Wikicars - User contributions [en]

File:Mazda Premacy Green SideFront.jpg

2007-09-08T16:09:57Z

24.17.150.91: Remember! Categorize!

[[Category:Mazda images]]

Kia Pro cee'd Concept

2007-05-09T19:25:39Z

24.17.150.91: Category

Kia ex cee'd Convertible Concept

2007-05-09T19:25:02Z

24.17.150.91: Category

Lincoln Mark X

2007-05-09T19:22:28Z

24.17.150.91: Category

[[Image:lincoln-markx.jpg|2004 Lincoln MKX|right|thumb|300px]]

The Lincoln MK9 was a [[Lincoln]] concept car first showcased in 2004. The vehicle hinted at a future comeback of a Lincoln Personal luxury car. The MK9 was a follow-on vehicle from the 2003 Lincoln Navicross concept, with similar styling cues.

The MK9 kicked off Lincoln's new naming convention of using letter and number combinations while hinting at a continuation of the Lincoln Mark series. While the naming system is similar to that of [[Mercedes-Benz]] or [[BMW]], it does not contain any references regrading the vehicle's engine size or generation.

The Concept car features Lincoln's hallmark waterfall grille with the Lincoln diamond at its center. Two chrome accents on top of the vehicle's left and right shoulder run the entire length of the car. Chrome accented air vents are located near the doors on the front fenders.

The interior is flushed with lacquered wood and leather. Dark Cherry wood is used for the floor, while white leather is used for the headliner. The seats are models after the "Eames Lounge Chair" from the 1950's and are trimmed in red leather.
[[Category:Concept automobiles]]

Template:Qif

2007-04-22T20:34:30Z

24.17.150.91: Tag fix

{{{else{{{test|}}}|{{{test{{{test|}}}|{{{then|}}}}}}}}}<noinclude>This template enables display of content based on the outcome of a conditional test. It is used as follows, with both the ''then'' and the ''else'' parameters being optional although one must be used:
<pre>{{qif
|test={{{parameter_to_test|}}}
|then=What to display if test is not empty
|else=What to display if test is empty
}}</pre>

[[Category:Templates|Q]]</noinclude>

Aston Martin Virage

2007-04-22T17:11:15Z

24.17.150.91: Correctly filling in

Aston Martin Virage

2007-04-22T17:09:21Z

24.17.150.91: Fix

Lincoln Continental

2007-04-21T21:48:35Z

24.17.150.91: /* 1998 */ Image

'''Lincoln Continental''' is a model name that has been used several times by the [[Lincoln (automobile)|Lincoln]] division of [[Ford Motor Company]] for a line of [[luxury car]]s. For most of its lifetime, the Continental nameplate referred to the four-door Lincoln flagship. In 1981 the Continental's reign as the Lincoln flagship ended when the Town Car, a trim-level up to then, took over as the new flagship. The Continental continued as a midsize model, competing mainly with the [[Cadillac Seville]] until production ceased. [[Image:02 Lincoln.jpg|2002 Lincoln Continental|right|thumb|400px]]

==1939==

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" |
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Lincoln Continental'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Lincoln]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Height
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}

The first Lincoln Continental was developed initially as [[Edsel Ford]]'s one-off personal vehicle, though it is believed he planned all along to put the model into production if it was successful. In 1938, he commissioned a custom design from the chief stylist, [[Bob Gregorie]], ready for Edsel's March 1939 vacation. The design, allegedly sketched out in an hour by Gregorie working from the [[Lincoln-Zephyr|Lincoln Zephyr]] blueprints and making changes, was an elegant [[convertible]] with a long hood covering the Lincoln [[V12]] and long front fenders, and a short trunk with what became the Continental series' trademark, the externally-mounted covered spare tire.

The car could be considered a channeled and sectioned Zephyr that did not even have the bulge that in the Zephyr (and in some other cars) replaced the running-board at the bottom of the doors. This decrease in height meant that the height of the hood was much closer to that of the fenders. There was hardly any trim on it at all, making its lines superb. This car is often rated as one of the most beautiful in the world.

The custom car for the boss was duly produced on time, and Edsel had it delivered to Florida for his spring vacation. Interest from well-off friends was high, and Edsel sent a telegram back that he could sell a thousand of them. Lincoln craftsmen immediately began making production examples, both convertible and sedan. They were extensively hand-built; the two dozen 1939 models and 400 1940-built examples even had hand-hammered body panels, since dies for machine-pressing were not constructed until 1941.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Continental production was suspended, to be re-started in 1946 to 1948. Like the other post-war Lincolns, however, the Continental had similar bits of trim added to make it look improved. The 1939–1948 Continental is recognized as a "Full Classic" by the [[Classic Car Club of America]], one of the last-built cars to be so recognised.

{{-}}

==1956==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" |
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Lincoln Continental'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Lincoln]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Height
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}

The Continental name was revived in 1955 as a separate Ford brand, with its sole model being the [[Continental Mark II]], a high-class luxury vehicle that if anything was even more exclusive than the original Continental, being one of the most expensive cars available at the time. The Continental Mark II was sold for two model years, and about 3,000 were built. They sold to a selection of the world's richest men, but the [[Ford Motor Company]] lost money on each one sold. some of the original owners were Elvis, the Shah of Iran, Nelson Rockefeller and Henry Kissinger among others.

The Continental Mark II was design of its own with the highest quality control ever seen in automobile industry.

{{-}}

== 1958–1960 Mark III, IV, and V==

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" |
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Lincoln Continental'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Lincoln]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Height
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}

The Continental division was dissolved after 1957, but in an attempt to retain some of the cachet of the Mark II, Lincoln named its top-of-the-line 1958 model the ''Continental Mark III''. This differed from the lower-model [[full-size]] Lincolns only in trim level and in its roof treatment, featuring a reverse-angle power rear "breezeway" window that retracted down behind the back seat. That year's full-size Lincoln sold poorly in all models; 1958 was a recession year in the United States. The new Lincoln was one of the largest cars ever made, larger than that year's [[Cadillac]], and had styling considered by many to be excessive even in that decade of styling excess. 1959's range contained a ''Continental Mark IV'' model, and the 1960 range had a ''Continental Mark V'', with more restrained styling than the 1958.

{{-}}

==1961==

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:Lincoln.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Lincoln Continental'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Lincoln]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
| Mk. III
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1961 - 1969
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4-door [[convertible]]<br>4-door [[sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Height
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 430 in³ [[Ford MEL engine#430|Super Marauder]] [[V8]]<br>460 in³ [[Ford 385 engine|385-series]] [[V8]]<br>462 in³ [[Ford MEL engine#462|MEL]] [[V8]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}

In 1961, the Continental was completely redesigned by [[Elwood Engle]]. For the first time, the names Lincoln and Continental would be paired on a car other than one in the Mark series. The design was originally intended to be the new 1961 [[Ford Thunderbird]], but the concept was enlarged and slightly altered before being switched to the Lincoln line by [[Robert McNamara]]. One of the most striking features of the new Continental was its size. It was two feet shorter than its predecessor. So much smaller was this car, that advertising executives at Ford photographed a woman parallel parking a sedan for a magazine spread. The new Continental's most recognized trademark, front opening rear doors, was a purely practical decision. The new Continental was a [[unibody]] design, and there simply was not the structural strength to front-hang the heavy rear doors in the [[convertible]] model. To simplify production, all cars were to be four-door models, and only two body styles were offered, sedan or convertible. Therefore, the rear doors were hung from the rear and opened from the front. This "[[suicide door]]" style was to become the best-known feature of 1960s Lincolns. The 1961 model was the first car manufactured in [[United States|America]] to be sold with a 24,000 mile or 2-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. [[Harold W. Johnson]] was head of Lincoln Continental division at the time. Efforts to find a new longer-life tire were conducted by [[Jacques Bajer]] at his asking.

===Kennedy Limousine SS-100-X===
For the Kennedy White House, the Secret Service purchased a convertible parade limousine custom built by [[Hess & Eisenhart]] of Cincinnati, Ohio from a 1961 Lincoln 4-door convertible. Code named the [[SS-100-X]], it was in [[SS-100-X|this car]] that JFK was assassinated in 1963. By that time, the front of the car had been updated with the grille/headlight/bumper assembly from the 1962 model. After the assasination, the limousine was returned to Hess & Eisenhart, where it was repaired and retrofitted with full armor and a fixed roof. It subsequently continued in service for the White House for many years. This world-famous car is now on display at the [[Henry Ford Museum]] in Dearborn, Michigan.

===1962===
This slab-sided distinctive design ran from 1961 through 1969 with few changes from year to year. Lincoln dealers began to find that many people who bought 1961 and post-1961 models were keeping their cars longer. In 1962, a simpler front grille design with floating rectangles and a thin center bar was adopted.

===1963===
Due to customer requests, for 1963 the front seat was redesigned to provide a little more leg room to back seat passengers. The rear deck lid was also raised to provide more trunk space. The floating rectangles in the previous year's grille became a simple matrix of squares.

===1964===
The car was stretched 3 inches (76 [[millimeter|mm]]) in 1964 to give more rear-seat legroom, and the roofline was squared off at the same time. The dash was also redesigned, doing away with the pod concept. Side glass was now flat to provide more interior room. The gas tank access door, which had been concealed at the rear of the car in the rear grille, was now placed on the driver's side rear quarter panel and the exterior "Continental" script was changed.

===1965===
The convex 1961–64 grille was replaced by a flatter, squared-off one for 1965–69. The car was given front disc brakes for the 1965 model year to improve stopping time, but little else changed.
This car was also used in the film The Matrix from 1999-2001

===1966===
[[Image:Lincoln Continental Convertible.jpg|left|thumb|250px|1966 Lincoln Continental convertible]]A two-door version was launched in 1966, the first two-door Lincoln since 1960, and the [[MEL engine]] was expanded from 430 to 462 in³ (7.0 to 7.6 [[Liter|L]]). The car was given all-new exterior sheet metal and a new interior. The length was increased by five inches to 220.9, the width by an inch to 79.7, and the height by almost an inch to 55.0 (on the sedan).

The convertible saw a few technical changes related to how the lowering and raising the top was implemented. Lincoln engineers separated the hydraulics for the top and the rear decklid (trunk) by adding a second pump and eliminating the hydraulic solenoids. A glass rear window replaced the previous years' plastic windows.

Sales increased to 54,755 units for the model year, considered a success by Ford. This was a 36% increase over 1965. Product breakdown for the year consisted of 65% sedans, 29% coupes, and just under 6% for the four-door convertible.

===1967===
1967 was the last year customers could choose a four-door convertible Continental. 1967 sales were 45,667 cars built.

===1968===
1968 brought some minor exterior changes. The new [[Ford 385 engine]] in a 460 in³ (7.5 L) model was to be available initially, but because there were so many of the old 462 engines in process during production, the 462 was used until the 460 was phased in later that year.

Suicide-door Lincolns were used as the US Presidential limousines during the 1960s and into the 1970s. [[John F. Kennedy]] was assassinated while riding in a 1961 convertible, which was later armored and converted into a sedan for greater security. This famous automobile is currently housed at the [[Henry Ford Museum]]. Another famous event involving this model of Continental was when a brand new 1964 model was mercilessly crushed into a cube in a junkyard compactor in the [[James Bond]] film ''[[Goldfinger (film)|Goldfinger]]'', to the horror of many moviegoers. (The filmmakers were not so wasteful: the moving car is a new 1964, but after a cutaway, the car picked up by the crane to be destroyed is a 1963 without an engine).

===Mark III===
[[Lincoln Continental Mark III]] was introduced in early 1968 as a 1969 model. The reason for the "III" designation was that this car was seen as the true successor to the Mark II of 1956-57. Although it shared the Continental name with other Lincoln models, it was a completely different car. Based on the [[Ford Thunderbird]] sedan platform, the Mark III was the first body-on-frame Lincoln since 1957. This model was made famous in the 1971 movie ''[[The French Connection (film)|The French Connection]]'', when this model was used as a means for smuggling vast quantities of heroin concealed in its rocker panels. Built from 1968 to 1971, only few changes were made to the original model (1968). The Mark III had a 460 in³ engine with 365 bhp and a [[compression ratio]] of 10.5:1. The 1970 model was the first car to feature an [[Anti-lock braking system|ABS]] (Sure-Track) system for the rear tires and was originally equipped with [[Michelin]] radials. Some of the original equipment included automatic [[headlight]] dimmers, [[cruise control]], rear window defroster (electric and forced air), electric everything and remote control trunk release.

==1970==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:79TC.jpg|300px|1979 Lincoln Continental Town Car]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Lincoln Continental'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Lincoln]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
| Mk.IV
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1970–1979
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4-door [[Full-size]] [[sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Height
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 3-speed [[Ford C6 transmission|C6]] [[automatic transmission|automatic]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 400 in³ [[Ford 335 engine#400|Cleveland]] [[V8]]<br>460 in³ [[Ford 385 engine|385-series]] [[V8]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}

The 1970 Continental continued the slab-sided design with blade-like fenders of the previous model, but the suicide doors were gone as was [[unibody]] construction. Changes included headlamps which were hidden behind retractable flaps (a characteristic introduced on the [[Lincoln Continental Mark III]]), federally-mandated bumpers in 1973, grille changes in 1971 and 1977, and progressive introduction of pollution controls. Nevertheless, from 1972 to 1975 the [[Lincoln Continental Mark IV]] successfully fought over the title "King of the Hill" with the [[Cadillac Eldorado]] in the [[personal luxury car]] category. Standard luxury features gradually became optional over the decade, and the 460 in³ (7.5 L) engine became an option in 1977, the 400 in³ (6.6 L) small-block replacing it as the standard engine. From 1975 to 1980 a Continental Town Coupé was also sold alongside the four-door Continental Town Car and the [[Lincoln Continental Mark V|Continental Mark V]]. Town Coupé and Town Car were option packages for the Continental.

The car measures 233.4 inches, about 19.4 feet (5.7 m), and weighed between 4500-5300lbs depending on the year. After [[General Motors]] downsized its big cars for 1977, these Lincolns were some of the largest cars on the market, surpassed only by Cadillac's Fleetwood 75 limousine. They were powered by Ford's 460 cid [[V8]], which was the largest engine in any production car, worldwide, from 1977 to 1979. The [[EPA]] rated the Lincolns at 10-12 MPG.

{{-}}

==1980==
[[Image:80 Lincoln.jpg|1980 Lincoln Continental|right|thumb|400px]]

By 1980, Ford could not continue the old models; they could not meet the fuel economy and emissions regulations any longer. Much smaller and more economical vehicles were required, so Ford chose to downsize the Continental onto the [[Ford Panther platform]] designed for the 1979 [[Ford LTD]] and [[Mercury Marquis]]. The 1980 Continental Mark VI, as compared to its 1979 predecessor Mark V, was erdrive800 lb lighter and 20 inches (508 mm) shorter in overall length, and was fitted with a 302 in³ (5.0 L) V8. A 351 in³ (5.8 L) engine was briefly optional. Fuel efficiency was about a third better than the 1979 model.

The new Continental carried over as many styling cues as possible from the previous, larger cars, modified somewhat to match the new, more sensible package. Lincoln management knew that keeping the family resemblance going was critical; sales depended on the car being instantly recognizable as a Lincoln.

In 1981, the Continental name was replaced by the [[Lincoln Town Car|Town Car]] (a former option package name) on this and subsequent models. Nevertheless, the Mark VI model continued through the 1983 model year without the "Continental" designation which in 1982 had been conferred upon the vehicle which was to become the Mark VII for the 1984 model year.

