Continental Is Back!

It's a name that summons an era gone by, but a new design that wowed attendees last near at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. And Ford was paying attention.

The 2017 Lincoln Continental made its debut amidst much fanfare during the NAIAS media preview this week in Detroit. Sometimes, a concept car gets such strong reaction automakers can't help but make it a production model. That's what happened when the Continental concept appeared last year.

The Continental will appear in dealers, including Lakeview Ford Lincoln in Battle Creek, this fall as a 2017 model. Continental Brand Manager Eric Turner tells The Richard Piet Show starting prices will be less than $50,000, making it competitive in the full size luxury car segment.

Reaction to the Continental concept is similar to that of the Lincoln Mark VIII coupe, which was shown as a concept in the 1990's at the Detroit show. It was immediately ushered into production because of the favorable reaction.

The North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center in Detroit opens to the public Saturday, January 16 and runs through Sunday, January 24, 2016.

Hear The Richard Piet Show weekday mornings from 5:30-9 on WBCK.