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Perfect timing, was throwing a bunch of old magazines in the recycle bin and found the Mustang FR500 article in C&D Feb 2000 issue (man time flies!) This is the same issue with 9 car entry luxo comparo including the LS-6 which is probably why the issue was still sitting around collecting dust.
2. 6 Speed Tremec T56 manual trannie as used in Vipers.
3. Front suspension uses LS aluminum rear upper A arms and the steel lower A arms were custom made by McLaren.
4. 18" wheels with 14" front rotors and 13" rear rotors. The rear brakes use LS calipers.
5. The Engine - 5.0L DOHC using special aluminum block with larger bores and same crank as 4.6L Cobra. Makes 415 HP @ 6,800 RPM & 365 ft lb @ 4,200 RPM, 7000 redline and most important, NORMALLY ASPIRATED, that's right no supercharger! I have not seen any of the articles on the 400 HP 5.0L LS say specifically that it is going to be supercharged. Also, since the stroke is the same as the 4.6L there is a better chance that this engine will fit in the LS engine bay.
6. 3587 lb., goes 0-60 in 4.5 sec with 4.10 limited slip rear end.
Moral of story: Lets hope that the 2005 Mustang has a lot in common with the LS as look at the things they come up with to stick on Mustangs!
I wonder what Henry Ford would say about the need to "lite" the DEW98 platform to save costs. Why not just use the same platform until all the R&D costs are amortized and it's down to materials and labor. How much could it really save to re-engineer all the good parts to "cast iron". Then you will compromise the performance of a more performance oriented car than the LS! I can see the aftermarket parts ads now: "Replace those heavy, non-responsive suspension parts in your new Mustang with modern, lightweight parts for only $$$$". And of course, these will be marked-up re-marked Ford part #'s right out of the bin. I agree with the Japanese. Do it right the first time. Materials are the least expensive component in mass production. Put the good parts in and then you can sell them at what they are worth to the end user.
Hey stanny, everytime I see a Corolla with its standard 1" diameter exhaust pipe it sure makes me think that Toyota does it right and puts the good stuff on their cars to save engineering costs. Of course the Camry / Lexus clogged old passage incident with Toyota claming that Jiffy Lube doesn't know how to change oil in a Toyota the right way so we won't honor your warranty makes me think that Toyota sure takes care of their customers the right way.
Everytime I see an Acura that has most of the labels on the dash controls worn off after a couple of years it sure makes me say Honda does it right.
When I saw the cheap interior parts on the G35(especially that snazzy titanium interior finish that appears to be evaporating as you look at it) it sure makes me say that Nissan does it right.
Actually, it makes me think that the Japanese manufacturers just are a little more creative in saving materials cost where they don't think the customer will notice it.
PS If you can find an under $30K car made by any manufacturer that has forged aluminum true double A arm suspension (not struts!) BUY IT!
I can't believe they didn't change the license plate surround (unless it's a decoy to help disguise the new model). That's the one area I thought could be improved greatly.
Is that a keyless entry keypad just above the driver's door handle? I like the blacked out look - no chrome around the windows.
Where are the interior photos??? Strange that none were taken given how close the photographer was to the car. Could this be a factory engineered publicity stunt? Show us just enough to keep us interested without spilling all the beans. Otherwise I pity the employee driving that car tomorrow morning.
"I can't believe they didn't change the license plate surround (unless it's a decoy to help disguise the new model). That's the one area I thought could be improved greatly."
Just wait a few months and I bet you will find left-over 2002 LSes for under 30k. My dealer here in San Diego has new V-8s for $34k. I think the Manuals will go out for fire sale prices. Even Toyota has problems. The head gasket fiascos, now the crankcase ventilation situation. Where they get into real problems is when they bring over a Corolla and charge IS300 prices for it.
Wow - I guess i really wasn't paying attention. It's EVEN WORSE than the current one. The only thing worse is the CTS, so I guess they're beating the competition. I was hoping for a lot less - maybe a chrome bar and logo across the top with a small license plate area (frameless). I think I may paint mine body color.
