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However, the luggage capacity is marginal for four adults. Due to the hinge design, we had to switch from hard suitcases to smaller, duffle or gym bag styles to pack around these obstacles. We still ended up with small bags in the passenger compartment. We did try to minimize the stuff we took, but without brow beating my wife and our guests we could not reduce any more.
I have been very complimentary of the LS in the few posts I have made here, but I feel that shortcomings should be discussed to be fair to potential LS buyers. This site was a factor in my decision to buy Lincoln.
I still love the LS for two or three passenger excursions, but the next time I take four people I will rent a larger car.
The corvette ZR-1 (1990-1995) never offered an automatic transmission. GM built a total of 6,939 ZR-1's, all of which were equipped with the ZF S6-40, a joint design from Chevy's Manual Transmission Group and ZF.
My favorite car that I have owned still remains my 89 SHO 5 speed. I have a 99 SHO now, and had a 95 Tbird but the 89 was the most fun because of the stick and handling.
If its government cert. costs that killed the manual, than we need to write the government and tell them to make the certification process less costly. Ford already has the transmission, so what's the big deal for them to make it and sell it?
Perhaps "halfs-heimers" atarted setting in on my 40th B-day a few months ago. :-( ???
Well if anyone wants a manual LS I just spotted one at local dealer....a 2001 in pearl with 10k miles on it.
Why do some continue to believe they are holding some big secrets. My dealer gave me a preliminary 03 brochure a month ago. I posted the changes and new features a month ago. Get over it. You've lost your "power"
NEW FOR 03
275 HP V8 with variable cam timing
Keyless entry keypad
DVD navigation system
THX certified stereo. (stupid item)
Gen III communication system
Electronic brake assist
HID headlamps
Improved interior storage
Rest assured that some of information is INCORRECT and the rest is a far cry from being complete.
The LLSOC members that attended the Mania 3 ARE NOT on a "power" trip as you seem to think. We simply gave our word to Lincoln that we would not divulge specifics prior to their timetable. Sorry if you just "don't get it."
Rest assured that some of information is INCORRECT and the rest is a far cry from being complete.>>>>>
Well if there is missing or INCORRECT information Lincoln sure did waste the money printing it in new brochures for their dealers. Maybe just think the information you sworn to secret dudes were given has changed. How long has it been? 6 months? 8 months?
Convertible.
5 Speed Manual
4 wheel drive
lots of attention! I love the LS but I get more looks (than I ever got before) when I am in the Jeep, with the top down, cruisin along (Wranglers with 33" tires are not very quick)
I love my toy on the weekends but work is where I need the LS.
The people who attended Mania 3 made a promise to not publicly reveal what they were shown, and they are keeping that promise. It has nothing to do with "power", and everything to do with personal integrity.
Only one of us needs to "get over it". I simply responded to a posted request, and that's all I have to say on this particular matter.
JLinc, LLSOC charter member
Your reply was more like a flame. You said I posted incomplete and innacurate information. I replied I posted facts from a just released brochure. You got your Mania info a half a year ago. You don't have anything else to say because I called you on your outdated facts.
I guess that this info on the '03 MY. is Top Secret and we all will have to wait to find out the real truth when the car makes it's way to our local showroom floor.
Peace
Please get YOUR facts straight . . . johnnylinc never said your information was innacurate . . . I DID! Those people that attended LLSOC Mania 3 saw the '03 LS less than 24-hours AFTER the dealers did (the dealers viewed the '03 LSs in Las Vegas, LLSOC Mania 3 attendees saw then in Irvine, CA). Lincoln went way out of their way to do this for us.
Marketing brochures, especially those that DO NOT get distributed to the general public, often change, and without notice. It appears it is you with the OUTDATED FACTS (and innacurate information).
Lola you don't seem to comprehend the facts either. You attended (I guess) the big Mania event many months ago. The dealers JUST received the brochure I was given which states the new features on all 03 Lincoln models. Now how could those facts be outdated? If that's true then the Mania facts must be prehistoric.
Face it rgnmstr . . . you're just out of touch with reality.
