Should Lincoln Have Kept the Split-wing Grill?

2015 Lincoln MKT

Before Lincoln made their debut with the Continental concept, featuring a new grill, I thought Lincoln could resurrect their Split-wing grill.  BMW has been able to keep their grill in style while still being easily recognizable.  Pontiac also had a dual grill that worked well for them.  In Lincoln's case, however, I think most people desired a change.

2016 Lincoln MKZ

With the updated MKZ, Lincoln updated the grill.  They got rid of the waterfall look and adopted a new feathered look.  In their advertising campaigns, they called the MKZ a phoenix, the rebirth of the Lincoln brand.  I personally didn't like this look.  It was better than the past, but not enough for a new car.  The 2016 MKC adopted this look, but it translated into a much more cohesive look.

2016 Lincoln MKC

Last year, before the Continental's preview, I was forming my own ideas.  I tried my had at a few designs for a new Split-wing grill that would bring this old style into a new light for a new generation.  I think the Lincoln logo is very elegant and suited for a luxury brand.  In my concepts, I wanted the Lincoln logo to stand out more.  I wanted it to be larger, and nicely framed.

My rendering of the Lincoln MKZ before their most recent update for 2017.  So, I tried making the chrome outline different.  I find some companies overdo the chrome.  I made it only go across the top, and have the middle connect in a low overhang.  When I look at this now, I think it has a little bit of a Nissan/Renault look to it.  I think Lincoln is on a better path now that what i drew.

What do you think?  Should Lincoln have kept the Split-wing grill?

2015 MKT: http://www.lincoln.com/crossovers/mkt/gallery/photos/popup/photo:12/
2016 MKZ: http://www.lincoln.com/cars/mkz/gallery/photos/popup/photo:6/
2016 MKC: http://cars.axlegeeks.com/l/5810/2015-Lincoln-MKC 

2017 Lincoln MKC

 In my last post I created a rendering of the 2017 Toyota Corolla.  That was made using a spy shot (Autoblog) and a series of Toyota vehicle pictures.  Here, I took Lincoln's new corporate look and applied it to one of their newer vehicles: the MKC.  

When the MKZ was updated in 2013, I was not fond of the "Phoenix" styling.  I wanted to like it, but it never grew on me.  I admired their desire to resurrect the dual grill.  However, I found their efforts on the MKZ poorly implemented.  Then the new 2015 MKC came out.  I really like the look of this car.  The exterior that is.  Now I admit, although this design is a large step forward for the Lincoln brand, it still doesn't say full-out "Luxury".  

With the new 2017 Lincoln Continental revealed and MKZ following suit, the luxury automaker has a future.  The new design is elegant with presence.  Now, two questions emerge.  How long will it take for the rest of the vehicle lineup to receive the new Jaguar-esque grill?  And, what varieties will it come in?

Here, I created a rendering using the 2016 Lincoln MKC and added elements from the MKZ (grill and inner headlight accents.)  I made the grill taller and wider than on the MKZ to give this a stronger more muscular appearance, since it is a crossover.  The headlights were already very similar to the MKZ, I just really liked the inner accents and implemented those.  I also made the lower grill slightly more narrow to accommodate the larger grill.  

If I were to redo this rendering, I would make the grill a little smaller (larger space around the sides) and more angular (pointing to the bumper).  I can't wait to see Lincoln unveil the future lineup.

These are my thoughts.  Let me know what you think.

Images

2016 Lincoln MKC: http://cars.axlegeeks.com/l/5810/2015-Lincoln-MKC 

2017 Lincoln MKZ elements: http://www.lincoln.com/2017-mkz/