Lincoln LS
Lincoln LS | |
---|---|
![]() 2000-2002 Lincoln LS | |
Overview | |
Manufacturer | Lincoln Motor Company(Ford Motor Company) |
Production | 1999–2006 |
Model years | 2000–2006 |
Assembly | Wixom, Michigan,U.S. |
Designer | Helmuth Schrader (1995) |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Mid-sizeLuxury car(E-segment/executive car) |
Body style | 4-door sedan |
Layout | FR layout |
Platform | Ford DEW98 platform |
Related | Ford Thunderbird Jaguar S-Type Jaguar XF |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 3.0 LJaguar AJ / (Ford Duratec)V6(gasoline) 3.9 LJaguar AJV8(gasoline) |
Transmission | 2000–2002Getrag 2215-speedmanual 2000–2002Ford 5R55N5-speedautomatic 2003–2006Ford 5R55S5-speedautomaticw/ SelectShift |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 114.5 in (2,908 mm) |
Length | 2000–2005: 193.9 in (4,925 mm) 2006: 194.3 in (4,935 mm) |
Width | 73.2 in (1,859 mm) |
Height | 2000–2002: 57.2 in (1,453 mm) 2003–2006: 56.1 in (1,425 mm) |
Curb weight | 3,692 lb (1,675 kg) |
Chronology | |
Successor | Lincoln MKZandLincoln MKS |
TheLincoln LSis a four-door, five-passenger luxury sedan manufactured and marketed byFord'sLincolndivision over a single generation from 1999 until 2006. Introduced in June 1999 for the 2000 model year, the LS featuredrear-wheel driveand near 50/50weight distribution[1]and was available with aV8orV6,the latter initially offered with amanual transmission.The LS aimed to provide a blend of luxury and sport to attract a new generation of buyers to the Lincoln brand.
The LS shared theFord DEW98 platformwith theJaguar S-Typeand theFord Thunderbird.Trim levels ranged from the base V6 model to the Special Edition V8 LSE trims in 2004, with revised front and rear fascia, taillights and foglights, and front grille.
LS models were manufactured atFord'sWixom Assembly Plantuntil production ended on April 3, 2006, and the plant was idled as part of Ford'sThe Way Forward.Approximately 262,900 were manufactured, including 2,331 with manual transmissions and 1,500 LSE editions.[2]
2000–2002
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b9/2001_Lincoln_LS_--_NHTSA.jpg/220px-2001_Lincoln_LS_--_NHTSA.jpg)
In 1999, the LS debuted as Lincoln's first rear-wheel drive sport luxury sedan for the 2000 model year, under the influence of the newly establishedPremier Automotive Group.
Lincoln originally intended to market the sedan in two versions, theLS6and theLS8,the names reflecting their respective engine layouts.Toyota'sLexusdivision noted concern about the potential name confusion with itsLexus LSfull-size luxury sedan, and Lincoln ended up using only the name "LS".[3]At the same time, Ford threatened a lawsuit regarding the Toyota T150 concept, arguing that the name was too close to that of theF150,so Toyota changed the name of their pickup truck to theTundra.
In designing the LS to be competitive in its segment, the LS' German-born chief designer, said of the car, "In a segment defined and dominated by BMW and Mercedes, the car had to have a functional, no-nonsense look. This redefines the Lincoln brand, but we still had to make sure it was recognizable as a member of the same family as theTown Car,Continental,Mark VIII,and theNavigator."[4]The LS featured understated exterior and interior styling.
Leather seating surfaces were standard, and the steering wheel could be wood or leather-wrapped, with the interior featuring wood accents. Standard features included power windows, power door locks with keyless entry, power heated mirrors, automatic headlights, air conditioning with automatic climate control, cruise control, and an AM/FM cassette radio. Available options included a six-disc in-dash CD changer (only accessible through the glove box initially; changed on later models), a power moonroof, and a universal garage door opener.
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/86/02LSDash.jpg/220px-02LSDash.jpg)
The LS shared platforms and equipment with the Jaguar S-Type. TheDEW98platform usedindependentdouble wishbone(short-long arm; SLA) front and rear suspensions and a 114.5-inch (2,910 mm) wheelbase. Four-wheelantilockdisc brakes were standard. The optionaltraction control systemwas marketed as Ford'sAdvanceTrac.Numerous suspension components, as well as the hood, decklid, and front fenders, werealuminum.The LS came with standard 16-inch alloy wheels, while 17-inch wheels were available through an optional sport package. The sport package for an extra $1,000 included a stiffer suspension, 17-inch wheels, and manual shift capability for the automatic transmission. The battery of the LS was located in the spare tire well in the car's trunk.