There really isn't any point in getting into a childish back-and-forth over who has outdated facts and who doesn't. Just chill, and the info will be available to everyone when it is available.
Okay?
Pat
Sedans Host
Lincoln LS '03 changes update
New VVT timing heads for both engines; will increase power though a broader rev-range.
Revised intake manifold
5 speed Automatic gearbox with selectshift(I guess Ford didn't want to go back in time to a Prehistoric Manual Transmistion, Sorry!) Coming as a later '03 change will include C.V.T.(Constant Variable Transmistion) Which will allow the vehicals to get better gas mileage and also be faster than any Pansy Azz Manual could ever be or for that matter; No human could think or shift as fast as the CVT can.
New and improve timing chain that corrects and prevents the drone noise that was brought to Lincoln/Mercury's attention.
Updated front and rear facia for a more sportiy approach.
Chrome polished exhaust tips stick out of the rear facia now.
Keyless entry panel on the driver's side door(No more fumbling around for keys)
Increase interior storage volume.(Someone finally listened)
New headliner.
More interior color options.
(Optional)High Intensity Discharge Xenon headlamps.(It's about time they offered it.)
(Optional)THX surround sound for an incredible realistic sounding car stereo.
(Optional)DVD Navigational system(for those of you that don't know how to read a paper map)
Where is that "Offical Release" to be found?
Thanx!
You think autos are the cat's meow, don't you?
I think the jury is still out on the application of CVT's in high torque applications. There is also a limit on the ratio range unless you want to put them in series. Are there any over the road diesels with CVTs yet?
If CVTs have a torque converter, you are back to one of the weaknesses of the whole auto concept.
I'm sure when CVTs find there way into performance cars, we will see A-B testing that will tell us if this is better than a manual or the hydro-electronic trannies we have today.
Alot of the advantages of a manual over an automatic depend on driver skill. Let's face it - some drivers don't think and feel in a mechanical fashion. When I drive, I can envision gears meshing and synchro teeth meshing. I've taken apart and rebuilt MTX from Corvairs to Toyota five speeds. I've also modified two Muncies for faster shifting. The Getrags actually are slow shifters.
The magic of MTX is the control of many variables that automatics, even in Manual Mode, do not allow. One of the most important is stall speed in the torque converter, which is pretty locked in at the design stage.
With an MTX, the stall speed is contolled by the inverse relationship of the location of the left and right pedals. This is very complex for many drivers. If MTX transmissions were the only choice, our roads would be relatively uncrowded.
Driving would be almost a Darwinian function.
It will a long time before some of us gearheads will give up our stick shifts. It's like the guys who say they will give up their gun when they pry their cold dead fingers off the trigger. I like to say that driving a car with an automatic is like using a condom.
Where is that "OfficIal Release" to be found?
Thanx!
That's Audi's CVT, no idea what Ford has.
But I still prefer a foot operated clutch and shifting myself....
I can see the next Intelliseek report on the LS now. LS enthusiasts know about the 2003 LS, do not, do so, do not, do so. Who cares?
Adieu all, you will know where to find me.
Brian
Besides, I doubt many people seeking true facts about the LS will discover the LLSOC site. You are much more valuable here. We need respectful, informative posts and this is where you excel, especially since you have Lincoln's ear.
If Brian goes then the terrorists have won.
Also, the paint is looking bad on the pillar's between the front and rear doors. The service mgr said it is because of the chemical used at the car wash, not their problem. I am arguing that I am not have a problem with my wife's Lexus or my daughter's Civic.
Any advise?
I bet Brian will jump in when he is needed again and that the "spirit" of this board will continue. I also think however as an observer, that the "I know something you don't" stuff is bait for those fishing for a fight. If you are in the know, best to lay low and use the info for yourself. A full retreat to a closed forum does not provide the outlet many here seem to need (owners as well as potential owners).
I bet we see Brian's posts again when there is something worth responding too...
I asked my dealer to replace the window regulators in both rear doors according to the TSB as a preventative measure. He did. YMMV. Mention the TSB and get regional manager involved to put more pressure on.
