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HID lamps were standard equipment on the Lincoln Mark 8 LSC from the time the LSC was introduced in the '95 model year through its last appearance in 1998. They were called "Luminarc" and were made by Sylvania. I had a '96 LSC, and the lamps worked great until they both failed within weeks of each other; fortunately, the car was still under warranty. I have no idea what replacement cost was, but it probably wasn't cheap. The Luminarcs were odd in that there was no conventional bulb; an electrical arc passed across two poles, and the generated light was bounced across reflectors to create the beam.
My guess is that we'll see HID lamps appearing throughout the higher end of the Ford lineup within the next couple of model years. It's a competition thing; BMW and Lexus and the like have them, so Ford'll step up to the plate. I wouldn't be all that concerned about Ford's ability to use them, my experience notwithstanding; they can't afford to get it wrong on a large scale, and it's not rocket science.
HID lamps are good AND bad, IMO. They definitely give you better visibility IF they're aimed right; if they're not, they can cause lots of grief for oncoming traffic. The sad part is that I suspect that many (maybe most) people want them because they "look cool" rather than because they're potentially safer--witness the proliferation of colored bulbs and aftermarket kits that claim to provide HID benefits. What many people don't know is that these aftermarket bulbs are often hotter than the stock bulbs and can wind up melting the factory housings.
That's way more than you wanted to know, isn't it?
Lincoln was the first company to ever use Halogen bulb headlights on a vehicle. Ford was also the first company in the US to adopt halogen lights across the board as standard equipment. Ford was the first company to offer flush, aerodynamic headlights in the early 80s. These first came out on the Mark 7. Now, of course, pretty much every car has flush lights.
Here is a link to what Ford is working on for future models, using fiber optics, etc.
http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=10706
Also, here is a link to an archived article that provides a description of what HID lights are and some of their benefits. (even has a picture of the Mark 8 with the HID lights)
http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=2605
any idea on how late the la will be on the advance trac? or the dvd navigation?
AdvanceTrac is available on the '02 Explorer, and the nav system is available on the '02 Navigator, so my guess is that those items will appear on the Aviator before the end of the year. That's JUST a guess, but there shouldn't be any major technical hurdles since Ford is selling those systems on similar models in the current lineup.
Perhaps some of the dealer folks who post here can provide more info.
thanks for the info about the moonroof...
I haven't seen the advance trac stablilty system offered on any mountaineers or explorers...its actually what I was waiting for to order my mountaineer..but I ve waited for the feature so long..i m now going to wait for the aviator..with all the other goodies...
be well..
There's nothing new or exciting as far as design goes. Just kinda looks like a Navigator with Explorer door handles. I do think the dash design is kinda cool.
Now, I will have to buy a copy of Vanity Fair, for the wife of course.
There's no such thing as too much power toyota!
Frankly, I am a little dissapointed. This is exactly what I was afraid of, looks too much like an explorer. I have no problem with it looking like a Navigator because 1) I like Nav's styling and 2) I don't mind brand theme, every auto maker does that, why not Lincoln. But I don't like the family resemblence of the exp. If you want to sell a luxury suv for a premium, please at least make it look different from its non-luxury cousin, to make the buyers feel it's worth the extra $$$.
Don't get me wrong, over all I think the Aviator still looks pretty good, with excellent mechanics under the skin. But it won't prevent me from looking elsewhere, mainly MDX & Pilot. However, if the price starts (4x2 luxury) at around 35K MSRP (not street price) and tops off (AWD premium) just north of 40K, I am sold.
When a vehicle debuts, typically is it roped off or can you get near it to see inside it through the glass?
thank you
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
http://osx.wieck.com/pv/WKA/2002/03/27/WKA2002032719663_pv.jpg
I have never seen a seat like that. It does make access to 3rd seats that much easier. Is this a Lincoln or Ford exclusive? I don't think the '02 Explorer and Mountaineer have this type of seats.
I've sit in the 3rd roll seat in a '02 'Neer, without the easy entry of course. It has plenty leg room, but too low for adults, because it has to be able to fold flat. I don't think they will change the design for the 3rd roll seat, better material, yes, new design, no.
Grand High Poobah
The Fraternal Order of Procrastinators
From Ford's press release,
Does anybody know what kind of AWD system is this? Thanks. I will also ask this question in the "AWD explained" forum.Aviators with all-wheel drive that are paired with the optional AdvanceTrac™ traction and stability enhancement system need only one wheel with traction to get under way because the two systems combined allow torque to be shifted side-to-side and front-to-rear.
Traction Anytime, Anywhere
Aviator uses two all-wheel-drive systems, neither of which requires driver intervention. A permanently engaged all-wheel drive system that uses a viscous coupling to transfer torque fore and aft is fitted to vehicles without the optional AdvanceTrac interactive vehicle dynamics system. In normal driving, 35 percent of engine torque is directed to the front wheels and 65 percent to the rear.
Vehicles equipped with AdvanceTrac (late availability) use an electronically controlled single-speed torque on demand transfer case. On most surfaces, this system operates in rear-wheel drive, but if wheel slip occurs, a clutch pack can send up to 100 percent of torque to the front wheels. The system monitors front and rear driveshaft speeds and throttle position, and can anticipate rear wheel slippage and redirect torque before traction is lost.
