Lincoln Aviator SUV to Get New York Reveal

Ford Motor Co.’s Lincoln unit will take the wraps off a concept version of its upcoming Aviator crossover/SUV at the New York auto show later this month.

The carmaker plans to relaunch the Aviator nameplate in 2020. Lincoln sold the original Aviator, which was based on the Ford Explorer SUV, from 2002 to 2005.

The new model will share a rear-wheel-drive platform with the next-generation Explorer large crossover vehicle due next year. The vehicle also will feature a hybrid variant as part of Ford’s plan to electrify its lineup in coming years.

The Aviator could replace either the MKC crossover or larger MKT in Lincoln’s lineup. Last November the luxury marque said it would gradually change its three-letter labeling convention to more traditional names as new models are introduced. The trend started with the Continental sedan replacing the MKS and will continue with the upcoming Nautilus crossover deposing the MKX.

Lincoln also plans to add a still-unnamed SUV in 2020. The rollout is part of Ford’s plan to update three-fourths of its North American lineup by 2020.