{{-}}

==1982==

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" |
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Lincoln Continental'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Lincoln]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
| Mk. VI
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1982–1987
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4-door [[sedan]]<br>[[Ford Fox platform]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Height
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 4-speed [[Ford AOD transmission|AOD]] automatic overdrive
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 2.4 L [[BMW M21|M21]] [[turbo]][[diesel]] [[Straight-6|I6]]<br>3.8 L [[Ford Essex V6 engine (Canadian)|Essex]] [[V6]]<br>5.0 L [[Ford Windsor engine#302|Windsor]] [[V8]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 150 hp<br>275 lb-ft
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}

1982 saw the Continental name applied to a new, smaller Lincoln. Intended to compete with the [[Cadillac Seville]], the new Continental was given a [[Daimler Motor Company|Daimler]]-esque, bustle-backed body, but remained a [[rear wheel drive]] vehicle, built on a modified [[Ford Fox platform]]. Engine choices were the 5.0 L V8 and for the first time, a 3.8 L [[V6]]. This model was produced through the 1987 model year.

A coupe version, called the [[Lincoln Mark VII]], was introduced in 1984 as a competitor to the [[Cadillac Eldorado]]. The Mark VII remained in production a little longer, ending its run in 1992.

A rare footnote to the "Fox" Continental was the availability in 1984 to 1985 of a [[BMW]]-Steyr 2.4 L [[turbo]][[diesel]] six-cylinder engine. Considered sluggish and smoky, it was never popular. Few are believed to still exist.

This little Continental was the spiritual successor to the [[Lincoln Versailles]] intermediate of the 1970s. Like Versailles it was based on lesser Ford
models, and shared components with the LTD and [[Ford Fairmont|Fairmont]]. Unlike Versailles, it wasn't a cheap car dressed with luxury add-ons, but instead had a unique body and interior, both giving a feeling of luxury that didn't betray the car's origins. And, to a great degree, the little
Continental succeeded where Versailles had failed - in the sales race. The little Continental's "Bustleback" styling was meant to compete
with the razor-edged Cadillac Seville and [[Chrysler]]'s "Bustleback" [[Chrysler Imperial|Imperial]], but the Continental was more conventional and less trouble-prone than either of its rivals. Unfortunately, it was about two years too late, as Seville and Imperial were already established forces in the market, and Lincoln's foray into "bustleback" styling seemed a little contrived in 1982. The standard engine for '82 was a carbureted version of Ford's 302 cid [[V8]], with a fuel-injected version arriving the next year. A 2.4 liter [[BMW M21]] turbodiesel was offered in '84 and '85, but wasn't frequently ordered. The little continental got freshened styling for '84, making it more aerodynamic looking. The car continued thereafter with few changes.

{{-}}

==1988==

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:93 Lincoln.jpg|300px]]

|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Lincoln Continental'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Lincoln]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
| Mk. VII
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1988–1994
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4-door [[sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 205.1 in. (5.2 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 72.7 in. (1.8 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Height
| 55.4 in. (1.4 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 109.0 in. (2.8 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 4-speed [[Ford AXOD transmission#AXOD-E|AXOD-E]] automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 3.8 L [[Ford Essex V6 engine (Canadian)|Essex]] [[V6]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 140 hp (1988–90), 151 hp (1991), 160 hp (1992–94)
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Ford Taurus]]<br>[[Mercury Sable]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}

The 1988 Continental was all-new, [[front wheel drive]], and based on the same platform as the [[Ford Taurus]] and [[Mercury Sable]]. This basic configuration would continue until the Continental was discontinued after the 2002 model year. This incarnation was intended to compete against the similar [[Cadillac DeVille]], which had been downsized in 1985. The Continental was on ''[[Car and Driver]]'' magazine's [[Car and Driver Ten Best|Ten Best list]] for 1989. In the 1990s, however, the Continental's downsized body and strong resemblance to non-luxury [[Mercury (automobile)|Mercury]] and Ford models was heavily criticized. Sales also dipped as the relatively small car proved unpopular with Lincoln buyers who were seeking larger American-made luxury cars featuring rear wheel drive.

For the first time ever, no V8 was available on the Continental. The sole engine choice was a 3.8 L [[Ford Essex V6 engine (Canadian)|Essex]] V6, the same engine that was optional on Tauruses and Sables.
Thanks to its redesigned appearance and front-wheel drive like the rival Cadillac Seville. the Continental was now a good deal
better than Seville in the eyes of the public, and handily outsold the Cadillac. The roots of Continental's design were in the Taurus, but
Continental had its own V6, its own body, and its own interior. While performance wasn't anything to write home about, the Continental was vastly improved over the old one, with its antiquated "Fox" chassis and running gear. One thing owners didn't like was the new price tag, which was now hovering around $30,000, which was a great deal more in 1988 than it is now. Many owners felt that they'd paid too high a price for a car with some quality problems, and which was based on the much less expensive Taurus. However, with the exception of early build quality, new model bugs, and persistent transmission bugs, the new Continental was pretty much trouble-free. Today, these cars haven't held their value the way they should have, which leaves the door open for good deals on well-equipped used examples. This Continental isn't as cheap to own as the previous one, however. As with nearly all luxury cars, the air suspension is very expensive to replace (some substitute cheaper Taurus or Sable suspensions sourced from wrecked cars), and electronic items like the digital dash and climate control can fail.

{{-}}

==1995==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:97 Lincoln.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Lincoln Continental'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Lincoln]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
| Mk. VIII
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1995–1997
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4-door [[sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 206.3 in. (5.2 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 73.6 in. (1.9 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Height
| 56.0 in. (1.4 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 109.0 in. (2.8 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 4-speed [[Ford AXOD transmission#AX4N|AX4N]] automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 4.6 L [[Ford Modular engine#4-valve|Modular]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 260 hp <br> 265 lb-ft.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Ford Taurus]]<br>[[Mercury Sable]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}

Like the Taurus and Sable the Continental was substantially updated in the mid-1990s, but with more rounded lines, creating a more aerodynamic exterior. The 1995 Continental was ridded of the many design features that had previously reminded onlookers of the lesser Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable. The 1995 Continental was once again perceived as a unique Lincoln and was by many critics to be easier recognizable as luxury car. A very substantial change from the previous [[V6]] car, though, was the addition of the a [[DOHC]] [[Ford Modular engine|Modular V8]] similar to that powered the [[rear wheel drive]] [[Lincoln Mark VIII]]. The most noticeable differences being its FWD all aluminum block (different bolt pattern for the transmission bell housing) and it being rated at 20 hp and 20 ft·lbf tq. less than the Mark VIII.

{{-}}

==1998==

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:02_Lincoln.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Lincoln Continental'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Lincoln]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
| Mk. IX
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1998–2002
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4-door [[sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 208.5 in. (5.3 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 73.6 in. (1.9 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Height
| 56.0 in. (1.4 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 109.0 in. (2.8 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 4-speed [[Ford AXOD transmission|AX4N]] automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 4.6 L [[Ford Modular engine#4-valve|Modular]] DOHC [[V8]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 275 hp <br> 275 lb-ft.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Ford Taurus]]<br>Mercury Sable]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}

The Continental was updated again in 1998 with a new exterior (the exterior was similar to that of the Town Car), and the 1999 model gained side airbags and more power. After the 2002 model year, the Continental was cancelled, because of slow sales due to the continued shift in the consumer marketplace away from large front-wheel drive luxury cars. The Continental, and to an extent the [[Lincoln Mark VIII]] coupe, were essentially replaced in the Lincoln lineup by the midsize [[Lincoln LS]] V8 & V6 sedans, which were introduced in the 2000 model year. Even though the Continental was a large [[front wheel drive]] sedan, and the Mark VIII was a [[rear wheel drive]] coupe, the rear wheel drive LS acted as a replacement for each, by acting both as a personal luxury vehicle, and as a family [[sedan]]. Nevertheless, buyers looking for a [[full-size]]d luxury sedan in the Continental class tended to "move up" and purchase the larger rear wheel drive Town Car, while those looking for a personal luxury-sporty sedan in the Mark VIII class purchased the LS.

All Continentals built after 1958 were assembled at Ford's [[Wixom Assembly Plant]]. The last Lincoln Continental rolled off the assembly line on July 26, 2002. The Wixom plant continued to manufacture the Town Car and LS, [[Ford Thunderbird]], as well as the niche sports car [[Ford GT]].

{{-}}

==Replacements==

Lincoln upgraded the LS in 2005-2006 to attract more of the [[mid-size]] luxury market in the Continental class. The LS was cancelled in April 2006 due to slowing sales, following the release of the mid-size 2006 [[Lincoln Zephyr]], and its upgraded replacement, the 2007 [[Lincoln MKZ]]. A larger, more luxurious Lincoln flagship sedan, the [[Lincoln MKS]], is reportedly under development for the 2009 model year as a proper replacement for the Lincoln Continental class vehicle.

A concept vehicle was created in 2002, complete with suicide doors and a 5.9L (5935cc/362.2in<sup>3</sup>) V12 engine producing 414bhp (309kW) at 6000rpm and 413 lbs-ft (560Nm) of torque at 5270rpm.

==External links==
{{commonscat|Lincoln Continental}}

{{Lincoln}}

{{Lincoln vehicles}}

[[Category:Lincoln Vehicles|Continental]]
[[Category:Luxury Vehicles]]
[[Category:Front Wheel Drive Vehicles]]
[[Category:Rear Wheel Drive Vehicles]]
[[Category:Prestige Vehicles]]
[[Category:Full-Size Cars]]

Lincoln Continental

2007-04-21T21:47:48Z

24.17.150.91: /* 1995 */ Image in infobox

'''Lincoln Continental''' is a model name that has been used several times by the [[Lincoln (automobile)|Lincoln]] division of [[Ford Motor Company]] for a line of [[luxury car]]s. For most of its lifetime, the Continental nameplate referred to the four-door Lincoln flagship. In 1981 the Continental's reign as the Lincoln flagship ended when the Town Car, a trim-level up to then, took over as the new flagship. The Continental continued as a midsize model, competing mainly with the [[Cadillac Seville]] until production ceased. [[Image:02 Lincoln.jpg|2002 Lincoln Continental|right|thumb|400px]]

==1939==

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" |
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Lincoln Continental'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Lincoln]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Height
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}

The first Lincoln Continental was developed initially as [[Edsel Ford]]'s one-off personal vehicle, though it is believed he planned all along to put the model into production if it was successful. In 1938, he commissioned a custom design from the chief stylist, [[Bob Gregorie]], ready for Edsel's March 1939 vacation. The design, allegedly sketched out in an hour by Gregorie working from the [[Lincoln-Zephyr|Lincoln Zephyr]] blueprints and making changes, was an elegant [[convertible]] with a long hood covering the Lincoln [[V12]] and long front fenders, and a short trunk with what became the Continental series' trademark, the externally-mounted covered spare tire.

The car could be considered a channeled and sectioned Zephyr that did not even have the bulge that in the Zephyr (and in some other cars) replaced the running-board at the bottom of the doors. This decrease in height meant that the height of the hood was much closer to that of the fenders. There was hardly any trim on it at all, making its lines superb. This car is often rated as one of the most beautiful in the world.

The custom car for the boss was duly produced on time, and Edsel had it delivered to Florida for his spring vacation. Interest from well-off friends was high, and Edsel sent a telegram back that he could sell a thousand of them. Lincoln craftsmen immediately began making production examples, both convertible and sedan. They were extensively hand-built; the two dozen 1939 models and 400 1940-built examples even had hand-hammered body panels, since dies for machine-pressing were not constructed until 1941.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Continental production was suspended, to be re-started in 1946 to 1948. Like the other post-war Lincolns, however, the Continental had similar bits of trim added to make it look improved. The 1939–1948 Continental is recognized as a "Full Classic" by the [[Classic Car Club of America]], one of the last-built cars to be so recognised.

{{-}}

==1956==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" |
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Lincoln Continental'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Lincoln]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Height
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}

The Continental name was revived in 1955 as a separate Ford brand, with its sole model being the [[Continental Mark II]], a high-class luxury vehicle that if anything was even more exclusive than the original Continental, being one of the most expensive cars available at the time. The Continental Mark II was sold for two model years, and about 3,000 were built. They sold to a selection of the world's richest men, but the [[Ford Motor Company]] lost money on each one sold. some of the original owners were Elvis, the Shah of Iran, Nelson Rockefeller and Henry Kissinger among others.

The Continental Mark II was design of its own with the highest quality control ever seen in automobile industry.

{{-}}

== 1958–1960 Mark III, IV, and V==

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" |
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Lincoln Continental'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Lincoln]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Height
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}

The Continental division was dissolved after 1957, but in an attempt to retain some of the cachet of the Mark II, Lincoln named its top-of-the-line 1958 model the ''Continental Mark III''. This differed from the lower-model [[full-size]] Lincolns only in trim level and in its roof treatment, featuring a reverse-angle power rear "breezeway" window that retracted down behind the back seat. That year's full-size Lincoln sold poorly in all models; 1958 was a recession year in the United States. The new Lincoln was one of the largest cars ever made, larger than that year's [[Cadillac]], and had styling considered by many to be excessive even in that decade of styling excess. 1959's range contained a ''Continental Mark IV'' model, and the 1960 range had a ''Continental Mark V'', with more restrained styling than the 1958.

{{-}}

==1961==

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:Lincoln.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Lincoln Continental'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Lincoln]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
| Mk. III
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1961 - 1969
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4-door [[convertible]]<br>4-door [[sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Height
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 430 in³ [[Ford MEL engine#430|Super Marauder]] [[V8]]<br>460 in³ [[Ford 385 engine|385-series]] [[V8]]<br>462 in³ [[Ford MEL engine#462|MEL]] [[V8]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}

In 1961, the Continental was completely redesigned by [[Elwood Engle]]. For the first time, the names Lincoln and Continental would be paired on a car other than one in the Mark series. The design was originally intended to be the new 1961 [[Ford Thunderbird]], but the concept was enlarged and slightly altered before being switched to the Lincoln line by [[Robert McNamara]]. One of the most striking features of the new Continental was its size. It was two feet shorter than its predecessor. So much smaller was this car, that advertising executives at Ford photographed a woman parallel parking a sedan for a magazine spread. The new Continental's most recognized trademark, front opening rear doors, was a purely practical decision. The new Continental was a [[unibody]] design, and there simply was not the structural strength to front-hang the heavy rear doors in the [[convertible]] model. To simplify production, all cars were to be four-door models, and only two body styles were offered, sedan or convertible. Therefore, the rear doors were hung from the rear and opened from the front. This "[[suicide door]]" style was to become the best-known feature of 1960s Lincolns. The 1961 model was the first car manufactured in [[United States|America]] to be sold with a 24,000 mile or 2-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. [[Harold W. Johnson]] was head of Lincoln Continental division at the time. Efforts to find a new longer-life tire were conducted by [[Jacques Bajer]] at his asking.

===Kennedy Limousine SS-100-X===
For the Kennedy White House, the Secret Service purchased a convertible parade limousine custom built by [[Hess & Eisenhart]] of Cincinnati, Ohio from a 1961 Lincoln 4-door convertible. Code named the [[SS-100-X]], it was in [[SS-100-X|this car]] that JFK was assassinated in 1963. By that time, the front of the car had been updated with the grille/headlight/bumper assembly from the 1962 model. After the assasination, the limousine was returned to Hess & Eisenhart, where it was repaired and retrofitted with full armor and a fixed roof. It subsequently continued in service for the White House for many years. This world-famous car is now on display at the [[Henry Ford Museum]] in Dearborn, Michigan.

