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Lincoln to Introduce New Hybrid Three-Row Crossover

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Lincoln is poised to broaden its vehicle offerings with the introduction of a new three-row crossover, signaling a strategic pivot towards hybrid powertrains. This development follows the cancellation of an earlier plan for a purely electric model, indicating a recalibration of the brand's electrification roadmap. Industry insiders suggest that this forthcoming vehicle could incorporate advanced hybrid systems, such as range-extended electric technology, aligning with recent statements from Ford Motor Company's leadership on the future direction of Lincoln's product portfolio. The precise timeline for its debut and its full specifications remain subject to official announcement, but this expansion aims to strengthen Lincoln's presence in the competitive luxury SUV market.

This initiative represents a cautious yet decisive step for Lincoln in its journey toward sustainable mobility, emphasizing flexible powertrain options over a rapid, full transition to electric vehicles. By leveraging hybrid technology, Lincoln seeks to cater to evolving consumer preferences while navigating the complexities of electric vehicle adoption. The new crossover would join the Navigator and Aviator, expanding the brand's three-row SUV offerings within its relatively focused five-model lineup. This strategic decision reflects a pragmatic approach to market demands and technological readiness, ensuring Lincoln's continued relevance and appeal to its discerning customer base.

Lincoln's Strategic Shift: Embracing Hybrid Technology for New Crossovers

Lincoln is reportedly preparing to unveil an additional three-row crossover, marking a notable shift in its product strategy towards hybrid powertrains. This decision comes after the cancellation of a previously anticipated all-electric three-row crossover. Automotive News suggests that brand executives have informed dealers about this new model, though specific details regarding its launch date and exact features are still forthcoming. The pivot to hybrids, potentially including range-extended electric vehicles, reflects a measured approach to electrification, aligning with recent commentary from Ford Motor Company's CEO, Jim Farley, who has expressed satisfaction with not having forced Lincoln into an exclusive battery-electric vehicle strategy. This move positions Lincoln to offer more diverse and flexible options to consumers while adapting to evolving market demands and technological capabilities.

This strategic reorientation underscores Lincoln's commitment to expanding its luxury SUV lineup with a focus on practical and efficient solutions. The new three-row crossover, while not purely electric, is expected to benefit from advanced hybrid technologies, providing an attractive balance of performance and fuel efficiency. It will likely join the brand's current three-row offerings, the Navigator and Aviator, further solidifying Lincoln's presence in the large SUV segment. This development indicates a careful consideration of market trends and consumer preferences, allowing Lincoln to remain competitive and relevant. The brand's CEO believes that an affordable electric model would be sensible for Lincoln, but this new three-row crossover appears to be geared towards offering a more immediate and accessible electrified option, diverging from the previous plan for an electric model similar in size to the Ford Explorer with a significant range.

Expanding the Lineup: A Closer Look at Lincoln's Hybrid Future

The introduction of a new three-row crossover with a hybrid powertrain is a significant development for Lincoln, indicating a deliberate strategy to augment its model range and cater to a broader market segment. This strategic choice highlights Lincoln's adaptation to the automotive industry's ongoing evolution, where hybrid vehicles are gaining traction as a bridge technology towards full electrification. By integrating hybrid options, Lincoln aims to provide consumers with enhanced fuel economy and reduced emissions without the immediate commitment to a fully electric vehicle. This approach also allows the brand to leverage its existing expertise and infrastructure while gradually transitioning towards more sustainable mobility solutions, ensuring a robust and diversified product portfolio that resonates with modern luxury buyers.

