2003 Lincoln [5] Navigator K - AllCarIndex

The Navigator K concept enhances the hallmarks of the production Navigator with subtle modifications to its exterior and interior design. On the outside, changes hint that the Navigator K concept has more than meets the eye - inside and under the hood. While the boosted engine provides effortless acceleration, the Navigator K concept also excels inside the cabin with upgrades to Navigator’s world-class interior.

“Navigator created the full-size luxury SUV segment and the world took notice. This supercharged concept takes the Navigator and the customer to a new level of luxury indulgence.” says Chris Theodore, vice president of Advanced Product Creation. “We’re testing the market for exciting new ways to delight the customer. This one is a concept for now, but expect to see some other special Lincoln products from the Ford Performance Group in the showroom soon.”

The Ford Performance Group, which helped create the Navigator K, is the most comprehensive factory customization and performance group in the industry. The group includes Ford’s Special Vehicle Team, which makes and markets high performance Ford brand vehicles, Ford Racing Technologies, which manages Ford’s racing programs and sells aftermarket parts, and Vehicle Personalization, which creates specialty equipment sold through dealers and develops special edition products for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury.

Lincoln’s first new special edition model, the Aviator Kitty Hawk Edition, makes its public debut at the New York Auto Show as well. Plans are in place to introduce several more special edition Lincoln-Mercury products in the coming months.

“The Navigator K is an example of what the Ford Performance Group can offer for Lincoln-Mercury,” says Theodore. “We can do special appearance packages that add personalization to a product, which is our first priority. In the future, we can tap our SVT expertise and stir in a little performance boost to the mix if that’s what customers are looking for.”

For the Ford Performance group’s Navigator concept, the K moniker was chosen because of its rich history with Lincoln. In 1931, the Lincoln lineup was rejuvenated with the introduction of the totally new Model K. This model was viewed as more than capable of holding its own with the competition in the American luxury car market. As the cornerstone of a completely new lineup for 2003, the Navigator K celebrates this new lineup while hinting at the future.

The Navigator K concept started as a 2003 Navigator “Ultimate” with exclusive features including power-deployable running boards, a power rear liftgate, a power folding third row seat and high-intensity discharge headlamps.

On the outside, the Navigator K concept has custom, twenty-inch chrome wheels and tires. The two-tone exterior finishes of the production model are color keyed to the black ebony clearcoat body finish.

The monochromatic scheme is highlighted by Lincoln’s trademark waterfall grille, with chrome bars on the K concept, chrome side view mirror accents and a styled polished stainless steel tail pipe tip.

“We wanted to create a subtle, sophisticated looking vehicle and show just a hint of a sinister side,” says Theodore. “We’re not trying to do an extreme, in your face, hot rod. The Navigator K concept is true to Lincoln with elegant design, a strong stance and exquisite interior craftsmanship. We’ve just gone in and given it an edge with subtlety that belies what lurks under the hood.”

Inside, wood accents have been replaced by bright satin nickel finished interior surfaces. Black, high-pile luxury carpet and a black instrument panel are contrasted by rich, garnet leather-covered seats and a garnet leather-wrapped center console cover. These enhancements to the interior add to the Navigator’s already high level of comfort and luxury.