Lincoln Eyes Sedan, CUV

As Ford Motor Co. expands its Lincoln lineup, look for a large sedan, followed by a 4-passenger convertible and finally a compact cross/utility vehicle, WAW is told.

That is over and above the new Aviator SUV now hitting dealerships; a freshened LS rear-drive luxury sedan and the larger Town Car that was reskinned for '03.

“We don't want too many models, but there is room for a few more,” says Chris Theodore, Ford vice president-North American product development. “We can't overload. We need more, but not one of every flavor.”

A large performance sedan would fill the niche between the LS and Town Car. The gap is created with the end of Continental production in July — a result of Ford's corporate restructuring.

Theodore says only that an all-wheel-drive sedan is “under consideration, but I'm not confirming any dates.”

As for open-air motoring for Lincoln buyers, Theodore says it will be a few years before Lincoln adds a convertible. Then a compact CUV, similar in size to the BMW X3, will follow, sources tell WAW.