The Decline of Standard Production Cars and the Future of Luxury Sedans

The era of large, rear-wheel drive sedans like the classic Lincoln Town Car is rapidly coming to an end. The transition to modern automotive standards is inevitable, but some manufacturers are still fighting to preserve the legacy of these powerful, luxurious vehicles. Despite hopes for a return to these standards, the future seems to be pointing more towards SUVs and other multi-purpose vehicles.

The Demise of Classic Rear-Wheel Drive Sedans

When discussing the concept of a standard production car that mirrors the Lincoln Town Car, it becomes clear that such vehicles are becoming increasingly rare. The phrase "new norm" is shifting towards a more practical and space-efficient vehicle model, specifically SUVs and other high-volume multi-purpose vehicles. The Federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards are driving this transformation.

Modern Alternatives: Luxury Sedans with Unibody Construction

While the grandeur of a full-sized, body-on-frame, rear-wheel drive sedan like the Lincoln Town Car may be fading, modern luxury car manufacturers still offer considerable alternatives. These luxury vehicles, such as the Lincoln Continental, continue to provide the comfort and elegance that many users have come to expect. The Continental, too, is due to be discontinued, with rumors suggesting that production will end after the 2020 model run.

Niche Markets and Private Use

The Lincoln Continental, now discontinued, can still be found in specialized markets such as the livery service. While some manufacturers like Cadillac have produced lightly stretched versions of their sedans for specific niches, the non-luxury segment is unlikely to see a resurgence of the full-sized, traditional sedan. Such vehicles suffer from poor fuel economy, which severely impacts their commercial viability. Additionally, producing such vehicles in large quantities would significantly sacrifice fuel efficiency and meet stringent CAFE standards.

Conclusion

The future of standard production cars is undoubtedly shifting towards more practical and economically efficient vehicles. While we may still see occasional releases of luxury sedans like the Lincoln Continental, the days of the grand rear-wheel drive sedan are numbered. The industry is adapting to modern standards, and while this shift is happening at the cost of traditional luxury, it appears to be a necessary transformation to meet evolving consumer needs and stringent government regulations.