The base LS had an all-aluminum 3.0 LDOHCV6 was a variant of theJaguar AJ-V6 engine.Optional was an all-aluminum 3.9 L DOHC V8, a shorter-stroke variant of the Jaguar 4.0 LAJ-26V8. Both engines required premium-grade gasoline. Ford's5R55Sfive-speed automatic transmission with an optional manual shift ability calledSelectShiftwas standard with either engine. In contrast, aGetrag 221five-speedmanual transmissionwas available for V6-equipped LS models when equipped with an optional sport package. Automatic transmission-equipped cars featured a 3.58:1 rear-axle ratio, while manual transmission-equipped versions had a 3.07:1 rear-axle ratio. Lincoln stopped production of the manual-transmission model LS after 2,331 were manufactured.
The powertrain control module in 2000 through 2002 automatic transmission models with theSelectShiftoption was initially programmed to prevent launching in first gear; i.e., the car would default to a second gear launch.[citation needed]A first-gear launch was available by depressing the throttle by more than 60%.[citation needed]Second-gear launches were programmed to meetEPAfuel economy regulations. For the 2003 model year, first-gear launches were programmed into the transmission, reflecting revised fuel economy regulations.[citation needed]
In 2002, the LSE (Limited Special Edition) package was introduced in V6 and V8 versions, with a revised fascia including round fog lamp openings and a special metallic grille treatment, with enlarged lower body rocker panels, special wheels, and twin dual-exhaust tailpipes. Also for 2002, V6-equipped LS models gained 10 hp (7.5 kW) and 10 lb⋅ft (14 N⋅m) of torque.
Years | Model | Engine | Power | Torque | Fuel Economy, City/Hwy | Transmission |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2000–2001 | LS V6 | 2,967 cc (3 L; 181 cu in)Jaguar AJV6 | 210 hp (157 kW) @ 6500 rpm | 205 lb⋅ft (278 N⋅m) @ 4750 rpm | 18 mpg‑US(13 L/100 km; 22 mpg‑imp) / 25 mpg‑US(9.4 L/100 km; 30 mpg‑imp) | Getrag 221 manual & 5R55N automatic |
2002 | LS V6 | 2,967 cc (3 L; 181 cu in)Jaguar AJV6 | 220 hp (164 kW) @ 6400 rpm | 215 lb⋅ft (292 N⋅m) @ 4800 rpm | 18 mpg‑US(13 L/100 km; 22 mpg‑imp) / 25 mpg‑US(9.4 L/100 km; 30 mpg‑imp) | Getrag 221 manual & 5R55N automatic |
2000–2002 | LS V8 | 3,934 cc (3.9 L; 240.1 cu in)Jaguar AJ-V8 | 252 hp (188 kW) @ 6100 rpm | 267 lb⋅ft (362 N⋅m) @ 4300 rpm | 17 mpg‑US(14 L/100 km; 20 mpg‑imp) / 23 mpg‑US(10 L/100 km; 28 mpg‑imp) | 5R55N automatic |
2003–2006
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0b/2004_Lincoln_LS_--_NHTSA.jpg/220px-2004_Lincoln_LS_--_NHTSA.jpg)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/69/Lincoln_LS_2006_2.jpg/220px-Lincoln_LS_2006_2.jpg)
The LS received a refresh for 2003, coinciding with Lincoln's then-new "Travel Well" ad campaign. The exterior receivedHIDheadlamps (optional) and a revised trunk lid with revised taillights.
Both available engines received a boost in power and torque, as well as slightly improved fuel efficiency. The 3.0 L DOHC V6 with which the LS was introduced now featuredcontinuously variable intake cam timing,improvedvariable-length intake runners,and electronic"drive-by-wire"throttle control (which replaced the traditional mechanical cable-linked throttle control system used previously). The optional 3.9 L DOHCV8introducedvariable exhaust-valve timing.[5]Due to its upgraded design, the 3.9 L V8 now produced over 87% of its peak torque output at only 2000 rpm, thus cars equipped with the V8 could now accelerate from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) in around 6.5 seconds.[6]
Other revisions included an electronic push-buttonparking brake(similar to that of theBMW E657 Series), replacing the center console-mounted hand lever (or foot pedal), a touchscreen DVD satellite navigation map system, and an industry-first, 10-speakerTHX-certified sound system. LSE versions were also available in the 2004 and 2005 model years, with uniquefascia,unique 17-inch wheels, all-red taillights, a color-keyed grille, unique floormats, and additional wood paneling in the interior.[7]
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bc/06LSV8.jpg/220px-06LSV8.jpg)
Early LS models had a mechanical engine cooling fan operated with a hydraulic pump because the electrical charging system had insufficient capacity to power an electric fan effectively. However, a revisedalternatorenabled the implementation of an electric fan for the 2003 through 2006 models.
The 2003 to 2006 GPS navigation system uses aDVD playermounted in the trunk (under the package tray) to contain the map data.
For 2006, the LS received exterior revision similar to the LSE fascia trim from previous model years. The V6-powered model was dropped from the lineup. The base MSRP increased from $32,370 in 2004 to $39,285.