Although I have to admit a 400 hp engine and six-speed manumatic would go a long way towards making me forget about it. But I would still feel sorry for all the other drivers who would have to see it so often. :-)
I wonder if this is a Sport model? I assume that it is, given the absence of chrome trim, and those look like low-profile tires.
A few observations:
There's a back-up warning system; note the sensors in the rear bumper.
The headlamps are different, which likely indicates HID lamps or something similar.
Wonder if that module on the roof is for the communications system? Maybe it's the antenna for satellite radio; the factory Ford units will be Sirius, rather than the XM system that GM is using.
I don't much care for the wheels, either. They remind me of the chrome wheels I saw on an '03 Town Car a couple of weeks ago--hope they're better in person.
The body itself doesn't appear to have changed; I'd like to see interior pix, too.
The key question, of course, is: WHAT'S UNDER THE HOOD?
Also looks like the dimples in the rear bumper (left and right corner are for the Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist System. The rear of the car has always been ugly and I never liked it on the LS. Looks like very little improvement for the rear on the 2003 model. The problem is that the proportions of the rear bumper dominate the rear end. Maybe the bottom portion of the bumper should have indents like the Grand Marquis rear bumper or some red reflectors to give it visual balance. The rear has always looked little unfinished to me, but it is the sweet ride of this car that makes me forget all this proportional visual design stuff. Maybe someday Jay M. and the design group will get it right!
Still wondering how a Volvo chat site gets the first 2003 LS pics.
Overall, a little disappointed on how slight the changes are.
Front: Looks a little more aggressive, I'd call it a slight improvement.
Rear: Hallelujah we finally have exhaust tips, I just hope the regular LS (as well as the sport) gets them too. Rear trim, different, but not much of an improvement, still wondering why it needs the plate surround trim at all. Tail lights, I like the new ones better.
Wheels: Didn't like them at first, but they're growing on me.
Bottom Line: I'm sure glad they didn't make it look like a CTS!!!!
The new wheels don't inspire me. Too much like the Jaguar S type. Entry Key-pad: Its about time. I sorely miss the key-pad. I hope Lincoln deep-sixed the person who decided it was not orginally necessary.
Rear:
Exhaust tips: long overdue. Rear Lights: One dissappointment. The existing lights are cleaner and provide better visibility. Chrome License Frame: Needs to be thinner.
Glad to see the chrome trim on the bumpers is gone, hope thats for the non-sport model.
I noticed that none of 2001 and 2002 color marketing brochures show the back of the car. I guess the LS designers never liked it. Why show the ugly part to the customer in print? Only page 9 of the 2kLS brochure show the rear end. The problem is that by making the tail lenses smaller on the 03-trunk section of the car in order to add the Lincoln name, the rear end did become very Honda Accord like. The chrome bracket should have been removed but the lenses should have stayed the same size and the plate detail could have been done similar -like 2000 Mercury Mystique. If you are going to copy Honda Accord use the 2000 Prelude rear end.
I would suggest the angle of the picture does not do justice to the back end changes. Perhaps another spyshot can show it directly from behind. That ought be to about September based on how long it took to see this first picture...
<<<<,Just wait a few months and I bet you will find left-over 2002 LSes for under 30k. My dealer here in San Diego has new V-8s for $34k. I think the Manuals will go out for fire sale prices.>>>>
I'll bet your dealer's V8s are not "Sports" and I'll bet your wrong about the under 30k. I never saw any 2001s for under 30k.
I can't stand the keyless entry keypad. Hope its optional equipment. It just looks like a complete afterthought just slapped on the side of the car. Why couldn't they do a better job of integrating it into the door handle or on the B-pillar or window ledge? I certainly wouldn't pay for this feature the way it is now . . . it wrecks the car's lines.
Interesting pictures. Not enough to make me trade my 2000, but it'd take a LOT to do that. If those are better headlights, and they continue to up the HP, I'd replace this LS with another one in a heartbeat when the time comes. If I'd leased, I'd be ready for a new one in 2003, and would go LS again. If this is indicative of the new LS, it's a good, tasteful freshening of what is basically one of the best styled cars out there IMO. Wish I knew about the interior. I really am happy with my interior, but a bit more storage could help, but I've lived with cars with worse.
