Lincoln techs out new 2019 Nautilus
What do you consider luxury? A car that runs? Heated seats? Perhaps it is soft leather seating and a smooth ride. Each of us has an idea of what luxury is and so do the auto manufacturers.
Lincoln has a long heritage of building luxury vehicles and, according to Lincoln president Kumar Gaihotra, it is all about the personal experience in everything from when you first wish to purchase a Lincoln to the comfort of driving it everyday.
Lincoln has just announced the addition of a new name to its family of luxury SUVs and this 2019 Nautilus “better reflects the ideas and attitudes of our clients.”
“The technology in this vehicle is thoughtful and purposeful,” said Gaihotra. “We focused on bringing in innovative features to make each drive effortless for our clients.” Replacing the popular MKX model in the spring, the 2019 Nautilus is all new from the apillars forward and this new architecture helps incorporate new technologies. There are several driver-assist technologies in the Nautilus.
Building on previous features such as blind-spot information, active park assist, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control with pre-collision warning and pedestrian detection, the Nautilus uses both camera and radar sensing to add new features. One of the new features is lane-centering. By monitoring lane markings on the road, the system determines the desired path of the vehicle and uses the electric power steering to subtlety adjust the steering to keep the vehicle in the centre of the lane. This reduces driver fatigue on longer drives.
Another new feature is evasive steer assist. The cameras and radar system analyze the gap between slower or stationary vehicles on the road ahead.
When there is a risk of a collision, the system alerts the driver and will apply braking, but now if there is insufficient space to avoid a collision by braking, the system helps the driver steer around the other vehicle to avoid a rear end collision.
Technology also adds comfort to the vehicle. Approach lighting gradually turns on front and rear lighting and then side “welcome mat” lighting on the ground by the front doors.
Then interior lighting fades in, all in a relaxing, welcoming experience. It is a small touch of technology that requires no driver inputs but adds to the driving experience.
Acoustic side glass is another simple but effective use of technology. The side windows use two layers of glass with a plastic sheet laminated between them, similar to windshield construction.
This type of glass reduces noise transmission to the vehicle interior making for a quieter, more relaxing ride.
Another benefit is that acoustic side glass is very difficult to penetrate, protecting passengers from ejection if a seat belt is not worn and reducing the possibility of a thief gaining access to your vehicle contents.
A refreshed driver is a safer driver and the available ‘ultra comfort’ seats are adjustable up to 22 ways and include massage features as well as heating or cooling. Developed with input from orthopaedic surgeons, the massage system is specifically designed to reduce fatigue. The 22-way adjustments include individual thigh supports, as almost everyone sits in a vehicle with each of their feet in a different position. Supporting each leg separately is more comfortable and less fatiguing.
As a convenience, a wireless charging pad in the console enables compatible smart phones to be charged by simply placing the phone on the pad. No wires or cords are required.
The powertrain is also improved with technology. The Nautilus features a new eightspeed automatic transmission, the first application of this transmission by the company.
Driving all wheels, the eightspeed improves fuel economy, acceleration and driving smoothness.
I have always been fascinated by automotive technology but over the years, I have seen many technologies incorporated into vehicles that take the driver’s attention away from the road or are installed just because the technology is available, without considering the driving experience.
I applaud Lincoln with its approach to using technology wisely, adding to the driving experience and safety without distracting drivers. Technology also adds comfort to the vehicle. Approach lighting gradually turns on front and rear lighting and then side “welcome mat” lighting on the ground by the front doors.
Then interior lighting fades in, all in a relaxing, welcoming experience. It is a small touch of technology that requires no driver inputs but adds to the driving experience.
Acoustic side glass is another simple but effective use of technology.
The side windows use two layers of glass with a plastic sheet laminated between them, similar to windshield construction.
This type of glass reduces noise transmission to the vehicle interior making for a quieter, more relaxing ride.
Another benefit is that acoustic side glass is very difficult to penetrate, protecting passengers from ejection if a seat belt is not worn and reducing the possibility of a thief gaining access to your vehicle contents.
A refreshed driver is a safer driver and the available ‘ultra comfort’ seats are adjustable up to 22 ways and include massage features as well as heating or cooling. Developed with input from orthopaedic surgeons, the massage system is specifically designed to reduce fatigue. The 22-way adjustments include individual thigh supports, as almost everyone sits in a vehicle with each of their feet in a different position. Supporting each leg separately is more comfortable and less fatiguing.
As a convenience, a wireless charging pad in the console enables compatible smart phones to be charged by simply placing the phone on the pad. No wires or cords are required.
The powertrain is also improved with technology. The Nautilus features a new eightspeed automatic transmission, the first application of this transmission by the company.
Driving all wheels, the eightspeed improves fuel economy, acceleration and driving smoothness.
I have always been fascinated by automotive technology but over the years, I have seen many technologies incorporated into vehicles that take the driver’s attention away from the road or are installed just because the technology is available, without considering the driving experience.
I applaud Lincoln with its approach to using technology wisely, adding to the driving experience and safety without distracting drivers.