Lincoln Motors is looking to separate itself a bit from its Ford owner. The company is starting to produce a line-up of new, independently designed and engineered vehicles.

Lincoln plans to add a compact, front-drive car and/or crossover. There also is talk that a car based on the next-generation European Ford Mondeo could be added to the lineup.

For Lincoln to succeed, analysts say, it's critical that product planners separate Lincoln's design, power trains, and technology from those of the Ford brand. Lincoln will get features such as active noise cancellation and adaptive suspensions.

Lincoln has given…