2009 Detroit Auto Show: Lincoln C concept--Not quite fully loaded

Lincoln used its press conference to introduce several new and updated models, including the 2010 MKT and MKS, but it was the C concept that was most intriguing. A small car with a relatively spacious interior, the C showcases a potential package for an urban commuter. It also demonstrated the potential for a future generation of Ford's Sync infotainment system.

As demonstrated in a clever video, the C allows the driver to interact via natural-language voice commands with an intelligent interface, represented by an animated, human avatar. Being a connected, mobile device, the C demonstration included cell phone, text messaging, calendar, and smart music play list operations. The avatar named "Eva" brought the functions to life, acting as a digital assistant.

Lincoln went to great pains to show the hypothetical user putting on her safety belt and interacting responsibly with the Sync-like system when the vehicle was stopped. But, as you can see in the image, it is unfortunate that the concept doesn't seem to have the most basic safety device in the front seats—a head restraint.

—Jon Linkov

See Consumer Reports' coverage of the 2009 Detroit auto show.

Addendum 1/20/09: In response to Freeman Thomas, director of Ford's Strategic Concepts Group:

Thanks for the comment and clarifying the head-restraint function.
 
As you can see in these images, the driver¹s head-restraint was not deployed when the vehicle was on stage. In fact, going through our photos from the event, we find the driver's head rest was retracted in each image. On closer examination, we also do not see a seat belt in use in the photos.
 
The function as described in your comment is quite clever. As vehicles address head restraint requirements, visibility is hindered in many vehicles. If head restraints are only raised when an occupant is present, it would open up much over-the-shoulder and rearview-mirror visibility.
 
However, the driver's head rest should be present at all times when the seat is occupied. After all, head restraints provide important protection against whiplash from rear-end collisions -- a very common accident type that often occurs when a vehicle is not in motion, such as when stopped on a show stage.