===1962===
This slab-sided distinctive design ran from 1961 through 1969 with few changes from year to year. Lincoln dealers began to find that many people who bought 1961 and post-1961 models were keeping their cars longer. In 1962, a simpler front grille design with floating rectangles and a thin center bar was adopted.

===1963===
Due to customer requests, for 1963 the front seat was redesigned to provide a little more leg room to back seat passengers. The rear deck lid was also raised to provide more trunk space. The floating rectangles in the previous year's grille became a simple matrix of squares.

===1964===
The car was stretched 3 inches (76 [[millimeter|mm]]) in 1964 to give more rear-seat legroom, and the roofline was squared off at the same time. The dash was also redesigned, doing away with the pod concept. Side glass was now flat to provide more interior room. The gas tank access door, which had been concealed at the rear of the car in the rear grille, was now placed on the driver's side rear quarter panel and the exterior "Continental" script was changed.

===1965===
The convex 1961–64 grille was replaced by a flatter, squared-off one for 1965–69. The car was given front disc brakes for the 1965 model year to improve stopping time, but little else changed.
This car was also used in the film The Matrix from 1999-2001

===1966===
[[Image:Lincoln Continental Convertible.jpg|left|thumb|250px|1966 Lincoln Continental convertible]]A two-door version was launched in 1966, the first two-door Lincoln since 1960, and the [[MEL engine]] was expanded from 430 to 462 in³ (7.0 to 7.6 [[Liter|L]]). The car was given all-new exterior sheet metal and a new interior. The length was increased by five inches to 220.9, the width by an inch to 79.7, and the height by almost an inch to 55.0 (on the sedan).

The convertible saw a few technical changes related to how the lowering and raising the top was implemented. Lincoln engineers separated the hydraulics for the top and the rear decklid (trunk) by adding a second pump and eliminating the hydraulic solenoids. A glass rear window replaced the previous years' plastic windows.

Sales increased to 54,755 units for the model year, considered a success by Ford. This was a 36% increase over 1965. Product breakdown for the year consisted of 65% sedans, 29% coupes, and just under 6% for the four-door convertible.

===1967===
1967 was the last year customers could choose a four-door convertible Continental. 1967 sales were 45,667 cars built.

===1968===
1968 brought some minor exterior changes. The new [[Ford 385 engine]] in a 460 in³ (7.5 L) model was to be available initially, but because there were so many of the old 462 engines in process during production, the 462 was used until the 460 was phased in later that year.

Suicide-door Lincolns were used as the US Presidential limousines during the 1960s and into the 1970s. [[John F. Kennedy]] was assassinated while riding in a 1961 convertible, which was later armored and converted into a sedan for greater security. This famous automobile is currently housed at the [[Henry Ford Museum]]. Another famous event involving this model of Continental was when a brand new 1964 model was mercilessly crushed into a cube in a junkyard compactor in the [[James Bond]] film ''[[Goldfinger (film)|Goldfinger]]'', to the horror of many moviegoers. (The filmmakers were not so wasteful: the moving car is a new 1964, but after a cutaway, the car picked up by the crane to be destroyed is a 1963 without an engine).

===Mark III===
[[Lincoln Continental Mark III]] was introduced in early 1968 as a 1969 model. The reason for the "III" designation was that this car was seen as the true successor to the Mark II of 1956-57. Although it shared the Continental name with other Lincoln models, it was a completely different car. Based on the [[Ford Thunderbird]] sedan platform, the Mark III was the first body-on-frame Lincoln since 1957. This model was made famous in the 1971 movie ''[[The French Connection (film)|The French Connection]]'', when this model was used as a means for smuggling vast quantities of heroin concealed in its rocker panels. Built from 1968 to 1971, only few changes were made to the original model (1968). The Mark III had a 460 in³ engine with 365 bhp and a [[compression ratio]] of 10.5:1. The 1970 model was the first car to feature an [[Anti-lock braking system|ABS]] (Sure-Track) system for the rear tires and was originally equipped with [[Michelin]] radials. Some of the original equipment included automatic [[headlight]] dimmers, [[cruise control]], rear window defroster (electric and forced air), electric everything and remote control trunk release.

==1970==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:79TC.jpg|300px|1979 Lincoln Continental Town Car]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Lincoln Continental'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Lincoln]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
| Mk.IV
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1970–1979
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4-door [[Full-size]] [[sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Height
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 3-speed [[Ford C6 transmission|C6]] [[automatic transmission|automatic]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 400 in³ [[Ford 335 engine#400|Cleveland]] [[V8]]<br>460 in³ [[Ford 385 engine|385-series]] [[V8]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}

The 1970 Continental continued the slab-sided design with blade-like fenders of the previous model, but the suicide doors were gone as was [[unibody]] construction. Changes included headlamps which were hidden behind retractable flaps (a characteristic introduced on the [[Lincoln Continental Mark III]]), federally-mandated bumpers in 1973, grille changes in 1971 and 1977, and progressive introduction of pollution controls. Nevertheless, from 1972 to 1975 the [[Lincoln Continental Mark IV]] successfully fought over the title "King of the Hill" with the [[Cadillac Eldorado]] in the [[personal luxury car]] category. Standard luxury features gradually became optional over the decade, and the 460 in³ (7.5 L) engine became an option in 1977, the 400 in³ (6.6 L) small-block replacing it as the standard engine. From 1975 to 1980 a Continental Town Coupé was also sold alongside the four-door Continental Town Car and the [[Lincoln Continental Mark V|Continental Mark V]]. Town Coupé and Town Car were option packages for the Continental.

The car measures 233.4 inches, about 19.4 feet (5.7 m), and weighed between 4500-5300lbs depending on the year. After [[General Motors]] downsized its big cars for 1977, these Lincolns were some of the largest cars on the market, surpassed only by Cadillac's Fleetwood 75 limousine. They were powered by Ford's 460 cid [[V8]], which was the largest engine in any production car, worldwide, from 1977 to 1979. The [[EPA]] rated the Lincolns at 10-12 MPG.

{{-}}

==1980==
[[Image:80 Lincoln.jpg|1980 Lincoln Continental|right|thumb|400px]]

By 1980, Ford could not continue the old models; they could not meet the fuel economy and emissions regulations any longer. Much smaller and more economical vehicles were required, so Ford chose to downsize the Continental onto the [[Ford Panther platform]] designed for the 1979 [[Ford LTD]] and [[Mercury Marquis]]. The 1980 Continental Mark VI, as compared to its 1979 predecessor Mark V, was erdrive800 lb lighter and 20 inches (508 mm) shorter in overall length, and was fitted with a 302 in³ (5.0 L) V8. A 351 in³ (5.8 L) engine was briefly optional. Fuel efficiency was about a third better than the 1979 model.

The new Continental carried over as many styling cues as possible from the previous, larger cars, modified somewhat to match the new, more sensible package. Lincoln management knew that keeping the family resemblance going was critical; sales depended on the car being instantly recognizable as a Lincoln.

In 1981, the Continental name was replaced by the [[Lincoln Town Car|Town Car]] (a former option package name) on this and subsequent models. Nevertheless, the Mark VI model continued through the 1983 model year without the "Continental" designation which in 1982 had been conferred upon the vehicle which was to become the Mark VII for the 1984 model year.

{{-}}

==1982==

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" |
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Lincoln Continental'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Lincoln]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
| Mk. VI
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1982–1987
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4-door [[sedan]]<br>[[Ford Fox platform]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Height
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 4-speed [[Ford AOD transmission|AOD]] automatic overdrive
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 2.4 L [[BMW M21|M21]] [[turbo]][[diesel]] [[Straight-6|I6]]<br>3.8 L [[Ford Essex V6 engine (Canadian)|Essex]] [[V6]]<br>5.0 L [[Ford Windsor engine#302|Windsor]] [[V8]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 150 hp<br>275 lb-ft
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}

1982 saw the Continental name applied to a new, smaller Lincoln. Intended to compete with the [[Cadillac Seville]], the new Continental was given a [[Daimler Motor Company|Daimler]]-esque, bustle-backed body, but remained a [[rear wheel drive]] vehicle, built on a modified [[Ford Fox platform]]. Engine choices were the 5.0 L V8 and for the first time, a 3.8 L [[V6]]. This model was produced through the 1987 model year.

A coupe version, called the [[Lincoln Mark VII]], was introduced in 1984 as a competitor to the [[Cadillac Eldorado]]. The Mark VII remained in production a little longer, ending its run in 1992.

A rare footnote to the "Fox" Continental was the availability in 1984 to 1985 of a [[BMW]]-Steyr 2.4 L [[turbo]][[diesel]] six-cylinder engine. Considered sluggish and smoky, it was never popular. Few are believed to still exist.

This little Continental was the spiritual successor to the [[Lincoln Versailles]] intermediate of the 1970s. Like Versailles it was based on lesser Ford
models, and shared components with the LTD and [[Ford Fairmont|Fairmont]]. Unlike Versailles, it wasn't a cheap car dressed with luxury add-ons, but instead had a unique body and interior, both giving a feeling of luxury that didn't betray the car's origins. And, to a great degree, the little
Continental succeeded where Versailles had failed - in the sales race. The little Continental's "Bustleback" styling was meant to compete
with the razor-edged Cadillac Seville and [[Chrysler]]'s "Bustleback" [[Chrysler Imperial|Imperial]], but the Continental was more conventional and less trouble-prone than either of its rivals. Unfortunately, it was about two years too late, as Seville and Imperial were already established forces in the market, and Lincoln's foray into "bustleback" styling seemed a little contrived in 1982. The standard engine for '82 was a carbureted version of Ford's 302 cid [[V8]], with a fuel-injected version arriving the next year. A 2.4 liter [[BMW M21]] turbodiesel was offered in '84 and '85, but wasn't frequently ordered. The little continental got freshened styling for '84, making it more aerodynamic looking. The car continued thereafter with few changes.

{{-}}

==1988==

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:93 Lincoln.jpg|300px]]

|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Lincoln Continental'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Lincoln]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
| Mk. VII
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1988–1994
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4-door [[sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 205.1 in. (5.2 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 72.7 in. (1.8 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Height
| 55.4 in. (1.4 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 109.0 in. (2.8 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 4-speed [[Ford AXOD transmission#AXOD-E|AXOD-E]] automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 3.8 L [[Ford Essex V6 engine (Canadian)|Essex]] [[V6]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 140 hp (1988–90), 151 hp (1991), 160 hp (1992–94)
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Ford Taurus]]<br>[[Mercury Sable]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}

The 1988 Continental was all-new, [[front wheel drive]], and based on the same platform as the [[Ford Taurus]] and [[Mercury Sable]]. This basic configuration would continue until the Continental was discontinued after the 2002 model year. This incarnation was intended to compete against the similar [[Cadillac DeVille]], which had been downsized in 1985. The Continental was on ''[[Car and Driver]]'' magazine's [[Car and Driver Ten Best|Ten Best list]] for 1989. In the 1990s, however, the Continental's downsized body and strong resemblance to non-luxury [[Mercury (automobile)|Mercury]] and Ford models was heavily criticized. Sales also dipped as the relatively small car proved unpopular with Lincoln buyers who were seeking larger American-made luxury cars featuring rear wheel drive.

For the first time ever, no V8 was available on the Continental. The sole engine choice was a 3.8 L [[Ford Essex V6 engine (Canadian)|Essex]] V6, the same engine that was optional on Tauruses and Sables.
Thanks to its redesigned appearance and front-wheel drive like the rival Cadillac Seville. the Continental was now a good deal
better than Seville in the eyes of the public, and handily outsold the Cadillac. The roots of Continental's design were in the Taurus, but
Continental had its own V6, its own body, and its own interior. While performance wasn't anything to write home about, the Continental was vastly improved over the old one, with its antiquated "Fox" chassis and running gear. One thing owners didn't like was the new price tag, which was now hovering around $30,000, which was a great deal more in 1988 than it is now. Many owners felt that they'd paid too high a price for a car with some quality problems, and which was based on the much less expensive Taurus. However, with the exception of early build quality, new model bugs, and persistent transmission bugs, the new Continental was pretty much trouble-free. Today, these cars haven't held their value the way they should have, which leaves the door open for good deals on well-equipped used examples. This Continental isn't as cheap to own as the previous one, however. As with nearly all luxury cars, the air suspension is very expensive to replace (some substitute cheaper Taurus or Sable suspensions sourced from wrecked cars), and electronic items like the digital dash and climate control can fail.

{{-}}

==1995==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:97 Lincoln.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Lincoln Continental'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Lincoln]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
| Mk. VIII
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1995–1997
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4-door [[sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 206.3 in. (5.2 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 73.6 in. (1.9 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Height
| 56.0 in. (1.4 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 109.0 in. (2.8 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 4-speed [[Ford AXOD transmission#AX4N|AX4N]] automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 4.6 L [[Ford Modular engine#4-valve|Modular]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 260 hp <br> 265 lb-ft.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Ford Taurus]]<br>[[Mercury Sable]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}

Like the Taurus and Sable the Continental was substantially updated in the mid-1990s, but with more rounded lines, creating a more aerodynamic exterior. The 1995 Continental was ridded of the many design features that had previously reminded onlookers of the lesser Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable. The 1995 Continental was once again perceived as a unique Lincoln and was by many critics to be easier recognizable as luxury car. A very substantial change from the previous [[V6]] car, though, was the addition of the a [[DOHC]] [[Ford Modular engine|Modular V8]] similar to that powered the [[rear wheel drive]] [[Lincoln Mark VIII]]. The most noticeable differences being its FWD all aluminum block (different bolt pattern for the transmission bell housing) and it being rated at 20 hp and 20 ft·lbf tq. less than the Mark VIII.

{{-}}

==1998==

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" |
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Lincoln Continental'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Lincoln]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
| Mk. IX
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1998–2002
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4-door [[sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 208.5 in. (5.3 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 73.6 in. (1.9 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Height
| 56.0 in. (1.4 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 109.0 in. (2.8 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 4-speed [[Ford AXOD transmission|AX4N]] automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 4.6 L [[Ford Modular engine#4-valve|Modular]] DOHC [[V8]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 275 hp <br> 275 lb-ft.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Ford Taurus]]<br>Mercury Sable]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}

The Continental was updated again in 1998 with a new exterior (the exterior was similar to that of the Town Car), and the 1999 model gained side airbags and more power. After the 2002 model year, the Continental was cancelled, because of slow sales due to the continued shift in the consumer marketplace away from large front-wheel drive luxury cars. The Continental, and to an extent the [[Lincoln Mark VIII]] coupe, were essentially replaced in the Lincoln lineup by the midsize [[Lincoln LS]] V8 & V6 sedans, which were introduced in the 2000 model year. Even though the Continental was a large [[front wheel drive]] sedan, and the Mark VIII was a [[rear wheel drive]] coupe, the rear wheel drive LS acted as a replacement for each, by acting both as a personal luxury vehicle, and as a family [[sedan]]. Nevertheless, buyers looking for a [[full-size]]d luxury sedan in the Continental class tended to "move up" and purchase the larger rear wheel drive Town Car, while those looking for a personal luxury-sporty sedan in the Mark VIII class purchased the LS.

