By Steven D. Gatt, Automotive Editor
In an unfortunate sign of our times where bigger is better, the Mark VIII you see here is probably the last generation for this rear-drive luxury coupe. The market for full-sized luxury coupes has shriveled in the past few years. Baby boomers are looking for more space and utility in their vehicles; the dramatic rise in the popularity of sport-utility vehicles is a direct testament to this.
Ford hasn't officially announced the end of production for the Mark VIII. Rumors coming from the Ford Wixom Plant, where the Mark VIII is built, confirm that the Mark VIII will end production in November, 1998. The worst part of the decision is that this generation is the best ever. Lincoln even redesigned the headlights, grille and taillamps in an effort to increase sales but they have continued to slide.
During the redesign, Lincoln also added a significant amount of lighting technology. The headlights are high intensity discharge with clear lenses and a compound reflector design. The new design provides 2.7 times the amount light of a halogen bulb making it easier to see at night; it also beams a wider pattern across the road. The taillamps now feature a single neon tube the length of the trunk lid. This neon tube is not only brighter but lights up quicker when the brakes are applied. Other new lighting technology features include 'puddle lights' that are activated via the keyless entry system and provide lighting on the ground along the length of the door.
Lincoln makes two different versions of the Mark VIII: the regular
Mark or the LSC that has a tighter suspension and increased horsepower.
The 4.6L V8 found in the Mark VIII is the original application
of this modular engine from Ford. This engine is now found in
many Ford products including the Mustang, Thunderbird, Expedition
and F-Series trucks.
The suspension and 290 hp engine make the Mark VIII LSC a quick car for its size; it weights 3,642 lbs. Even with the taut suspension the ride is still smooth and comfortable for the long drive. The exhaust and engine note are both excellent sounds that can only come from a V8.
The interior has also been slightly revised with new wood-like accents and many other minor improvements including a quieter running ventilation fan. Overall, the interior is very comfortable and rear seat passengers have a decent amount of room considering it is a coupe. A minor complaint from front seat passengers was that the radio and ventilation controls were too oriented toward the driver. The Mark VIII also featured a multi-function trip computer and driver memory system. The only option on the evaluated vehicle was a trunk mounted CD changer.
Safety systems on the Mark VIII include anti-lock brakes, dual airbags and traction control. Base price for an LSC is $38,880. Add in the optional CD changer and destination rings up a total price-as-tested of $40,220. Other vehicles in this class include the Cadillac Eldorado Touring Coupe and the Lexus SC 400. The Lincoln Mark VIII LSC is a great car. Too bad it's on the endangered species list.