Lincoln LS

giowa

If anyone does write CR, please do point out a factual mistake they make concerning the LS. The safety equipment chart on p. 69 wrongly states that the LS does not have front pretensioners. The LS does have front pretensioners. Chart does state correctly that Jag S-type has front pretensioners. (For anyone interested in pretensioners, the chart points out that the Audi A4/A6/A8, VW Passat, MB C/E/M/S-Classes, & Volvo S60/V70/S80 have front & rear seat pretensioners.)

Though I respect CR and its results, I always follow Regean's general rule: trust but verify. CR ain't perfect!

jerrym3

Many, many, many, many posts ago, jrodgers wanted to know if we had seen any dealers adding vinyl tops to the LS. Today, I saw a black LS on a new car lot with a full fabric top and, insult to injury, chrome wheel lip moldings! This was the same dealer in north jersey that I "squealed" on month's ago.
Bottom line: manuals on the lot-zero (about 15 models); fabric tops-one.
The dealer is going to stock what the buyer wants. (In fact, the black car had a "buyer acceptance" sticker on the window.) This particular dealer had a manual in stock when the LS was first announced, but I've never seen another one there since.
I also noticed that another dealer in the area has had the same cars in inventory for quite some time. A result of the economic slowdown? I hope so.

drolds1

I think a couple of you missed the point here. Actually, the LS did receive stellar reviews from CR for it's performance. We need to separate that from the reliability/quality issue. If these weren't separate issues, there certainly wouldn't be any MG owner's clubs.

What we are questioning here are seeming inconsistencies in their methodology.

I reiterate: extra weight is given to engine,cooling, transmissions and driveline (although the latter is not shown in the chart for some half-assed explanation about 4WD). To my way of thinking, we are left no choice but to give equal weight to all the other categories. There is then, no way to differentiate a relatively "minor" problem from a "major"one. Some people might report a problem that you might not even consider. I've spoken to people who are annoyed that they have to replace brakes @ 40K miles. There are those who feel that an automobile is a no-maintenance machine and that nothing should ever wear out or break. I am not agruing that SOME Japanese makes have fewer problems initially. However, according to J.D. Power, these advantages disappear after 5 years of ownership.

My next beef": quoting from p.42 of the April 2001 CR "a model earns a "recommended" symbol when it perfroms well in our tests and when our reader-survey data indicate that reliability should be at least average. OK, I daresay that calling a car the best American sedan ever tested presupposes that it performed well in their testing. As to part B to qualify for a "recommended" rating, page 83 clearly shows an average reliability rating for the 2000 LS V8. So now, I await someone's explanation, then as to why the V8, at least, did not receive the big, fat check mark and "recommended" symbol on p.50 Oh, I know certain individuals will probably say that they can't differentiate between the 2 models. However, on p.31, they have another chart that does differentaite. To me, this constitiutes "damning with faint praise."

We are not blind to the first year problems with the LS. All we are looking for is a level playing field. I might add at this juncture that it should be obvious to all by now that LM is making a genuine effort to remedy the problems and ensure our satisfaction. If you are so unfortunate as to have a problem with one of the German or Japanese makes, I sincerely doubt that you are going to get the involvement from top execs and engineers that we have here.

Mike- I have had similar experiences to yours. With the exception of Panasonic VCR's and those mfd. by them, every product I ever bought on their recommendation (including a car) was complete junk.

giowa

I just pray Lincoln pours over CR's results and dedicates resources to ensure future LSs are highly reliable! CR's prominent position in marketplace helps focus manufacturers' attention toward ensuring their coveted products aren't below average. If that is all CR does, then that alone makes their results very valuable indeed!

1. 5-yr results: CR has an interesting twist on J.D. Powers' 5 years info. As CR points out on p. 13: "As part of trend analysis, we looked at what happened to the vehicles that were new in '95 and five years old in '00. Most of the time, we found, vehicles that were reliable in their first year remained reliable five years later...." Then discusses how unreliable '95 Mitsus are now average and unreliable '95 VWs are the worst of the group. Says Honda, Subaru, and Toyota start and stay reliable, as do BMW, MB, & Nissan. Chrysler & GM started and ended poorly.

