Lincoln Continental emerges as sophisticated understatement
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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In our nation's capital recently, where Ford Chairman Alex Trotman unwrapped a new generational successor to Lincoln Continental, the courtly full-size 4-door sedan twirled on a turntable under a cascade of spotlights which reflected the gleam of bright chrome grille, a boldly raked windshield and slinky side panels that together conveyed an aggressive stance with wedge-like profile and fat tires pushed to the limits of a broad rectangular plan.
Continental, we were told, carried a muscular new V8 engine to pitch it into power contention with all comers.
It stocked every conceivable safety system, plus sophisticated mechanical hardware so it could perform agile tricks through turns and curves, and it also contained enough luxury trappings to sate a potentate.
Its techno-electronic wizardry extended beyond a dazzling electronic display of instruments in the dashboard to a computer-based command system that remembers and regulates driver preferences for steering and suspension settings, seat and steering wheel positions, even adjustments to mirrors and radio dials.
Despite these internal bells and whistles, my first impression of Continental as it spun around on that Washington stage was less than enthusiastic. To me, its lines vaguely resembled an inflated Mercury Grand Marquis.
That understated styling, the car's chief designer informed me, was intentional to appeal to Continental's traditional market but also entice new, younger buyers.
Several weeks and the miles across a continent passed before I got to drive Continental on California freeways and twisty mountain roads through breathtaking Big Sur.
Let me tell you: After successfully steering it for 3,000 vertical feet down a narrow snake route to reach the Pacific Coast Highway, my opinion of this car soared.
For a big car, it performs awesome pavement maneuvers.
At the same time, it swamps you with luxury elements.
Adding those computerized commands becomes the ultimate bonus, both tool and toy for the kid in you to play.
Mounted on driver's door, two buttons bring commands for first and second drivers. Punch button one and you set preferences for seat position, steering wheel level, internal and external mirrors and various ride functions, even presets for favorite radio stations.
A second driver -- such as a spouse, perhaps -- may set similar preferences by using the second button.
Then, anytime you slip behind the steering wheel, simply tap your designated button and the car automatically adjusts everything the way you want it.
To turn the steering wheel, do you prefer firm, normal or easy effort? To manage the suspension system, would you want a ride quality that's soft, normal or solid? When you shift into reverse gear, should exterior mirrors tilt so you may see rear wheels more clearly?
How about intensity of instrument lighting? Should doors automatically lock when you move in forward gear? Do you desire lights on as you exit, and if so for how long? Which radio stations will you punch up? When doors lock by remote fob, should the system chirp to tell you it's set?
The list of choices is long, but the effect is like having a magical genie on-board to attend to your desires.
When I first heard of this incredible system of commands and options, I imagined I'd need a crash course in computers to learn to operate it, yet I quickly discovered its user-friendly nature. Push-button controls to the right of the instrument panel lead you through commands displayed with easy-to-read LED instructions.
Once I ventured beyond the delights of playing with that dashboard genie, I discovered the cushy realm of luxury that Continental provides: Plush leather seating, power everything, conveniences positioned at every angle, plus an unmatched level of quietness inside.
One of the car's few options has to do with front seat configuration. Specify sporty twin buckets and you end up with center-mount gear shifter and a console with armrest that flips to reveal an optional cellular phone. A 3-person bench with column-mounted shift lever also stocks a fold-down armrest which conceals a cellular telephone.
The rear bench offers ample room for three adults. I spent 60 miles back there to judge the ride quality and found comfortable space for long legs and tall heads. A center fold-down armrest, rear heat ducts and ceiling-mounted panic handles ease the miles.
Tiny nuances make this car more luxurious than others: There's a fold-up umbrella mounted behind the front seat, and in the trunk an optional partitioned box-like container holds groceries in place but rolls on track to the trunk's back recesses, leaving room for golf clubs or luggage.
Continental's new powertrain also impressed me.
The new all-aluminum 4.6-liter V8 engine, with 4-cam configuration and 32-valve format, features sequential port electronic fuel injection and an output of 260 horsepower.
An electronic 4-speed transaxle with non-synchronous overdrive and lockup torque converter shifts quietly and effortlessly, rarely intruding on driver patterns.
The 4-wheel road calibrated suspension with front struts and rear SLA produces a responsive ride quality for such a big car. Severe hairpin twists navigated on a narrow blacktop strip in my descent to the California coast produced only minimal body roll. Those three quality selections (firm/normal/plush) puts the driver in control for cushy or even sporty driving techniques.
Variable-assist power steering creates three more selectable ranges of feeling for the driver.
Continental's big disc brakes are tied to electronic anti-lock action, and a new all-speed traction control system uses engine torque reduction and brake pedal pressure to enhance car control on all surfaces.
The front-wheel-drive format also comes into play in maneuvering Continental, particularly in curve sets.
In my final analysis, Continental's computerized handling systems and muscular powertrain merged with all those luxury features to capture my attention.
By then, though, I also began to appreciate that subtle styling for Continental's exterior. It's an understatement, which in itself is such an elegant concept.
Check it out in black with big chrome wheels: Wow.
1995 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL
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| 1995 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS |
| Description: |
Full-size luxury sedan |
| Model Options: |
Full-size luxury sedan |
| Wheelbase: |
109.0 inches |
| Overall Length: |
206.3 inches
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| Engine Size: |
QOHC 4.6-L V8 32-v
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| Transmission: |
Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
Front |
| Braking: |
Power 4-disc/ABS |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
18/23 mpg |
| MSRP Price: |
$ 41,375 |
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