The newly-renamed Lincoln Motor Company has lifted the veil off of the redesigned 2015 Navigator SUV ahead of its scheduled debut at next month’s Chicago Motor Show.
The big news for 2015 is found by looking in the Navigator’s engine bay. Closely following the industry’s downsizing trend, Lincoln has replaced the 5.4-liter V8 engine that has powered the Navigator for years with a more efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 mill rated at 370 horsepower and 430 lb-ft. of torque. The figures make the V6 more powerful than the V8 it replaces and should give the Navigator best-in-class towing capacity.
The EcoBoost mill is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. Both rear- and all-wheel drive models are offered.
Outside, both the short- and long-wheelbase variants of the Navigator gain an updated front end that adopts a new bumper, revised HID headlamps and an oversized version of Lincoln’s split-wing grille. Out back, the changes are largely limited to a new tail light bar that stretches across the entire width of the SUV and a power tailgate. 20-inch machined aluminum wheels come standard.
The interior is upgraded with a more up-to-date center console, a revised digital instrument cluster and a new four-spoke steering wheel. Lincoln’s touchscreen-based MyLincoln Touch infotainment system comes standard on all Navigators.
Buyers after a more premium appearance can order the Navigator with a new Reserve Package that adds 22-inch polished aluminum wheels, leather upholstery on the seats and the dashboard and Ziricote wood trim. Reserve Package buyers can order chrome trim on the running boards at an extra cost.
Following its official debut in Chicago, the 2015 Lincoln Navigator will land in showrooms next fall. Pricing information and gas mileage figures for the new engine will be published closer to its on-sale date.