Official press release:

CONTEMPRA - STYLISH, ELEGANT LUXURY SEDAN

The Lincoln Contempra is a high-performance, four-passenger personal luxury four-door sedan with a host of comfort and convenience features. This contemporary, luxury concept car showcases Ford Motor Company’s dedication to elegant yet functional design.

The exterior and interior design of Contempra also lends a clue to the company’s philosophy on the next generation of functional luxury cars to be introduced by Lincoln-Mercury Division in the near future.

"This four-passenger vehicle appeals to the driver who appreciates elegance, but is not willing to compromise on performance, ride and handling," said Jack Telnack, Ford Motor Company vice president - Corporate Design. "Contempra’s soft and sleek exterior form makes a personal statement of luxury and quality."

"The four-door configuration of the concept car, with its four-place individual bucket seating, offers convenience of both entry and exit," Telnack continued. "In addition, the personal space within the car has many added features to blend with and enhance the customer’s lifestyle."

The softly sculptured exterior surfaces are complemented with a variety of lighting features which integrate into its overall theme. While the look is sculptured, fluid and aerodynamic, its stance is one of aggressive and athletic luxury. Its elegant form was part of its designers’ intent to create a stable-mate to the Lincoln Mark VIII in a Continental-sized sedan.

The subtle, ground-effects shaping of the Contempra is a result of its sculptured fenders and rear quarter panels, along with its low-clearance suspension. Contempra’s 55-series, 18-inch tires and chromed wheels have a unique appearance to complement the form of the vehicle. Above its beltline, Contempra features tap-sensitive side glass to trigger door opening, a unique tint on the glass, and a fast, cab-forward windshield. Door handles on Contempra were eliminated to enhance the curvature of the side panels.

Contempra’s classic Lincoln grille design features a series of vertical louvers which open or close in harmony with vehicle speed, to aid engine cooling. The headlamps are integrated into the overall aerodynamic design, using a high intensity discharge lowbeam and a projector-style driving beam. In the rear, neon taillamps and brake lights span the decklid and wrap around the sides. A full-width high-mounted neon stop lamp is mounted inside the vehicle at the top of the rear window.

Inside Contempra’s cabin, the owner is surrounded by luxurious materials and a multitude of features. All front and rear leather bucket seats feature heating and lumbar support systems. The adjustable rear seats are set in a wrap-around rear cove which offers a pass-through function to the trunk. The rear seat passengers have their own entertainment and communication center, with an armrest-mounted telephone and a television at the rear of the full-length central floor console.

In front, the driver and passenger can make use of an integrated control panel in the center stack of the instrument panel or any of the convenience accessories built into the full-length center console. Contempra also offers a voice-activated telephone built into the armrest and a visual and voice-activated navigational guidance system. A full-length overhead console features storage, lighting, and air conditioning/ventilation openings for both front and rear. A temperature-activated air removal system maintains the comfort levels for all four occupants.

Throughout the interior, rear bird’s-eye walnut wood accents the butter-soft leather upholstery, including a stunning wood and leather steering wheel treatment. Other convenience items built into the Contempra interior are a purse storage area and a flip seat compartment. With its unique trim and color combinations , comfort and convenience features and luxury both inside and out, Contempra is a showcase of modem technology, and may represent a subtle hint at the future of Lincoln sedans.