Report: Ford to reveal Lincoln RWD concept in Detroit

Ford will unveil a new rear-wheel-drive Lincoln concept car at the Detroit auto show early next month, according to a report by BusinessWeek magazine. The car is based on the same platform as Ford Australia's next-generation Falcon.

Back in May, Ford announced its Australian engineers were working on an all-new Falcon whose platform could form the basis for several potential large rear-wheel drive vehicles. Later, Ford Australia boss Tom Gorman acknowledged cars based on the new architecture would likely show up on U.S. shores, as soon as 2008.

Aside from confirming the debut of the new concept, the BW report doesn't provide specifics on the car's styling, intended competitors, or price. Ford reportedly considered using a stretched version of the Mustang platform, but it was decided a solid rear axle wouldn't be appropriate for a luxury vehicle. In March, Newsweek said Ford was working on a retro-styled RWD rival to the Chrysler 300C. (Pictured is the rear-drive 2002 Lincoln Continental Concept).