Wheels, I like the ones I have better, but these aren't bad, and it's just a matter of what's to your taste. Personally, I'd love to have the wheels off the Stang, the retro American Racing looking ones from the Bullit if they'd fit. The new ones look slightly easier to clean. I like the tail lights, and the headlights if they are better lights, styling wise they are slightly better. If either were retrofitable to my 2000 I might do it. Like the exhaust cutouts, looks meaner. Don't care about keyless entry, don't care about chrome on the side windows, the level of chrome there doesn't bother me, and I really am not bothered by either rear license plate chrome surround personally.
Big question is if in the HP race and all, Lincoln can keep the value equation balanced, the great performance and room vs price is what really sets the LS apart to me. If cost is no object designing a great car isn't as impressive as designing a great car at a reasonable price.
I was continuing my old magazine clean up last night.
Automobile Magazine's Man of the Year for 2000 was Jacques Nasser.
babicka: I noticed the same thing with 2000 & 2001 LS brochures. The only rear pic. in either of them is a phantom view that is focused on the IRS, not the body.
Looks like the rear end is rounded off, similar to the 2003 Acura coupe.
Maybe they kept the chrome in back to ensure that the car wouldn't be confused with other brands.
I thought the 2003 grille would protrude out a little more, like the BMW. In the pictures, the front looks very similar to the 2002, except for the parking lights.
I was expecting more of a change, but maybe they put the dollars into the interior while also changing the car's rearend. (The front always was the car's strongest styling point.)
On the 2003 look as if they are not as tall as the 1999-2002. Doubt if they are interchangeable. Maybe the LM designers heard about the Accord/Acura commonality and resultant theft epidemic. Not!
Chris, I like it but I agree with all of the comments. Does not fit the clean look image, improper placement etc. We all would like it on the Window Pillar, but apparently there were physical constraints... (I know we live in America, everything is possible) but that is the scoop.
It will be really noticeable in all the colors but the black. Functionally I think it is a great feature(Never Had but always wanted the keypad entry) but aesthetically speaking.......
Comments on whether keypad entry is a good feature? By people who have had keypad entry of course!
Having owned a number of Sables with the keypad, both my wife and I were sorely disappointed that it wasn't on the LS. Apparently there were many others who felt the same way B/C at Mania I, they told us that they realized it was a big mistake to leave it off. Once you've had it, you'll wonder how you did without it. I know that personally, I'll often come out of a store with packages in both hands and invariably, I've forgotten to take the remote out first. With the keypad, all you need is to get one finger free and you can open the doors and/or trunk. Very often, I'll want to open the trunk when the car's in the garage. This avoids having to open the door to get at the inside release. Also, it's ideal if you need to run into some place quickly and want to leave the heat or A/C running. Of course, for those who seem to have a penchant for locking the keys in the car, it's a no-brainer. You can also lock all doors by pushing the last 2 buttons on the pad. I don't know how or if they'll integrate global open/close into this feature. The looks don't bother me. After a while, yu won't even notice it's there. To me, the look is far outweighed by the usefulness of the feature.
Just my 2¢ as one with experience. I wonder how many will object who've also had it before.
I have the keypad on my TC. Excellent feature. Many times I'm outside and I want to get something out of the locked car or put something into the trunk, but I don't have the keys. Keypad is great.
You also never have to worry about locking your keys in the car by accident.
My daughter's Mustang has the opener on the keychain. It's quicker to hit the button rather than keying in a code, but, I like the keypad better.
Look at it this way: the code is always with you while the keys may not be.
I really like the feature. We had it on our Sables, and were pleased to get it on our last Windstar. I don't use it often, but it's very useful when needed.
I agree with all of drolds comments, and will add that my wife and I are runners. It's great to be able to lock the car without needing to carry keys.
Don't really like the new wheels, but can also state that the 17" sport wheels on my 00LS8 were the one appearance item I didn't care for when I bought the car. Now, I like them alot. Funny how things grow on you, but I suspect I'll learn to appreciate the new wheels too.
