Lincoln celebrates a century with L100 concept

LINCOLN has celebrated 100 years in the game, paying homage to its 1922 Model L while also offering a taste of the future, with the self-driving Model L100 Concept.

Ford’s luxury brand unveiled the Model L1000 Concept at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance event, in celebration of its 100th anniversary.

Lincoln was the featured marque at the prestigious Pebble Beach event, commended for its century of luxury car success, and what better time to offer a glimpse at its zero-emissions future.

This video release shows how the L100 was born, handcrafted at Lincoln from the body to the amethyst centre controller, and speaks boldly about the car-maker’s future plans.

The Model L100 Concept isn’t set for production anytime soon, but the concept aims to push the boundaries of Lincoln’s ‘Quiet Flight’ design with the “ultimate vehicle sanctuary of tomorrow”.

“Lincoln has been one of the most enduring and stylish automotive brands in the world and in many ways, it is perfectly positioned for a second century defined by great design, zero-emissions and technology-led experiences,” said Ford Motor Company executive chair, Bill Ford.

“Lincoln has always been special to me and my family, especially my father and my grandfather. If there is one secret to Lincoln’s longevity, it is the brand’s ability to balance its core values with a desire to innovate and create the future.”

Visually, the L100 is spaceship-like in its design – partly because the wheels are tucked behind covers that light up to communicate motion, battery life, and human presence.

A sleek tail-down, aero-focused design sits low to the ground, and the wheel covers contribute to body lines that seamlessly flow into one another.

Inside the cabin, an interactive centre console ‘chessboard’ features a jewel controller, replacing a tradition steering wheel – offering effortless occupant control.

The entire interior has been designed with recycled suede fabric with accents of amethyst throughout, and Lincoln says the concept was designed with animal-free materials and alternative luxury materials.

The L100 uses next generation battery cell technologies, with packs integrated structurally to enhance cabin space and design flexibility.

This concept is centred around human connection and, as we are seeing with autonomous concepts, offers an enhanced focus on cabin experience for occupants.

A digital floor, canopy, glass roof and ambient lighting come together to offer a customisable ‘sanctuary’, and Lincoln says the interior lighting harmonises with sound, scent, and touch.

Reverse-hinged doors open outward and the glass roof appears to open upwards, too, adding to the concept’s spaceship aesthetics.

Various social and driver-centric seating configurations can be switched up for the occasion, thanks to front row seats that can be flipped forward allowing front seat passengers to face rear passengers.

Futuristic lighting creates a “symphony of lights” inside and out, and the L100 has the ability to sense an occupant approaching the car - illuminating the way.

“We are at a special moment in our history,” said Lincoln president Joy Falotico.

“Over the last 100 years, Lincoln has pioneered multiple innovations and pushed the boundaries of design that have come to define our brand as we know and love it today.

“With the Model L100 Concept, we reimagine what the Lincoln sanctuary might look like for our clients of tomorrow moving us forward to define the next chapter of the Lincoln story.”

If the L100 is any indication of a paired back production model to come, the future looks bright for Lincoln.