OFFICIAL: 2017 Lincoln Continental Gets $45,485 MSRP, Pre-Orders Open Now

UPDATE: Other sites seem to have received some additional information from dealers. It has been added below the jump.

Those looking to put down money on one of the most storied nameplates in Lincoln’s history will have to shell out $45,485, which includes destination and delivery, for the privilege.

For that near-as-makes-no-difference $50,000, Lincoln will build you a Continental Premiere with a 3.7-liter V6 engine that sends power to the front wheels.

According to Lincoln spokesperson Stephane Cesareo, and counter to a recent report by CarsDirect, the Lincoln Continental will not launch with cash incentives. Instead, Lincoln will offer the vehicle with its typical financing deal of 1.9% APR up to 60 months.

The Continental is “a very important vehicle for us, a very important vehicle for Lincoln,” Cesareo said in a phone call with TTAC. A high level of interest from customers has garnered 40,000 hand-raisers for the car, he said. Not quite Tesla Model 3 levels of interest, but phenomenally healthy for any Lincoln introduced in the last 15 to 20 years.

Lincoln’s newest sedan debuted in concept guise last year to massive intrigue after intense speculation from the automotive press. The automaker followed up the concept with the reveal of a production version this past January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

More detailed pricing information for the Continental will be available later today, and dealers can take pre-orders for the Continental starting today. The first production run should arrive at dealers toward the end of Q3 2016.

The Ignition Blog is reporting that Continentals powered by the optional 400-horsepower, 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 can be priced up to a “staggering $72,000 with every option checked.” We will know for sure later today.

The same site is also stating that “the first 1,500 to place an order will receive a limited-edition, framed rendering of Continental that has been signed by Lincoln Design Director David Woodhouse.”

This is the first time I’ve heard of David Woodhouse, but I’m sure he’s a nice guy with excellent penmanship.