All Continentals built after 1958 were assembled at Ford's [[Wixom Assembly Plant]]. The last Lincoln Continental rolled off the assembly line on July 26, 2002. The Wixom plant continued to manufacture the Town Car and LS, [[Ford Thunderbird]], as well as the niche sports car [[Ford GT]].

{{-}}

==Replacements==

Lincoln upgraded the LS in 2005-2006 to attract more of the [[mid-size]] luxury market in the Continental class. The LS was cancelled in April 2006 due to slowing sales, following the release of the mid-size 2006 [[Lincoln Zephyr]], and its upgraded replacement, the 2007 [[Lincoln MKZ]]. A larger, more luxurious Lincoln flagship sedan, the [[Lincoln MKS]], is reportedly under development for the 2009 model year as a proper replacement for the Lincoln Continental class vehicle.

A concept vehicle was created in 2002, complete with suicide doors and a 5.9L (5935cc/362.2in<sup>3</sup>) V12 engine producing 414bhp (309kW) at 6000rpm and 413 lbs-ft (560Nm) of torque at 5270rpm.

==External links==
{{commonscat|Lincoln Continental}}

{{Lincoln}}

{{Lincoln vehicles}}

[[Category:Lincoln Vehicles|Continental]]
[[Category:Luxury Vehicles]]
[[Category:Front Wheel Drive Vehicles]]
[[Category:Rear Wheel Drive Vehicles]]
[[Category:Prestige Vehicles]]
[[Category:Full-Size Cars]]

Lincoln Continental

2007-04-21T21:47:03Z

24.17.150.91: /* 1988 */ Image in infobox

'''Lincoln Continental''' is a model name that has been used several times by the [[Lincoln (automobile)|Lincoln]] division of [[Ford Motor Company]] for a line of [[luxury car]]s. For most of its lifetime, the Continental nameplate referred to the four-door Lincoln flagship. In 1981 the Continental's reign as the Lincoln flagship ended when the Town Car, a trim-level up to then, took over as the new flagship. The Continental continued as a midsize model, competing mainly with the [[Cadillac Seville]] until production ceased. [[Image:02 Lincoln.jpg|2002 Lincoln Continental|right|thumb|400px]]

==1939==

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" |
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Lincoln Continental'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Lincoln]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Height
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}

The first Lincoln Continental was developed initially as [[Edsel Ford]]'s one-off personal vehicle, though it is believed he planned all along to put the model into production if it was successful. In 1938, he commissioned a custom design from the chief stylist, [[Bob Gregorie]], ready for Edsel's March 1939 vacation. The design, allegedly sketched out in an hour by Gregorie working from the [[Lincoln-Zephyr|Lincoln Zephyr]] blueprints and making changes, was an elegant [[convertible]] with a long hood covering the Lincoln [[V12]] and long front fenders, and a short trunk with what became the Continental series' trademark, the externally-mounted covered spare tire.

The car could be considered a channeled and sectioned Zephyr that did not even have the bulge that in the Zephyr (and in some other cars) replaced the running-board at the bottom of the doors. This decrease in height meant that the height of the hood was much closer to that of the fenders. There was hardly any trim on it at all, making its lines superb. This car is often rated as one of the most beautiful in the world.

The custom car for the boss was duly produced on time, and Edsel had it delivered to Florida for his spring vacation. Interest from well-off friends was high, and Edsel sent a telegram back that he could sell a thousand of them. Lincoln craftsmen immediately began making production examples, both convertible and sedan. They were extensively hand-built; the two dozen 1939 models and 400 1940-built examples even had hand-hammered body panels, since dies for machine-pressing were not constructed until 1941.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Continental production was suspended, to be re-started in 1946 to 1948. Like the other post-war Lincolns, however, the Continental had similar bits of trim added to make it look improved. The 1939–1948 Continental is recognized as a "Full Classic" by the [[Classic Car Club of America]], one of the last-built cars to be so recognised.

{{-}}

==1956==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" |
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Lincoln Continental'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Lincoln]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Height
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}

The Continental name was revived in 1955 as a separate Ford brand, with its sole model being the [[Continental Mark II]], a high-class luxury vehicle that if anything was even more exclusive than the original Continental, being one of the most expensive cars available at the time. The Continental Mark II was sold for two model years, and about 3,000 were built. They sold to a selection of the world's richest men, but the [[Ford Motor Company]] lost money on each one sold. some of the original owners were Elvis, the Shah of Iran, Nelson Rockefeller and Henry Kissinger among others.

The Continental Mark II was design of its own with the highest quality control ever seen in automobile industry.

{{-}}

== 1958–1960 Mark III, IV, and V==

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" |
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Lincoln Continental'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Lincoln]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Height
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}

The Continental division was dissolved after 1957, but in an attempt to retain some of the cachet of the Mark II, Lincoln named its top-of-the-line 1958 model the ''Continental Mark III''. This differed from the lower-model [[full-size]] Lincolns only in trim level and in its roof treatment, featuring a reverse-angle power rear "breezeway" window that retracted down behind the back seat. That year's full-size Lincoln sold poorly in all models; 1958 was a recession year in the United States. The new Lincoln was one of the largest cars ever made, larger than that year's [[Cadillac]], and had styling considered by many to be excessive even in that decade of styling excess. 1959's range contained a ''Continental Mark IV'' model, and the 1960 range had a ''Continental Mark V'', with more restrained styling than the 1958.

{{-}}

==1961==

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:Lincoln.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Lincoln Continental'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Lincoln]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
| Mk. III
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1961 - 1969
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4-door [[convertible]]<br>4-door [[sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Height
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 430 in³ [[Ford MEL engine#430|Super Marauder]] [[V8]]<br>460 in³ [[Ford 385 engine|385-series]] [[V8]]<br>462 in³ [[Ford MEL engine#462|MEL]] [[V8]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}

In 1961, the Continental was completely redesigned by [[Elwood Engle]]. For the first time, the names Lincoln and Continental would be paired on a car other than one in the Mark series. The design was originally intended to be the new 1961 [[Ford Thunderbird]], but the concept was enlarged and slightly altered before being switched to the Lincoln line by [[Robert McNamara]]. One of the most striking features of the new Continental was its size. It was two feet shorter than its predecessor. So much smaller was this car, that advertising executives at Ford photographed a woman parallel parking a sedan for a magazine spread. The new Continental's most recognized trademark, front opening rear doors, was a purely practical decision. The new Continental was a [[unibody]] design, and there simply was not the structural strength to front-hang the heavy rear doors in the [[convertible]] model. To simplify production, all cars were to be four-door models, and only two body styles were offered, sedan or convertible. Therefore, the rear doors were hung from the rear and opened from the front. This "[[suicide door]]" style was to become the best-known feature of 1960s Lincolns. The 1961 model was the first car manufactured in [[United States|America]] to be sold with a 24,000 mile or 2-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. [[Harold W. Johnson]] was head of Lincoln Continental division at the time. Efforts to find a new longer-life tire were conducted by [[Jacques Bajer]] at his asking.

===Kennedy Limousine SS-100-X===
For the Kennedy White House, the Secret Service purchased a convertible parade limousine custom built by [[Hess & Eisenhart]] of Cincinnati, Ohio from a 1961 Lincoln 4-door convertible. Code named the [[SS-100-X]], it was in [[SS-100-X|this car]] that JFK was assassinated in 1963. By that time, the front of the car had been updated with the grille/headlight/bumper assembly from the 1962 model. After the assasination, the limousine was returned to Hess & Eisenhart, where it was repaired and retrofitted with full armor and a fixed roof. It subsequently continued in service for the White House for many years. This world-famous car is now on display at the [[Henry Ford Museum]] in Dearborn, Michigan.

===1962===
This slab-sided distinctive design ran from 1961 through 1969 with few changes from year to year. Lincoln dealers began to find that many people who bought 1961 and post-1961 models were keeping their cars longer. In 1962, a simpler front grille design with floating rectangles and a thin center bar was adopted.

===1963===
Due to customer requests, for 1963 the front seat was redesigned to provide a little more leg room to back seat passengers. The rear deck lid was also raised to provide more trunk space. The floating rectangles in the previous year's grille became a simple matrix of squares.

===1964===
The car was stretched 3 inches (76 [[millimeter|mm]]) in 1964 to give more rear-seat legroom, and the roofline was squared off at the same time. The dash was also redesigned, doing away with the pod concept. Side glass was now flat to provide more interior room. The gas tank access door, which had been concealed at the rear of the car in the rear grille, was now placed on the driver's side rear quarter panel and the exterior "Continental" script was changed.

===1965===
The convex 1961–64 grille was replaced by a flatter, squared-off one for 1965–69. The car was given front disc brakes for the 1965 model year to improve stopping time, but little else changed.
This car was also used in the film The Matrix from 1999-2001

===1966===
[[Image:Lincoln Continental Convertible.jpg|left|thumb|250px|1966 Lincoln Continental convertible]]A two-door version was launched in 1966, the first two-door Lincoln since 1960, and the [[MEL engine]] was expanded from 430 to 462 in³ (7.0 to 7.6 [[Liter|L]]). The car was given all-new exterior sheet metal and a new interior. The length was increased by five inches to 220.9, the width by an inch to 79.7, and the height by almost an inch to 55.0 (on the sedan).

The convertible saw a few technical changes related to how the lowering and raising the top was implemented. Lincoln engineers separated the hydraulics for the top and the rear decklid (trunk) by adding a second pump and eliminating the hydraulic solenoids. A glass rear window replaced the previous years' plastic windows.

Sales increased to 54,755 units for the model year, considered a success by Ford. This was a 36% increase over 1965. Product breakdown for the year consisted of 65% sedans, 29% coupes, and just under 6% for the four-door convertible.

===1967===
1967 was the last year customers could choose a four-door convertible Continental. 1967 sales were 45,667 cars built.

===1968===
1968 brought some minor exterior changes. The new [[Ford 385 engine]] in a 460 in³ (7.5 L) model was to be available initially, but because there were so many of the old 462 engines in process during production, the 462 was used until the 460 was phased in later that year.

Suicide-door Lincolns were used as the US Presidential limousines during the 1960s and into the 1970s. [[John F. Kennedy]] was assassinated while riding in a 1961 convertible, which was later armored and converted into a sedan for greater security. This famous automobile is currently housed at the [[Henry Ford Museum]]. Another famous event involving this model of Continental was when a brand new 1964 model was mercilessly crushed into a cube in a junkyard compactor in the [[James Bond]] film ''[[Goldfinger (film)|Goldfinger]]'', to the horror of many moviegoers. (The filmmakers were not so wasteful: the moving car is a new 1964, but after a cutaway, the car picked up by the crane to be destroyed is a 1963 without an engine).

===Mark III===
[[Lincoln Continental Mark III]] was introduced in early 1968 as a 1969 model. The reason for the "III" designation was that this car was seen as the true successor to the Mark II of 1956-57. Although it shared the Continental name with other Lincoln models, it was a completely different car. Based on the [[Ford Thunderbird]] sedan platform, the Mark III was the first body-on-frame Lincoln since 1957. This model was made famous in the 1971 movie ''[[The French Connection (film)|The French Connection]]'', when this model was used as a means for smuggling vast quantities of heroin concealed in its rocker panels. Built from 1968 to 1971, only few changes were made to the original model (1968). The Mark III had a 460 in³ engine with 365 bhp and a [[compression ratio]] of 10.5:1. The 1970 model was the first car to feature an [[Anti-lock braking system|ABS]] (Sure-Track) system for the rear tires and was originally equipped with [[Michelin]] radials. Some of the original equipment included automatic [[headlight]] dimmers, [[cruise control]], rear window defroster (electric and forced air), electric everything and remote control trunk release.

==1970==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:79TC.jpg|300px|1979 Lincoln Continental Town Car]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Lincoln Continental'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Lincoln]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
| Mk.IV
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1970–1979
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4-door [[Full-size]] [[sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Height
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 3-speed [[Ford C6 transmission|C6]] [[automatic transmission|automatic]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 400 in³ [[Ford 335 engine#400|Cleveland]] [[V8]]<br>460 in³ [[Ford 385 engine|385-series]] [[V8]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}

The 1970 Continental continued the slab-sided design with blade-like fenders of the previous model, but the suicide doors were gone as was [[unibody]] construction. Changes included headlamps which were hidden behind retractable flaps (a characteristic introduced on the [[Lincoln Continental Mark III]]), federally-mandated bumpers in 1973, grille changes in 1971 and 1977, and progressive introduction of pollution controls. Nevertheless, from 1972 to 1975 the [[Lincoln Continental Mark IV]] successfully fought over the title "King of the Hill" with the [[Cadillac Eldorado]] in the [[personal luxury car]] category. Standard luxury features gradually became optional over the decade, and the 460 in³ (7.5 L) engine became an option in 1977, the 400 in³ (6.6 L) small-block replacing it as the standard engine. From 1975 to 1980 a Continental Town Coupé was also sold alongside the four-door Continental Town Car and the [[Lincoln Continental Mark V|Continental Mark V]]. Town Coupé and Town Car were option packages for the Continental.

The car measures 233.4 inches, about 19.4 feet (5.7 m), and weighed between 4500-5300lbs depending on the year. After [[General Motors]] downsized its big cars for 1977, these Lincolns were some of the largest cars on the market, surpassed only by Cadillac's Fleetwood 75 limousine. They were powered by Ford's 460 cid [[V8]], which was the largest engine in any production car, worldwide, from 1977 to 1979. The [[EPA]] rated the Lincolns at 10-12 MPG.

{{-}}

==1980==
[[Image:80 Lincoln.jpg|1980 Lincoln Continental|right|thumb|400px]]

By 1980, Ford could not continue the old models; they could not meet the fuel economy and emissions regulations any longer. Much smaller and more economical vehicles were required, so Ford chose to downsize the Continental onto the [[Ford Panther platform]] designed for the 1979 [[Ford LTD]] and [[Mercury Marquis]]. The 1980 Continental Mark VI, as compared to its 1979 predecessor Mark V, was erdrive800 lb lighter and 20 inches (508 mm) shorter in overall length, and was fitted with a 302 in³ (5.0 L) V8. A 351 in³ (5.8 L) engine was briefly optional. Fuel efficiency was about a third better than the 1979 model.

The new Continental carried over as many styling cues as possible from the previous, larger cars, modified somewhat to match the new, more sensible package. Lincoln management knew that keeping the family resemblance going was critical; sales depended on the car being instantly recognizable as a Lincoln.

In 1981, the Continental name was replaced by the [[Lincoln Town Car|Town Car]] (a former option package name) on this and subsequent models. Nevertheless, the Mark VI model continued through the 1983 model year without the "Continental" designation which in 1982 had been conferred upon the vehicle which was to become the Mark VII for the 1984 model year.

{{-}}

==1982==

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" |
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Lincoln Continental'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Lincoln]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
| Mk. VI
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1982–1987
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4-door [[sedan]]<br>[[Ford Fox platform]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Height
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 4-speed [[Ford AOD transmission|AOD]] automatic overdrive
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 2.4 L [[BMW M21|M21]] [[turbo]][[diesel]] [[Straight-6|I6]]<br>3.8 L [[Ford Essex V6 engine (Canadian)|Essex]] [[V6]]<br>5.0 L [[Ford Windsor engine#302|Windsor]] [[V8]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 150 hp<br>275 lb-ft
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}

1982 saw the Continental name applied to a new, smaller Lincoln. Intended to compete with the [[Cadillac Seville]], the new Continental was given a [[Daimler Motor Company|Daimler]]-esque, bustle-backed body, but remained a [[rear wheel drive]] vehicle, built on a modified [[Ford Fox platform]]. Engine choices were the 5.0 L V8 and for the first time, a 3.8 L [[V6]]. This model was produced through the 1987 model year.

