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Lincoln Continental presents luxury bargain with more assets
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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BIG SUR, Calif. -- Continental, Lincoln's courtly full-size sedan, emerged two model-years back in a new generational edition decorated with elegant yet understated exterior styling and a luxurious interior lined in leather.
Continental carried a muscular V8 engine that pitched it in direct competition with other luxury sedans.
It also stocked every conceivable safety system, plus sophisticated mechanical hardware which enabled the Lincoln to perform agile moves through dips and curves.
Its techno-electronic wizardry extended beyond a dazzling electronic display of instruments in the revamped dashboard to a computer-based command system capable of remembering and regulating driver preferences for steering and suspension settings, seat and steering wheel positions, even adjustments to mirrors, radio dials and cabin lighting.
And an optional communications device -- dubbed RESCU, for Remote Emergency Satellite Cellular Unit -- can pinpoint this vehicle's earthly location and summon help when asked.
Notes from one tester's introductory drives in the 1995 Continental reveal that while it handled itself well whether navigating straight freeway stretches or contorted mountain roads, such accomplishments came with entry prices tagged well above the lofty mark of $40,000, which sent Continental into the elite range.
For a 1997 update of Continental, Lincoln's marketeers added new standard equipment, such as a safety-oriented traction control system, then took the radical step of paring the price by a substantial amount -- up to $4,500.
Continental's bottom line drops to $37,280 this year, which makes it stand apart as perhaps the only new car in the full-size luxury class available with equipment added but cost reduced.
Such dramatic changes in price and equipment warrant another inspection to rethink this Lincoln's position.
Experience behind Continental's wheel occurred during an extended road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco, with the circuitous route following California freeways as well as twisty 2-lane roads like Highway 1 that hugs the high coastal cliffs through breathtaking Big Sur.
At speed on multi-lane slabs Continental plowed a smooth and quiet course, as you might expect such a large and heavy sedan to do. Seats felt uncommonly comfortable, and the entire passenger compartment seemed pleasantly isolated from the noise of passing freeway traffic and those nagging thump-thump interruptions of tires traversing lumpy pavement seams.
Where Continental behaved with unusual flair occurred when steering a tightly wound course wrapped through the coastal mountains -- for a big car, it can perform awesome maneuvers around curves, holding a steady line with little body roll and almost no protest from tires.
Continental's powertrain also impresses.
The all-aluminum 4.6-liter V8 engine, with dual-cam configuration and 32 valves, features sequential port electronic fuel injection and an output of 260 horsepower.
An electronic 4-speed transaxle with non-synchronous overdrive and lockup torque converter shifts quietly and effortlessly, rarely intruding on driver patterns.
The 4-wheel road-calibrated suspension with front struts and rear SLA produces a responsive -- but still luxurious -- ride quality. Quality selections of firm/normal/plush put the driver in control for cushy or even sporty driving styles.
Variable-assist power steering responds quickly to driver's input and returns equally fast to center.
Continental's big disc brakes tie to electronic anti-lock action, and the now-standard traction control system uses engine torque reduction and brake pedal pressure to enhance car control on all surfaces.
In a parking lot, the Lincoln stands apart from other designs with understated styling cues.
It looks round and smooth and modern, as the eye focuses on bright chrome of the grille. A raked windshield and slinky side panels combine to convey an aggressive stance with wedge-like profile and fat tires pushed to edges of a broad rectangular plan.
Where the Lincoln exceeds competitors occurs inside the spacious cabin. It swamps you in luxury, with plush leather seating, power everything, conveniences positioned at every angle and a superior level of interior quietness.
One of Continental's few options concerns front seat configuration. Standard are sporty twin buckets with center-mount gear shifter and console with armrest that flips to reveal an optional cellular phone, but a no-charge alternate brings a 3-person bench with column-mounted shift lever and fold-out armrest concealing a cellular telephone.
The rear bench easily seats three adults. One tester spent time back there to judge ride quality and found comfortable space for long legs and tall torso.
The computer-based command system which controls all aspects of performance and comfort becomes another bonus.
Buttons mounted on driver's door bring commands for first and second drivers. Punch button one and you set preferences for seat position, steering wheel attitude, internal and external mirrors and various ride functions, plus a favorite radio setting.
A second driver may create similar preferences by using the second button.
Then, whenever you slip behind the steering wheel simply tap your designated button and the car automatically adjusts everything the way you prefer.
Other luxury cars also provide pre-set controls but Continental's system goes well beyond seat positioning. It regulates steering with firm, normal and easy effort choices and manages the suspension system with ride quality selections from soft to solid.
Also controlled are positions for exterior mirrors, intensity of instrument lighting, automatic door locking, timing for exit lighting, and more. The list of choices is long, but the effect is like having a magical genie on-board to attend to your desires.
The RESCU package of communications equipment, tied to global positioning satellites and a hands-free cellular phone, lists for an additional $2,245 with fancy JBL audio system included -- but even adding that hardware holds Continental's bottom line below $40,000 and makes this the year's bargain in the full-size class of luxury sedans.
1997 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 1997 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL Specs |
| Description: |
Full-size luxury sedan |
| Model Options: |
Full-size luxury sedan |
| Wheelbase: |
109.0 inches |
| Overall Length: |
206.3 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 4.6-L V8
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| Transmission: |
Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
Front |
| Braking: |
Power 4-disc/ABS/TCS |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
17/25 mpg |
| Price: |
$ 37,280 |
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