As I have never had a car with the keypad, I cannot speak from personal experience. I completely understand the arguments in favor of, and the uses for the keypad feature, but I would not be inclined to purchase this feature if it were offered separately (although I'm quite certain it would bundled in a feature package and not available as stand alone item). I can understand why some really like it, but I'm not one of those people and my keyfob works just fine for me. It represents just one more number that I need to memorize (like I don't have enough as it is) and another potential method for some unauthorized person to gain access to my vehicle.
However, the aspect of the keypad feature that most upsets me is that I think it's a complete eye sore in most instances. If it were integrated into the door handle assembly (underneath the grab handle) I wouldn't be vocal on this issue and just "live with it". In the form that's shown on the '03MY, it just seems to be a complete afterthought with no aesthetic consideration at all. In fact, it probably wouldn't take too much effort to get this feature added to any vehicle through aftermarket sources and make it look BETTER than it's current form.
I really like the feature. We had it on our Sables, and were pleased to get it on our last Windstar. I don't use it often, but it's very useful when needed.
I agree with all of drolds comments, and will add that my wife and I are runners. It's great to be able to lock the car without needing to carry keys.
Don't really like the new wheels, but can also state that the 17" sport wheels on my 00LS8 were the one appearance item I didn't care for when I bought the car. Now, I like them alot. Funny how things grow on you, but I suspect I'll learn to appreciate the new wheels too.
Well, to all you nay sayers, I saw the sixty second Travel Well spot on CBS last night and was impressed. I like you thought it was stupid, was I wrong. The commercial was hip, cool, young. Reminded me of Mercedes spots. I am 37, and own a 99 Continental, couldn't wait on LS any longer BMW 5 series lease had expired, and truly love the car. I want an 03 LS, hope they made inside a tad roomier. I am 6'3" and have kids in car seats. Current LS rear is tight when I adjust seat. Oh well just my humble oppinion.
Chris, there's nothing "new" to memorize. As I recall, you can override the factory default code with your own 4-digit code. I always made mine the same as our ATM code.
I don't undestand your fears of unauthorized entry. It's as likely as anyone figuring out your ATM or any other 4-digit code. My wife (math teacher) tried it once when my son locked the keys in an old Cougar the first day he had it. She figured out all possible combinations & still didn't get it B/C they used a repeating digit & she didn't account for that. It's virtually impossible.
I couldn't find any reference to an aftermarket keyless entry pad on the internet.
I feel more secure locking my keys in the console than leaving them in my coat pocket when checking my coat at a restaurant.
I also like the freedom of not having to carry in my pocket a handful of keys, frequently either being annoyed by them or checking to see if I still have them.
Note that it's not necessary to memorize a new number since you can set it to the 5-digit number of your choice.
The keypad is a great feature, but looks out of place and is visually distracting. If it were my choice... I would opt to shave the door handles along with the keypad... Have remote door opening devices... Hmmm sound like a project for Brian's LS ;-)
Artie, when my wife and I looked at the Navigator last year, it too had the keypad system. The way it was explained to me was that it had a default code that was factory set. While a new code could be subsequently programmed, it would lose that programming whenever the battery was disconnected and revert back to the factory default. Consequently, I was strongly encouraged to just memorize the factory default number, as a dead battery (and perhaps other circumstances that I cannot presently recall) would have the same effect as a disconnected battery.
I'm sure that many folks that have become accustomed to using this feature love it, but I personally wouldn't seek this feature out in any car, especially if it detracts from the car's appearance.
Had them on previous explorers and current expedition. I like it - you can send the kid to grab something out of the car without having the keys. I also like it because I can lock the keys in the car if I don't want to take them with me and you never have to worry about being locked out. I would have preferred to have it in the B pillar like the new Explorers, though. It's hardly noticeable there.
engine cleaning: I have done it to mine in spring and fall for past 2 years. Looks brand new when I'm done with it. I do use a power wash, but try to use lowest pressure and widest spray. I recommend it, personally.
1st gear starts in SST: With my V6 - it is just as easy to give the trottle a real quick WOT tap with the brakes on. It immediately switches to 1st and then you can hit the accelerator again and go. You have to go within a couple of seconds or it will default back to 2nd. I have tried the trick from D5, but must not have had the WOT - because it immediately switched to 2nd gear, when I moved the shifter to SST from D5.