A coupe version, called the [[Lincoln Mark VII]], was introduced in 1984 as a competitor to the [[Cadillac Eldorado]]. The Mark VII remained in production a little longer, ending its run in 1992.

A rare footnote to the "Fox" Continental was the availability in 1984 to 1985 of a [[BMW]]-Steyr 2.4 L [[turbo]][[diesel]] six-cylinder engine. Considered sluggish and smoky, it was never popular. Few are believed to still exist.

This little Continental was the spiritual successor to the [[Lincoln Versailles]] intermediate of the 1970s. Like Versailles it was based on lesser Ford
models, and shared components with the LTD and [[Ford Fairmont|Fairmont]]. Unlike Versailles, it wasn't a cheap car dressed with luxury add-ons, but instead had a unique body and interior, both giving a feeling of luxury that didn't betray the car's origins. And, to a great degree, the little
Continental succeeded where Versailles had failed - in the sales race. The little Continental's "Bustleback" styling was meant to compete
with the razor-edged Cadillac Seville and [[Chrysler]]'s "Bustleback" [[Chrysler Imperial|Imperial]], but the Continental was more conventional and less trouble-prone than either of its rivals. Unfortunately, it was about two years too late, as Seville and Imperial were already established forces in the market, and Lincoln's foray into "bustleback" styling seemed a little contrived in 1982. The standard engine for '82 was a carbureted version of Ford's 302 cid [[V8]], with a fuel-injected version arriving the next year. A 2.4 liter [[BMW M21]] turbodiesel was offered in '84 and '85, but wasn't frequently ordered. The little continental got freshened styling for '84, making it more aerodynamic looking. The car continued thereafter with few changes.

{{-}}

==1988==

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:93 Lincoln.jpg|300px]]

|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Lincoln Continental'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Lincoln]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
| Mk. VII
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1988–1994
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4-door [[sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 205.1 in. (5.2 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 72.7 in. (1.8 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Height
| 55.4 in. (1.4 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 109.0 in. (2.8 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 4-speed [[Ford AXOD transmission#AXOD-E|AXOD-E]] automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 3.8 L [[Ford Essex V6 engine (Canadian)|Essex]] [[V6]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 140 hp (1988–90), 151 hp (1991), 160 hp (1992–94)
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Ford Taurus]]<br>[[Mercury Sable]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}

The 1988 Continental was all-new, [[front wheel drive]], and based on the same platform as the [[Ford Taurus]] and [[Mercury Sable]]. This basic configuration would continue until the Continental was discontinued after the 2002 model year. This incarnation was intended to compete against the similar [[Cadillac DeVille]], which had been downsized in 1985. The Continental was on ''[[Car and Driver]]'' magazine's [[Car and Driver Ten Best|Ten Best list]] for 1989. In the 1990s, however, the Continental's downsized body and strong resemblance to non-luxury [[Mercury (automobile)|Mercury]] and Ford models was heavily criticized. Sales also dipped as the relatively small car proved unpopular with Lincoln buyers who were seeking larger American-made luxury cars featuring rear wheel drive.

For the first time ever, no V8 was available on the Continental. The sole engine choice was a 3.8 L [[Ford Essex V6 engine (Canadian)|Essex]] V6, the same engine that was optional on Tauruses and Sables.
Thanks to its redesigned appearance and front-wheel drive like the rival Cadillac Seville. the Continental was now a good deal
better than Seville in the eyes of the public, and handily outsold the Cadillac. The roots of Continental's design were in the Taurus, but
Continental had its own V6, its own body, and its own interior. While performance wasn't anything to write home about, the Continental was vastly improved over the old one, with its antiquated "Fox" chassis and running gear. One thing owners didn't like was the new price tag, which was now hovering around $30,000, which was a great deal more in 1988 than it is now. Many owners felt that they'd paid too high a price for a car with some quality problems, and which was based on the much less expensive Taurus. However, with the exception of early build quality, new model bugs, and persistent transmission bugs, the new Continental was pretty much trouble-free. Today, these cars haven't held their value the way they should have, which leaves the door open for good deals on well-equipped used examples. This Continental isn't as cheap to own as the previous one, however. As with nearly all luxury cars, the air suspension is very expensive to replace (some substitute cheaper Taurus or Sable suspensions sourced from wrecked cars), and electronic items like the digital dash and climate control can fail.

{{-}}

==1995==

[[Image:97 Lincoln.jpg|1997 Lincoln Continental|left|thumb|200px]]

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" |
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Lincoln Continental'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Lincoln]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
| Mk. VIII
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1995–1997
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4-door [[sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 206.3 in. (5.2 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 73.6 in. (1.9 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Height
| 56.0 in. (1.4 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 109.0 in. (2.8 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 4-speed [[Ford AXOD transmission#AX4N|AX4N]] automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 4.6 L [[Ford Modular engine#4-valve|Modular]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 260 hp <br> 265 lb-ft.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Ford Taurus]]<br>[[Mercury Sable]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}

Like the Taurus and Sable the Continental was substantially updated in the mid-1990s, but with more rounded lines, creating a more aerodynamic exterior. The 1995 Continental was ridded of the many design features that had previously reminded onlookers of the lesser Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable. The 1995 Continental was once again perceived as a unique Lincoln and was by many critics to be easier recognizable as luxury car. A very substantial change from the previous [[V6]] car, though, was the addition of the a [[DOHC]] [[Ford Modular engine|Modular V8]] similar to that powered the [[rear wheel drive]] [[Lincoln Mark VIII]]. The most noticeable differences being its FWD all aluminum block (different bolt pattern for the transmission bell housing) and it being rated at 20 hp and 20 ft·lbf tq. less than the Mark VIII.

{{-}}

==1998==

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" |
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Lincoln Continental'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Lincoln]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
| Mk. IX
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1998–2002
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4-door [[sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 208.5 in. (5.3 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 73.6 in. (1.9 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Height
| 56.0 in. (1.4 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 109.0 in. (2.8 m)
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 4-speed [[Ford AXOD transmission|AX4N]] automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 4.6 L [[Ford Modular engine#4-valve|Modular]] DOHC [[V8]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 275 hp <br> 275 lb-ft.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Ford Taurus]]<br>Mercury Sable]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}

The Continental was updated again in 1998 with a new exterior (the exterior was similar to that of the Town Car), and the 1999 model gained side airbags and more power. After the 2002 model year, the Continental was cancelled, because of slow sales due to the continued shift in the consumer marketplace away from large front-wheel drive luxury cars. The Continental, and to an extent the [[Lincoln Mark VIII]] coupe, were essentially replaced in the Lincoln lineup by the midsize [[Lincoln LS]] V8 & V6 sedans, which were introduced in the 2000 model year. Even though the Continental was a large [[front wheel drive]] sedan, and the Mark VIII was a [[rear wheel drive]] coupe, the rear wheel drive LS acted as a replacement for each, by acting both as a personal luxury vehicle, and as a family [[sedan]]. Nevertheless, buyers looking for a [[full-size]]d luxury sedan in the Continental class tended to "move up" and purchase the larger rear wheel drive Town Car, while those looking for a personal luxury-sporty sedan in the Mark VIII class purchased the LS.

All Continentals built after 1958 were assembled at Ford's [[Wixom Assembly Plant]]. The last Lincoln Continental rolled off the assembly line on July 26, 2002. The Wixom plant continued to manufacture the Town Car and LS, [[Ford Thunderbird]], as well as the niche sports car [[Ford GT]].

{{-}}

==Replacements==

Lincoln upgraded the LS in 2005-2006 to attract more of the [[mid-size]] luxury market in the Continental class. The LS was cancelled in April 2006 due to slowing sales, following the release of the mid-size 2006 [[Lincoln Zephyr]], and its upgraded replacement, the 2007 [[Lincoln MKZ]]. A larger, more luxurious Lincoln flagship sedan, the [[Lincoln MKS]], is reportedly under development for the 2009 model year as a proper replacement for the Lincoln Continental class vehicle.

A concept vehicle was created in 2002, complete with suicide doors and a 5.9L (5935cc/362.2in<sup>3</sup>) V12 engine producing 414bhp (309kW) at 6000rpm and 413 lbs-ft (560Nm) of torque at 5270rpm.

==External links==
{{commonscat|Lincoln Continental}}

{{Lincoln}}

{{Lincoln vehicles}}

[[Category:Lincoln Vehicles|Continental]]
[[Category:Luxury Vehicles]]
[[Category:Front Wheel Drive Vehicles]]
[[Category:Rear Wheel Drive Vehicles]]
[[Category:Prestige Vehicles]]
[[Category:Full-Size Cars]]

Template:BMW

2007-04-21T15:42:26Z

24.17.150.91: CS Concept

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<small></small> '''[[BMW|The BMW Group]]'''
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<small></small> [[BMW]] | [[Rolls-Royce]] | [[MINI]]
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<small>Current:</small> [[BMW 1 Series|1 Series]] · [[BMW 3 Series|3 Series]] · [[BMW 5 Series|5 Series]] · [[BMW 6 Series|6 Series]] · [[BMW 7 Series|7 Series]] · [[BMW Z4|Z4]] · [[BMW X3|X3]] · [[BMW X5|X5]] · [[BMW X6|X6]]

<small>M Cars:</small> [[BMW M1|M1]] · [[BMW M3|M3]] · [[BMW M5|M5]] · [[BMW M6|M6]]

<small>Historic:</small> [[BMW 507|507]] ·[[BMW Z8|Z8]] · [[BMW Z3|Z3]] · [[BMW Z1|Z1]] · [[BMW 503|503]] · · · ·

<small>Racing:</small> [[BMW M3 GTR|M3 GTR]]· [[BMW V12 LMR|V12 LMR]] · [[BMW V12 LM98|V12 LM98]] · [[BMW 320 Turbo|320 Turbo]] · [[BMW 3.0 CSL|3.0 CSL]] · [[BMW 700 RS|700 RS]]

<small>Concept:</small> [[BMW Nazca C2|Nazca C2]] · [[BMW Nazca C2 Spyder|Nazca C2 Spyder]] · [[BMW Z11|Z11]] · [[BMW Z13|Z13]] · [[BMW Z18|Z18]] · [[BMW Z07|Z07]] · [[BMW Z9|Z9]] · [[BMW Z9 Convertible|Z9 Convertible]] · [[BMW X Coupe|X Coupe]] · [[BMW CS1|CS1]] · [[BMW xActivity|xActivity]] · [[BMW H2R|H2R]] · [[BMW Mille Miglia|Mille Miglia]] · [[BMW M3 Concept|M3 Concept]] · [[BMW CS Concept|CS Concept]]
----
[[DesignworksUSA]]
----
|-style="font-size: 90%;"
|style="font-size: 85%;" class="editlink noprint plainlinksneverexpand"|[{{fullurl:Template:BMW|action=edit}} edit]
|style="width: 33%;"|[[Karl Friedrich Rapp]] and [[Camillo Castiglioni]]
|style="width: 33%;"|[http://www.bmw.com/ Corporate website]
|style="width: 33%;"|''Independent''
|}
<noinclude>
[[Category:Automotive navigational boxes]]
[[Category:Templates|{{PAGENAME}}]]
</noinclude>

BMW CS Concept

2007-04-21T15:41:41Z

24.17.150.91: Template fix

BMW CS Concept

2007-04-21T15:41:10Z

24.17.150.91: Categorising and BMW template

BMW CS Concept

2007-04-21T15:23:56Z

24.17.150.91: Infobox

BMW CS Concept

2007-04-21T15:23:14Z

24.17.150.91: Starting article

Mercury Sable

2007-04-20T23:22:57Z

24.17.150.91: Removing Mercury logo

The Mercury Sable is a Mid-size Luxury Sedan sold by [[Mercury]].

[[Image:2008 Mercury Sable Premier.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable Premier AWD|right|thumb|300px]]

The Sable was a milestone design for Mercury and the entire American Automotive Indusrty, as well as a very influential vehicle in the marketplace, with Mercury selling over 2 million units during its 20 year run. The Sable/s design was so futuristic that it was called by the press "the car that came from the moon". A important feature of the Sable's design was its front "lightbar", a low wattage lamp between the headlights. This later became mainstrem for the Mercury line-up and was caopied by many automakers in the early nineties. The Sable was refreshed in 1992 and received its first complete redesign in 1996. The 1996 model remained the basis for the vehicle up through the 2005 model year. A major sheet metal and interior redesign occured in 2000, softening some the controversial design vestiges of the 1996 model. Minor styling changes in 2004 further refined the car. The Mercury Sable station wagon ended production in late 2004. And the last Sable sedan rolled off the line on Friday April 29,2005. On Wednesday February 7,2007 at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show [[Ford]] CEO Alan Mulally unveiled a all new 2008 model Mercury Sable.

==First Generation== 1986-1991

* Models - GS, LS
* Production - 1986-1991
* Body Styles - 4 Door Sedan/4 Door Station Wagon
* Layout - FF Layout
* Platform - Ford D186 Platform
* Engines - 2.5L HSC I4/3.0L Vulcan V6/3.8L Essex V6
* Transmissions - 3 Speed AXT Automatic/4 Speed AXOD Automatic/4 Speed AXOD-E Automatic
* Wheelbase - 106.0
* Length - 192.2 - 193.0 inches
* Width - 70.8 inches
* Height - 54.3 - 55.1 inches

The Mercury Sable was a very important sedan both for [[Mercury]] and the American Auto Industry.

Ford had lagged behind General Motors in introducing mid-size front wheel drive cars to compete against the Citation and best-selling Celebrity, and Chryslers K-Cars, and Mercury suffered even worse from this. In 1984, Mercury launched a redesigned Mercury Cougar to start a reinvigoration of the Mercury Brand with new aerodynamic designs, and started development of the Sable.
Because of this design, the Sable was a resounding success and launched Mercury into a new design era, as well as infuencing the other American Automakers to follow suit and create aro designed cars, thus ending the boxy cars of the 70's and 80's.The Sable siblings used flush areodynamic composite headlights. Ford was the first to produce and sell vehicles with such headlights in the U.S. To do so Ford had to get them approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Sable was the first American produced, mainstream sedan to use the new lights.

==Second Generation== 1992-1995

* Models - GS, LS, LTS [[Image:95 Mercury Sable.jpg|1995 Mercury Sable GS|right|thumb|300px]]
* Production - 1992-1996
* Body Styles - 4 Door Sedan/4 Door Station Wagon
* Layout - FF Layout
* Platform - Ford D186 Platform
* Engines - 3.0L Vulcan V6/3.8L Essex V6
* Transmissions - 4 Speed AXOD-E Automatic/4 Speed AX4S Automatic/4 Speed AX4N Automatic
* Wheelbase - 106.0 inches
* Length - 192.2 - 193.0 inches
* Width - 70.8 inches
* Height - 54.3 - 55.3 inches

The 1992 Mercury Sable Received new front and rear fascias and a new interior design and in 1992 the Sable sold 410,000 units .

