Lincoln unveiled a host of updates to the Lincoln Corsair for 2023 Monday, including a new autonomous driving system.
“Corsair plays an important role in our portfolio — artistically crafted and expertly designed to attract younger Lincoln clients and give them the luxury experience they desire,” said Michael Sprague, North America director, Lincoln.
“We want the drive experience to be even more effortless and personal and the new Corsair will deliver that with advanced technology and new features.”
Sales up without updates
The updates will help the brand’s popular small ute compete in one of the industry’s most popular segments. Even without updates, the Corsair proved popular.
In 2021, it sold 22,790 units, down 13.1% from 26,227 units in 2020, with only the Navigator outselling it last year at 24,443 units. In 2022, sales have risen 21.2%. And Corsair is attracting new buyers to Lincoln, with more than 50% being new to the brand.
So the new features for 2023 could boost the Corsair’s popularity even further.
The 2023 will be fitted with the newest version of Lincoln’s hands-free advanced driver assistance system, Lincoln ActiveGlide 1.2. ActiveGlide debuted on the Lincoln Navigator in 2022, but will incorporate four additional features not found on the Navigator: Lane Change Assist, In-Lane Repositioning, Predictive Speed Assist and Intersection Assist 2.0.
So the Corsair can change lanes itself, keep itself centered in the driving lane, adjust its speed when approaching a curve or help avoid collisions when entering intersections. The new driver assistance system should help keep the Corsair competitive.
A freshened outlook
But the updates are more than mechanical.
Lincoln designers have also given the Corsair and Corsair Grand Touring plug-in hybrid a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, with standard Sync4 with over-the-air updates, and a standard 12.3-inch LCD digital instrument cluster.
Lincoln will also introduce Auto Air Refresh, a new option that pairs a laser sensor with a cabin air filter that can refresh air up to 1.5 times per minute.
And, of course, there are the requisite exterior design updates, as Kemal Curic, global design director for Lincoln, puts his own stamp on the brand.
“Evolving the design of the popular Corsair was an exciting challenge, and our team accomplished this in a very unique and dynamic way,” said Curic. “With the new Corsair we are offering a glimpse into Lincoln’s new exterior design language and introducing new and more youthful colors and materials to offer more ways for our clients make their vehicle their own.”
As is typical of midcycle updates, the Corsair gets a new, larger grille and wing-shaped daytime running lamps. Corsair Grand Touring model grilles have a warmer tone thanks to their unique satin metallic foil finish with blue accents. There are two new exterior colors, Crystal Red and Whisper Blue.
But the updates continue inside.
Corsair will offer two new interior themes, Smoked Truffle and Eternal Red. The former introduces “the truffle color family — a mid-tone, neutral space with medium-dark soft trim accents to create a warmer, luxurious environment. This color family represents the need for security and familiarity,” according to Lincoln.
Eternal Red is quite a different ambience. “Providing energy to the interior,” according to Lincoln, Eternal Red is fitted with aluminum accents and meant to imbue the Corsair with a more youthful character, according to the brand.
The Corsair’s drivelines remain unchanged. The Corsair’s 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder gas engine provides 250 horsepower, while the Corsair Grand touring Plug-In Hybrid has a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain with 266 horsepower.
All 2023 Corsair models are available for ordering, and will arrive in showrooms in early 2023.
