2004 Lincoln Aviator Concept

Lincoln's next-generation Aviator will 'crossover' to a car-based platform, enhancing Lincoln's lineup, while maintaining its place as Lincoln's entry in the mid-sized SÚV segment. A teaser of the luxury SÚV debuts at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The medium-size utility vehicle segment is one of the fastest-growing premium segments in the industry. Dubbed a crossover sport utility vehicle, Aviator's move to a car-based platform will help Lincoln deliver a very competitively priced vehicle – one with exceptional comfort, elegant design and effortless driving – everything customers expect from a Lincoln.

'The next-generation Aviator is a new kind of Lincoln; it's our first-ever, car-based SÚV,' said Phil Martens, Ford Motor Company group vice president, Product Creation. 'Aviator is here to stay and is evolving to meet customer demand.'
Lincoln Design Soars
The next-generation Aviator will get an all-new look and architecture. This sneak peek strongly suggests the direction that the exterior design will take moving forward. As the first Lincoln car-based SÚV, it is designed with sporty lines while incorporating current Lincoln design cues. It also applies classic design elements from the past, modernized for use in future applications.

'We wanted to create a new type of premium crossover,' said David Woodhouse, chief designer. 'The teaser, much like the future Aviator, is a midsize sports crossover designed with distinction, but it does not forget where it came from.'

A signature bright metal strip inspired by the 1961 Continental begins at the grille, runs over the fenders, frames the full-length glass roof and ends at the lower tailgate, accentuating the vehicle's profile. The all-glass roof provides a panoramic, overhead view.

One of the most noticeable characteristics is a new Lincoln grille, a trait to watch for on future Lincoln models. The polished egg-crate grille, reminiscent of elegant Continental models of the past, features a rhythmic pattern of solid horizontal and vertical chrome trim. The grille surround encompasses the headlamps, a cue also from the 1961 Lincoln Continental. The new face incorporates a nearly 2-by-4-inch Lincoln star and a bright horizontal blade by the lower air intake.

Its 21-inch spoked wheels, made from a combination of cast and polished aluminum, feature wheel caps with the Lincoln star at the center. Additional polished bright work can be found running the length of the side windows, on the door handles, head and tail lamps and vehicle badging.

The richness of the exterior color, combined with the vehicle's bright detailing, create a feeling of urban sophistication. When approaching the vehicle, the exterior appears to be black in color, but up close, its tone changes to a deep Pacific Blue.

This Aviator teaser shows off a uniquely wide C-pillar, giving the vehicle's visual stance a sense of balance. It also features a recessed Lincoln star with intricate detailing.

The upper glass lift gate features a nearly 3-by-6-inch floating Lincoln star, integrating horizontal taillamps that stretch the full breadth of the rear and emphasizing the vehicle's width – another echo of past Lincoln proportions. The tailgate hinges flat, offering an unobstructed entry to an unexpected amount of interior cabin space.

First-Class Travel

'This dramatic one-and-a-half-box design features a modern, efficient package where occupants are accommodated in a versatile and generously spacious ‘lounge-like' interior,' said Woodhouse. 'The vehicle is designed to make you feel as though you've purchased a first-class ticket on a most exclusive airliner.'

The Aviator features flexible storage and seating. Adjustable first- and second-row seats, as well as two storage consoles that move forward and rearward between the occupants, allow passengers to arrange the cabin in different configurations for long trips.

The rear console also features personal climate and navigation controls; additional storage is found in all four doors and seat backs.

Keeping with the aviation theme, lap tables with a leather-trimmed pad deploy from the rear center console to be used for a laptop computer, snacks or travel games in the second row. Aviator's four reclining captain-style chairs have integrated leg rests for an extra level of comfort and luxury. To complete the travel experience, DVD screens are integrated into the front row seat backs.

Genuine aeronautical vents and map lights are found on the cantrails and headers with additional illumination in the upper door trims for theater-like ambiance.

Únique Materials


True to Lincoln, the interior features a combination of unique materials, creating a luxurious and relaxing interior environment.

The symmetrical floating instrument panel exhibits a combination of brushed and brightly polished aluminum accents on the cluster, radio, navigation and climate controls, elongated vents and Lincoln star – adding jewel-like detail and contrast to the interior. The instrument panel also features a laser-inscribed 'Aviator' vanity plate of polished aluminum above the glove box, again giving the Lincoln stamp of luxury.

The seats feature a combination of light and dark plush leathers with textured leather accents on the headrest, lumbar support and footrest.

Light-colored leather is found from the belt line up and helps lift attention upward. It's also found on the steering wheel, dash and door accents. The reddish undertones of the dark leather used from the belt line down give the interior space a feeling of richness.

A continuous, Behr, pure hardwood floor with bright aluminum strip accents begins at the instrument panel and flows uninterrupted into the cargo space, maximizing the interior space. Behind the occupant cabin, the Aviator teaser's cargo area features 30 cubic feet of storage space, enabling customers to pack for any trip. The hardwood flooring is carried through to the inner tailgate, a design detail that provides an impactful first impression upon opening the cargo bay.