Wackos: I don't blame Brian a bit. This BS over the last few days is pathetic. MANIA III attendees being accused of being on a power trip, when all we're doing is keeping our word to the Lincoln engineers who hosted us, allowed us to see, sit in and drool on 2 2003 LSes and who went over every new feature of the 2003 in detail with explanations of what, how and why etc. Get that from your stinking brochure. And then there's the poster who says 'I got special information and you don't. Ha Ha.' Geez, grow up. This poster in particular has a real bad azzitude and attempts to piss someone off with each of his moronic, misspelled posts. I wish he would take his toys and find another sandbox to play in.
George
Let's please ignore the three or four trolls who occasionally frequent this board. They obviously feed off the attention and contribute nothing. Probably abused children or relatives of that long departed "g" person. Brian, this is the place potential LS buyers come for advise.
hmm: Your dealer is woefully misinformed. I too
got both rear window regulators replaced before they failed. And I've had a problem with flaking on the black B-pillars also. Dealer replaced them...no questions asked. Seems Lincoln gets a "bad batch" every now and then. A talk with your Service Manager and/or a call to the regional
manager will get you the service you've paid for.
Maybe ask them for a 2003 LS catalog ;-)
This was the last interaction I had with this dealer. I switched over to a different one to replace the other window (which also went bad not too long afterwards) and, so far, have not had any problems service-wise.
Of course, this may not be the best solution to the 'less-than-attentive dealer problem' if the next nearest dealership is > 30 miles away.
I'm just glad that, for the most part, we don't have any really MAJOR gripes with the LS as some of the other makes do (BMW's flawed paint, etc.).
One of the biggest fears I had about coming back to American brands was the issue of reliability. After driving this car daily for two years it has never once failed to start when I turned the key. With the release of the LS, Lincoln has single-handedly restored my faith in the U.S. car industry's ability to compete with the best foreign manufacturers in terms of quality and reliability.
(stepping off the soap box now)
First, it seems that this country needs a refresher course in ethics. At my last job I frequently gave non-disclosure presentations about future products to customers. The last couple of years that I was there I just could not belive how many people would sign a written non-disclosure contract and then turn right around and tell everthing I just told them to the competition.
Not having attended Mania III, I've been waiting anxiously to hear what the the attendees saw and heard. However, I've not seen any reason so chide or belittle any attendee for not spilling the beans. If I had attended and agreed not to say anything until Aug 27, I would abide by that agreement even if the front page yesterday's of the NY Times printed the '03 LS specs. I admire the Mania III attendees for giving their word and sticking too it!
On the other hand, since I was able to find out most of the details on the '03 LS by other means and it's almost impossible for me to not throw a little gas on an open fire, I'll just say this rgn & dazz, you're lists are neither fully accurate nor complete.
One thing that has always distinguished this forum from several others is the civil way we have been able to discuss disagreements. I still maintain that LS owners are among the classiest bunch of people that I have had the privelege to meet.
So, anyone take a look at the picture of stanny1 at the G35 meeting?
P.S. keyrow, et al...thanks!
P.P.S. Only reason I haven't posted much lately is that there wasn't too much to discuss. Besides, didn't want to look like I was hogging the board!
Good luck!
As a Mania II and III attendee, I sincerely appreciated the the trust that the Lincoln LS team showed the LLSOC members. It has been EXTREMELY difficult not to share many of the exciting improvements scheduled for the 2003 model. And we promised Lincoln not to share anything publicly prior to the on-sale date. They stuck their necks out for us. Remember that the info they shared with us was proprietary at that time and that millions of dollars are at stake to retain a competitive advantage. If any information leaked out from us, do you think there will ever be a chance for Mania V or VI attendees to get an advance look at the 2005 models and provide input on desired improvements??? I am unaware of any other direct factory/owner relationship that should be so
valued. The Mania attendees are not only seeking to protect our promise to Lincoln, but to provide opportunities for others to share the experience in the future.