2. USA-Japan-Euro Gap: CR claims to track relative performance here, too. P. 12-13 dicusses how US, Japanese, & Euro cars are more reliable over past 20 year. US dramatically narrowed the gap with both Euro and Japan, but Japan still in lead. US & Euro about same; both about twice rate of Japanese problems per 100 vehicles. (I'm surprised they claim Chrysler cars have been more reliable than Fords or GMs over past 20 years. Thinking all those Chrysler tranny horror stories!)

3. LS8: Is likely too bad that CR did NOT actually test an LS8. Their Oct '99 full report was for an LS6. The two part criteria for a "recommended", page 32, includes the car being tested. Thus it was impossible for LS8 to earn the coveted "recommended". The charts on pages 28-29 show the cars they tested. Page 28 shows the LS6 tested. Page 29 shows that the tests for BMW 5 Series and MB E-Class were based on station wagon models, 'cause that is what CR tested. Also, notice how great cars like Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, & MB S-Class are not "recommended". CR hasn't tested them.

4. CR claims to look forward as well as back. Pages 30-31 look at projected reliability, using the criteria as stated. Page 31 clearly shows different predicted reliabilities for the LS6 and LS8. LS8 rated above LS6 and within margin to get same prediction as Saab 9-5 & Audi A4. So maybe the report will boost LS8 sales??? Cause Lincoln to build LS8 manual?????

5. As I pointed out about the pretensioner mistake, CR does make mistakes, typos, etc. Might have happened in regard to LS6 & LS8 reliability scoring vis-a-vis BMW 3 Series (comparing ratings on pages 77 & 83)? They do make simple mistakes, sometimes.

giowa

Your post confuses me. Are you saying that last year this time CR had a reliability report for ' 00 LS? Can't say I remember and I wasn't subscribing back then. My mom bought her LS6 in 8/99 and I bought my LS8 Sport 12/99. People have been buying LSs since around 5/99. Plenty sold and far enough back to get many with lots of miles.

But the new '01 MB C-Class just came out a few months ago. Not sure how CR could've gotten enough reports back for new C-Class to report on actual reliability results so far. CR did not even make a forward projection for C-Class. CR had insufficient data for '00 C-Class and the '97-'98-'99 were only average reliability.

einarvikng

CR? Who (to forgive an old Navy epression, hey some things die hard) gives a rat's [non-permissible content removed]? The only peopole who should care about CR's opinion is LM and how it affects their bottem line. I could care less about CR, no matter how much influence it may have. (Yea, I know I can't spell, but neither can the Edmund's checker.)

OK, real wood, or wud? Well folks, if real weren't so good then why imitate it? Yeah, real wood is cool--better than plastic. That being said, another thousand or so and I for one would not be able to AFFORD such a gem of a car. DONT'T RAISE THE PRICE TOO MUCH MORE.

V8 manual. You're damn right brother. Where do I sign. Actually, a beefier V6 is a better idea. Hmmmmm, good balance...etc...200+ HP, (actualy get off the the HP stuff....it's tourque that mattters). Anyway, V8 is good, manual is better; the vehicle's BALANCE is best. Actually, as much as I enjoyed the V6 manual, I bought a V8. I need an auto. Way tooo much time on the cell phone doing business in trafic. The deciding factor, I figured the engine wouldn't work quite as hard if it were a V8. Beside, the V6 auto sucked almost as much as the under $40k BMW I tried. $55k+ or forget it in BMW land.

Hey, it doesn't take much engineering savey to produce a great car for that much doe.

So, where are we now?

Keep refining this car and some day CR, C&D and R&T will all be comparing a Lincoln LS to to some new upstart and NOT a BMW. That is what 30+ years of sleeping at the wheel gets you.

BTW, 12k+ and still loving it. If I get the longevity I have gotten with my wife's 240 at 190k+ at 18 years old, I am sold (man is that car easy to fix). But hey, is that car a dog to drive. This car is all one could ask for at a price that is only somewhat above average.

New topic.

Based on the lack of responce, I must assume that no one elses LS "carries" water on the windows a couple to three days after washing as does mine. I will be persistant and bring it in to the dealer again.

With regard to milage...I am often asked about home appliences and the worth of buying energy-effiecient products (used to be an energy consultant). To this I answer, "An 'energy-efficiant' refrigerator that is open (i.e. used) often will most certainly consume more energy that one which is left unattended." Hense I say, lay off the throttle and you will achieve 20+ mpg no problem. Then again, one must have some fun once in a while also. That from a man who serves his time in stop and go Boston traffic.

Enjoy folks. It's a great car.

Thanks again Lincol.

Hey! With this car we back.