==Third Generation== 1996-1999

* Models - G, GS, LS, LS Premium [[Image:99 Sable GS.jpg|1999 Mercury Sable GS|right|thumb|300px]]
* Layout - FF Layout
* Platform - Ford D186 Platform
* Engines - 3.0L Vulcan V6/3.0L Duratec V6
* Transmission - 4 Speed AX4N Automatic
* Wheelbase - 108.5 inches
* Length - 199.7 inches
* Width - 73.0 inches
* Height - 55.4 - 57.6 inches

The 1996 model saw a complete redesign for the Sable. Mercury hoped the radical design would have the same success it had had with the 1986 Sable. The conroversial oval theme was not well received by the press or the public, and is ultimately blamed for the substantial dip in sales. For this generation, the Sable tried to move slightly upmarket, and as a result, prices rose considerably, also driving away potential buyers. The 1996 Sable was the Sable to share sheetmetal with the Taurus. Differences from the Taurus included differnt front and rear fascias, and the elimination of the rear quarter window. Although the Sable used a less oval based design sales still fell.
The 1996 model could be equipped with the powerful 3.0L Duratec 24V DOHC 200HP V6 as an option. Although all 1998 models could be equipped with the Duratec V6, Only LS model Sable could be equipped with the Duratec V6.
Mercury claimed that the 1999 Duratec Engine had less power than the 2000 model Duratec Engine in hopes of increasing sales of the 2000 Mercury Sable.

==Fourth Generation== 2000-2005

* Models - GS, GS Plus, LS, LS Premium, LS Platinum [[Image:03 Sable.jpg|2003 Mercury Sable LS Premium|right|thumb|300px]]
* Layout - FF Layout
* Platform - Ford D186 Platform
* Engines - 3.0L Vulcan V6/3.0L Duratec V6
* Transmission - 4 Speed AX4N Automatic
* Wheelbase - 108.5 inches
* Length - 199.8 inches
* Width - 75.0 inches
* Height - 55.5 inches

The Sable received another redesign in 2000, which minimized some of the oval design elements from the 1996 model, replacing them with more conventional style, The redesign also featured a taller roof over the rear passenger space, to increase passenger headroom that had been sacrificed by the tapered 1996 design. The taller and roomier trunk also served to make the vehicle more functional. The interior was completely redesigned to a much more classy and conservative design. Certain elements of the interior were retained by the 1996 model, such as the intergrated control console, which combined the souns system and climate controls into one panel. The suspension was softened to appeal to a broader, non-sporting audience. To reduce price and increase profitability, many features such as four-wheel disc brakes where eliminated.

The 2005 [[Mercury Montego]] and 2006 [[Mercury Milan]] where launched as replacments for the Sable. Shortly after Montego's introduction the Sable was discontinued from the Mercury Line-up. The last Mercury Sable left the Atlanta Plant on Friday April 29,2005.

The 2002 Sable included extra equipment on every trim level including a CD Player and power driver's seat on the GS and a power moonroor and Premium leather interior trim on the LS. Side Airbags and traction control were available on all models. For 2004 the Sable received minor cosmetic changes to the front and rear fascias, most noticable was the front grille was now fully chrome. Inside were a new instrument cluster and steering wheel and higer quality wood trim.

==Fifth Generation== 2008-Present

* Models - Base, Base AWD, Premier, Premier AWD [[Image:Front Sable.jpg| 2008 Mercury Sable Premier|right|thumb|300px]]
* Layouts - FF/AWD Layouts
* Platform - Ford D3 Platform
* Engine - 3.5L Cyclone 260HP/249LBS Torque 24V DOHC V6
* Transmission - 6 Speed 6F Automatic
* Wheelbase - 112.9 inches
* Length - 200.4 inches
* Width - 74.5 inches
* Height - 61.5 inches

The 2008 Mercury Sable was unveiled on Wednesday February 7,2007 at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show. The New Mercury Sable is now a large sedan it is no longer in the mid-size sedan class. The new Mercury Sable features Fords new 3.5L Cyclone V6 with 260 Horsepower and 249 LBS Of Torque 24 Valves DOHC.
The 2008 Mercury Sable will have a Premier Wood Package which includes.
* Wood Trimmed Steering Wheel
* Wood/Chrome Trimmed Shifter.

==Photos==
<gallery>
Image:95 Sable LTS.jpg|1995 Mercury Sable LTS
Image:95 Sable GS.jpg|1992 Mercury Sable GS
Image:95 Sable Wagon.jpg|1995 Mercury Sable LS Wagon
Image:98 Sable.jpg|1998 Mercury Sable LS Premium Interior
Image:99 Sable Rear.jpg|1999 Mercury Sable GS
Image:98 Mercury Sable.jpg|1998 Mercury Sable GS Wagon
Image:05 Sable Interior.jpg|2005 Mercury Sable LS Premium Interior
Image:03 Sable Rear.jpg|2003 Mercury Sable LS Premium
Image:03 Sable Wagon.jpg|2003 Mercury Sable LS Premium Wagon
Image:Sable Plat..jpg|2003 Mercury Sable Platinum Edition
Image:05 Sable.jpg|2005 Mercury Sable LS Premium
Image:2005 Sable Rear.jpg|2005 Mercury Sable LS Premium
Image:Front Interior.jpg|2008 Sable Premier Interior
Image:Rear Sable.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable Premier AWD
Image:Side.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable Premier
Image:Rear Sable08.jpg|2008Mercury Sable Premier AWD
Image:Rear Interior.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable Premier Rearseat
Image:08SableInterior.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable Premier Interior with Navigation
Image:08SableGrille.jpg|Mercury's Signature Waterfall Grille and Logo
Image:08Sablefront.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable
<gallery></gallery>

==Also See==
{{Mercury}}

==External Links==
http://www.mercuryvehicles.com/homepage/

http://www.mercuryvehicles.com/sable/

Ford Flex

2007-04-08T17:09:11Z

24.17.150.91: Fixing image size

Template:Helpme

2007-03-25T15:19:15Z

24.17.150.91: Tag fix

<div style="background-color: {{{b-color|#f4f4ff}}}; padding: 1em; margin: 10px; border: 1px lightblue solid; font-size: 100%; text-align: center" id="helpbox">
'''I am looking for help!'''{{#if:{{{1|{{{helptext|}}}}}}|<br /> '''"'''''{{{1|{{{helptext|}}}}}}'''''"}}

{{#if:{{{1|{{{helptext|}}}}}}||Ask your question by typing <nowiki>{{helpme|question here}}</nowiki>.}}

You can look at the [[Help:Contents|Help Contents]], ask at the [[WP:HD|Help desk]], or [http://tools.wikimedia.de/~tangotango/nubio/ search the FAQ].

*Note to helpers: once you have offered help, please remove this template.
</div><includeonly>[[Category:Users looking for help|{{PAGENAME}}]]</includeonly>
<noinclude>[[Category:Templates]]</noinclude>

Caparo T1

2007-03-24T16:46:09Z

24.17.150.91: /* Gallery */ Images

{{stub}}
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:Caparo T1.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Caparo T1'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Caparo]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 2006-present
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 1100 lbs
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 6-speed manual
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 2.4 L [[V8]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}
The '''Caparo T1''' is an ultralightweight 2 seater sports car designed by former members of the [[McLaren]] group and intended to reach production in late 2006. Formerly known as the Freestream T1, the design was envisioned as a road-legal car with performance approaching that of a [[Formula 1]] race car.

Target specifications include a dry weight of 500 kg with a power output of around 373 kW (500 BHP), giving the vehicle a 1000 BHP per tonne ratio. Expected performance figures are 0-60 MPH in around 2.5 seconds, over 200 MPH top speed, and capable of cornering at more than 3.0 G, the two latter figures are however greatly affected by the configuration of the adjustable aerodynamics setup of the car. The expected overall performance is close to that of a [[GP2 Series]] race car.

*The chassis is a 2 seater carbon/aluminium honeycomb monocoque with separate front composite crash structure.

*The gearbox is a magnesium/carbon 6 speed [[sequential manual gearbox]] with paddle shifters.

*The suspension consists of streamline double wishbone front and rear, tuneable front and rear anti-roll bar and five-way adjustable race dampers.

*The brakes are 355 dia steel race fully floating discs in both the front and rear
*The front are 6 pot billet machined race callipers with 4 pot billet machined race callipers in the rear.
*The brake bias is fully adjustable
*Pad compound options are available.

The engine is a dry sump aluminum V8 that produces 480bhp at 10,500RPMs. The dry sump tank holds 8 litres, while the fuel tank holds 70 litres.

The steering is a magnesium cased light weight high ratio steering rack with bespoke removable steering wheel.

Safety features include steel roll loop, composite front crash structure, head protection systems, six-point harness compatibility.

The ECU is fully tuneable, with Bespoke wiring aerospace grade loom. The dash is a multi-function race dash with data logging.
The car is also equipped with speed sensors for traction and launch control.The throttle is fly-by-wire for optimum tuning.

[[Gordon Murray]], lead designer of the [[McLaren F1]], has been appointed director of advanced concepts at Caparo Vehicle Products[http://www.motorauthority.com/news/supercars/gordon-murray-joins-team-caparo/].

[http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=c860df3ccf66c83fb61bb2ffd934330b.1100102 Video and explanation of the Caparo T1]

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:Caparo T1 side.jpg|
Image:Caparo T1 rear.jpg|
Image:52504 c cap.jpg
Image:Caparo-t1-001.jpg
Image:Caparo-t1-002.jpg
Image:Caparo-t1-003.jpg
Image:Caparo-t1-004.jpg
Image:Caparo-t1-005.jpg
Image:Caparo T1-2.jpg
Image:Caparo T1-3.jpg
</gallery>

==External Links==
*[http://www.caparo-t1.com/ Caparo Official Website]
*[http://computified.blogspot.com/2007/01/caparo-t1.html Caparo T1 full review and specifications and video]
*[http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=c860df3ccf66c83fb61bb2ffd934330b.1100102 Video of the Caparo T1]

{{Modern-auto-stub}}

Ford F-Series Pickup

2007-03-18T17:44:54Z

24.17.150.91: /* Future Models */ New Image

[[Image:FX2.jpg|thumb|right|450px|'''2007 Ford F-150''']]
The '''F-Series''' is a series of full-size pickup trucks from [[Ford Motor Company]] sold for over 5 decades. The most popular variant of the F-Series is the [http://www.carsdirect.com/buildyourcar/zipcode?make=FO&modelid=89 F-150]. It has been the best-selling vehicle in the world for 23 years and the best-selling truck in the United States (and possibly the world) for 29 years. Analysts estimate that the F-Series alone makes up half of the Ford Motor Company's profits in recent years.

The first F-series truck from Ford was introduced in 1948, replacing the company's previous car-based pickup line. It was a modern-looking truck with a one-piece windshield and integrated headlights. The F-series was available as three models:
* F-1 - half-ton
* F-2 - three-quarter-ton
* F-3 - Heavy Duty
With the 2007 Model Year, [[Ford]] is currently in its 11th Generation of the F-Series.

See WikiCars' comprehensive [[Ford F-150 Review]].

===Recent Changes===
The Harley Davidson edition F150 changed from a Supercab configuration to a Supercrew. An FX2 sport model became available on certain models, and features a billet grille, model specific 18 or 20 inch wheels, and a unique interior. A tire pressure monitoring system and rear seat entertainment system are also newly available for 2007

===Styles and Major Options===
[[image:f150_stx.jpg|thumb|300px|'''[[Ford]] F-150 SuperCab STX''']]
[[image:f150_interior.jpg|thumb|300px|'''Optional King Ranch package''']]
FX4 and Lariat models with bucket seats use a floor-mounted shifter, while all other configurations have a standard column shifter.
An optional overhead console uses interchangeable modules so owners can add whatever features they find most useful.
Regular cab F-150 models have handy reverse-opening access doors for getting to the storage area behind the seat.

Click here to see all [http://www.fordvehicles.com/trucks/f150/features/ OPTIONS and FEATURES]
====Models====
* F-150 XL
* F-150 STX
* F-150 XLT
* F-150 FX2
* F-150 FX4
* F-150 Lariat
* F-150 King Ranch
* F-150 Harley Davidson

===Pricing===
* 4x2 Regular Cab (7 styles) range in MSRP from $18,220 to $25,065

* 4x2 Extended Cab (11 styles) range in MSRP from $23,315 to $33,065

* [[Four Wheel Drive|4x4]] Regular Cab (9 styles) range in MSRP from $23,065 to $30,515

* [[Four Wheel Drive|4x4]] Extended Cab (14 styles) range in MSRP from $26,315 to $33,065

* 4x2 Crew Cab (6 styles) range in MSRP from $29,565 to $37,150

* [[Four Wheel Drive|4x4]] Crew Cab (9 styles) range in MSRP from $33,325 to $40,150

===Gas Mileage===
As seen on the [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm FuelEconomy.gov] website, the City/Highway MPG averages for the 2006 Ford F-Series are as follows:

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=8>
<center>
'''Trim'''
</center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
[[2WD]] [[V6]] [[manual transmission|manual]]
</td>
<td>
[[2WD]] [[V6]] [[automatic transmission|automatic]]
</td>
<td>
[[2WD]] 4.6L [[V8]] ([[automatic transmission|auto]])
</td>
<td>
[[2WD]] 5.4L [[V8]] ([[automatic transmission|auto]])
</td>
<td>
[[4WD]] 4.6L [[V8]] ([[automatic transmission|auto]])
</td>
<td>
[[4WD]] 5.4L [[V8]] ([[automatic transmission|auto]])
</td>
<td>
[[2WD]] 5.4L [[V8]] [[Flexible Fuel Vehicle|FFV]]
</td>
<td>
[[4WD]] 5.4L [[V8]] [[Flexible Fuel Vehicle|FFV]]
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=8 bgcolor=#cccccc>
<center>
'''MPG'''
</center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
15/20 mpg
</td>
<td>
16/20 mpg
</td>
<td>
15/19 mpg
</td>
<td>
14/19 mpg
</td>
<td>
14/18 mpg
</td>
<td>
14/18 mpg
</td>
<td>
14/19 mpg (gasoline)
<br>
11/14 mpg (E85)
</td>
<td>
14/18 mpg (gasoline)
<br>
10/13 mpg (E85)
</td>
</tr>
</table>

===Reliability===
MSN Autos reports that the F150 has "Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs" in 6 out of 7 categories. The only problem is in the accessories category, with an occasional failure of the brake shift interlock. This is a minor problem and an easy one to fix, so as such, the F150 earns 5 out of 5 in the reliability category.

===Safety===
Four-wheel [[Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)|antilock]] [[4-wheel disc brakes|disc brakes]] are standard across the board, and [[traction control]] is optional on [[2WD]] [[V8]] models. New for 2007, a tire pressure monitoring system is now standard on all models.
Unlike some of its competitors, the F-150 does not offer side [[airbag]]s or [[stability control]].
Frontal impact testing by the [http://www.safercar.gov NHTSA] resulted in a perfect five-star rating.
In offset-frontal crash testing conducted by the IIHS, the Ford F-150 earned a rating of "Good," the highest available, and a "Best Pick" designation.

