Car Gazing
Lincoln LS has distinct European flavor
By Derek Price
Judging from the new LS sedan, Lincoln learned
something simple but profound.
A new generation of Americans wants to buy American
luxury cars that don't feel American. Rather than the stereotypical
marshmallowy, boat-like feel of big Lincolns and Cadillacs, they
want cars that feel European – tight, fast and precise.
That's exactly what the new LS portrays, a distinct
departure from the stodgy feel of its big brother, Town Car. It
corners like a slot car and has a responsive throttle, precise steering
and even is available with a manual transmission.
It's also highly refined. Highway trips are smooth
and quiet, as bumps and potholes are softened nearly as well as
in the road yachts. It has plenty of power with a 3.9-liter V8,
but you wouldn't know it from the dead silence when you turn the
key.
And, like any Lincoln, it's luxurious. Consider:
- Power bucket seats are covered in supple leather
that rivals the best from Europe.
- A memory driver's seat, standard on the V8, can
accommodate three different seating, steering wheel and mirror positions.
- Optional heated front seats are available, and
theater-style seating provides better visibility for rear-seat passengers
while creating extra room under the vehicle for a larger fuel tank.
- An electronic message center allows drivers to
access vehicle information, including maintenance requirements and
fuel economy. It even tells you how far you can drive before needing
to fill 'er up.
- A dual-zone climate control system filters the
incoming air. Lincoln claims it keeps out more than 90 percent of
dust, pollen and other particles.
- Windshield wipers activate automatically when
they detect moisture on the windshield.
The real hallmark of the LS, though, is its performance.
It has sportscar-like 50/50 weight distribution that improves
breaking and handling at the limit. Like in Mazda's Miata roadster,
the battery is mounted in the trunk to help balance the weight
perfectly.
Steering is very precise and communicative, although
it can feel a bit heavy at slower speeds. It has speed-sensitive
steering that provides more help at slow speeds for easy maneuverability
and less resistance at high speeds for a sporty feel.
The V8 engine is a sweet, silent powerplant –
at least with the doors closed. It produces a mountain of torque
at low RPM and keeps pulling to the redline to make a peak 252
horsepower, perfect for spirited driving. The standard LS comes
with a 215-horsepower V6, also a nice choice for its performance
and refinement.
Styling is understated and elegant, with clear
influence from the BMW 5-series in its front end. A classy split
grille with taut, creasing lines looks blatantly European to mirror
the car's handling and performance. Its rear is too bland, though,
to fit with the subtle athletic look of the rest of the vehicle.
Headlamps are integrated into the body surface,
and the fog lamps have a complex reflector design that helps improve
visibility in poor weather. The dual exhaust pipes curve down
at each lower rear corner and are concealed by the rear bumper
fascia.
The interior is a showpiece of style and quality,
as panels and controls feel tight and well-constructed. Burl walnut
veneer and a long, flowing center console give it a warm, inviting
look.
Overall, the LS is a clear winner as it appeals
to younger customers without alienating its incredibly loyal,
yet aging, Town Car buyers.
Way to go, Lincoln.
(Derek Price is a newspaper editor and freelance writer living in Texas.
Contact him at dprice@cargazingonline.com)
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