Keypads: I'd love to have one on my 2000 LS. It was a feature that should have been on my LS.
that keypads and wheel styles are what drive this board?
Desiring a manual with competitive power appears to have fallen from grace. Is the LS driven by performance people, luxury people, people who could posses a vehicle with some sort of "panache", or people who think they're getting a bargain? I guess it has much to do with marketing.
I pretty much enjoy my LS, in spite of the fact that today was when my right rear window regulator packed up. . .for the second time. I now have the ammunition I need to get both of the rear regulators replaced with the proper (new) part. . .or I could flap my arms and fly to the moon. I will keep those who are interested up-to-date regarding the progress I make as I attempt to get them (both) replaced. Last time, when I tried to point out that both rear regulators needed to be replaced when the first one packed up, the person I dealt with gave me a ration. I won't accept it this time.
The battery will never be so dead that it will lose your code. It might if you disconnect the battery, I don't remember. Even so, they give you a little plastic wallet card with the code on it. The issue never came up with 4 different cars, so I'm not concerned about that.
All the other posts reminded me of how I used to lock the keys in the console all summer when I didn't have a coat pocket to put them in. The key with the fob is way too bulky an item to ne carrying around in your pants pocket. I also fogot that it's a 5-digit code, not 4. Thanks, Gary
I do agree that it would look better integrated into the handle but that would require a major change.
Check out this step-by-step piece on installing the keypad on an F-150 Lightning. It illustrates how beautifully the pad is integrated into the door handle.
I'd take it in a heartbeat. I have it on our '96 Taurus LX wagon, and we had it on our '90 Sable LS. It seemed really strange that our 'upscale' lincoln LS didn't have a keypad and I miss it. I don't think the one I saw in the picture looks all that out of place. After all, it isn't a huge thing; it's rather unobtrusive. It is a lot better to have it than not to have it, wherever it is.
Another feature of our '96 Taurus LX and '90 Sable LS that is missing on our Lincoln LS is the dual sun visor. What a dumb idea to omit that wonderful feature on a car like the LS! I really miss it out here in Arizona where the late afternoon sun is blinding! That is one time when I really prefer driving our Taurus above the Lincoln; just because of the superior sun visors in the Taurus.
This keypad thingy is getting WAY too much exposure here. If they could have hid the darn thing it would not be an issue at all. It just looks like my kids glued it on the side of the car with absolutely no thought as to the aesthetics period!
Yeah I know you guys always had the Magic Keypad with your Pintos and Mavericks, but what-the-hey, this is the Lincoln LS and some of us think that it surely deserves better.
Sorry about bringing club stuff, but I know some of you LLSOC members don't get around to the LLSOC forums much and didn't want you to miss out on this opportunity. ================================================= Folks,
LLSOC has arranged with McLaren to have a one hour conference call on Saturday, May 18th at 1:00 pm Eastern Time, 10:00 am Pacific time, to discuss the Lincoln LS Powered by McLaren.
Steve Rossi, the president of McLaren Performance Technologies, and Paul Knauer, the project manager in charge of the LS project, will be on the call to discuss any questions or comments that you have regarding the McLaren LS.
For more information and to indicate that you are participating in the call visit the National Office News topic. This is a members-only event.
I agree wholeheartedly, René. Way back when when I had a TC loaner I measured it's dual visors. They appear to be the same size as the LS. I checked with my parts guy and found out buying the TC's visors to put on my LS would be in the neighbourhood of $500! The one with the Homelink is quite pricy. I also like that little visor that some Chevy's have over the mirror.
Comments
Some interesting statistics on the FR500:
1. Front wheels pushed forward 5" giving 50.1 / 49.9% weight balance.
2. 6 Speed Tremec T56 manual trannie as used in Vipers.
3. Front suspension uses LS aluminum rear upper A arms and the steel lower A arms were custom made by McLaren.
4. 18" wheels with 14" front rotors and 13" rear rotors. The rear brakes use LS calipers.
