NEW YORK: Like the old 2002-05 Aviator, the new one would be based off of a Ford Explorer, The Truth About Cars learned from speaking with an unnamed second-hand source. The claim appears to be backed by the recent filing of the Aviator trademark at the US Patent and Trademark office.
The source also claims that there are no plans for a next-generation Flex or its chassis-mate, the Lincoln MKT. The Aviator would likely replace the MKT altogether as a large crossover in the lineup.
This seems to buoy the idea that there’s been some re-thinking of the marque’s MK-series naming scheme. After the debut of the Lincoln Continental concept, Ford executive vice-president Joe Hinrichs hinted that Lincoln might abandon the MK convention for names that capitalized on Lincoln’s heritage.
Lincoln spokemen would only confirm the addition of two new models to the brand, but did not elaborate on what they might be.
The report also says that the next-generation Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator twins would be equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and have an all-aluminum body.