===Photos===
<gallery>
image:Ford-f150-stx.jpg
image:511.jpg
image:06F150Harley 02.jpg
Image:Interior 0136 360.jpg
</gallery>

===Colors===
* Dark Shadow Grey
* Bright Red
* Bright Red/Dark Shadow Grey
* True Blue/Dark Shadow Grey
* True Blue
* Black/Dark Shadow Grey
* Black
* Silver/Dark Shadow Grey
* Silver
* Oxford White/Dark Shadow Grey
* Oxford White
* Arizona Beige
* Dark Toreador Red
* Medium Wedgewood Blue
* Aspen Green

===Main Competitors===
* [[Chevrolet Silverado 1500]]
* [[Dodge Ram 1500]]
* [[Nissan Titan]]
* [[Honda Ridgeline]]
* [[Toyota Tundra]]
* [[GMC Sierra 1500]]
* [[Lincoln Mark LT]]

==Hybrid Models==
There are currently no [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid]] models of the F-150 in production.

==Unique Attributes==
==Resale Values==
According to [http://www.kbb.com Kelley Blue Book,] "The F-150 is expected to retain a better-than-average residual value, with the SuperCab models at the top of the chart, followed by the SuperCrew and then the Regular Cab. Over a five-year period, the F-150's projected residual value is expected to rate higher than the [[Chevrolet Silverado|Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Classic]] and [[Dodge Ram]], and be on par with the [[Nissan Titan]] but below the [[Toyota Tundra]]."

==Current Generation (2004–Present)==
In 2004, Ford redesigned the F-Series using the new P2 platform. Initially, only Ford's 4.6 L Triton and new 3-valve 5.4 L 3V Triton [[V8]] engines and [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] transmissions were offered on the new luxurious trucks. Work-oriented versions with an available 4.2 L Triton [[V6|V6]] and manual transmission will debut for 2005.

The previous F-150 was continued in production until the summer of 2004 as the Heritage model.

The new F-150 won the North American Truck of the Year award and was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 2004. It also beat the three-time winning [[Chevrolet|Chevrolet]] Silverado for Car and Driver magazine's Best Pickup Truck for 2004 and 2005. Additionally, over 912,000 F-150s were sold in 2004, giving it a single-year sales record.

The F-150 will have a new Harley-Davidson trim line in 2006 with an available all-wheel drive, while the Super Duty will have an available Amarillo package or the Chrome Package for the Lariat.

'''Super Duty'''

For 2005 the "Super Duty" model was redesigned. These included a new grille, new interior, and factory installed trailer brake controller and upfitter switches. The engines were also upgraded, with the new 3 valve 5.4L [[V8]] and 6.8L [[V10]] putting out 300 and 362 [[HP|horsepower]], respectively. The Powerstroke Diesel was also modified, boosting torque from 560ft/lb to 570ft/lb, but [[HP|horsepower]] stayed at 325.

The truck was going to be completely redesigned for the 2007 model year, but it was recently announced that quality issues will push it back to a 2008 model. The new 2008 model will introduce a new 6.4 L twin-[[Turbo Engine|turbo]] Power Stroke Diesel V8 to the replace the problematic 6.0 L Power Stroke Diesel V8. The engine is said to produce 350 [[HP|hp]] (260 kW) and 650 ft·lbf (880 N·m), beating both the General Motors Duramax V8 and DaimlerChrysler's Cummins ISB I6 on both power and torque.

==Past Generations==
===First generation (1948–1952)===

Engines:

* 1948-1950 - 226 in³ (3.7 L) straight-six, 95 [[HP|hp]] (71 kW)
* 1948-1952 - 239 in³ (3.9 L) Flathead V8, 100 [[HP|hp]] (74.6 kW)
* 1951-1952 - 215 in³ (3.5 L) straight-six, 101 [[HP|hp]] (75.3 kW)

===Second generation (1953–1956)===
The F-series was redesigned for 1953 with a more integrated look. The pickups also acquired their familiar names: F-100, F-250, and the heavy-duty F-350. Interior amenities were new, including a dome light, lighter, arm rests, and sun visors.

Engines:

* 1953 - 239 in³ (3.9 L) Flathead V8, 100 [[HP|hp]] (74.6 kW)
* 1953 - 215 in³ (3.5 L) straight-six, 101 [[HP|hp]] (75.3 kW)
* 1954-1955 - 223 in³ (3.7 L) "Mileage Maker" straight-6, 115 [[HP|hp]] (86 kW)
* 1954-1955 - 239 in³ (3.9 L) Y-block "Power King" V8, 130 [[HP|hp]] (97 kW)
* 1956 - 223 in³ (3.7 L) "Mileage Maker" straight-6, 137 [[HP|hp]] (102 kW)
* 1956 - 272 in³ (4.5 L) Y-block V8, 173 [[HP|hp]] (129 kW)

===Third generation (1957–1960)===
[[image:1959_and_1954_Ford_F-100.jpg|350px|thumb|1959 & 1954 Ford F-100]]
The truck was restyled again in 1957 with the hood now merging with the fenders. In the back, the traditional separate-fender body was now called flareside, while a new smooth-sided look was styleside. Four wheel drive, now a common feature, was a new addition to the truck in 1959.

Engines:

* 1958-1960 - 223 in³ (3.7 L) straight-6, 137 [[HP|hp]](102 kW)
* 1958 - 272 in³ (4.5 L) Y-block V8, 173 [[HP|hp]] (129 kW)
* 1959-1960 - 292 in³ (4.8 L) Y-block V8, 186 [[HP|hp]] (139 kW)

===Fourth generation (1961–1966)===
The truck was completely redesigned for 1961 with a wider look, and styleside trucks got an integrated cab and box. Power was over 200 [[HP|hp]] with the 1965 refresh of the powertrain. In 1965, the Twin I-Beam front suspension was introduced. The 1965 and 1966 trucks have a "TWIN I-BEAM" emblem on the front fender.

Engines:

* 1961-1964 - 223 in³ (3.7 L) straight-6, 137 [[HP|hp]] (102 kW)
* 1961-1964 - 292 in³ (4.8 L) Y-block V8, 186 [[HP|hp]] (139 kW)
* 1965-1966 - 240 in³ (3.9 L) straight-6, 150 [[HP|hp]] (112 kW)
* 1965-1966 - 300 in³ (4.9 L) straight-6, 170 [[HP|hp]] (127 kW)
* 1965-1966 - 352 in³ (5.8 L) FE V8, 208 [[HP|hp]] (155 kW)

===Fifth generation (1967–1972)===
[[image:1968_Ford_F_Series.jpg|350px|left]]
Another refresh came in 1967 along with a now-familiar name: the upscale Ranger trim line. The front leaf springs were replaced by coil springs in F-100s in 1968 along with a powertrain refresh. A 4-door crew cab version was introduced in 1969, still a popular option. The top trim for 1970 was named Ranger XLT.

The fifth generation F-Series is also locally produced in Brazil.

Engines:

* 1967-1972 - 240 in³ (3.9 L) straight-6
* 1967-1972 - 300 in³ (4.9 L) straight-6
* 1967 - 352 in³ (5.8 L) FE V8
* 1968-1972 - 360 in³ (5.9 L) FE V8
* 1968-1972 - 390 in³ (6.4 L) FE V8
* 1970-1972 - 302 in³ (4.9 L) Windsor V8, 220 [[HP|hp]] (164 kW)

===Sixth generation (1973–1979)===
[[image:1979_F-Series.JPG|right]]
The truck was redesigned in 1973 with an [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] transmission option. Other changes included the 1974 introduction of the extended super cab version. A luxury Lariat trim was introduced for 1978. That same year, the F-series became the best-selling vehicle in America, a position it has continued to hold since.

Engines:

* 1973-1977 - 240 in³ (3.9 L) straight-6
* 1973-1977 - 300 in³ (4.9 L) straight-6
* 1973-1977 - 352 in³ (5.8 L) FE V8
* 1973-1976 - 360 in³ (5.9 L) FE V8
* 1973-1977 - 390 in³ (6.4 L) FE V8
* 1973-1977 - 302 in³ (4.9 L) Windsor V8
* 1973-1979 - 460 in³ (7.5 L) 385 V8
* 1977-1979 - 351 in³ (5.8 L) Cleveland V8, 163 [[HP|hp]] (122 kW)
* 1977-1979 - 400 in³ (6.6 L) Cleveland V8, 169 [[HP|hp]] (126 kW)
* 1978-1979 - 300 in³ (4.9 L) straight-6, 114 [[HP|hp]] (85 kW)

===Seventh generation (1980–1986)===
The next major redesign came in 1980. The new truck had a squarer look, with sharp lines and flat panels. The Ranger trim line was dropped in 1982, since that name was to be applied to the new Ford Ranger compact pickup. Trim options were now XL, XLT, and XLT Lariat. The big-block [[V8]] was dropped for 1980, but added again in 1983 along with a Diesel option. The base model was renamed to the now-familiar F-150 for 1984. In 1985 fuel injection became optional in the 5.0L. In 1986 this became the only 5.0L offered.

Engines:

* 1980-1986 - 300 in³ (4.9 L) straight-6
* 1980-1985 - 302 in³ (5.0 L) Windsor V8
* 1985-1986 - Windsor 5.0 L V8, FI, 185 [[HP|hp]]
* 1980-1982 - 351 in³ (5.8 L) Cleveland V8
* 1983-1986 - Windsor 5.8 L V8
* 1980-1982 - 400 in³ (6.6 L) Cleveland V8
* 1983-1986 - 7.5 L 460 V8, 245 [[HP|hp]] (183 kW)
* 1983-1986 - 6.9 L Diesel V8, 170 [[HP|hp]] (127 kW)

===Eighth generation (1987–1991)===
[[image:Ford_F-Series_8th_Generation.JPG|left|350px]]
The 1987 refresh was evolutionary. The design was more streamlined, and maintenance items were made simpler. Rear [[Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)|antilock brakes]] were now standard, the first truck to boast this. The manual transmission was revised with five speeds in 1988, and the flareside box was dropped. For 1987 the 4.9L had standard fuel injection; for 1988, the 5.8L and 7.5L also gained fuel injection, with 1988 being the first year no carbureted engines were offered. 1988 also saw the replacement of the 6.9L diesel with a 7.3L International Harvester IDI diesel.

Four wheel drive improvements included the addition of [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] locking hubs for the F-150 in 1989, and for the rest in 1991. The 5.0 L truck also had an optional "Touch Drive" electronic transfer case.

Engines:

* 1987-1991 - 4.9 L straight-6, FI, 150 [[HP|hp]] (112 kW)
* 1987 - Windsor 5.8 L V8
* 1987 - 6.9 L Diesel V8, 170 [[HP|hp]] (127 kW)
* 1987 - 7.5 L 460 V8, 245 [[HP|hp]] (183 kW)
* 1988-1991 - 460 7.5 L V8, FI, 230 [[HP|hp]]
* 1988-1991 - 7.3 L International Harvester IDI Diesel V8, 180 [[HP|hp]]
* 1987-1991 - Windsor 5.0 L V8, FI, 185 [[HP|hp]]
* 1988-1991 - Windsor 5.8 L V8, FI, 210 [[HP|hp]]

===Ninth generation (1992–1996)===
[[image:1994_F-150.jpg|right|350px]]
The 1992 truck was much more rounded and aerodynamic-looking, and the flareside returned until 1996. The Lightning appeared in 1993. A CD player option was new for 1994, as was a driver's-side airbag and "CHMSL" third brake light. Following the lead of the Explorer, an Eddie Bauer trim line was added for 1995.

Ford trailed rival General Motors trucks for much of the ninth generation, though sales steadily rose each year. 500,000 F-Series trucks were sold in 1992, but this rose to nearly 800,000 by 1996, and the Ford had overtaken the combined [[Chevrolet|Chevrolet]] and GMC pickup sales for the first time in a decade.

Engines:

* 1992-1996 - 4.9 L straight-6, FI, 150 [[HP|hp]]
* 1992-1996 - 7.5 L 385 V8, FI, 240 [[HP|hp]]
* 1992-1996 - 7.3 L IDI Diesel V8, 185 [[HP|hp]]/360 ft.lbf
* 1992-1996 - 7.3 L [[Turbo Engine|Turbo]] IDI Diesel V8, 190 [[HP|hp]]/395 ft.lbf
* 1992-1996 - 5.0 L Windsor V8, FI, 185 [[HP|hp]]
* 1992-1996 - 5.8 L Windsor V8, FI, 210 [[HP|hp]]
* 1993-1995 - 5.8 L Windsor V8, FI, 240 [[HP|hp]] Lightning
* 1995-1996 - 7.3 L Power Stroke [[Turbo Engine|turbo]]-Diesel V8, 210 [[HP|hp]]/425 ft.lbf

===Tenth generation (1997–2003)===
[[image:Ford_F-150_Ext.jpg|right|350px]]
Ford took the aero styling to its conclusion for 1997 with an extremely round nose on the new F-series. The "Super Duty" F series did not yet exist, so an F-250 was offered which was an F-150 with heavier duty axles and suspension, along with odd 7 lug wheels. With the arrival of the Super Duty, this F-250 "light duty" was offered as the "7700" package for the F-150 (noted on the tailgate emblem). A wide variety of body options were available: regular cab and SuperCab, standard or flareside boxes, and short and long beds. A new Lightning was introduced in 1999, and Harley-Davidson and King Ranch versions were also created. In 2001 the SuperCrew cab was introduced.

The super-duty F-250 and F-350 were retained on the old chassis until 1999.

Sales of the F-150 surged in the tenth generation to 750,000 to over 900,000 in 2001 as the General Motors and Dodge products lagged. Ford's sales dropped, however, for the final years of this generation as the redesigned Dodge trucks were released.

The F-150 was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 1997.

1997 also marked introduction of Ford's modular Single Overhead cam ([[Overhead Camshafts|SOHC]]) engines into F-150.

Engines:

* 1997-2003 - 4.2 L Essex [[V6|V6]], 202 [[HP|hp]]/252 ft.lbf
* 1997-1998 - 4.6 L Triton V8, 220 [[HP|hp]]/280 ft.lbf
* 1999-2003 - 4.6 L Triton V8, 231 [[HP|hp]]/293 ft.lbf
* 1995-1998 - 5.4 L Triton V8, 235 [[HP|hp]]/330 ft.lbf
* 1999-2003 - 5.4 L Triton V8, 260 [[HP|hp]]/350 ft.lbf
* 1999-2000 - 5.4 L [[Supercharged Engine|supercharged]] Triton V8, 360 [[HP|hp]] (99-00 Lightning)
* 2001-2004 - 5.4 L [[Supercharged Engine|supercharged]] Triton V8, 380 [[HP|hp]] (01-04 Lightning)
* 1999-2004 - 5.4 L [[Supercharged Engine|supercharged]] Triton V8, 340 [[HP|hp]] (02-03 Harley-Davidson)
* 1999-2003 - 6.8 L Triton V10, 362 [[HP|hp]]/457 ft.lbf (Super Duty)
* 1999-2003 - 7.3 L Power Stroke [[Turbo Engine|turbo]]-Diesel V8, 250 [[HP|hp]]/500 ft.lbf (Super Duty)

==Future Models==
[[Image:2008 Ford Super Duty.jpg|thumb|400px|The 2008 Ford Superduty.]]
*A refreshed F150 is expected sometime around 2008 with a fresher look, a 6 speed automatic transmission, and interior upgrades.

==Criticisms==
*Feels sluggish even with larger [[V8]], no available side airbags, not much interior storage space.
*No side curtain or side-impact [[airbag]]s.

