it a fastback! and make it a bit more angular - almost brutal in a futuristic way, give it 'opera' rear doors (Continental/RX8 type) - NOT opera windows - that blend into a characteristically wide C-pillar, and I've got this idea for integrating the star-logo into its flanks. Let it have a hybrid-v8 standard, maybe add an optional v12; and paddle-shift-manumatic or DSG tranmissions; probably a One Price, rather lavish trim level... just pick your powertrain and colors. (maybe use this theme for the D472 "people-mover" too - chop by BlackManta) Do it before 'somebody-else' does this: It would be a new level of flagship for Lincoln - not supplanting a reborn, and much more formal/traditional, TownCar (renamed "PANTHER") but going way beyond it stylistically in appealling to younger and very upscale tastes. I'm thinking it's price would be between $50~70k   ie. from 300SRT to CLS500 = 'reasonable' (and more desirable than Chrysler's proposed Imperial)... another high-end model to help keep the 'endangered' Panther platform alive! No, it won't compete that much with Jaguar. It wouldn't offer hand-fussed-over anything. And I don't think even a 21st century Panther will be all that 'graceful' or have the highest-tech anything either. What it would have is Style equal to its durability. Something to recreate the class, drama and indomitability of What to call it? Not sure... but maybe VIP... as in Very Interesting Panther -                                                         - sketch available upon request, Mr. Ford.

an in-house-Limo would make an interesting addition: No styling needed really, paint a CommercialVersion shiny black, stick a BIG Chrome Grille on it, and maybe kevlar window shades? No stretch needed, just use the longest model's rear door + a filler strip + the shortest wlb model's front door... imagine a 'stock' Vistaroof sliding forward so the rear compartment gets the sun instead. To make up for a shorter length (Limo=city) use a really high trunk like an old Rolls - a tiny slit for the rearwindow is cool anyway... Do it right and separate the livery business from the retail models -                           - nobody wants to drive a Limo, don't make your flagship look like one!

maybe just one more outside-the-box idea... a family-friendly lead-sled Use this as the basis for the VIP's little brother (or sister considering how curvy it would be). Badge this 117.7"wlb Panther as the Custom by Lincoln-Mercury or just L.M.Custom. The neo-retro styling wouldn't exactly suit either brand, so let everything about it be unique! Its standard features (abs, air-curtain, edb, stability control, laser cruise-control+parking-assist, 2zone climate, power/heated/memory seats, cloth or leather interior, sliding rear door, dual-back hatch+trunklid) and its pricing ($33-48k) would 'bridge' the brands anyway. If it had a full selection of Ford's new v6's - base: 3.5 (255hp),  3.5hybrid (305hp), 3.5turbo (360hp), premium: 3.8 (300hp),  3.8hybrid (350hp), 3.5turbo (360hp) - it wouldn't really need a v8.
As for those who say retro can't be developed for a gen2... I believe it depends on the quality of the original design. Here's a snippet that 'hints at' how the swoopy aspect of the original Lead Sled could be re-interpreted for a thoroughly modern style. To distinguish the L.M.Custom from the VIP, and help Mercury re-establish an identity 'from its roots'... I'd recommend building the neo-retro version for as long as sales' numbers allow before going modern - again sketch available upon request. chop by timmm
Jan '07: crazy thought for the day - what if Mercury became a full-as-possible lineup of retro-mobiles? IF they'd also build a new upscale Thunderbird... ...well maybe another LS wouldn't be missed afterall. part three

to my latest proposal - to the D385 - to the next, next Mercury - to Panthers, &... - to mechanical differentiation