5. The Engine - 5.0L DOHC using special aluminum block with larger bores and same crank as 4.6L Cobra. Makes 415 HP @ 6,800 RPM & 365 ft lb @ 4,200 RPM, 7000 redline and most important, NORMALLY ASPIRATED, that's right no supercharger! I have not seen any of the articles on the 400 HP 5.0L LS say specifically that it is going to be supercharged. Also, since the stroke is the same as the 4.6L there is a better chance that this engine will fit in the LS engine bay.
6. 3587 lb., goes 0-60 in 4.5 sec with 4.10 limited slip rear end.
Moral of story: Lets hope that the 2005 Mustang has a lot in common with the LS as look at the things they come up with to stick on Mustangs!
I can see the aftermarket parts ads now: "Replace those heavy, non-responsive suspension parts in your new Mustang with modern, lightweight parts for only $$$$". And of course, these will be marked-up re-marked Ford part #'s right out of the bin.
I agree with the Japanese. Do it right the first time. Materials are the least expensive component in mass production. Put the good parts in and then you can sell them at what they are worth to the end user.
Everytime I see an Acura that has most of the labels on the dash controls worn off after a couple of years it sure makes me say Honda does it right.
When I saw the cheap interior parts on the G35(especially that snazzy titanium interior finish that appears to be evaporating as you look at it) it sure makes me say that Nissan does it right.
Actually, it makes me think that the Japanese manufacturers just are a little more creative in saving materials cost where they don't think the customer will notice it.
PS If you can find an under $30K car made by any manufacturer that has forged aluminum true double A arm suspension (not struts!) BUY IT!
I think they are front-wheel drive anyway. Probably an updated Honda platform since I think that is what they used before BMW bought them.
2003 Lincoln LS Pictures...
Is that a keyless entry keypad just above the driver's door handle?
I like the blacked out look - no chrome around the windows.
Where are the interior photos??? Strange that none were taken given how close the photographer was to the car. Could this be a factory engineered publicity stunt? Show us just enough to keep us interested without spilling all the beans. Otherwise I pity the employee driving that car tomorrow morning.
Uh... look a little closer!
Even Toyota has problems. The head gasket fiascos, now the crankcase ventilation situation. Where they get into real problems is when they bring over a Corolla and charge IS300 prices for it.
#8556 of 8560 2003 Lincoln LS Pictures! by senneca01
http://www.swedespeed.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/000192.html
My evaluation:
Thumbs-Up:
1 No-chrome side window molding
2 Front Lights, grille and Driving Lights
3 Exposed Dual Exhaust Tips
Thumbs-Sideways:
1 New Tail Light Assemblies
2 Full Chrome LS “Smile” grille
Thumbs-Down:
1 Chrome Lic Plate Frame...Will they ever learn that this is not a Navigator?
2 Keyless-entry-keypad (Does not fit the clean image.= bad idea)
3 New wheels look like a direct cop from the T-Bird ..The old Sport wheels were a much better start.
Although I have to admit a 400 hp engine and six-speed manumatic would go a long way towards making me forget about it. But I would still feel sorry for all the other drivers who would have to see it so often. :-)
http://www.geocities.com/fav002/CTS/imagepages/image4.htm
A few observations:
There's a back-up warning system; note the sensors in the rear bumper.
The headlamps are different, which likely indicates HID lamps or something similar.
Wonder if that module on the roof is for the communications system? Maybe it's the antenna for satellite radio; the factory Ford units will be Sirius, rather than the XM system that GM is using.
I don't much care for the wheels, either. They remind me of the chrome wheels I saw on an '03 Town Car a couple of weeks ago--hope they're better in person.
The body itself doesn't appear to have changed; I'd like to see interior pix, too.
The key question, of course, is: WHAT'S UNDER THE HOOD?
JLinc, intrigued
Overall, a little disappointed on how slight the changes are.
Front: Looks a little more aggressive, I'd call it a slight improvement.
Rear: Hallelujah we finally have exhaust tips, I just hope the regular LS (as well as the sport) gets them too. Rear trim, different, but not much of an improvement, still wondering why it needs the plate surround trim at all. Tail lights, I like the new ones better.
