Here’s the problem with releasing a concept: more often than not, people expect you to build it. So when a source tells you that a showcar doesn’t have a shot at production, many assume it’s been killed. Unless, that is, it was never going to come to market in the first place.

Such is the case with the fetching Lincoln Concept C, originally shown at the Detroit Auto Show in 2009.

Ford Inside News reports that the Concept C has been axed, but the truth is, it was never confirmed for production in the first place. Instead, Lincoln’s three-year plan includes seven all-new or “significantly refreshed” models, one of which will sport a diminutive footprint. But is it a C-segment vehicle? Sorta.

Rather than rework a sedan/hatch based on the Ford Focus platform – something Lincoln is shying away from as it attempts to move away from the badge-engineering game – our source tells us that Lincoln’s previously announced C-segment entrant is likely to be a compact CUV based off the new Escape platform with a reworked stance and a different seating setup. And if our tea leaves are in order, we’d expect to see some kind of concept version within the next year, likely sporting a hybrid-electric drivetrain.

Lincoln’s small car isn’t dead… it never really existed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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