chicagotribune.com's view

Lincoln Mark VII LSC. A very good car got even better with the additionof a more powerful 200 horsepower 5-liter V-8 to replace the 180 horsepower 5-liter of a year ago. The engine basically is the same as in the Mustang GT.

The beauty of the LSC is that you have two cars wrapped up into one.

The first is a loaded luxury model with all the creature features, fromair conditioning to power steering/brakes/door locks/windows, standard. Ifonly it had two more doors. But then, Ford insists that it must offer a two-door Mark VII and four-door Continental. The LSC is built on a 108-inchwheelbase and is 202.8 inches overall. Though roomy, it still makes forcumbersome rear seat entry and exit with two doors.

The second is a sporty model. With the rather peppy fuel-injected 5-liter teamed with overdrive automatic, performance is above average for what appearsto be a mere luxury car. In mid-1987, an even peppier 220 horsepower 5-literengine will be added.

But the LSC goes beyond off-the-light or zero-to-60 power. The LSCfeatures a special handling suspension package with electronic automaticleveling control, nitrogen gas-pressurized shock absorbers in the rear andnitrogen pressurized struts up front, stabilizer bars front and rear and powersteering.

You get total road control–precise handling, sure cornering without lots of body sway, firm but not stiff ride, an overall nimbleness usually reserved for smaller, lighter weight cars sporting fancy decals, wire wheels and front air dams.

LSC also offers four-wheel anti-lock braking standard. That means youstop quickly with the nose pointing in the same direction as when you hit the binders despite a road full of rain, snow, mud or other obstacles such as wet leaves.

Though the base price is a hefty $23,980, the LSC accounts for three ofevery four Mark VII sales. Perhaps consumers are becoming aware of how goodthis car is; perhaps Cadillac owners have switched until the GM divisionstarts building cars that don`t look like Olds 98s and aren`t priced likeMercedes 300 models; or perhaps yuppies tiring of BMWs and finding the MercurySable in short supply are being won over.

Only one complaint. Would the designer who came up with the slide-outcoffee cup holder in the center console remove the moveable inner plastic ringthat allows the cup to gently swing, and spill, on corners?