New 2020 Aviator Stars at Lincoln Brand Day at the L.A. Auto Show

Debut of the gleaming new 2020 Aviator three-row SUV stole the show at the Lincoln exhibit at the L.A. Auto Show during the Dec. 1 Lincoln Brand Day at the event.  Several LCOC members and friends including Jim Ayes, Elayne Bendel, Ron Cressy, Bob Blevins, Jim Davidson, Gene Bramson and Baron Night were there as guests of Lincoln Motor Company to join in the fun. They visited not only the displays but also the Lincoln Lounge where they enjoyed gourmet coffees, hot chocolate and chocolate-coated stick-mounted cake pops decorated with the Lincoln star logo. Yum!!!!

More than 1,000 vehicles were shown at the L.A. Convention Center including concept and race cars, customs, a few classics and new production models of virtually all the major manufacturers.  Non-traditional exterior finishes and functional luxury highlighted the displays, with large video screens dominating dashboards and.connectivity outlets abounding in most vehicles. Ford’s exhibit included an interactive feature where children of all ages including yours truly could pose for a custom Steve McQueen-like Bullitt poster and star in their own Bullitt movie sequence behind the wheel of a new version of the famous Bullitt chase car.

Lincoln’s entire product line was featured at the show including the flagship Continental and MKZ sedans and the SUV line including the popular Navigator, and new Aviator and Nautilus models.

In size, the Aviator fits between the Navigator, Lincoln’s largest utility vehicle, and the Nautilus, a mid-size SUV model which replaces the MKX for 2019.

The Aviator combines the power of a Twin-Turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine and a battery-powered electric motor to provide nearly instant torque. Combined, these two powertrain components are capable of producing more than 450 horsepower and more than 600 lb.-ft. of torque. In addition to the five standard Lincoln Drive Modes, the Aviator Grand Touring has two more modes- “Pure EV” for a quiet all-electric drive and “Preserve EV” which stores electricity to be used at a later time.

The stylish hybrid drew rave reviews from spectators.  It offers leather luxury and a number of second row configurations that can accommodate up to seven with a second-row bench seat. It can seat six or seven occupants, depending on whether the Aviator is equipped with second-row captain’s chairs and a center console or a pass-through with a smaller consolette. The PowerFold® third row comfortably seats two passengers and can easily be folded flat with the press of a button.

21st century electronic features abound.  A smart phone can be programmed as a key to enter the Aviator.  The dash contains a large 12-inch display screen that looks like a stand-up tablet to house the latest version of Lincoln’s Sync infotainment system. Wireless phone charging and numerous power outlets keep devices charged. Standard WiFi will help passengers stay connected and a 28-speaker audio system from Revel is available.

The Nautilus is debuting brand new technology features while also offering additional standard ownership services, and a more connected and smoother drive. There are two great turbocharged engine options for the 2019 Nautilus! First is the  2.7-liter turbocharged engine that produces an estimated 380 pound-feet of torque and 335 horsepower. Power comes from three different technologies including twin independent variable camshaft timing, direct injection, and turbocharging. Also offered for the 2019 Nautilus is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that creates 245 horsepower coupled with an 8-speed transmission.

The show continues until Dec. 9.  If you go bring a fat wallet.  Parking is a hefty $25 per vehicle and tickets are $20 per person at the door, but $15 if purchased in advance online.

 

%d bloggers like this: