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2007 Lincoln Mark LT Road Test

A Pickup Truck for Black Tie Cowboys

Many are not aware that Lincoln all but single handedly created the domestic luxury SUV market with its pioneering Navigator. When Fords luxury brand released the big F-150-based sport utility six years ago it hit the market hot! Now Lincoln has done the same with the luxury pickup truck segment. Luxury pickup truck segment?

Yes, if you dont live in Alberta or Texas you might not realize that there actually are such things as luxury pickup trucks. Fords created it when Lincoln hit the market in 2001 with the ill-fated model-year 2002 Blackwood, but really, it sold even worse than Subarus Baja and was killed off after only a single model year so it hardly counts as a real contender. OK, GM fans will

Ideal luxury workhorse is changing the way pickup trucks are perceived. (Photo: Larry Cornwell, American Auto Press)

counter that Cadillacs Escalade EXT also came out in MY 2002, and therefore can lay claim to being an initiator in this segment. Being that it sells pretty well, its also proven that find well-heeled buyers will opt for luxury pickups if they deliver on traditional truck values and, in the case of the EXT, greater occupant/cargo flexibility.

Just consider that despite being down a bit this year, over the past ten years the traditional pickup truck

The 2002 Lincoln Blackwood joined Cadillacs Escalade EXT in initiating the luxury brand pickup trend. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

segment has doubled in sales volume from 1.1 million units to 2.3 million annually. Its easy to see that theres plenty of room for something truly unique, which is where the new LT fits in. How does it compare with the Caddy?  Well, side by side with the EXT, and the Blackwood for that matter, this luxury liner is actually a fully capable pickup truck.

And with more high-end luxury boats being launched on lakes across the country everyday, the arrival of the 2007 Lincoln Mark LT might just be timed perfectly. The new truck aims to please, with luxurious

The LTs interior is a little more dapper than the average F-150. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

comforts and work truck abilities. One of the first things that I noticed was how refined it is. From the drivers seat you are faced with a leather covered instrument hood, accented by fine stitching. Underneath this focal point are clear gauges and instruments surrounded by chrome rings. The center stack area that houses climate control and the stereo is elegantly designed. Although the style of the Mark LT is virtually identical to the Ford F150 (due to both being built on the same platform), the LT is more refined than the top model Ford. Once inside, the lightly colored, great smelling soft leather instantly relates that this is no ordinary pickup.

Most controls are within easy reach

The LT looks pretty classy from behind. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

either by way of the center stack or via buttons on the steering wheel. Still, not is all perfect with regards to switchgear. The turn signal, in particular, had an angle that was too upright. This, along with the levers smooth profile, caused my fingers to slip by it several times, and forced me to make exaggerated reaches. Another annoying tidbit concerning controls had to do with its steering wheel mounted volume switch. Instead of placing it on the left side of the steering wheel, its placed on the right. When placed on the right, it only saves drivers from having to move their right hand about an inch from the steering wheel. Considering that most drivers rest their right hand on the center console or gear-shift lever anyway (not that were recommending they do -

You cant get a spray-in bedliner, but you can order your LT with a carpeted bed. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

Ed.), the most convenient and logical placement is on the left side. I know, I know, its a tiny matter, but when you think about it, putting the volume control on the right side is like placing two volume controls side by side.
The one thing that surprised me, however, is that Lincolns truck doesnt come with a factory-installed spray-in bed liner. And yes, I know, trucks like the Mark LT are not expected to be used for work, but rather are bought for play. On the other hand, if a buyer does decide to do some work, it would be nice to have that bed liner in place, and come to think of it, ATVs, dirt bikes and the apparatus for fifth-wheels can scratch a bed as easily as work gear can. Lincoln might want to reconsider this, especially considering that some other full-size trucks costing less than the Lincoln come with spray-in bed liners standard.

On the positive, the

No shortage of power makes for spirited highway cruising. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

Mark LT is built on a stable, hydroformed frame that forms a closed "box" section. Unlike traditional "C" frame rail designs, the Mark LTs frame has increased stiffness and stronger attachment points. Thats right, stronger attachment points, as in for trailer hitches. And speaking of trailer hitches, the Mark LT comes with a class four hitch standard.

At the heart of it all is the Lincoln Mark LTs 5.4-liter Triton V8 that produces 300 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 365 pound-feet of torque at 3,750 rpm. The big V8 has a three valve per cylinder design that enhances power and torque in conjunction with an advanced electronic throttle control system that improves power response and modulation. This helps improve the Mark LTs strength for towing. The engine also has ample low-end torque to provide seamless, instant response and consistent transmission shift quality. This consistent, smooth and responsive low-end torque works well at various altitudes and under different loads.

Together with

But really, in this class it comes down to how much can you tow. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

the smooth and powerful drivetrain, the LTs softer, smoother suspension is set up to handled rough gravel or poorly paved roads better than the typical pickup, and better than I expected.

Last but not least, Lincoln wanted to make sure that the LT covered both ends of the spectrum better than its competition. First the Lincoln covers the luxury end with a quiet, premium interior. Lincoln then made sure that its new pickup had good work-truck credentials by giving it a class leading maximum towing limit. For example the recently updated 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXTs 6.2-liter V8 produces a more impressive 403 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque, however, when it comes to maximum towing limits the Lincoln Mark LTs top rating of 8,900 pounds, in 4x2 trim beats the of 7,600 lb max rating of the EXT. Even with optional four-wheel drive it bests the EXT by 1,000 lbs, with an 8,600 lb max tow rating.

In the end, if you are the type to wear a black Stetson hat, shiny black riding boots and a Tuxedo complemented with a string tie to a formal event, the new Lincoln Mark LT might just be for you.

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