Driving Impressions

The Mark VIII is quiet. To reduce engine noise, Lincoln's engineers positioned the air-intake system away from the passenger cabin. They also used generous amounts of body insulation and sealing. The 4.6-liter V8 engine on the standard Mark VIII delivers 280 horsepower and 285 pound-feet of torque. It comes with four valves per cylinder (32 valves) and double overhead-cams (four cams). A slightly more powerful version of the same engine is used in the LSC that puts out 290 horsepower. That power provided a burly burst of acceleration in all situations, from standing starts to critical highway-passing scenarios. In cruise mode, it was smooth and quiet. Lincoln's engineers extended tune-up intervals to 100,000 miles with a coil-on-plug ignition system; each spark plug has its own coil. When tackling sharp corners or freeway on-ramps, the Mark VIII provided impressive handling capabilities for such a large car. The speed-sensitive variable-assist power steering offered precise control. A four-wheel independent suspension with computer-controlled air springs automatically adjust for changes in the load, while gas-pressurized shocks with integral rebound springs help keep the car taut. Large front and rear anti-roll bars reduce body lean in corners. The LSC comes with even larger front and rear anti-roll bars for flatter cornering response. We found our LSC impressively nimble when along the twisty roads in Detroit's fittingly tony northern suburbs. Lincoln's Mark VIII uses a rear-wheel-drive layout, and the all-speed electronic traction control system reduces wheelspin in slippery conditions.

Final Word

The Mark VIII competes in a luxury sport-coupe market that includes the Cadillac Eldorado and the Lexus SC 400. It's a niche where designers are always on the lookout to steal customers away from one another with a synergy of elegant styling, graceful luxury and sport-performance engine muscle.