• HOME
• 
• AUTO LISTINGS
• 
• FINANCE
• 
• NEWS
• 
• DIRECTORY
• 
• REVIEWS
• 
• FORUM
• 
• BLOG
• 

2003 Lincoln LS V8 Road Test

A True Hot-Rod Lincoln

When Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airman sang about a hot rod Lincoln back in the 70s, they could never have imagined that in 2003 the Lincoln LS would still be "settin the pace". And according to Lincoln, that pace is quicker than that of a BMW 540i.

Not only is Lincoln claiming pink-slip rights over the German benchmark, the domestic luxury maker is also claiming superior handling to the world renowned Bavarian. With advertising like that, what could a skeptical auto journalist do but book out the LS V8 and go BMW hunting.

Although there was no opportunity to square-off against any Bavarian metal, my ability to give the four-door American icon a good workout wasnt impeded. One stab of the gas pedal confirmed that this is not your fathers Lincoln, nor your uncles or anyone elses that might prefer comfort over performance. This is a purpose-built performance sedan designed for the exec that has outgrown his 5-liter Mustang and now seeks prestige, comfort and get-up-and-go in a four-door package.

Slipping behind the wheel of the LS and cranking the key that breathes life into the 3.9 liter V8 is exhilarating for the first time. My mind raced with anticipation as I awaited the rumble of all eight-cylinders coming to life. But hold everything, this is a Lincoln?! There is no rumble, only the very quiet operation of a well-muted engine and exhaust system. That is, of course, until the tachometer reads 4,000 or better and my foot was glued to the floor. As Commander Cody so eloquently put it, "thats all there is and there aint no more."

And when there aint no more, the Variable Valve Timing will

Still "settin the pace", Lincoln claims the LS V8 is faster and handles better than the BMW 540i. (Photo: Lincoln)

ensure that every last ounce of horsepower is being squeezed from the 4-valve per cylinder, fuel injected Lincoln power plant. Along with that horsepower comes an ear-pleasing un-Lincoln-like growl.

For 2003, Ford redesigned more than 500 components and systems in the Lincoln LS in an effort to meet or beat the performance thresholds set by the BMW 5 Series. Again, according to Lincoln advertising the 03 LS is faster than the BMW 540i and better handling. After a couple of weeks behind the wheel, it lends credibility to those claims.

Although most of the redesigns applied to engine and suspension components, many applied to interior and exterior changes. For instance, the new model features twice as much stowage, sophisticated new trim materials (including real wood) and optional features such as heated and cooled seats. Depending on the setting, warm or cool air is emitted through the perforated leather seat cushion and seat backs of both front seats. This is a feature that I became rather smitten with in a hurry.

Although air-conditioning can effectively cool a human seated before the vents, cool air enveloping ones backside and thoracic area is the automotive equivalent to a refreshing dip in a cool stream. In fact, the sensation is comparable to that of sitting in a puddle, well so Im told. However when the

This isnt your fathers Lincoln, the LS V8 is all about performance over comfort. (Photo: Lincoln)

setting is switched to "heat," the same perforations emit a warm flow of air that can only be likened to a warm bath, or warm puddle, but lets not go there.

It would take a fairly keen eye to identify the interior design changes for 2003. Overall, the interior design is very functional, sporty and appealing. A comprehensive set of gauges is boldly positioned beneath a half-round hood. They are easy to read at a glance and are nicely illuminated during the evening. A center stack of controls, including a combination audio/navigation screen, flow smoothly downward and blend with the center console.

Page:  1  2  3  4

AUTOMOBILE REVIEWS BY MAKE

Acura  Audi   Bentley   BMW   Buick   Cadillac   Chevrolet   Chrysler   Daewoo   Dodge   Eagle   Ferrari   Ford   Geo   GMC   Honda   Hummer   Hyundai   Infiniti   Isuzu   Jaguar   Jeep   Kia   Lamborghini   Lexus   Lincoln   Lotus   Maserati   Mazda   Mercedes-Benz   Mercury   MINI   Mitsubishi   Nissan   Oldsmobile   Plymouth   Pontiac   Porsche   Saab   Saturn   Scion   Subaru   Suzuki   Toyota   Volkswagen   Volvo