Meantime, the all-glass roof is framed by a repeat of the exterior signature bright strip, adding to the interior's super sensory experience.

Comfort and Convenience Features


The center stack features a multifunction information screen displaying satellite navigation, climate control status and vehicle information like seat memory and tire pressure. Occupants also can access concierge services, weather forecasting, hotel or restaurant information via the Internet.

The teaser features Lincoln's exclusive THX®-certified audio system for the purest sound available in a vehicle. This hi-fi system has nine speakers with automatic mute control. Also, for passenger comfort, the radio's volume automatically adjusts to the vehicle's speed – raising the volume as the speed increases.

Aviator also boasts a collection of luxury features that enhance the occupants' journey, including rain-sensing windshield wipers, self-leveling headlamps, power and heated exterior rear view mirrors with integral direction indicator, automatic dimming rear view mirror, height- and reach-adjustable steering column, built-in capability for hands-free telephone, driver and passengers independent climate control with pollen filtration and an integrated global vehicle theft location system.

Travel With Confidence

For a smooth progression of power, the show vehicle boasts a six-speed automatic transmission to deliver torque on demand.

The vehicle's front suspension features adjustable dampers to deliver improvements in overall ride quality. A rear multilink suspension delivers a well-controlled ride and responsive handling.

For occupant safety, high-strength steel, monocoque construction utilizes hydroformed components to create a rigid, safe body shell for optimal protection. Additional safety features include dual stage driver and passenger air bags, including side air bags, integrated seat belts in all seats with belt pretensioners, three-point rear safety belts, automatically monitored and adjusted tire pressure sensing system and high performance brakes with ABS.

Source - Ford

Sold for $44,000 at 2010 RM Auctions - Sports & Classics of Monterey.
The Aviator Concept was Lincoln's first car-based 'crossover' sport utility vehicle. It made its public debut at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Perhaps one of its most prominent features was its new grille, which was soon to be seen on other Lincoln models. The polished egg-crate grille, reminiscent of Continental models of the past, had a rhythmic pattern of solid horizontal and vertical chrome trim. Also a cue from the 1961 Lincoln Continental were the grille surround which encompassed the headlamps. The face incorporates a nearly 2-inch by 4-inch Lincoln star and a bright horizontal blade by the lower air intake.

The engine was a 4.6-liter DOHC V8 that delivered 302 horsepower. There was a six-speed automatic gearbox with overdrive and four-wheel hydraulic power anti-lock disc brakes. The Aviator Concept rode on 21-inch spoked wheels, made from a combination of polished and cast aluminum. In the center of the wheels were the Lincoln star. Additional polished brightwork was found running the length of the side windows, on the door handles, head-and tail lamps and vehicle badging.

The glass lift-gate features a nearly 3-inch by 6-inch floating Lincoln star, integrating horizontal taillamps that stretch the full breadth of the rear and emphasizing the vehicle's width. The tailgate hinges flat, offering an unobstructed entry to an unexpected amount of interior cabin space.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2010

Meet the next-generation Aviator.

While remaining a competitor in the midsize sport utility vehicle segment, one of the fastest-growing premium segments in the industry, the Aviator will soon 'crossover' to become the Lincoln brand's first car-based SÚV. A preview concept of the future Aviator is on display this year at the North American International Auto Show.

Dubbed a crossover SÚV, the next Aviator will be built on a car-based architecture. The concept's front suspension features adjustable dampers to deliver improvements in overall ride quality, and a rear multilink suspension provides a well-controlled ride and more responsive handling. Monocoque construction of high-strength steel utilizes hydroformed components to create a rigid body, and torque is delivered to the wheels by a six-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)



At the center of a new face is a new polished egg-crate grille – something to watch for on future production Lincoln vehicles – featuring a rhythmic pattern of solid horizontal and vertical chrome trim and encompassing the Aviator concept's headlamps, all traits that recall the elegance of earlier Continental models.

From this grille, a signature bright metal strip stretches back and outlines the Aviator concept's curves – also inspired by the 1961 Continental. Overhead, the Aviator concept's roof is all glass and provides a panoramic view.



In line with its name, the Aviator concept features an aviation theme through the interior design. Lap tables with a leather-trimmed pad deploy from the rear center console to support laptop computers, snacks or travel games in the second row. The rear console also features personal climate and navigation controls. Four reclining captain-style chairs of light and dark plush leather have integrated leg rests and DVD screens are found on the back of front-row seats.

Úp front, a floating instrument panel exhibits both brushed and brightly polished aluminum accents and a laser-inscribed 'Aviator' vanity plate. A continuous, Behr, pure hardwood floor with bright aluminum strip accents also begins at the instrument panel and flows interrupted into 30 cubic feet of cargo space. The center stack features a multifunction information screen displaying satellite navigation, climate control status and vehicle information, such as seat memory and tire pressure.

'The next-generation Aviator is a new kind of Lincoln,' says Phil Martens, Ford Motor Company group vice president, product creation. 'Aviator is here to stay and is evolving to meet customer demand.'

Source - Jennifer Shatwell | Ford Communications Network