"Swooping through hairpins," in a Lincoln you ask? You bet I confidently reply. The LS was recognized as a superb handling sports sedan from day one. Fast forward to the 2003 LS V8, Sport or Premium Sport model, and you'll have seated yourself in the cockpit of a razor-sharp handling sedan that attaches itself to the roadway like the painted center-line.
Acceleration and tenacious handling are the two main attributes to this hot rod Lincoln. The 280-horses generated by the potent V8 come to work early and stay late, meaning the torque is there whenever required. This isn't an engine that only puts out when nearing redline or runs out of breath in the same zone. Its powerband is very flat and linear. Acceleration doesn't peak and valley as it does in many cars that claim lots of horsepower.
Also if not properly transmitted to the wheels through the well spaced gear ratios, the engine's power and torque can be severely compromised. Not so in the LS. The engineers have found gear-ratio nirvana, with first arriving and departing in a blur, at which point second gear kicks in and maintains the thrill-ride briefly before third gear takes the reins without missing a beat. As a general observation, I would say the LS gear ratios feel on the low side; when most cars are still winding out first gear, the Lincoln is likely well into second gear and on its way to third. Such gear ratio manipulation is one of the benefits of a five-speed transmission. The extra gear or two enable engineers to maximize acceleration without compromising highway fuel efficiency.
The LS automatic transmission can be shifted manually in the Sequential Sport Shift mode, which functions smoothly and switches gears quickly. I did however note some hesitation when reapplying the gas after stopping or slowing for a tight turn. I couldn't detect whether the engine was letting me down momentarily or the transmission was having a moment of indecisiveness. Either way, this detraction from the overall solid performance of the drivetrain was a minor irritation.
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| The 2003 Lincoln LS V8 280-hp engine provides ample torque whenever it's needed. (Photo: Ford Motors) |
Also if not properly transmitted to the wheels through the well spaced gear ratios, the engine's power and torque can be severely compromised. Not so in the LS. The engineers have found gear-ratio nirvana, with first arriving and departing in a blur, at which point second gear kicks in and maintains the thrill-ride briefly before third gear takes the reins without missing a beat. As a general observation, I would say the LS gear ratios feel on the low side; when most cars are still winding out first gear, the Lincoln is likely well into second gear and on its way to third. Such gear ratio manipulation is one of the benefits of a five-speed transmission. The extra gear or two enable engineers to maximize acceleration without compromising highway fuel efficiency.
The LS automatic transmission can be shifted manually in the Sequential Sport Shift mode, which functions smoothly and switches gears quickly. I did however note some hesitation when reapplying the gas after stopping or slowing for a tight turn. I couldn't detect whether the engine was letting me down momentarily or the transmission was having a moment of indecisiveness. Either way, this detraction from the overall solid performance of the drivetrain was a minor irritation.