Lincoln, Luxury & Auto’s Autonomous Future

Of all of the vehicles unveiled at the New York International Auto Show this past spring, arguably the one that has more than passing significance is the Lincoln Continental.

Although the car is a concept, it is far more than an idea or fanciful notion, it is more likely a thinly veiled version of what will become production reality as Lincoln works to reestablish itself among the ranks of the global luxury brands.

David Woodhouse is the director of Lincoln Design. He is working with his team to create a different sense of luxury, or at least different in the context that it isn’t about racing proverbial rings around the actual Nurburgring, as seems to be de rigueur for those in that vehicular segment.

Luxury, it seems, in the world of Woodhouse is something that is more sensual, captivating and, well luxurious than 0 to 60 times. (Isn’t it odd that muscle cars and luxury cars seem to be described in similar ways: it is about power and performance, not comfort and splendor.)

Woodhouse talks about Lincoln, the Continental and Luxury writ large on this week’s edition of “Autoline After Hours.”

In addition to host John McElroy and me, Woodhouse also talks with John Manoogian II, who started his career as a designer at Ford, and then spent 32 years at General Motors, where his final position was director of Exterior Design for. . .Cadillac. Yes, Lincoln’s crosstown rival. (Woodhouse acknowledges that one of the things that they’re doing at Lincoln is offering something that Cadillac is not.) Manoogian is currently a visiting professor at the College for Creative Studies.

In addition to Lincoln, McElroy, Manoogian and I discuss the new Chevy Cruze and Chevy Camaro Convertible, the Alfa Romeo Giulia (Manoogian’s comparison with the Cruze is not to be missed), and Ford’s new electric. . .bicycle.

And there is a surprising prediction about the transformation in the auto industry that is to occur in the not-too-distant future as a consequence of autonomy and carsharing. In a sense, for those in the auto industry, the show goes from luxury to dystopia, all in the space of an hour.

So click here and see what we all had to say.