Scott

tmesich

Hey JRogers! How the heck can people buy the manuals when nobody stocks them and Lincoln can't even manage to get one to the Auto Show? There was no reference to high performance at all. All those people that were checking out the car would have no idea that an manual was even available. This is a good car but you folks need to put in a little effort to give it a chance.

swauger

One of the things I came to conclusion a long time ago about CR is that they are not really as uprighteous, non-biased, even handed organizatin they proclaim to be. Just being "non-profit" doesn't mean that they don't care about money. Their biases show, particular in their tests about cars. They seem to feel a need to rank a certain number of cars low, if the cars were all pretty good (as many are) how would they continue to appear the guardian angel of the avererage dweeb out there who throws subscription money at them? They need to periodically look like they're David taking on the Golliath of the evil industrialists in order to keep the faithful true and convert some others. Take the hatchet job they did on the Suzuki Samurai, or the Omni/Horizon pair. They devise tests that are designed to make the cars fail (on the Samurai they completely redesigned their test for stability, drastically shortening it compared to any other SUV, for the Omni they came up with this lame brained test of stability where you do a high speed test where you yank the steering wheel halfway around and release it, and the car's supposed to go straight!). Picking on other SUVs that had higher rollover rates wouldn't work, they were huge corporations that might sue them, Suzuki was a tiny entity that could easily be blindsided. Big story, lots of controversy, any explanation as to why they were FOS taking as proof of a big conspiracy to hide the truth, and they come out looking like the savior of the average man. And convince everyone who was getting bored about reading about washing machines to resubscribe and guarantee their incomes.

I had a friend who was deep into the audio business when Bose sued CR, and CR lost. One of the CR founders was on the stand, and said "Look, it's entertainment! People read our magazine to hear about cockroace feces in cereal.'

drolds1

Sorry, I meant to reply to you re water retention, but caught up in the CR "controversy."

Yes, after washing the LS, water will appear on the windows after lowering/raising. Depending on the weather, this might go on for 2 days. In the summer, I leave the car in the sun for a while and this seems to help. Also, lower and raise the windows a few times in succession after washing. This removes some, but not all, water. It is annoying and sometimes I have to make a concerted effort not to open the windows after a wash.

I don't think it's a "defect" and I don't think the dealer is going to be able to do anything about it. I have noted the same thing on my previous Mercury Sables. The drain holes are clear, so it's unlikely that there's any retained water. I guess the window rubbers/felt/whatever retain water.

drolds1

This doesn't affect Lincoln directly, but apropros our discussions of late.....
From justauto.com:
....Nasser, 53 and a straight-speaking Australian, told analysts at the Detroit auto show in January that he was "totally pissed off'' with recent costly and problematic vehicle launches. He also said product defects and production delays had cost the company more than $1 billion in the previous year.

With that in mind, perhaps, he had a quick response when asked what automakers are the global leaders when it comes to the mass production of top-quality cars.

"The Japanese are,'' Nasser said.

desertguy

Remember the hatchet job Nader did on the Corvair? Nader was on the CU board from then on. I always voted against him when I was a subscriber. I mean here is a guy that has NEVER owned a car in his life. If you read the bios of the proposed board members each year, it is no surprise that the magazine has taken on such a political bent.

giowa

CR isn't perfect, but I don't think they are as bad as you paint them. They are just one more source of info for consumers to use as needed. At least they do have to worry about their long-term credibility with buyers. They mess that up and it is goodbye CR!

I wouldn't pursue your line of reasoning too far. Didn't Ford build the Pinto? Explorer? Thinking Henry Ford II had lots of personal problems as he was running the company into the ground in the 1970s. Ford family, which dominates the company, oft times has & can behave like Britain's royal family or the Carringtons on Dynasty.

