2024 Lincoln Nautilus Preview: The Midsize Crossover Wears A New Design

 

Q & A With Lincoln's Chief Exterior Designer Earl Lucas As He Talks Brand's EV Future And More

Chief Exterior Designer Earl Lucas with the Lincoln Star Concept (Photo Credit: Shawn Lee)

Lincoln is currently celebrating its 100-year anniversary as an iconic luxury brand. While the luxury brand segment remains hyper competitive, as such newcomers as Genesis, Lucid Motors and Tesla make waves, catching the eye of consumers, JeffCars.com goes one-on-one with Earl Lucus. Lucas has been instrumental in using his God given talent and leadership skills, crafting stylish designs to keep the brand relevant, as the auto industry slowly shifts toward electrified vehicles. 

In The Rearview Mirror: The Top Black Automotive History Makers From This Past Decade (2010-19)

photo credit: LE

While most of us are familiar with Elon Musk, the lead driver behind the all-electric luxury car company, known as Tesla, many of us would be hard pressed to identify blacks in the automotive industry who also played key roles in blazing new trails over the past decade.

As a new decade turns the corner, JeffCars.com has identified the top black automotive trendsetters and pioneers, who were either given the keys (or keyfobs) or literally took the keys (or keyfobs) to make their mark in history, during the years of 2010 to 2019.

Free 'Auto Trends' Shows On SiriusXM With Two History Makers Thru Tuesday, May 29

If you have not had a chance to tune in because your car does not have satellite radio, here's what you've been missing out on. We have an opportunity for you to hear a show for free on your mobile device or online.

From now until Tuesday, May 29, you can access SiriusXM for free in your car or online. 

And, for the first time, you can even tune in on the SiriusXM App for free to listen to on your smartphone. Visit SiriusXM now. No credit card is required.

New York Auto Show: 2018 Lincoln Continental And 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

The 2018 Lincoln Navigator with out the wingdoors is slated to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2017.

The 2018 Lincoln Navigator was designed by Earl Lucas, who was responsible for reviving the current generation Navigator eight years ago.

The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio crossover

New York International Auto Show: The 2018 Lincoln Navigator Concept, The 2017 Acura MDX & The 2017 Toyota Highlander

The chief exterior designer of the 2018 Lincoln Navigator is Earl Lucas, the brother who shaped the design theme of the current Ford Taurus.

The gullwing doors will not be available on the production version.

 

The MDX will now be available as a hybrid.

The 2017 Toyota Highlander receives a new fascia, an 8-speed transmission and a standard automatic braking system. Toyota will become the first brand in the industry to meet the 2022 federal safety standards, five years ahead of schedule.

Detroit News: From Designing Jet Interiors To Remaking The Lincoln Brand

Earl Lucas is well-suited to design luxury Lincolns for Ford Motor Co. Before his job creating automotive exteriors in Dearborn, he put the bling in the personal aircraft of the Sultan of Brunei: dazzling designs in diamonds and gold, with other top-end touches.

Early in his career in the late 1990s, the Texas native, 45, was able to stretch the limits of his creativity with virtually no ceiling on the budget. His jet interiors included chinchilla bedding, gold-and-platinum-lined kitchen shelves, custome Baccarat cystal vases, deerhide leather seats and plush carpets that cost millions of dollars.

To continue reading the article, click here.

Earl Lucas: The Brother Responsible for Resurrecting the Award-Winning 2010 Ford Taurus

To check out our review of Lucas' Taurus, click here.

2010 Ford Taurus SHO: Another Motown Hit

What's New About the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO:
Everything! While the Ford Taurus has always served as basic reliable transportation, it has never had the allure, sex appeal and sophistication of many premium vehicles like Lexus and BMW. However, now that the all-new all-wheel-drive 2010 Taurus SHO has hit the scene, after a 11-year absence, the redesigned hot rod has now become positioned in a different league – one in which many will aspire to own and want to be seen in, with its upscale stylish design.

The all-new Taurus, now known as Ford’s flagship vehicle, is the car the current generation Chrysler 300 would have evolved into - if the ailing automaker wasn’t in a financial crunch. Ironically, the exterior designer of the Taurus, Earl Lucas, who happens to be an African American, attended design school with his friend and crosstown competitor, Ralph Gilles, who was responsible for the once fresh-looking Chrysler 300, which helped to revive the automaker several years ago.

Must Have Goodies:
This all-new Ford is packed with so many industry firsts for a car in its class and price point, there is no way you can own the all-new Taurus without opting for all of the following high-tech safety features. The Candy Apple red SHO we reviewed, with the funky-looking 20-inch wheels, was equipped with a voice activated navigational system, adjustable pedals, a rear-view back-up camera, 10-way power heated and cooled suede and leather front bucket seats, heated rear seats, rain sensor wipers, automatic high-beam headlights which were equipped to turn-off-and-on driving down dark roads, a premium 10-speaker DVD/CD Sony audio system, a keyless push button ignition system and a power sunroof.

