Lincoln Aims LS Series at International Market
8 April 1998
Beyond the Borders: Lincoln Goes Global With New LS Series
NEW YORK, April 8 -- With an eye toward the expanding
international luxury market, Ford Motor Company today unveiled the
2000 model year Lincoln LS, a distinctly American interpretation of an
internationally sized driver's car.
"The Lincoln LS series is designed to travel beyond the borders -- beyond
the design borders, beyond the geographical borders and beyond the
psychological borders -- that Lincoln has traditionally operated within," said
Jac Nasser, president of Ford Automotive Operations.
The all-new LS platform is designed with the technical features of other
successful cars in this global league -- rear-wheel-drive, four-wheel
independent suspension, a choice of 4-valve overhead camshaft engines and
three transmissions, all-speed traction and yaw control, and antilock brakes.
The latest safety technologies, including front-seat, side-airbags and dual
front-mounted air bags are standard equipment.
"We expect that most LS sales at the outset will be in North America to
drivers who want an animated luxury sport sedan. However, LS is sized right
and equipped right to be at home on the European autobahn or Japanese
kosokudoro as well," said Nasser.
After debuting in North America in early 1999, the LS series will appear
in more than thirty markets, including Europe and Japan. Both right-hand
drive and left-hand drive versions will be available at public introduction.
"We announced earlier this year that the passage into the 21st century for
Lincoln would be directed from its new headquarters now under development in
Southern California," said Nasser. "The LS will confidently negotiate the San
Diego freeway as easily as the parking lot of our new Irvine headquarters,"
said Nasser.
Lincoln LS6 and LS8
As the model names LS6 and LS8 suggest, LS comes equipped with either a
V-6 or V-8 engine and three transmission choices. Both cars offer
electronically controlled five-speed automatics, with the additional choice of
a dual gate SelectShift(TM) with manual override. And, for the first time in
a modern Lincoln, the LS6 offers a five-speed manual. Unlike some other
so-called manually shifting automatic transmissions, the LS SelectShift will
hold the driver-selected gear right up to the tachometer redline where a
computerized fuel shut-off prevents over-revving.
Technically oriented drivers will appreciate the near-ideal front-to-rear
weight distribution of LS, its optional 17-inch wheels and tires and
lightweight aircraft grade aluminum suspension pieces. Drivers who expect
luxury appointments on the inside will feel right at home in LS with its
spacious interior, thick carpeting, leather-trimmed surfaces, split fold-down
rear seats, dual automatic climate control and premium sound system.
Classic Design
A study in classic automotive proportions with an American twist, the LS
Series has a wheelbase that is long relative to its overall length. The front
overhang is comparatively short, while a low cowl line provides excellent
driver visibility over the hood. Interior and exterior design provide a
carefully considered expression of understated and casual American refinement.
"The LS design exhibits a new kind of Lincoln that appeals to a customer
looking for a complete package of performance and comfort," said Nasser.
"This sedan's proportions, along with its wide stance, visually reinforce the
fact that this car is solid and inspiring to drive."
External design cues include the signature Lincoln vertical grille,
classic dual round headlights and prominent taillamps, while the fenders and
quarter panels are sculpted over and around the wheels to accentuate the car's
aggressive profile.
LS joins the popular Navigator and the redesigned Continental and Town Car
in Lincoln's line-up. These four distinct vehicles are deliberately sized and
tuned to appeal to four different types of buyers, while maintaining a family
resemblance. However, unlike the more traditional Lincoln sedan offerings, LS
is intended to attract younger buyers who are considering their first luxury
car after owning a mid-size domestic or imported sedan. Domestic luxury coupe
owners might also consider the convenience of four doors on the LS.
Refined Performance
Two new all-aluminum double-overhead camshaft engines power Lincoln LS6
and Lincoln LS8 -- a 3.0-liter, 24-valve V-6 and a 3.9-liter, 32-valve V-8.
In addition, for the first time in a modern Lincoln, the LS6 is mated with a
five-speed, close-ratio manual transmission. Both the LS6 and LS8 offer an
electronic five-speed automatic with overdrive, or an available dual gate
manual SelectShift that gives the driver the best of both worlds.
A rigid body structure provides a solid foundation for the fully
independent short-long arm (SLA) front suspension and patent-pending
independent SLA rear suspension. The all-new four-wheel disc, power-assisted
brake system delivers confident stops. It incorporates an antilock braking
system (ABS) for electronic brake force (EBD) to provide optimum balance
between the front and rear brakes. The rack-and-pinion steering system has
variable power assist for confidence at highway speeds, while easing low-speed
maneuvers and parking.
Confident Control
An all-new yaw control system is integrated with the antilock brake and
all-speed traction control systems to maintain vehicle stability during
extreme lateral weight transfer, such as quick turns on a challenging road,
evasive maneuvering around an obstacle or while driving on slippery surfaces.
Under these conditions, it automatically engages to correct for understeer and
oversteer.
2000 (MY) LINCOLN LS
Highlights
PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING
Engines
LS6: 3.0L 24-valve V-6
LS8: 3.9L 32-valve V-8
Both engines are all-aluminum and feature coil-on-plug ignition control
Transmissions
LS6: 5-spd close ratio manual
5-spd electronic automatic with O/D
5-spd electronic automatic with O/D and manual SelectShift(TM)
LS8: 5-spd electronic automatic with O/D
5-spd electronic automatic with O/D and manual SelectShift(TM)
Chassis
* Short/long-term arm independent front and rear with aluminum control
arms
* All-speed traction and yaw control
Wheels/Tires
LS6: 16" silver aluminum 9-spoke wheels; P215/60HR16 BSW all-season tires
LS8: 16" brushed aluminum 5-spoke wheels; P215/6OVR16 BSW all-season
tires
Optional Sport Package will be available, including:
* 17" silver brushed aluminum wheels
* P235/50VR17 BSW tires
* Sport-tuned suspension
Brakes
* Standard antilock braking system (ABS)
* Large diameter rotors
* Dual piston aluminum calipers
* Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) equalizes front/rear braking
Steering
Variable-assist rack and pinion
SAFETY AND SECURITY
* Driver/front passenger side air bags and next generation front air bags
* Auto door locks when transmission is moved out of park or reverse, or
when parking brake is off (manual)
* Encrypted SecuriLock(TM) system
* Perimeter anti-theft system
* Remote Emergency Satellite Cellular Unit (RESCU(TM)) -- U.S. LS8 only
COMFORT AND CONVENENCE
* 8-way heated power seats with lumbar support
* 60/40 split folding rear seats
* Memory seats/mirrors/steering column
* Dual automatic temperature control
* Rear heat/AC ducts
* Alpine audiophile stereo sound system
SOURCE Lincoln-Mercury Division