(It is interesting that purported Eco-Saint & All-Around Good Guy & Corporate Crusader For the Little People Nader is a multi-millionaire. At least it shows he is a shrewd business person. He and Mr. Jackson. As personal injury lawyers figured out a long time ago, you really can make a lot of money strong-arming businesses!)

desertguy

I don't follow the reasoning in your subject title. If Nader is on the board and his followers such as the head of Public Citizen and the Center for Auto Saftey are/have been on the board.....that IS CU. They are directing the tone of the organization.

temls

I remember a while ago some mention of water being trapped behind the front headlight lens. Is this more than just a minor problem? Noticed that after washing the car (post New Jersey's "monster snow storm") the entire inside len was saturated.

lolaj42

Condensation should not occur inside your headlamp lenses. This has been a common problem experienced by many owners of early build date LSs (both V6 and V8). If they do not clear up on their own within a day, you should bring this matter to the attention of your Service Manager. I had both of my headlight assemblies replaced under warranty during routing maintenance (oil change) visits.

thomas_l

The water appears on my windows for a few hours after a wash but is usually gone by the next morning at the latest. If it's staying on yours much longer than that, maybe there's a problem with the window moulding/seals.

ezaircon4jc

Isn't about time to either start a new CR topic or send this "discussion" to the I6/V6 pit? <:~)

thomas_l

The '01 C class hit the showrooms in mid-October so they are just reaching the 6 months point. Also, either demand is way high or production is just low (I would lean toward the latter), causing there to be zero dealer inventory, and likely fewer units on the road compared to the same timeframe for the LS being on the market = fewer CU member surveys being returned. In both cases I am probably right in saying that there are a lot more surveys in the mix for Accords and Camrys than LS or new C, leading to better sampling (and more reliable assumptions) of the Asian models vs. two cars that have a limited appeal and higher than average price range in general.

dbossman

Anyone ever figured out the mystery beep stuff? For the first 6 months, I never heard one. But in the last 2 months, I get about one per week. All under various conditions, day/night, moving/standing still, etc. I have never been able to catch a message on the dash, if there is one.

giowa

Just because a person sits on an organization's board of directors shouldn't be reason to impugn the organization or the line staff who produce its products or provide its services. I'm looking at Ford stockholders' 1999 Annual Report. I don't like former Clinton Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin; he's on Ford's board. Does that mean Ford is suspect for the sorts of left-of-center pro-labor, anti-automobile environmentalist policies from Bill's administration, many of which Nader agreed with? No. Executives from Hallmark Cards, the Shipston Group, Nokia, Wells Fargo, and Goldman Sachs are also on the Ford board. So are a senior fellow of the Hudson Institute and a trustee of the Center for Strategic & International Studies. Maybe one or more of them is as much a Naderite as Nader? But that wouldn't be a direct reflection of Ford's products or services. Nor should it be for CR's product test & reader survey results.

desertguy

As usual you are off on an unrelated subject. We are talking about CU. Not Ford, Hallmark , Wells Fargo, et. al. If you don't think the board of CU is directly responsible for the mags content and the slant they put on reviews, you are sadly mistaken. Enough said on this subject by me!

reneleblanc

I think CU does a conscientious job of product testing, and I get a lot of interesting information from their reports. They may not be perfect every time, but I think their results are usually valid.

In contrast, I think their frequency of repair reports are flawed (especially for automobiles) because they don't precisely report the nature and scope of defects. Their survey sheets don't even provide the right questions, so they can't get the right answers.

wlp2

Just started hearing a rattle on the passenger door side. Can't pinpoint it. Has anyone else had this problem?

sawmill

I've found that after washing, I lower all the windows and run a towel along the open window grooves. This soaks up much of the trapped water, which then lasts less than a day, depending on humidity.

Of course, I dry the windows again after rolling them back up.

buckwheat

I believe it is cynical to purport that Consumers Unions' board of directors sets the agenda for biased reporting. To think that the board convenes three times a year to arrive at pre-determined conclusions based upon some type of unethical collusion is truly demonstrative of a bias against CUs 18 directors.. I do agree with desertguy, enough on this topic..

ls1bmw0

Just in case anyone wanted to get back to talking about the LS, I found out that the car has a neutral rev limiter, which won't let you wing the throttle in park or neutral(for you manual tranny types ) Pretty cool. Keeps you from going above 3,000 RPM if you wanted to be silly enough to try to impress people by gunning the engine at a stop light! Not to mention keeping you from turning a rather finely assembled bunch of parts back into a parts bin.

Brian

P.S. I'm wondering if a screw-up in this limiter would have any effect on the starting problem some posters have mentioned.

ls1bmw0

By the way, the LLSOC Chapter coordinators have been busy posting information on events in their area on the new message board. Each chapter that has a coordinator has their own forum to post information in.

Brian

lateralg

Rattle or squeak? (a heavy squeak)

If it's a squeak, lube the weatherstrip with vaseline, silicone, etc.

scottc8

I've had exactly the same experience. No beeps for the first five months, now two in the last two weeks. The most recent time, I happened to be looking at the instrument panel and am certain there was NO message.

