The Lincoln LS (for "Luxury Sport") was a mid-size, rear wheel drive entry-level luxury car from Lincoln. It shared the Ford DEW98 platform with the Jaguar S-Type and Ford Thunderbird. It competed with the BMW 3 Series, Lexus ES, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Acura TL, Infiniti I35 and Cadillac CTS. LS versions were originally to be dubbed LS6 and LS8 depending on engine choice, but those designations were replaced with "LS V6" and "LS V8", to avoid confusion with Lexus nameplate trademarks. The car is, however, usually referred to as simply the LS.
The LS was introduced in early 1999 as a 2000 model year vehicle, in part as the successor for the Lincoln Mark VIII coupe. It was the first Lincoln in decades to offer an optional manual transmission. With its available V8 power, rear wheel drive, and near 50/50 weight distribution, the LS was an attractive alternative to European and Japanese sports sedans.
Prices for the LS for the 2000 to 2004 model years ranged from just under $30,000 for a base V6 model in 1999, to around $45,000 for fully equipped Special Edition V8 LSE trims in 2004. In 2005 and 2006, prices ranged from $39,945 for a base V8 model to $49,100 for a top-of-the-line V8 LS. Elimination of the entry level V6 version produced the pricing level changes for 2006, moving the LS from the entry-level luxury segment to the mid-level luxury segment, effectively changing its closest competitors to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Cadillac STS, BMW 5-Series, Infiniti M45, Acura RL and Lexus GS.
Production of the LS ended on April 3, 2006. All Lincoln LS models were manufactured at Ford's Wixom Assembly Plant which will be idled in 2007, as part of The Way Forward. About 262,900 LS models were built. [1]
Contents [hide]
1 2000 - 2002
2 2003 - 2006
3 Safety
4 Milestones
5 Trivia
6 External links
[edit] 2000 - 2002
2002 Lincoln LSThe LS debuted with a 3.0L V6 and optional 3.9 L V8. The 3.0 L V6 was a variant of the Ford Duratec 30 engine, and was available with either a manual or automatic transmission (both 5-speed; with automatic transmissions having a manual-shift option). The 3.9 L V8 engine was an all-aluminum variation of the 4.0 L Jaguar AJ-V8 engine. The LS was named Motor Trend's Car of the Year in its debut, and was nominated for the North American Car of the Year award as well. Because of its sporting nature and driver's appeal, the LS garnered a great deal of interest among enthusiasts, resulting in the formation of several online clubs dedicated to the car.
In 2002, the LSE (Special Edition) package was introduced in V6 and V8 versions, with a revised facia including round fog lamp openings and a special metallic grille treatment, and with enlarged lower body rocker panels, all red taillights, special wheels, and twin-dual exhaust tailpipes.
Years Trim levels Engine type Displacement Power Transmission length/width/wheelbase
2000–2002 LS V6 Ford Duratec V6 3.0 L 210 hp Manual & Automatic 193.9"/73.2"/114.5"
2000–2002 LS V8 Jaguar AJ-V8 3.9 L 252 hp Automatic 193.9"/73.2"/114.5"
[edit] 2003 - 2006