This forthcoming addition will expand Lincoln's three-row vehicle offerings, making it the third such model in a compact lineup of five, alongside the well-established Navigator and Aviator. While the Aviator previously featured a hybrid variant that was discontinued due to low demand, this new model signals renewed confidence in hybrid technology, possibly incorporating more advanced and appealing configurations. The only other hybrid currently available from Lincoln is the Corsair, underscoring the potential impact of this new crossover on the brand's overall hybrid penetration. The shift away from an immediate all-electric focus, as supported by Ford's leadership, suggests a more pragmatic and market-responsive approach. This new three-row hybrid crossover is expected to be a key component in Lincoln's future growth, offering a blend of luxury, space, and efficiency that appeals to families and those seeking versatile premium transportation.

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Rare 1992 Bentley Val D'Isere Wagon with Royal Pedigree Heads to Auction

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An exceptionally rare 1992 Bentley Val D'Isere, a long-roofed, all-wheel-drive shooting brake originally commissioned for the Sultan of Brunei, is soon to be offered at auction. This vehicle is one of only eleven ever produced by Robert Jankel Design and is distinguished by its unique coachbuilt construction and its opulent interior, featuring quilted headlining, deep-pile carpets, and burr walnut trim. With a meticulously maintained condition and a remarkably low odometer reading of just over 13,600 miles, this particular Val D'Isere is considered the last of its kind to leave the Brunei royal family's possession and the only one currently in private hands. Its rich history and extreme scarcity position it as a coveted item for automotive enthusiasts and collectors alike.

This particular auction offers a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of automotive history that combines extreme rarity with royal provenance. The Bentley Val D'Isere represents a period when bespoke craftsmanship and client-specific customization were paramount, especially for discerning patrons like the Sultan of Brunei. Its appearance on the market, particularly in such pristine condition and with documented service history, underlines its investment potential and desirability. As the market for classic and unique Bentleys continues to thrive, this model, with its blend of exclusivity, design eccentricity, and minimal use, is anticipated to generate considerable interest and potentially achieve a significant sale price, reflecting its status as a truly singular automotive artifact.

The Uniqueness of the Val D'Isere

The 1992 Bentley Val D'Isere stands out as a true automotive rarity, being one of only eleven units specially commissioned for the Sultan of Brunei. This unique long-roofed, all-wheel-drive shooting brake is built upon the robust chassis of the Bentley Turbo R, combining the performance capabilities of its base with a bespoke body style. Its creation by Robert Jankel Design signifies a period of unparalleled customization, where vehicles were crafted to the exact specifications and extravagant tastes of the world's most affluent individuals. This particular example, believed to be the last one built for the Brunei royal family, boasts an exquisite blue exterior complemented by a luxurious blue and yellow leather interior, a testament to the no-holds-barred approach to its original design. Its astonishingly low mileage of just over 13,600 miles further accentuates its pristine condition and desirability, making it a standout piece in any collection.

Beyond its striking aesthetics, the Val D'Isere is mechanically distinct. It features Bentley's powerful 6.75-liter turbocharged V8 engine, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, delivering a blend of classic Bentley power and smoothness. Interestingly, the original four-wheel-drive system was later disconnected based on expert advice to enhance steering response, a modification that subtly refines its driving dynamics. The interior of this vehicle is a showcase of 1990s coachbuilt luxury, featuring a quilted headliner, plush deep-pile carpets, and elegant burr walnut trim, alongside heated power seats for ultimate comfort. This combination of bespoke design, royal ownership, and remarkable preservation makes the Val D'Isere not just a car, but a rolling piece of art that embodies an era of automotive indulgence and exclusivity. Its presence at auction offers a rare chance to own a vehicle with such a distinguished lineage and singular characteristics.

Market Significance and Collector Appeal

The upcoming auction of the 1992 Bentley Val D'Isere holds significant weight within the collector car market, primarily driven by its extreme scarcity and its ties to the Brunei royal family. With only eleven units ever produced, and this particular one being the sole known example in private ownership, its rarity is a paramount factor contributing to its value. Unlike many vehicles produced in limited numbers, the Val D'Isere was never officially recognized by Bentley's own lineup, making documentation and meticulous service records, such as the comprehensive work performed at 11,500 miles, crucial for establishing its provenance and authenticity. This aspect is particularly appealing to serious collectors who prioritize a vehicle's history and originality.