Scott

drolds1

Hey, talking about the LS, what a concept!

My son pointed this out to me when I had the last Taurus loaner. I was skeptical, but sure enough, the rev limiter kicked in. However, on this car it was 4,000 RPM. Standard Vulcan V6 engine. So, I guess it's on all Ford products.

giowa

You raised issue of boards of directors and their organizational influence. You were the one who impugned CU/CR due to one person (Nader)purportedly being on their board of directors. I merely pointed out that that wasn't fair to CU/CR's line staff or results. And I also pointed out that that wouldn't be fair to Ford. I merely discussed the composition of Ford's board. Do you completely agree with everyone who sits on Ford's board? Regardless, one person's presence shouldn't lead Ford to be impugned in toto. Your bias against CU/CR stands out.

mkovalsk

Brian wrote:
"P.S. I'm wondering if a screw-up in this limiter would have any effect on the starting problem some posters have mentioned."

Only if the engine cranks above 3000 RPM!

Mark

ls1bmw0

Just to let everyone now, that while you can look at posts without registering for the forum, you can't post until you register. The registration information doesn't go anywhere like the old board. The software is all on the LLSOC server and no one gets the information. The good part is it doesn't require very much to register.

One of these days I'll have figured out how to get all these software packages to talk to each other and not need more than one log-in. Until then please bear with me.

Brian

P.S. to Mark: What, I haven't shown you my modified starter that spins at 4,000 RPM

desertguy

Mark: In an earlier post someone stated that he was shifting his regular automatic trans as if it were a stick, including downshifting when coming to a stop. I was hoping you would comment on this post( or if you did, I missed it). Does this hurt the trans or cause it to wear out pre- maturly? I have heard in the past that it is better to wear out the brakepads than to downshift an automatic.

ezaircon4jc

My dealer finally found the correct part number. They want $290 (sounds like familiar number). I guess I'll have to live with the flip thing

mkovalsk

Manually shiting the transmission does not hurt it. It was designed to do that.

It is true that parts will wear when manually shifting that won't wear if you don't manually shift. By the same token if you don't drive the car it won't wear, either.

We designed this transmission with manual shifts in mind. It can take it.

Mark

brunobus

Although I do not know what fixed mine, it was doing it for the first 3-4 months and has mysteriouly just gone away. There, was, however, a message on the screen that would come up. Something about a wrong product code or id or something along those lines.

joe166

Don't worry, they will come back. I had a lot of them for the first few months I owned my car. Then they went away for about 6 or 7 months. Now they are back, but far less frequent. I guess I have gotten used to them. I just glance at the dash message center and then ignore it. The one time I was able to discern part of a message, I posted it and JRoger said they had heard about that and to ignore it. I did.

airwolf1000

Mark did you find out about my Calibration code and if I should get the Reflash?
My Calibration was 9WHABAHA. If it was missed in the TSB will it get added so others don't have to go through this ordeal. Also please let me know what they need to reflash. I am going to printout the e-mail and give it to them that way it is as straight-forward as possible for my dealership. Thanks for all of your help. We all really do appreciate it.

Regards,

Victor

lsfan

My name is Kathy. I work with Jim Rogers in Lincoln Mercury in Irvine Calif. Jim suggested I post my question to the LS Owner's Club for anyone interested in answering and giving candid feedback.

We are working on expanding the Lincoln branded merchandise to offer distinctive items that speak to Lincoln and what the customer is looking for. I am speaking more of the personal accessories at this point, rather than the very important aftermarket accessories/products.

As you are a core Lincoln LS Owners Group we would value your feedback in terms of the items that people would look for. Items anywhere from exclusive, limited, high end items to less expensive, distinctive items such as die cast models, the LS chrystal flutes, driving gloves, etc.

The second part of the question is, where would you look for the merchandise? Our Lincoln dealers are key, but what other venues, such as auto shows, website, Lincoln events? Your time and feedback is always appreciated.

pnewby

Welcome Kathy, I have spoken to you a couple of times after sending notes to Jim. I have looked for die cast models of the LS, and haven't been able to find one. I would like to find them at dealers, on the Lincoln or Ford website, and at carshow, flea markets, etc.
Phil

mkovalsk

Victor,

The software is available to reflash your car. I don't know if my word is enough to authorize them, but here is the information.