Wheels: Didn't like them at first, but they're growing on me.
Bottom Line: I'm sure glad they didn't make it look like a CTS!!!!
Its one of those times I wish I didn't have broadband, because that baby popped up way too fast.
Front: Looks a bit better
Side:
The new wheels don't inspire me. Too much like the Jaguar S type.
Entry Key-pad: Its about time. I sorely miss the key-pad. I hope Lincoln deep-sixed the person who decided it was not orginally necessary.
Rear:
Exhaust tips: long overdue.
Rear Lights: One dissappointment. The existing lights are cleaner and provide better visibility.
Chrome License Frame: Needs to be thinner.
Glad to see the chrome trim on the bumpers is gone, hope thats for the non-sport model.
I'll bet your dealer's V8s are not "Sports" and I'll bet your wrong about the under 30k. I never saw any 2001s for under 30k.
Wheels, I like the ones I have better, but these aren't bad, and it's just a matter of what's to your taste. Personally, I'd love to have the wheels off the Stang, the retro American Racing looking ones from the Bullit if they'd fit. The new ones look slightly easier to clean. I like the tail lights, and the headlights if they are better lights, styling wise they are slightly better. If either were retrofitable to my 2000 I might do it. Like the exhaust cutouts, looks meaner. Don't care about keyless entry, don't care about chrome on the side windows, the level of chrome there doesn't bother me, and I really am not bothered by either rear license plate chrome surround personally.
Big question is if in the HP race and all, Lincoln can keep the value equation balanced, the great performance and room vs price is what really sets the LS apart to me. If cost is no object designing a great car isn't as impressive as designing a great car at a reasonable price.
Still, looks good to me.
JS
LLSOC Charter Member
Automobile Magazine's Man of the Year for 2000 was Jacques Nasser.
babicka: I noticed the same thing with 2000 & 2001 LS brochures. The only rear pic. in either of them is a phantom view that is focused on the IRS, not the body.
Maybe they kept the chrome in back to ensure that the car wouldn't be confused with other brands.
I thought the 2003 grille would protrude out a little more, like the BMW. In the pictures, the front looks very similar to the 2002, except for the parking lights.
I was expecting more of a change, but maybe they put the dollars into the interior while also changing the car's rearend. (The front always was the car's strongest styling point.)
Maybe the LM designers heard about the Accord/Acura commonality and resultant theft epidemic. Not!
I like it but I agree with all of the comments. Does not fit the clean look image, improper placement etc. We all would like it on the Window Pillar, but apparently there were physical constraints... (I know we live in America, everything is possible) but that is the scoop.
It will be really noticeable in all the colors but the black. Functionally I think it is a great feature(Never Had but always wanted the keypad entry) but aesthetically speaking.......
Comments on whether keypad entry is a good feature? By people who have had keypad entry of course!
Regards,
Victor
Just my 2¢ as one with experience. I wonder how many will object who've also had it before.
Artie
You also never have to worry about locking your keys in the car by accident.
My daughter's Mustang has the opener on the keychain. It's quicker to hit the button rather than keying in a code, but, I like the keypad better.
Look at it this way: the code is always with you while the keys may not be.
I agree with all of drolds comments, and will add that my wife and I are runners. It's great to be able to lock the car without needing to carry keys.
Don't really like the new wheels, but can also state that the 17" sport wheels on my 00LS8 were the one appearance item I didn't care for when I bought the car. Now, I like them alot. Funny how things grow on you, but I suspect I'll learn to appreciate the new wheels too.
However, the aspect of the keypad feature that most upsets me is that I think it's a complete eye sore in most instances. If it were integrated into the door handle assembly (underneath the grab handle) I wouldn't be vocal on this issue and just "live with it". In the form that's shown on the '03MY, it just seems to be a complete afterthought with no aesthetic consideration at all. In fact, it probably wouldn't take too much effort to get this feature added to any vehicle through aftermarket sources and make it look BETTER than it's current form.
I agree with all of drolds comments, and will add that my wife and I are runners. It's great to be able to lock the car without needing to carry keys.