The Val D'Isere also taps into a broader trend among high-end collectors: the pursuit of low-mileage, exceptionally rare Bentleys that harmoniously blend contemporary usability with an old-world sense of exclusivity. This trend is evident in the market's strong interest in other low-mileage Bentleys, such as a 2009 Bentley Azure with only 1,800 miles or a 2019 Bentley Mulsanne with under 12,000 miles. However, the Val D'Isere surpasses these newer models in its level of bespoke craftsmanship and unique historical context. It represents a golden age when Bentley catered directly to the ultra-wealthy, offering unparalleled customization. For collectors, owning this hand-finished oddity, which may not appear on the market again for decades, is more than an acquisition; it is an opportunity to possess a distinctive automotive masterpiece that stands out even among other luxury and vintage vehicles, making it a focal point of discussion and desire at auction.

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Hyundai's Potential Entry into the Body-on-Frame SUV Market

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Hyundai is signaling a strategic expansion into the highly competitive and profitable American market for robust, body-on-frame vehicles. With plans already solidified for a new mid-size pickup truck, the South Korean automaker is now exploring the promising prospect of introducing an SUV built on the same durable platform, potentially challenging established players in the off-road segment. This move reflects Hyundai's growing confidence and ambition to broaden its appeal to a wider customer base in the United States.

Hyundai Gears Up to Challenge Off-Road Giants with New SUV

Hyundai's Ambitious Expansion into Body-on-Frame Vehicles

During a recent presentation in New York, Hyundai's CEO, José Muñoz, unveiled the company's future roadmap, confirming the imminent arrival of a mid-size body-on-frame pickup truck tailored for the American consumer by the end of the decade. More notably, Muñoz hinted at the "potential" for a body-on-frame SUV, sharing the same robust underpinnings as the forthcoming truck. This strategic direction is designed to deepen Hyundai's engagement with American buyers, tapping into a segment known for its popularity and profitability.

Navigating a Competitive Landscape with Established Rivals

The decision to enter the body-on-frame SUV market means Hyundai will be contending with formidable and well-entrenched competitors. Toyota currently holds a significant share of the mid-size body-on-frame segment with iconic models such as the 4Runner, Land Cruiser, and the luxurious Lexus GX. Other key players include Ford's Bronco and Jeep's legendary Wrangler. The full-size segment is similarly dominated by giants like General Motors and Toyota, with Ford's Expedition and Nissan's Armada also making strong impressions. Given that Hyundai's potential SUV would be based on its upcoming mid-size truck platform, it is anticipated to be a direct rival to vehicles like the 4Runner and Wrangler rather than larger, full-size offerings such as the Chevy Tahoe.

Strategic Investment in a High-Demand Segment

Hyundai has a long-standing presence in the American SUV market and introduced the Santa Cruz pickup, derived from the Tucson, in 2021. However, this venture into body-on-frame vehicles represents a more substantial commitment. Manufacturers typically invest considerable resources into these types of vehicles due to their complexity and the specific demands of the off-road enthusiast market. Hyundai's proposed truck and SUV will be developed domestically for the U.S. market, distinguishing them from a recent collaboration with GM for vehicles destined for Central and South America. Furthermore, the upcoming truck is expected to feature some form of electrification, likely a hybrid powertrain, aligning with modern environmental considerations and consumer preferences for efficiency.

Profitability and Market Penetration in the US

Body-on-frame vehicles are not only highly sought after in the U.S. but also represent a significant source of profit for automakers. Hyundai, having solidified its position as a major automotive force, is now confidently pursuing this segment, ready to challenge established rivals. This bold move underscores the company's ambition to further expand its market share and cater to the specific tastes and requirements of American consumers who value durability, utility, and off-road capability in their vehicles.

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