A True Hot-Rod Lincoln
When Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airman sang about a hot rod Lincoln back in the '70s, they could never have imagined that in 2003 the Lincoln LS would still be "settin' the pace". And according to Lincoln, that pace is quicker than that of a BMW 540i.
Not only is Lincoln claiming pink-slip rights over the German benchmark, the domestic luxury maker is also claiming superior handling to the world renowned Bavarian. With advertising like that, what could a skeptical auto journalist do but book out the LS V8 and go BMW hunting.
Although there was no opportunity to square-off against any Bavarian metal, my ability to give the four-door American icon a good workout wasn't impeded. One stab of the gas pedal confirmed that this is not your father's Lincoln, nor your uncle's or anyone else's that might prefer comfort over performance. This is a purpose-built performance sedan designed for the exec that has outgrown his 5-liter Mustang and now seeks prestige, comfort and get-up-and-go in a four-door package.
Slipping behind the wheel of the LS and cranking the key that breathes life into the 3.9 liter V8 is exhilarating for the first time. My mind raced with anticipation as I awaited the rumble of all eight-cylinders coming to life. But hold everything, this is a Lincoln?! There is no rumble, only the very quiet operation of a well-muted engine and exhaust system. That is of course until the tachometer reads 4000 or better and my foot was glued to the floor. As Commander Cody so eloquently put it, "that's all there is and there ain't no more."
And when there ain't no more, the Variable Valve Timing will ensure that every last ounce of horsepower is being squeezed from the 4-valve per cylinder, fuel injected Lincoln power plant. Along with that horsepower comes an ear-pleasing un-Lincoln-like growl.
When Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airman sang about a hot rod Lincoln back in the '70s, they could never have imagined that in 2003 the Lincoln LS would still be "settin' the pace". And according to Lincoln, that pace is quicker than that of a BMW 540i.
 |
| Still "settin' the pace", Lincoln claims the LS V8 is faster and handles better than the BMW 540i. (Photo: Ford Motors) |
Although there was no opportunity to square-off against any Bavarian metal, my ability to give the four-door American icon a good workout wasn't impeded. One stab of the gas pedal confirmed that this is not your father's Lincoln, nor your uncle's or anyone else's that might prefer comfort over performance. This is a purpose-built performance sedan designed for the exec that has outgrown his 5-liter Mustang and now seeks prestige, comfort and get-up-and-go in a four-door package.
 |
| This isn't your father's Lincoln, the LS V8 is all about performance over comfort. (Photo: Ford Motors) |
And when there ain't no more, the Variable Valve Timing will ensure that every last ounce of horsepower is being squeezed from the 4-valve per cylinder, fuel injected Lincoln power plant. Along with that horsepower comes an ear-pleasing un-Lincoln-like growl.