Years | Model | Engine | Power | Torque | Fuel Economy, City/Hwy | Transmission |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2003–2005 | LS V6 | 2,967 cc (3.0 L; 181.1 cu in)Jaguar AJV6 | 232 hp (173 kW) @ 6750 rpm | 220 lb⋅ft (298 N⋅m) @ 4500 rpm | 20 mpg‑US(12 L/100 km; 24 mpg‑imp) / 26 mpg‑US(9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg‑imp) | 5R55S automatic |
2003–2006 | LS V8 | 3,934 cc (3.9 L; 240.1 cu in)Jaguar AJ-V8 | 280 hp (209 kW) @ 6000 rpm | 286 lb⋅ft (388 N⋅m) @ 4000 rpm | 18 mpg‑US(13 L/100 km; 22 mpg‑imp) / 25 mpg‑US(9.4 L/100 km; 30 mpg‑imp) | 5R55S automatic |
Reception
[edit]The Lincoln LS was namedMotor Trend'sCar of the Yearfor 2000 and was also nominated for theNorth American Car of the Yearaward. Road tests byMotor TrendandCar and Driverfound that a V8-equipped LS could accelerate from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) in the low seven-second range, while V6 models were up to two seconds slower in the same test, while driving dynamics were impressive considering that Lincoln's other offerings were weak in this regard compared to luxury imports. The LS was touted for its value as a sport sedan since it undercut other mid-size luxury (E-segment/executive car) offerings from German and Japanese marques; the LS V8 was priced similarly to six-cylinder-equipped versions of theBMW 5 SeriesandLexus GS.While larger and roomier, the LS was also less refined than its competitors in terms of interior quality and handling.[8]Some reviewers lamented Lincoln's choice to discontinue the LS after just one generation rather than release a second generation to keep the LS nameplate competitive.[9]
Safety
[edit]The Lincoln LS has received very high marks in occupant protection. TheInsurance Institute for Highway Safetyhas rated the LS as a "Best Pick" with a perfect score in their frontal offset crash test. TheNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrationgave the LS almost perfect scores in its front impact, side-impact and rollover tests.[10]TheCNBCrated the LS as “one of the five safest cars of all time.”
Sales
[edit]Calendar year | American sales |
---|---|
1999[11] | 26,368 |
2000 | 51,039 |
2001[12] | 39,787 |
2002[13] | 39,775 |
2003 | 33,581 |
2004[14] | 27,066 |
2005 | 19,109 |
2006[15] | 8,797 |
Milestones
[edit]- 1999 Lincoln introduced the LS as a 2000 model.
- 2000Motor Trendmagazine named the LS “Car of the Year”.
- 2001 LS earned double five-star frontal safety ratings from the federal government.
- 2003 More than 500 revisions, including a power increase, design, and interior changes.
- 2004 LS earned a “Best Pick” safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
- 2006 LS production ended in April after 262,900 were built over 7 years.
References
[edit]- ^"Lincoln LS".Edmunds.2010-08-11.Retrieved2011-08-01.
- ^"Lincoln LS run will end".LeftLaneNews.April 3, 2006.
- ^Wardlaw, Christian (January 1, 1999)."Stars, Stripes and a Healthy Dose of Das Vaterland".Edmunds.Archived fromthe originalon August 25, 2008.RetrievedNovember 8,2020.
- ^Phelan, Mark (September 1998). "Lincoln LS: Ford's car du jour".Automotive Industries Magazine.
- ^"Modular Gasoline Engine Family Delivers Performance, Flexibility".Ford Media(Press release). Ford Motor Company. November 5, 2002. Archived fromthe originalon May 25, 2011.
- ^"Exceptional Performance of New Lincoln LS Makes A Splash in Ad Campaign".Ford Media(Press release). Ford Motor Company. March 28, 2003. Archived fromthe originalon May 25, 2011.
- ^"Lincoln to Unveil New LSE Sedan at Division's Top Sales Dealership".Ford Media(Press release). July 29, 2003. Archived fromthe originalon May 25, 2011.RetrievedNovember 8,2020.
- ^Paul, Rik (2 November 1999)."Lincoln LS VS. BMW 528I VS. Lexus GS 300 - Fast, Affordable Sport Sedans".motortrend.Retrieved4 February2024.
- ^"2005 Lincoln LS Review".edmunds.Retrieved4 February2024.
- ^"2002 LINCOLN LS 4 DR | NHTSA".nhtsa.gov.Retrieved2024-05-24.
- ^"Ford Motor Company Sets New Full Year U.S. Sales Record".Theautochannel.Retrieved2009-04-28.
- ^"Ford Motor Company 2001 sales"(Press release). January 3, 2002.[permanent dead link]
- ^"Ford's F-Series Truck Caps 22nd Year in a Row as America's Best-Selling Vehicle With a December Sales Record".Theautochannel.2004-11-17.Retrieved2009-04-28.
- ^"Ford Achieves First Car Sales Increase Since 1999".Theautochannel. 2004-11-17.Retrieved2009-04-28.
- ^"Ford Motor Company 2007 sales".January 3, 2008. Archived fromthe originalon February 12, 2009.
External links
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Lincoln LS(archived)