Now when I write on this forum; I do not wish to target anyone. I only state my opinions which I don't know if you live in the same country as I do which is the land of the free and free speech to boot; Not, [non-permissible content removed] Germany! Yes, I might be younger than all of you; I'm 22 years old, probualy the youngest here or for that matter to have and appreciate our beloved car. If you notice and put your bifocals on that I stand by and protect the LS from posters gripes. When I talk about other cars; can't you see that I'm in other words saying,"If you don't like the LS, get something else or quit complaining." My opinions do not hurt anyone and I usually am here to ask a question or someone's opinion. Lately, I've been seeing alot of B.S. around here and I decided to fix it. What actually happened here is that almost everyone came to their senses and will hopefully get on real topics that include our cars in a positive fashion. Now who was the actual child here; the one who writes strong gestures with obvious finger pointing or the one who just gives his opinion in the time of need?
P.S. The misspelled thing is more like an Edmunds' thing; the spellcheck doesn't work that well and I don't want to look in the Webster's book everytime to please you.
Someone said (not naming names) that he/she had decided to "fix" the baloney going around here lately.
THis is the part that is the hardest for some follks to understand: you will never fix it by responding. You will only fix it by ignoring.
Every time you respond, you are inviting AND WILL GET a response from someone who is making trouble. Therefore you have actually made the problem worse! After the trouble maker has posted again, you and often others get more drawn in to trying to "fix" it and things get bad very quickly from there.
Most of you understand this. Some of you still need to try to keep it in mind.
Now, let's stop letting the off-topic baloney interfere with the reasonable discussion that is usually taking place in here.
Other comments about this situation should be taken off-line, okay?
Thanks!
Pat
Sedans Host
Under normal circumstances I will show up here at least once a day, and sometimes more than that (particularly if I see a problem brewing).
If when I get here there is one poster who is being disruptive, off-topic, uncivil -- any of those things -- it is easy enough for me to deal with that one poster by removing the message(s).
On the other hand, if when I get here one poster has been disruptive, off-topic, uncivil -- any of those things - AND has generated a number of responses, it becomes impossible to handle quietly and most effectively.
The only reasonable thing to do at that point is issue a public "smack" to all involved. Often this just generates more off-topic mess (see what's happening here!!) and things deteriorate before they get better.
The point IS (finally): if you would just leave it to ME to deal with problem posters, things would not get so out of hand in here. You folks who understand this can help by reminding others, and all of you can help by emailing me when a problem arises so that I will get here as soon as I can.
I hope this makes sense -- please shoot me an email if I can clarify my thoughts or this situation any further.
And now back to our regularly scheduled topic.
http://www.thehollywoodextra.com
Go to the "car page" then click on the 2005 LS icon.
It is just a non running prototype shown at consumer clinics, but it gives you some idea of where they are going with the car.
The Bridgestone Potenza S-03s were definitely getting octagonal and no amount of Hunter 9700 balancing was going to get them back to round. I don't know if being the test mule for the McLaren brake kit helped them along but I would have thought tires that were marketed as maximum performance tires would be able to put up with that type of abuse. But since I don't know how many full-on stops they did, it's reasonable to assume the tires didn't appreciate it. That plus the high rate of wear on them made me search for other options.
I settled on Kuhmo Ecsta Supra MX ZR (why can't tires be named something simple anymore?) in 245/40/18Z size. Tire Rack has them for $170 each and I was able to get them from my local dealer for $150 each thanks to it being the project car.
Initial impressions are that they are a quieter tire than the S-03s and ride a bit softer as well. Until I have them broken in I can't comment on the cornering ability but they seem to have the same crisp turn-in as the Michelin Pilot Sports. For the price they seem pretty good so far.
P.S. When I drove into the tire store's parking lot a tattooed and skin-punctured youth was sitting watching me drive in. When I got up to him, he remarked "Cool car, what is it?" So I told him. He liked it:) Also, when I showed up earlier at Midas to have some tips welded onto the Magnaflow system, I brought the service bays to a standstill as all the technicians came over to check out the brakes and adjustable suspension. Kinda cool to get that kind of a response for a Lincoln!