CLASSIC PERFORMANCES - June 2000 
by Chris Taylor

A New Tradition
The new LS is Lincoln's first performance sedan in years

You can easily become a skeptic when covering the auto industry. For every serious attempt to introduce a new car concept (the original Ford Taurus) you get the endless number of Cadillac Cimmerons littering the landscape.

With that said, you can imagine my disdain when I heard that Lincoln was planning a release of "another" Euro-fighter to challenge the likes of BMW and Mercedes and help Ford's luxury nameplate reestablish itself to someone younger than the blue-hairs of the world.

With this year's introduction of the Lincoln LS, Lincoln has done much to reestablish itself as a performance luxury nameplate. Throughout its history, Lincoln has had several forays into performance-focused automobiles.

To produce a totally new car required focusing on customer wants and desires. Lincoln's research confirmed that buyers in this segment want value, quality and performance incorporated into a modern visual design.

The body reflects these requirements. The smooth flowing lines won't be mistaken for a fashion statement but still display a feeling of stability and understated importance.

Its clean dechromed appearance and detail elements from the distinctive Lincoln grill and pronounced alloy wheels stress functionality instead of frivolous expression.

Lincoln adapted Ford's newest platform (shared with the Jaguar S-type) to created a balanced ride regardless of the speed and road conditions. Its fully independent suspension and nearly perfect weight distribution give the car a stable ride.

Performance is a key part of the LS's appeal. Configured with either a V-6 with manual transmission (the first manual offered in a Lincoln since 1952) or V-8 with the SelectShift automatic transmission, drivers can select the options which better correspond to their specific needs. The optional AdvanceTrak stability enhancement, a featured developed on Formula One racetracks, monitors driver input against vehicle responses to control brake distribution and vehicle stability. When used in combination with the standard four wheel disc brakes and ABS, the LS makes the driving experience safer in real-world maneuvering.

The LS's safety features include reinforced roof side rails, steel side-door beams, front crumple zones, and front and side impact air bags. Even the fuel tank has protective measures with an inertia switch which stops fuel delivery in the event of a major collision.

The interior design continues the theme of understated elegance. Space is plentiful and instruments are thoughtfully designed and placed accessibly to the driver. The front seating is designed to reduce vibration and the combination of manual and power adjustments give the occupant an almost endless variety of seating positions. An optional audiophile-grade Alpine stereo system includes an equalization selector to optimize sound quality for all seating positions.

The designers at Lincoln have introduced a great all-around performer in the LS. With its European flavor and performance, it should give car buyers a reason to shop American.

Chris Taylor (christaylor@lanereport.com) is managing director of The Lane Report and an auto enthusiast.

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