Furthermore, the vehicle was equipped with a number of high-end features typically not found in American vehicles. For example, our Taurus SHO was outfitted with an Adaptive Cruise Control system, which automatically gauged the distance of the lead vehicle by lowering and increasing speeds as needed, working in conjunction with Ford's integrated Collision Warning with Brake Support system, which automatically applies the brakes and helps the driver stop quickly, when needed.
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And, the full size sedan was equipped with a Blind Spot Monitoring System, which alerts the driver of vehicles in its blind spot via blinking lights, which appear in the outside mirrors, and audible chimes, before changing lanes. Oh yes, and we can’t forget the power rear sunshade, which is typically found in premium price imports not an American made vehicle. (The Chevy Malibu offers a manual controlled sunshade.) Ford's industry exclusive SYNC system voice activated system is integrated into the vehicle too, which analyze the health of the vehicle, contacts 911, when needed, and works in connection with your MP3 player, iPOD, memory stick or PDA.

What Rocked:

Wow, there were so much that made the SHO rock that we had difficulty narrowing it down to just a few features. With that said, we were extremely impressed with the Cross Traffic Alert system. What’s that, you ask? Just imagine backing out of a parking space; this system warns when cross-traffic appears via audible chimes. The Cross Traffic Alert system serves as an added safety aid and can be used in conjunction with the rear-view back-up camera, reducing the chance of a rear collision.

Also the Taurus we reviewed included massaging seats for both the driver and front seat passenger. Not only did the seats automatically caress your lower back, but your behind, too. This is a great for those experiencing minor back pains or for keeping long-distance drivers awake. Even more important we can’t forget the stylish, but not too flashy, import-like classy design of this full size sedan, with the blended rear spoiler and bold new European-styled headlights. Overall it’s just hard to believe this is a Ford or for that matter a Taurus, after the previous generation conservative bland design.

What We Hated:
Because of Ford's squeamish budget, the Taurus wasn't built on a rear-wheel drive platform. Furthermore, it would have been great if the $45,000 Taurus SHO we reviewed was equipped with a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel to compliment the programmable driver’s seat, which also adjusted automatically allowing easy exit and entrance to the vehicle.

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Moreover, this vehicle goes head-to-head with Lincoln’s more premium-class MKS. If the two Ford vehicles are ever cross-shopped, most buyers will more than likely opt for the Taurus SHO unless they're die hard Lincoln fans or prefer a longer new-vehicle warranty. The Ford Taurus SHO could now be seen as the flagship vehicle for the entire company, especially if it does as well as Ford executives expect. Lincoln may have to find a few more comfort features to add to its option list to truly distinguish itself from the more upscale SHO.

Any Juice:

While the SHO has been out of Ford’s fleet for over 11 years, it returns with a vengeance in 2010, offering a 3.5-liter turbo charged 6-cylinder under the hood, which is capable of firing off 365 horses through the dual chrome exhaust pipes. Similarly, the Acura TL SH-AWD offers a V6, too, which only dishes out 305 horses. Who says an 8-cylinder engine can only put out these type of numbers?

Verdict:
If you’ve never thought about a Ford before, this is one you shouldn’t sleep on. While the all-new SHO has moved upscale, with all of its technological safety features, the unique sport-tuned suspension still makes this smooth riding road runner fun-to-drive on short drives or long trips, unlike many imports.

The SHO is not only capable of seating five comfortably, but more importantly at an affordable price point. The all-new Taurus is available in four trim levels. Base pricing is the same as the previous generation Taurus, starting at $26,000 and easily climbing to $45,000 like the SHO we reviewed. Yet, a base SHO starts out at $37,000. If you’ve never driven an American vehicle before, this is one you should take for a spin before making a move. If you’re a car fanatic like we are, this vehicle definitely won’t disappoint you! To sum up, it’s just hard to believe this is a Ford! There isn't another vehicle on the road today you can find equipped with all of these high-tech features in such an affordable package.

Other Competitors: Chrysler 300 SRT8 and Acura TL SH-AWD

To find out more information about the SHO or other vehicles, visit JeffCars.com's New-Vehicle Pricing Guide.

Earl Lucas: The Brother Responsible for Designing the 2010 Ford Taurus

Earl Lucas is the brother responsible for designing the exterior of the all-new 2010 Ford Taurus. When designing a vehicle (interior or exterior), Lucas says his designs are inspired from what he pulls from TV; society as a whole; different environments; and taking road trips experiencing the people, city and culture.

Besides designing vehicles, this young brother, who has yet to reach 40, has three pillars, which guides his life: He’s very religious ..all his gifts come from the all-mighty. He believes deeply in family. He believes everyone has to have personal aspirations to want something in life …..getting off your bottom (behind). Based upon his pillars, it’s obvious why he’s so driven (no pun intended). Look for more of his interview on BlackVoices.com.