Lincoln’s new autonomous automotive idea gives lots to gawk at. One factor it does not supply: A steering wheel.

The automaker unveiled its latest creation in honor of its one centesimal birthday. The idea automotive, which is a pc generated mannequin in the mean time, is supposed to pay homage to the Mannequin L, the model’s first luxurious car, though the resemblance is extra notional than instantly inspirational. The place the unique L had all of the boxy hallmarks of the stately autos of the period, the brand new L100, which debuted on the Pebble Seaside Concours d’Class in California, is finest described as a drop of quicksilver with nary a tough angle to talk of.

There’s loads to glom on to from a design perspective, however the fascinating factor is that we’re getting a glimpse of how automakers doubtlessly might view vehicles of the longer term. The L100 is strictly an idea, not a manufacturing car, however it’s a salient peek into the driverless future. It has no driving instrumentation, which is a profound departure from up to date autonomous autos. It additionally has no steering wheel, opting as a substitute for a crystal “chess piece” joystick within the middle console.

“Idea autos enable us to reimagine and illustrate how new experiences can come to life with the assistance of superior applied sciences and permit our designers extra artistic freedom than ever earlier than,” mentioned Anthony Lo, chief design officer, Ford Motor Firm, which owns the Lincoln model. “With the Mannequin L100, we have been capable of push the boundaries in ways in which evolve our Quiet Flight model DNA and alter the way in which we take into consideration Lincoln designs of tomorrow.”

Different automakers have unveiled imaginative autonomous autos, together with Cadillac, which launched this 12 months its InnerSpace idea, a part of its Halo Idea Portfolio, at CES, the influential annual tech occasion.

“Electrification and autonomous driving will basically change the position of autos and the experiences prospects have with them,” mentioned Bryan Nesbitt, GM government director, World Superior Design and World Structure Studio. “We’re exploring the place that may go together with these progressive ideas, envisioning mobility as an ally of wellness, giving prospects the final word luxurious, extra private time, quite than taking it.” 

One fascinating factor to notice about these ideas is the rethinking of how driving will operate in society. Automakers are very clearly contemplating the way forward for driving habits, and of rideshare particularly. Lincoln’s idea is very large and opulent, with area for a number of passengers, the automotive equal of enterprise class.

The reveal video calls it “an area to recharge and join … a sanctuary.”