Don't really like the new wheels, but can also state that the 17" sport wheels on my 00LS8 were the one appearance item I didn't care for when I bought the car. Now, I like them alot. Funny how things grow on you, but I suspect I'll learn to appreciate the new wheels too.
I don't undestand your fears of unauthorized entry. It's as likely as anyone figuring out your ATM or any other 4-digit code. My wife (math teacher) tried it once when my son locked the keys in an old Cougar the first day he had it. She figured out all possible combinations & still didn't get it B/C they used a repeating digit & she didn't account for that. It's virtually impossible.
I couldn't find any reference to an aftermarket keyless entry pad on the internet.
Artie
I also like the freedom of not having to carry in my pocket a handful of keys, frequently either being annoyed by them or checking to see if I still have them.
Note that it's not necessary to memorize a new number since you can set it to the 5-digit number of your choice.
Overall, a great feature.
I'm sure that many folks that have become accustomed to using this feature love it, but I personally wouldn't seek this feature out in any car, especially if it detracts from the car's appearance.
1st gear starts in SST: With my V6 - it is just as easy to give the trottle a real quick WOT tap with the brakes on. It immediately switches to 1st and then you can hit the accelerator again and go. You have to go within a couple of seconds or it will default back to 2nd. I have tried the trick from D5, but must not have had the WOT - because it immediately switched to 2nd gear, when I moved the shifter to SST from D5.
Keypads: I'd love to have one on my 2000 LS. It was a feature that should have been on my LS.
Desiring a manual with competitive power appears to have fallen from grace. Is the LS driven by performance people, luxury people, people who could posses a vehicle with some sort of "panache", or people who think they're getting a bargain? I guess it has much to do with marketing.
I pretty much enjoy my LS, in spite of the fact that today was when my right rear window regulator packed up. . .for the second time. I now have the ammunition I need to get both of the rear regulators replaced with the proper (new) part. . .or I could flap my arms and fly to the moon. I will keep those who are interested up-to-date regarding the progress I make as I attempt to get them (both) replaced. Last time, when I tried to point out that both rear regulators needed to be replaced when the first one packed up, the person I dealt with gave me a ration. I won't accept it this time.
Stay tuned.
The battery will never be so dead that it will lose your code. It might if you disconnect the battery, I don't remember. Even so, they give you a little plastic wallet card with the code on it. The issue never came up with 4 different cars, so I'm not concerned about that.
All the other posts reminded me of how I used to lock the keys in the console all summer when I didn't have a coat pocket to put them in. The key with the fob is way too bulky an item to ne carrying around in your pants pocket. I also fogot that it's a 5-digit code, not 4. Thanks, Gary
I do agree that it would look better integrated into the handle but that would require a major change.
Check out this step-by-step piece on installing the keypad on an F-150 Lightning. It illustrates how beautifully the pad is integrated into the door handle.
http://www.svtlightnings.com/svt/keypad/keypad_install.htm
Another feature of our '96 Taurus LX and '90 Sable LS that is missing on our Lincoln LS is the dual sun visor. What a dumb idea to omit that wonderful feature on a car like the LS! I really miss it out here in Arizona where the late afternoon sun is blinding! That is one time when I really prefer driving our Taurus above the Lincoln; just because of the superior sun visors in the Taurus.
If they could have hid the darn thing it would not be an issue at all.
It just looks like my kids glued it on the side of the car with absolutely no thought as to the aesthetics period!
Yeah I know you guys always had the Magic Keypad with your Pintos and Mavericks, but what-the-hey, this is the Lincoln LS and some of us think that it surely deserves better.
Slapping it on the side of the car looks like an after thought to me but what do I know.
The F150 Lightning installation is really clean!!
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Folks,
LLSOC has arranged with McLaren to have a one hour conference call on Saturday, May 18th at 1:00 pm Eastern Time, 10:00 am Pacific time, to discuss the Lincoln LS Powered by McLaren.
Steve Rossi, the president of McLaren Performance Technologies, and Paul Knauer, the project manager in charge of the LS project, will be on the call to discuss any questions or comments that you have regarding the McLaren LS.
For more information and to indicate that you are participating in the call visit the National Office News topic. This is a members-only event.