Global Vehicles

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December 2002
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Lincoln upgrades LS

Lincoln fortified the 2003 LS with luxury appointments aimed at making the sharp-handling car as quiet and comfortable as its competitors.

Though the Lincoln LS debuted in model year 2000, it is already being upgraded to stay competitive in the fiercely fought entry-luxury segment. The LS earned immediate respect for its handling prowess, but Lincoln aims to enhance its luxury appeal to fortify its position against stalwart entries by Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.

The result is a pair of more powerful and efficient engines, speed-sensitive rack and pinion steering, and upgraded details inside and out. To the dismay of enthusiasts, the optional five-speed manual gearbox, previously available with the V6 engine, has been dropped after accounting for less than 1% of LS sales; the Ford 5R55N five-speed automatic is the only available transmission.

Variable valve timing and throttle-by-wire systems contribute to improved performance and efficiency for both available engines. The 3.0-L, DOHC V6 climbs to 232 hp (173 kW) and 220 lb•ft (298 N•m)—increases of 12 hp (9 kW) and 5 lb•ft (7 N•m)—while boosting EPA city fuel economy by 2 mpg to 20 and highway economy 1 mpg to 26. The 3.9-L, DOHC V8 muscles up to 280 hp (209 kW) and 286 lb•ft (388 N•m)—increases of 28 hp (21 kW) and 19 lb•ft (26 N•m)—while trimming fuel thirst by 1 mpg in both city and highway ratings for scores of 18 and 25 mpg.

The V6 engine benefits from a two-stage variable intake manifold, while the V8 employs a new four-into-two-into-one stainless steel exhaust header design. An oil-pressure-actuated mechanism can advance or retard cam timing by 47° on the V6 and 48° on the V8, and can switch from fully advanced to fully retarded in 300 ms.

Lincoln targeted engine noise by reducing high-frequency sounds while emphasizing the more pleasant low-frequency noise. The timing chain on the V8 is a new smaller pitch design and is muffled by a new cover to reduce noise from the source. Both engines have new mounts, and the new Denso alternator and ZF power steering pump are quieter than the previous units; the Denso alternator, for example, is 10 dB. Nobody enjoys the whine of an alternator generating power, so a quieter unit enhances the Lincoln's luxury experience.

Lincoln claims that the map for its throttle-by-wire system is the first to account for gear ratios and final drive ratios when setting throttle position in response to the accelerator pedal. The result is said to be a system that regulates power to the rear wheels rather than power to the flywheel.

Lincoln refined the LS' ride without dulling its sharp handling. The new ZF Servotronic II steering rack is stiffer than the previous unit and has 40% less internal friction. Meanwhile, low-speed power assist has been increased for easier parking.

Larger, twin-tube Monroe shock absorbers provide better body control for a better ride, and Lincoln trimmed front spring rates by 10%, also to improve the car's ride. A new front anti-sway bar and bushings react to lateral force more quickly for improved steering response.

A touch-screen display for the new Denso navigation system and Visteon stereo dominates the satin-nickel-finished center stack of the LS.

The V6 receives P225/55VR16 Continental ContiTouringContact tires as standard equipment, while the V8 uses P235/50VR17 Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 tires. The TRW-supplied four-wheel disk brakes include a brake-assist feature to help slice distance off panic stops. Front calipers on all cars are aluminum two-piston units, while the single-piston rear calipers are iron on the V6 and aluminum on the V8.

The AdvanceTrac stability control system developed by Continental Teves provides all-speed traction control using both the throttle and the brakes. Lincoln forecasts 60% of LS buyers will choose the optional system, which uses seven different sensors to monitor steering wheel angle, throttle position, vehicle speed, and yaw rate. The latest iteration of the system improves on the ability to reduce understeer, which can improve steering response on slippery surfaces.

First-hand tests of the LS showed the system to intrude on the driver's intent very minimally in sporty highway driving. A lower-speed cone course revealed substantial intervention by the AdvanceTrac system, but only under circumstances that wouldn't occur in real life, so typical drivers will probably never notice the system at work.

Although the LS enjoys a stiff structure—24 Hz in bending mode and 29 Hz in torsion—Lincoln engineers did find details that could be tweaked to improve NVH characteristics. Analysis with laser measuring devices traced a booming sound to the front door panels. Attaching 0.5-lb (0.2-kg) weights to the inside of the door skins changed the resonance frequency and eliminated the noise. A redesigned instrument panel mat and new carpeting help muffle noise better, and cabin sealing around the windows is improved by 20%. Despite these improvements, the sound-deadening package weighs 20 lb (9 kg) less than in the original LS.

Denso provides the optional navigation system. The Visteon-supplied stereo employs THX technology developed by Star Wars filmmaker George Lucas. The 10-speaker system includes an AM/FM receiver and six-disk CD changer mounted in the dash. A 265-W amplifier powers the door-mounted speakers and separate 32-W amplifiers drive each of the subwoofers mounted in the rear package shelf.

- Dan Carney

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