Back before Lincoln confused everyone with its ludicrous, MK-whatever naming scheme, it sold an SUV called the Aviator. The Aviator nameplate sounded cool, it seemed appropriate for a vehicle that was junior to the high-profile Navigator, and it was affixed to what was effectively a gussied-up Ford Explorer. Although the Aviator was more convincingly gussied-up than most badge-engineered jobs?with a more powerful engine and unique suspension tuning?slow sales grounded it after the 2005 model year after only three years in production. Now, however, comes word that Lincoln will give the Aviator wings again.
According to a report in Automotive News, Lincoln will resurrect the Aviator nameplate, and it will once again be affixed to a Ford Explorer?based SUV. That would be the upcoming, redesigned Explorer, with the attendant Lincoln Aviator arriving, it is speculated, in early 2019. The new three-row is part of a plan to introduce or resurrect four new Ford or Lincoln SUV nameplates?including a Bronco?within four years.
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“But wait,” you might say. “Lincoln already has an Explorer-based three-row crossover: the MKT.” Well, grasshopper, in the great circle of life, when some new things fly, old things sometimes must die, and in this case that old thing is th...