The Lincoln Aviator Takes Flight Again

I’m old enough to remember the previous Lincoln Aviator, which had a short run ending way back in 2005. Lincoln hopes you forget about it, because the thing was a warmed-over Ford Explorer and an embarrassment for the brand. The new Aviator debuted in New York, making a big splash because, quite frankly, it looks great.

First off, know this isn’t a production-ready vehicle, but instead is “preview” or a prototype of what’s to come, sometime. The thing has people talking, so it’s doing a good job.

Details about engineering are understandably scarce. This is a plug-in hybrid, and supposedly the Aviator will become the brand’s first. Lincoln says the powertrain uses a biturbo V-6 and electric motors, with a combined output that will make supercars cower in fear. Wow.

The crossover is built on a rear-wheel-drive platform, so it’s definitely made for performance. Lincoln is becoming increasingly interesting these days. It also has three rows of seating, so you can powerslide into the school pickup line in style.

Lincoln is talking all kinds of advanced technologies for the Aviator, like using your smartphone as the vehicle key. It also features the Co-Pilot360 driver assist tech from Ford, plus Suspension Preview Technology that predicts conditions and adjusts damping accordingly.

We’ll see what makes the cut later. Just when that’ll be is anyone’s guess.