APPLICATION: DESCRIPTION: Service Calib: Service PCM PCM Replaced Service for previous calibration levels:

50S SPORT 3.9L V8 AT SST 1LQ18S0506 1U7A-FA XW4F-AFG/AFH/AFJ 9WHA-BAH/BAG/BAF
1W4A-HB 1LQ18S0506
I can't seem to get this to line up correctly. E-mail me at mkovalsk@ford.com and I can e-mail you the information.

Mark

giowa

Kathy: Besides being the proud owner of my '00 LS8 Sport, I'm also the proud owner of my '96 Chevrolet Impala SS. After I bought it Chevrolet started mailing me their nice full-color 32-page "Chevrolet Official Licensed Products Catalog". Think comes out quarterly. Over the past 5 years my wife has usen it a lot to buy me really nice Birthday, Christmas, and Father's Day gifts. I've gotten Impala SS leather lettermen jacket ($200), sitting desk clock, hanging wall clock ($24), wrist watch ($35), fleece sweatshirt ($50), ball cap ($17), polo shirt ($50), t-shirts ($18), two die cast models ($40), and more. Catalog is filled with tons of great material for all sorts of performance Chevys.

They sell everything from board games to umbrellas Think their web site is www.chevymall.com.

So I'd recommend creating a catalog, sending all new owners at least one copy & have dealers pass some out. And set up a dedicated web site.

packv12

Kathy,

I've purchased the the long sleeve and short sleeve shirts through I-collection. I like them a lot, but we need a LS shirt.

I personally would like to see an extruded model of the LS. I actually want a copy of "How a Car is Built", filmed at Wixom, following a LS through the process!

I'd almost prefer to get an "I-Collection" magazine regarding Lincoln products, gift items, and wearables. I think this would be a great venue for Lincoln, but personally, I want LS items.

I'm sorry, but you did ask.

Ray

slowdriver

Attention Edmunds Software writers:

When I ask to go to message 1444 why does the page start with message 1400 and message 1444 is not displayed??????

cwesley

I think a catalog would be a good way to promote LS specialty items. I would recommend posting on a special web-site as well. Offering items through dealerships is another matter. My local dealer caters more to the Mercury crowd. I'm not sure that all of the salesman even know that Lincoln makes an LS.

carjim

LS models on scenic backgrounds would make pretty checks (for car payments)...a wall calendar... since the LS will eventually make it to Europe, maybe we ought to go beyond the standard gimmie cap and offer the logo on a beret or something. A leather pouch for passports and other travel items...a ring -like a college ring- with the model year displayed that the buyer owns displayed (ex. '02). Now THAT's outside the box! I think I will stop there. Thanks, Kathy, for the opportunity to offer ideas...

akirby

That's a really short list!
:-)

joelincoln

Venue:
I think a catalog mailed to the owner would be a good start...maybe also one included in the documentation that comes with the car. Certainly a link on the LM web site and at special events like car shows.

The Stuff:
- A car model is always neat especially if its in your color! (mine's Aqua Blue, hint, hint)
- A CD pouch w/logo for holding your CDs in the car.
- The usual collection of caps, T-shirts and polo shirts with the LS logo/image.
- A fold-up umbrella w/logo for the glove box.
- A small pad and pen w/logo for the center console. I got an LM pen with my '92 Mark VII that I still use in the LS.
- LS key fob
- How about a classy LS watch with leather band.
- And finally, a nice pair of LS underware... choice of briefs or boxers! :-0 Who said something about out-of-the-box thinking?

That's all I can think of in five minutes. Thanks for the opportunity to print my wish list...

Joe
PS: What about a nice do-it-yourself Coach Roof kit for JR!

airwolf1000

Kathy,

I personally would go for some performance oriented t-shirts of the LS, and definitely a Model of the LS... I probably won't have mine forever (Planning on getting a New BMW 540 in about 3 years unless of course Lincoln comes out with a 6 Speed LS) so a model will remind me and my family of my first American Luxury Sport Sedan... Ahhh the memories.... maybe a nice key ring, and the standard polo shirts. Definitely a calendar also. What about a calendar with LSisms.... I.e. In the ASM (whatever the test is.. Ask Jonathan) braking test the Ultimate Driving Machine stopped under 40 meters at 39.3meters (Whatever the figure is) the LS in 36.2.... A picture of an LS passing a BMW 5 with the caption LS:1 BMW: 0 etc....

Regards,
Airwolf1000