In the 40-odd years since its inception,
Lincoln's Mark series has come to represent the marriage of driver-pampering
luxury and potent sport coupe road prowess.
When it was introduced in 1993, Lincoln's current incarnation, the Mark
VIII, continued that tradition--from the plush, landed-gentry refinement
of its cabin to its highway-gobbling 280-hp V8 engine.
Now, with a host of new features, restyled body panels, a new interior
and some technological advances, the Mark VIII has once again topped itself.
Where do we begin? Let's start with the Mark's innovative new lighting
system, including High-Density Discharge headlamps that deliver 2.7 times
more reflective light than standard lamps--meaning the driver sees things
easier and sooner. And the Mark VIII's use of a neon tube taillamp system--an
industry first that was pioneered in the Ford Explorer--allows following
drivers to significantly reduce their stopping distance.
In addition, Lincoln designers have replaced the Mark's plastic hood
with an aluminum one, enlarged the grille, modified the exhaust tips, and
added new front and rear fascias, along with new quarter panels. There's
more. The trademark rear-end tire hump, recalling the first Continental
of 1940, is now more subtle, and six new hues have been added to the color
chart.
The Mark's interior has also been redesigned, with several new touches--a
power-tilt steering column with memory, burled-walnut door trim, power-adjusted
lumbar-support, luxury instrument panel, and leather-trimmed armrests.
Two trim levels are offered--the standard Mark VIII and the sportier
LSC (Luxury Sport Coupe). The hue of our LSC test model was dubbed Opal
Opalascent. In less poetic English, it was a handsomely creamy off-white.
Our LSC tester's base price was $38,880. It came equipped with several
options: A $1515 power moonroof, a $670 trunk-mounted CD changer, a $300
tri-coat paint treatment, $290 heated seats and two no-charge options--front
floor mats and electronic traction assist. The $670 destination charge
boosted the total cost to $42,325. next page