Its rigidity comes via a fully boxed, hydroformed frame that is 70% stiffer torsionally and 67% stiffer in vertical bending. Rack and pinion steering, an updated 4-wheel independent air suspension and meaty P255/70R18 Michelin Cross Terrain tires on 7-spoke alloy rims are additional reasons behind its ride and handling improvements - H-speed rated P275/65/HR18 Michelin Pilot LTX tires mounted on 8-spoke chromed aluminum "Euroflange" wheels are optional. To improve handling even more, Lincoln offers an optional stability enhancement and traction control system called AdvanceTrac.
The Navigator's ABS equipped 4-wheel disc brakes perform well, even in the wet. A new dual-rate brake booster provides "panic assist" in emergency situations, literally taking over braking if it senses the driver isn't applying the pedal hard enough, necessary to fully engage the ABS system. Also, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) evenly distributes braking force to all wheels with traction, making best use of each tire's contact patch. Larger rotors and improved twin-piston front calipers help the braking system to reduce stopping distance by 14% over last year's Navigator.
Its sophisticated 4WD system is said to even grip ice but none was present during my test week. Still there was plenty of rain, and the Lincoln performed flawlessly. My test vehicle was equipped with the ControlTrac four-wheel drive system offering four electronically selectable drive modes, including automatic 4-wheel drive (A4WD), 4-wheel drive "high" (4H), 4-wheel drive "low" (4L) and 2-wheel drive "high" (2H), all self explanatory. When ControlTrac is paired with the AdvanceTrac stability enhancement and traction control system, only one wheel needs traction to get the Navigator underway.
The Navigator's ABS equipped 4-wheel disc brakes perform well, even in the wet. A new dual-rate brake booster provides "panic assist" in emergency situations, literally taking over braking if it senses the driver isn't applying the pedal hard enough, necessary to fully engage the ABS system. Also, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) evenly distributes braking force to all wheels with traction, making best use of each tire's contact patch. Larger rotors and improved twin-piston front calipers help the braking system to reduce stopping distance by 14% over last year's Navigator.
Its sophisticated 4WD system is said to even grip ice but none was present during my test week. Still there was plenty of rain, and the Lincoln performed flawlessly. My test vehicle was equipped with the ControlTrac four-wheel drive system offering four electronically selectable drive modes, including automatic 4-wheel drive (A4WD), 4-wheel drive "high" (4H), 4-wheel drive "low" (4L) and 2-wheel drive "high" (2H), all self explanatory. When ControlTrac is paired with the AdvanceTrac stability enhancement and traction control system, only one wheel needs traction to get the Navigator underway.