GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 20, 2014 — On Nov. 20, Lincoln officially unveiled the Lincoln Presidential Series of the 2015 Lincoln MKZ and 2014 Lincoln MKC to the Chinese customers at Auto Guangzhou 2014.
Lincoln stores in China will begin selling Lincoln Presidential Series versions of the MKZ and MKC spring 2015. On top of the personalized experiences already offered through The Lincoln Way, the Lincoln Presidential Series will provide customers with an enhanced shopping and service experience to complement luxuriously appointed vehicles that surround occupants in premium materials.
Unlike other luxury automakers that reserve premium trim levels for flagship vehicles, the Lincoln Presidential Series will be available on all vehicles in the Lincoln lineup, beginning with the all-new MKZ midsize sedan and MKC small utility.
“Lincoln Presidential Series represents a new level of luxury in terms of product execution and personalized service,” said Robert Parker, president, Lincoln China. “This combination of elevated service, materials and execution will set Lincoln Presidential Series vehicles apart.”
Pricing for the Lincoln Presidential Series service and exclusive design themes will be announced in the spring of 2015.
“This is another proof point of how the Lincoln Way delivers personally crafted experiences to meet the demands of modern day luxury customers,” adds Parker. “We will continue to add products and experiences that expand the definition of the Lincoln Way in China.”
Premium materials meet exquisite craftsmanship
The first generation of Lincoln Presidential Series design themes drew inspiration from a variety of sources—from fashion and food to luxury travel and architecture.
Set to debut on the MKZ and MKC later this year are four design themes: Indulgence, Center Stage and Modern Heritage and Oasis.
All four interior themes showcase the finest automotive interior materials, including Alcantara®-wrapped headliner, pillars and package tray; Eagle Ottawa Venetian leather on the full-leather seats, center console and dashboard; and elegant trim options of crafted wood types or wood types rare to the automotive industry.
“Our elegant themes combined with the most luxurious materials provide an ultimate sensory experience,” said Janet Seymour, design manager, Color and Materials, Lincoln Global. “Attention was given to every detail to create environments that will appeal to Lincoln drivers.”
Eagle Ottawa, a long-time supplier of automotive leather, created its Venetian leather specifically for use in Presidential Series vehicles. Less than 1 percent of raw hides worldwide meet the stringent softness and durability requirements for Venetian leather, making it a truly exclusive Presidential Series offering.
Venetian leather, unique for its lightly finished, fine-grained texture, is produced to reveal the natural characteristics of the hide. Its use in Presidential Series design themes signals the return of the hand-crafted elegance that has long defined the Lincoln brand.
Alcantara, crafted in the heart of Italy, is a soft, premium material favored by a wide spectrum of luxury industries, including fashion, aviation and boating, for its aesthetic and sensory qualities.
Designer wood types, which appear on the instrument panel and doors in all Presidential Series themes, include Black Stripe (Center Stage MKC), Onyx (Center Stage MKZ) and Argento (Modern Heritage). All of which were specifically created for use in Presidential Series vehicles, with color accents and patterns that complement the design theme. Ziricote (Indulgence) and American Walnut Burl (Oasis) are both authentic, open-pore wood types not typically used as automotive trim.
Four exclusive Lincoln Presidential Series design themes
While there are subtle theme design variances between the MKC and MKZ owing to each vehicle’s unique architecture, Lincoln color and materials designers worked from the same palettes to ensure design consistency.
“There is continuity with each theme regardless of vehicle,” said Seymour. “It was important that each theme maintain its identity while adapting to the differences in interior space.”
The Lincoln Presidential Series design themes available on the MKZ and MKC are:
· Indulgence: Inspired by the allure of rich, sumptuous chocolate, Indulgence is defined by truffle-colored Venetian leather seats, instrument panel and center console. Ganache-colored Alcantara extends the richness to the headliner, pillars and package tray.
Seat leather features an elegant Linking-L perforation pattern with black accent stitching. Ziricote wood trim, a material typically reserved for use in luxury yachts and fine classical instruments, adds an elegant touch to the instrument panel and doors.
Indulgence vehicles are available in any of the six Lincoln Presidential Series exterior color options.
· Modern Heritage: Offering a fresh take on a classic black-on-white color theme, Modern Heritage features a black Venetian leather dashboard and upper door panels with white Venetian leather seats and center console.
Seat leather is accentuated by an exclusive Diamond-L perforation pattern. Subtle Crimson Red accents and Black Argento wood trim on the instrument panel and doors add a dash of elegance.
Modern Heritage vehicles are available in any of the six Lincoln Presidential Series exterior color options.
· Center Stage: Inspired by the excitement of a theater curtain rising on opening night, Center Stage includes a Jet Black cabin with Foxfire Red accent stitching on the doors and seats. Jet Black Alcantara headliner, pillars and package tray wrap around Jet Black Venetian leather seats that feature a Diamond-L perforation pattern.
Onyx wood trim in the MKZ and Black Stripe wood trim in the MKC are equally stunning accents.
Center Stage vehicles are available in Black Tie, Confidential White, Crystal Silver or Chroma Flame exteriors.
· Oasis: Inspired by the warmth and serenity of a spa, Oasis leans on Far East influences to create a peaceful escape. The two-tone tan interior—Oasis and Island—creates a soft, harmonious environment. Venetian leather seats in the soft Oasis color are accented by a darker Island-colored instrument panel and center console. Oasis-colored Alcantara covers the headliner, pillars and package tray.
American Walnut Burl wood trim appliques continue the earth-toned theme on the instrument panel and doors.
Oasis exterior paint options are Black Tie, Confidential White, Crystal Silver, Chroma Flame or Chroma Couture.
Lincoln Presidential Series exteriors: understated elegance
While delivering unprecedented interior luxury, Lincoln Presidential Series vehicles feature understated exterior cues that make it stand apart from other vehicles without standing out.
Presidential Series vehicles come standard with your choice of six unique exterior colors. Black Tie, Confidential White, Chroma Flame and Crystal Silver are core Presidential Series colors and available with any of the four design themes. Rich-brown Chroma Couture and vibrant-blue Notorious are available to complement select themes.
To onlookers, Presidential Series vehicles also get subtle exterior design cues that identify them as part of the Presidential Series family.
Presidential Series MKZ and MKC models come standard with 19-inch polished aluminum wheels. Owners can choose to upgrade to available 19-inch premium painted aluminum wheels with painted pockets and chrome inserts.
All Presidential Series wheels also feature a unique Lincoln insignia on the center of the rim. Unique vehicle badging on the rear of each Presidential Series vehicle is another subtle callout.
A more elegant car-buying, car-owning experience
Lincoln will be adding to ownership experience defined by The Lincoln Way, a set of comprehensive and fully personalized service standards across China.
Additional Presidential Series owner benefits will be unveiled in the Spring to complement what has already being offered to Lincoln China customers.
“The Lincoln Presidential Series will add to our brand’s heritage by extending the personalized service offerings already available to all Lincoln customers,” says Parker. “We are committed to providing a level of service that is as unique as the Presidential Series vehicles we’ll be selling.”
