Over the next 12 to 18 months Lincoln will launch a new MKX as well as a replacement for its MKS large sedan. Beyond these, the upmarket Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F] division has confirmed that two additional models will be added to its lineup before 2020. While we’ve speculated on what these two new models might be, The Truth About Cars is reporting that Lincoln is set to receive a new crossover based on rear-wheel-drive underpinnings.

According to the report, the new crossover will be twinned by Ford’s next-generation Explorer. This suggests that the Lincoln crossover will end up being a replacement for the MKT, the current generation of which is based on the front-wheel-drive D4 platform of the current Explorer.

Apparently Ford is keen to revert to a rear-wheel-drive platform (with available all-wheel drive) for its next Explorer to improve its performance and hopefully entice more police fleets around the country into buying it. The new platform should also serve as a way of differentiating the next Explorer and new Lincoln crossover from the respective Edge and MKX models.

Interestingly, we’ve also heard that the next Explorer might feature an aluminum body, similar to what Ford has done for its latest F-150 pickup. If this is the case it’s likely the Lincoln will also get the lightweight treatment.

Stay tuned for an update.

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