If the Navigator is the beef, then the LS is the brie in Lincoln’s recipe for redefining itself and updating its product line with models that appeal to buyers who are younger and hipper than those who queue up to purchase a Town Car.
Prices start at $31,450 for the V6 with a 5-speed, $32,250 for the V6 with an automatic and $35,225 for the V8 and automatic transmission.
The LS, as well as the Navigator, is a magnet for a new kind of Lincoln customer, one that is likely to be in the 30 to 50 age group, Internet savvy and likely to be moving up from an imported car such as a Camry or Accord. Dealerships will have to take a new approach to selling these folks.
To accomplish that will take massive changes in the Lincoln corporate culture. To that end, Lincoln took over Treasure Island, near San Francisco, in April. For three weeks 125 people completely transformed old airplane hangars into multilevel, high-tech displays, called Exploriums, that were used to train 3,000 top executives from Lincoln dealerships. The 18-day, multimillion dollar program was a daylong series of lectures, videos and test drives that taught them why the LS is special. On 13 different test tracks they sampled the LS and compared it to many of its imported competitors.
Lincoln describes the car responsible for all of this training as a “watershed” vehicle it intends to sell around the world. According to officials, the Euro-inspired LS marries “superb driving dynamics” with “contemporary American luxury” in a front-engine, rear-drive configuration. Under its tightly tailored skin lies many of the same mechanical components found in the S-Type Jaguar (also owned by Ford). Although the company downplayed the commonality, about 40 to 45 percent of the parts are shared. Lincoln execs explained that everything you can “see, touch, feel or smell” is unique to the Lincoln.
The same engine/chassis combination will be used for the new Thunderbird, and perhaps even the next-generation Mustang.
Automotive writers were given an abbreviated tour of the Treasure Island facility during the launch, but our driving included a trip into Northern California where we put the LS and many of its competitors through their paces on a small club racetrack.
At this venue the LS gave its overseas competitors a real challenge. Young engineers, many from Ford Motor Company’s racing involvement with CART and Formula One, were selected to work on the LS program, and as a result the car handles impeccably.
Four-wheel, anti-lock disc brakes and traction control are crucial to keeping all four wheels in constant contact with the road. An optional stability enhancement system ($725) applies one or more brakes to correct slides and keep the car heading where it is supposed to. While this system is most beneficial in snow or rain, it does come into play on dry pavement at times, too.
About the size of a BMW 5-series or Lexus GS 300, the LS rides on a 114.5-inch wheelbase, has a fully independent suspension and comes with either a 3.0-liter, Duratec V6 or a 3.9-liter, dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) V8. The engines, different from those in the Jag, put out 210 and 252 horsepower respectively. The V6 is available with a 5-speed manual transmission for driving enthusiasts. The sport package of 17-inch wheels, harder brake pads, quicker steering and high-performance tires is standard with the V6 manual and optional ($1,000) on the other models.
The twisting two-lanes of the Napa Valley were ideal roads to show off the ride and handling. I spent a lot of time in a V6 equipped with the 5-speed Getrag transmission, a German unit also used by BMW. It doesn’t shift quite as sweetly as the BMW, but feels precise and direct. Lincoln expects only about 5 percent of buyers to pick this combination. Because of its near-perfect 50/50 front/rear weight distribution, the V6 5-speed feels well balanced in turns.
The 3.0-liter Duratec engin is the same one used in the Taurus, but now it is mounted longitudinally instead of transversely. Engineers say changing the mounting direction required considerable redesign work which resulted in more power and better drivability. Acceleration to 60 mph takes about 9 seconds.
Real driving enthusiasts are likely to prefer this combination because the manual gearbox enables them to have better control for fast driving. This is the first Lincoln to be offered with a manual transmission since 1951.
The all-aluminum V8, related to the 4.0-liter V8 used in the Jaguar XK8, idles smoothly and accelerates authoritatively from all speeds. Its mid-range power makes it the best partner for the new 5-speed automatic transmission, which can also be specified with an optional SelectShift feature that allows the driver to shift the transmission manually.
In terms of daily drivability and satisfaction, the V8 is probably the engine of choice for most buyers, and Lincoln expects about 70 percent of sales to be this combination.
From a comfort perspective, the interior of the LS is understated and simple, much like what one would expect of a German sedan. Heating, cooling and stereo are all grouped into a center console that is easy to reach and even easier to use because it has wide, flat buttons and knobs.
Attention to detail is evident throughout:
Achieving the near 50/50 weight distribution required mounting the battery in the trunk, and it is placed on the right side of the vehicle to partially offset the driver’s weight. The cooler trunk environment also improves battery life.
The driveshaft is a two-piece unit with a center bearing for enhanced smoothness. Each piece of the shaft is balanced to reduce vibration at high speeds.
Seat cushions have linear stitching patterns for better looks and more comfort.
Dual-thickness, sound-deadening steel panels are used in strategic locations to reduce engine and road noise.
Has Lincoln delivered on its promise to develop a world-class luxury touring sedan? Based on first impressions at the product launch, I would say yes. Understated styling, great road holding and energetic engines, all delivered at a reasonable price, add up to a successful formula.
Price
The base price of the V6, 5-speed is $31,450.
Warranty
Four years or 50,000 miles.
To get in touch with Tom Strongman call 234-4349 or e-mail: strongmn@kcstar.com.
There is no At A Glance box because this is a preview drive. Final assessments will be made when a regular production model is available.
SPECIFICATIONS:
ENGINE: 3.0-liter V6
TRANSMISSION: 5-speed
CONFIGURATION: Rear-wheel drive
WHEELBASE: 114.5 inches
CURB WEIGHT: 3,598 lbs.
BASE PRICE: $31,450
PRICE AS DRIVEN: not available
MPG RATING: 18 city, 25 hwy.