All-wheel drive Aviators equipped with AdvanceTrac need only one wheel with traction to move because AdvanceTrac monitors wheel speed at each corner and uses the anti lock brakes and engine management to control wheelspin. This allows engine torque to be directed both fore and aft and side-to-side without heavy locking differentials.
Front seat headroom and legroom are best in class.
Aviator's standard third-row seat folds flat to the floor. Third row legroom is also 5 inches better than the Acura MDX, the next closes competitor. Headroom is three inches greater.
The front bumper beam is designed to align with passenger car frames to improve crash compatibility.
Dual-zone electronic climate control and an auxiliary climate control system for second and third-row passengers.
Heated, power-adjustable side mirrors with built-in approach lamps and turn signal repeaters.
Sound blocking laminated from door glass and privacy glass for the rear quarter windows and liftgate.
A DVD based navigation system, telematics, second generation AdvanceTrac (LATE AVAILABILITY) and a five spoke chrome wheel will be available later in the model year.
All aluminum DOHC 4.6 V-8 and variable length intake runners-302 hp and 300 ft. lbs. of torque.
Maximum towing-7,300 lbs. 46% better than Mercedes ML 500 and 22% better than BMW X5 4.4. Can even out-tow some full size luxury SUV's, including the Lexus LX 470 by 800 lbs.
...speed sensitive, variable assist ZF Servotronic II rack and pinion steering.
...four wheel disk brakes with anti-lock control and electronic brakeforce distribution.
...optional AdvanceTrac II (late availability) which provides drivers with an interactive vehicle dynamics aid that can help correct oversteer/understeer skids. This system will also add a new industry-leading technology that can reduce the likelihood of untripped vehicle rollovers.
Another feature that will appear on Aviator later in the model year is a tire pressure monitoring system that will alert the driver when any of the vehicle's tires-including the spare-becomes severely under or over-inflated.
4 year/50,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. 3 yr/36,000 mile complementary maintenance.
Full info at: media.lincolnvehicles.com, then view the "2003 Lincoln Aviator Media Kit" then "product information".
if anyone has any questions about the aviator that i can answer by looking at it...ask now
Does the third seat fold completely flat?
Thanks,
Ned
i d like to know when the dvd navigation will be offered
and the vivid red color
Thanks - have fun at the show!
yes to both questions
they keyless entry pad appears to be located at the same location as the explorer and mountaineer
at the ny auto show the aviator was on a raised revolving platform.which was fenced off...so i couldnt get close enough to touch it
i was told by a 'product specialist' that the third row cushion on the bench can be removed to create even more room and allow the the folded seatback to fold more flat
i was also told by a product specialist that the parchment interior comes with burled walnut
whereas the light grey interior comes with zebrano wood...
i like the burled walnut better as i saw it on the navigator
there appears to be a power point behind the third row
i was told there is one on the console for use of the second row occupants
overall the interior seemed delightful to me
( from a distance)....
the exterior was very cautiously designed...in that it wont offend but wont excite either
i ll get mine when the dvd navigation and advance trac are out
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
If you meant just folding down the 3rd seat, I am not sure if the cargo space are identical between the two. The two Aviators I saw both had 3rd seat up. If you want the spec. number, media.ford.com lists them. If I remember correctly, the total volume behind front seats, with both 2nd and 3rd seats folded, Aviator is less than Mountaineer, cant recall the number though.
I will not argue your point that the median age of Lincoln and Caddy owners is high. I won't argue your point that these brands are now trying to play catch-up and are in a number of respects copying what the European and Japanese have out there. But to say that they can NEVER shake their reputation as being the favorite make of the "geriatric" population is a very, very strong statement. Never is a very long time. Marketing, time and the American populace are fickle and elusive animals. There could very well be a backlash against "foreign" cars just like the backlash you're starting to see against SUV's and minivans.
Grand High Poobah
The Fraternal Order of Procrastinators
I'm 35 and don't want anything that Lincoln or Cadillac currently have on the road. Both companies did make me turn my head with the LS and the CTS. They are offering vehicles that are making more people take notice. They still aren't there but they're closer than they were even 10 years ago.
Grand High Poobah
The Fraternal Order of Procrastinators
Lets start a little discussion.
What do you folks currently drive, that you are going to replace (potentially) with a Lincoln Aviator?
My wife drives a '96 Isuzu Trooper with 104k dead reliable miles on it. It has been absolutely fantastic. Unfortunately Isuzu has let us down and has not responded with what the market demands, which is a powerful mid sized SUV that seats 7. So we nned to look elsewhere.
The Explorer just seems a bit "cheap" to me, speaking in terms of materials, fit and finish. We would like to upgrade from the Trooper which has fairly standard Japanese fit and finish, and the Explorer, even a Limited or EB feels cheap.
The wife demands seating for 7, we need to tow a boat so FWD minivan is out (plus I am WAY too cool to drive a minivan!).
I refuse to buy a HUGE SUV. So Expedition, Navigator, Suburban, Sequoia, Yukon are out. I also require mileage better than the Troopers miserable 14 MPG.
My search has led me to Aviator, XC90, MDX, Pilot. I am a bit weary of a Turbocharged 5 cylinder (?) SUV, the Pilot probably won't satisfy the desire to upgrade to a more luxurious car. So I think the MDX and Aviator are on top.
From what I have seen this Aviator looks impressive.
The wait continues.