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

The automaker unveiled its latest creation in honor of its a centesimal birthday. The idea automobile, 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 straight 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 Seashore Concours d’Class in California, is finest described as a drop of quicksilver with nary a tough angle to talk of.

There’s a lot to glom on to from a design perspective, however the attention-grabbing factor is that we’re getting a glimpse of how automakers probably could view vehicles of the long run. 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 modern autonomous autos. It additionally has no steering wheel, opting as an alternative for a crystal “chess piece” joystick within the heart console.

“Idea autos permit us to reimagine and illustrate how new experiences can come to life with the assistance of superior applied sciences and permit our designers extra inventive freedom than ever earlier than,” mentioned Anthony Lo, chief design officer, Ford Motor Firm, which owns the Lincoln model. “With the Mannequin L100, we had been in a position to 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 yr its InnerSpace idea, a part of its Halo Idea Portfolio, at CES, the influential annual tech occasion.

“Electrification and autonomous driving will essentially change the function 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 along with these progressive ideas, envisioning mobility as an ally of wellness, giving prospects the last word luxurious, extra private time, reasonably than taking it.” 

One attention-grabbing 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 specifically. Lincoln’s idea is huge and splendid, with area for a number of passengers, the automobile equal of enterprise class.

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