==Awards==
* 2004 North American Truck of the Year ·
* 2004 Truck of the Year, Motor Trend Magazine ·
* 2004 Detroit News Truck of the Year ·
* The Year's Best Pickup, USA Today ·
* 2004 Truck of Texas (Texas Auto Writer's Association) ·
* Truckin' Magazine Truck of the Year ·
* Popular Science 2003 Best of What's New Grand Award ·
* Top Pick of 2004 Trucks, AMI Auto World Magazine ·
* Money® Magazine Best New Truck for 2004 ·
* Kelley Blue Book Best Redesigned Vehicle for 2004 ·
* American Woman Road & Travel Top 10 Award - Pickup Truck, Most Athletic ·
* FAMA Magazine Truck of the Year ·
* Auto Journalists' Association of Canada (AJAC) Best New Pickup Award for 2004 ·
* Top Ten Tow Vehicles, Go Boating Magazine ·
* 2004 People's Choice Truck of the Year
* Car and Driver Magazine 2004 Five Best Trucks - Best Pickup.
* Auto Interiors Show 2004 Truck Interior of the Year
* AutoBytel Editors' Choice 2004 Truck of the Year

== See Also ==
* [[Chevrolet Silverado 1500|Chevy Silverado 1500]]
* [[Dodge Ram 1500]]

== External Links ==
* [http://www.ford-trucks.com.com Largest Ford Truck community and enthusiasts resource, covering all F-series of all years]
* [http://www.fordvehicles.com Official Ford Website]
* [http://www.f150online.com F150online.com - Largest Ford F-150 Community, Covers 1997 to Present]
* [http://www.fordf150.net FordF150.net - Ford F150 Forums, Photos, Specs, etc.]

==Notes==
*The [[Ford F-250 Super Chief]] was designed by [[Peter Horbury]]

This page uses content from Wikipedia; see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_F-Series Ford F-Series], which includes these [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ford_F-Series&action=history contributors].

[[Category:Current Models]]

Donkervoort D8 GT

2007-03-18T13:34:27Z

24.17.150.91: Gallery

Ferrari P4/5

2007-03-10T16:17:11Z

24.17.150.91: Better image

Ferrari P4/5

2007-03-10T16:16:18Z

24.17.150.91: Link fix

Ultima GTR

2007-03-09T14:51:27Z

24.17.150.91: Infobox

Ultima GTR

2007-03-09T14:50:54Z

24.17.150.91: Starting article

Template:Nissan

2007-03-07T23:10:47Z

24.17.150.91: Concepts

{|align="center" style="clear: both; width: 610px; margin: 0 auto; border: solid 1px #E7CC7A; background-color: #FFFBEF; text-align: center;"
|rowspan="3" style="vertical-align: top;"|
|-
|colspan="3" style="background-color: #F1E0AF; font: bold 200% serif; letter-spacing: 0.5em;"|[[Nissan|NISSAN]]
|-
|colspan="3" style="font-size: 0.9em;"|
<small></small> '''[[Renault|The Renault Group]]'''
----
<small></small> [[Renault]] | [[Nissan]] | [[ Infiniti]] | [[Dacia]] | [[Samsung]] | [[Alpine]]
----
<small>Current:</small> [[Nissan Altima|Altima]] · [[Nissan Sentra|Sentra]]v[[Nissan Versa|Versa]] · [[Nissan Maxima|Maxima]] · [[Nissan 350Z|350Z]] · [[Nissan Xterra|Xterra]] · [[Nissan Murano|Murano]] · [[Nissan Pathfinder|Pathfinder]] · [[Nissan Armada|Armada]] · [[Nissan Quest|Quest]] · [[Nissan Frontier|Frontier]] · [[Nissan Titan|Titan]]

<small>Current (Europe):</small> [[Nissan Micra|Micra]] · [[Nissan Note|Note]] · [[Nissan Quashqai|Quashqaai]] · [[Nissan X-Trail|X-Trail]] · [[Nissan Primera|Primera]]

<small>Historic:</small> [[Nissan Almera|Almera]]

<small>Concept:</small> [[Nissan Bevel|Bevel]] · [[Nissan Sport Concept|Sport Concept]] · [[Nissan Urge|Urge]] · [[Nissan Azeal|Azeal]]
----
----
|-style="font-size: 90%;"
|style="font-size: 85%;" class="editlink noprint plainlinksneverexpand"|[{{fullurl:Template:Nissan|action=edit}} edit]
|style="width: 33%;"|[[Kenjiro Den]], [[Rokuro Aoyama]] and [[Meitaro Takeuchi]]
|style="width: 33%;"|[http://www.Nissan.com/ Corporate website]
|style="width: 33%;"|''[[Renault|a subsidiary of the Renault Group]]''
|}
<noinclude>

[[Category:Automotive navigational boxes|Nissan]]

<noinclude>[[Category:Templates|{{PAGENAME}}]]</noinclude>

Mitsubishi Mighty Max

2007-03-04T16:59:48Z

24.17.150.91: Image

Giugiaro Vadhò Concept

2007-03-02T21:08:10Z

24.17.150.91:

Dodge Challenger

2007-02-25T22:01:10Z

24.17.150.91: /* The Future Dodge Challenger */ Image

The '''[[Dodge]] Challenger''' was [[Chrysler]]'s first real foray into the hot pony car market that had been dominated by [[Ford]]'s wildly successful [[Ford Mustang|Mustang]] and [[GM]]'s [[Chevrolet Camaro]] and [[Pontiac Firebird]] twins. Until the Challenger's introduction, Chrysler was content to let [[Plymouth]] carry the pony car banner with the [[Plymouth Barracuda|Barracuda]], but while the Barracuda tried, it wasn't really much of a threat to the Mustang or the Camaro and Firebird for a variety of reasons. That would all change in 1970, when the Barracuda was redesigned and now on the E-body platform, distancing itself from its hum-drum A-body [[Plymouth Valiant|Valiant]] origins. And now, Chrysler finally saw fit to add a Dodge model, aptly named Challenger, to do battle along side the Barracuda as an all-out assault on the Mustang, Camaro and Firebird.

BUT... was it ultimately a classic case of "too little, too late? Many gearheads would rightly argue that 1970 was in fact the zenith of the muscle/pony car market, but in 1971, compression ratios started to decrease, insurance companies were levying hefty surcharges on high-powered muscle/pony cars, and a middle east oil embargo was on the horizon... it wasn't looking good for the muscle/pony car market (dare we even say they became ''politically incorrect''). Perhaps if the E-body Challenger and Barracuda had come out three years earlier, their collective fate might have been very different than what it turned out to be. For that reason, many car critics, perhaps unfairly, were quick to dismiss the Challenger and Barracuda as "arriving to the party too late and leaving too early".

Challengers, however, after decades of being mere used cars on the collector market, have seen their values soar into the stratosphere as of late, especially 1970-71 numbers-matching big-block models (even bogus Hemi models can still command a 6-figure price tag). And the demand for these doesn't show any trend of slowing down any time soon. It may have taken over 3 decades, but perhaps the Challenger (and Barracuda) are finally getting their proper due in the pony car market. So instead of being "too little too late", it looks more like an argument for "better late... than ''never''".

Here's a brief rundown on year to year changes:

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" |
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Dodge Challenger'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Chrysler Corporation]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1970-1974
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Compact
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 2-Door Coupe<br>2-Door Convertible
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 191.3"
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 76.1"
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 50.9"
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 108"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 3400-3800 lbs
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 3-Speed Manual, RWD<br>4-Speed Manual, RWD<br>3-Speed Automatic, RWD
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 3.7L (225 cid) I6 (1970-1972)<br>5.2L (318 cid) V8 (1970-1974)<br>5.5L (340 cid) V8 (1970-1973)<br>5.5L (340 cid) 3x2 V8 (1970)<br>6.3L (383 cid) V8 (1970-1971)<br>7.0L (426 cid) Hemi V8 (1970-1971)<br>7.2L (440 cid) V8 (1970)<br>7.2L (440 cid) 3x2 V8 (1970-1971)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 110-425 hp
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Plymouth Barracuda]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Platform
| E
|}

===1970===

The Challenger was built on an all-new E-body platform, which was a shortened B-body [[Dodge Charger|Charger]]/[[Dodge Coronet|Coronet]] chassis, but the Challenger's wheelbase was 2" longer than the Barracuda's, and although they were corporate twins, they shared no body panels. The Challenger could be outfitted with just about any option, several different model configurations and every engine in Chrysler's lineup including the holy-grail 426 Hemi on R/T (Road/Track) models. There were base, SE, R/T and T/A models to choose from, and the SE and R/T model could be overlapped. Coupe and convertibles were available on all versions except the T/A, which was hardtop only.

Base models could have a 145 hp 3.7L (225 cid) Slant-6, 230 hp 5.2L (318 cid) V8 (standard on the SE) or a 6.2L (383 cid) V8 in 2- or 4-bbl guise (275 and 300 hp respectively). The base engine for the R/T technically was the 335 hp 383-4, but the 275 hp 5.5L (340 cid) V8 could be had too if one didn't want a big block. Optional was the 7.2L (440 cid) V8 with a 4- or 6-bbl (6-Pack) setup (375 and 390 hp respectively). And, of course, the 425 hp 7.0L (426 cid) Hemi. The lone engine choice on the T/A model was a 290 hp 340 6-pack V8. Got all that?

Their options list was equally exhausting, being available with such niceties as power windows, cruise control, air conditioning (except the 440-6 or the Hemi), overhead consoles... the list went on (literally). Hardtop SE models differed visually from base and R/T models by having a standard vinyl roof with a smaller back window than the rest. 4-speed manuals and 3-speed automatics were available on all engines, and 3-speed manuals could be had on all but the 383-4, 440-6 and the Hemi.

1970 was the highest-year selling Challenger, at almost 80,000 units altogether (including the T/A)

===1971===

Visual changes for this year was a new divided grille and the taillights were now separated with individual reverse lights in the middle, versus one single reverse light in the middle of last years single taillight design. The T/A was no more (although a look-alike package was offered with the black scooped hood and "go wing", but without the 340-6 engine) and there was some other shuffling of trim and packages as well. The R/T was no longer available as a convertible, the SE model lost its distinctive small rear window design, and the 340 was officially now standard in the R/T models. The previous 383, 440-6 (down 5 hp to 385) and 426 Hemi were still available carried over from last year, but the 440-4 was no longer available. Base and SEs still had the 225 Slant-6, 318, or 383 with 2- or 4-bbl carb. Sales were way down compared to last year, as the muscle/pony car market started taking huge sales and horsepower hits, averaging about 30,000 units this year.

===1972===

The party was over as far as SE, R/T, big-block engines and convertible bodystyles were concerned - they were all gone, never to return. The R/T was replaced by a new "Rallye" version, and was available with either the 318 or 340, with either the 3- or 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic. The Slant-6 was still standard in the base model. 1972 models differed from last year with a new grille design and the quad headlights in four separate individual slots. The taillight panel was all new as well with a brushed-aluminum design, and included the taillights and reverse lights in their own separate slots as well. Sales decreased to less than 26,000 total units.

===1973===

The rarely-ordered Slant-6 was dropped, the 318 was now the base engine for both the base and Rallye. The 340 could still be had on the Rallye. The largest visual change was the addition of the small black rubber "bumperettes" on the bumpers to satisfy the new federally-mandated 5-MPH impact standards. Sales actually increased to 33,000+ units this year.

===1974===

The final Challenger was visually unchanged from the 1973 model. The 340 was dropped, replaced by the 5.9L (360 cid) V8. Base and Rallye models continued, either available with the 318 or 360. The pony car market was clearly drying up, and the Challenger had quickly lost its way despite a promising start. By this time, the Ford Mustang had been downsized to the lowly [[Ford Pinto|Pinto]] platform, the [[Mercury Cougar]] was now a mid-size personal-luxury car based on the [[Ford Torino|Torino]], and even [[AMC]] realized they were fighting a losing battle as well, as they would discontinue the [[AMC Javelin|Javelin]] altogether at the end of this year. The Challenger and Barracuda would unfortunately suffer the same fate.

This would be the last the world would ever see or hear of a Dodge Challenger muscle car... or would it?

==Main Competitors==

*[[AMC Javelin]]
*[[Chevrolet Camaro]]
*[[Ford Mustang]]
*[[Mercury Cougar]]
*[[Plymouth Barracuda]]

==The Future Dodge Challenger==
[[Image:2009-challenger-concept.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Dodge Challenger Concept]]
From the Challenger's dark and waning days of 1974, fast forward to year 2006. Chrysler (now owned by [[Mercedes-Benz]] and called, of all things, [[DaimlerChrysler]]), has chosen to revive the Challenger. While it retains much of the same look as the original, this one is slated (at this writing) to be available with a 425 hp 6.1L (370 cid) V8 with a 6-speed manual transmission. For those keeping score, that is as much ''net'' horsepower as the almighty 426 Hemi had as a ''gross'' horsepower rating. It'll be based, once again, on a shortened Charger platform. Additionally, this new Challenger will have the tires and suspension to actually stop, corner and handle unlike the original, will have 150+ MPH capability - and get decent gas mileage to boot. When the Challenger prototype was released at the 2006 Detroit NAIAS, approving onlookers had but 2 words to say: '''BUILD IT!'''.

And build it Chrysler (oops - ''DaimlerChrysler'') will do. Scheduled for a 2008 release... the Challenger will live again. Chevrolet will have a new Camaro in 2009/2010, and Ford will certainly have some new tricks up the Mustang's sleeve... so the pony car market will be ablaze once again. Unfortunately, Plymouth is no more, so there will be no Barracuda (although there ''is'' small speculation that one might appear as a Chrysler model, but as of now that is strictly speculation), Pontiac apparently doesn't seem to see another Firebird in its future (despite obvious demand for one), and AMC became history in 1988, so obviously another Javelin is out of the question... but for those who have been holding out faith for another good ol' American ponycar V8 shootout once again, their patience will be rewarded soon.

{{Dodge}}

Plymouth Neon

2007-02-17T12:08:16Z

24.17.150.91:

Chrysler Crossfire

2007-02-10T17:57:39Z

24.17.150.91:

[[Image:Chrysler Crossfire.jpg|right|400px]]
Start off with a brief Introduction to the particular MODEL. Please DO NOT use the same Introduction text from the [[Wikicars:Model Review Template|<MODEL> Review]] page, but rather paraphrase ideas relevant to grasp an overall scope of the [[automobile|vehicle]].

See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Wikicars:Model Review Template|<MODEL> Review]]'''.

===Recent Changes===
Mention any minor facelifts or major changes made to the [[automobile|vehicle]] here.

===Styles and Major Options===
Certain [[automobile|vehicles]] come in different trim levels or body styles. Features and major options should be mentioned here.

===Pricing===
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<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=4>
'''MODEL Trims'''
</td>
</tr>
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<td>
Trim1
</td>
<td>
Trim2
</td>
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Trim3
</td>
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</td>
</tr>
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<td colspan=4>
''MSRP''
</td>
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$Price1
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$Price2
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$Price3
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$Price4
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</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=4>
''Invoice''
</td>
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$Price1
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$Price3
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</table>

===Gas Mileage===
''Add more fields as necessary.''

As seen on the [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm FuelEconomy.gov] website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=4>
'''Trim'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Trim1
</td>
<td>
Trim2
</td>
<td>
Trim3
</td>
<td>
Trim4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=4 bgcolor=#cccccc>
'''MPG'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
c/h
</td>
<td>
c/h
</td>
<td>
c/h
</td>
<td>
c/h
</td>
</tr>
</table>

===Reliability===
Warranty options and scheduled maintainence information should be mentioned here.

===Safety===
This section should reference points on safety ratings and features of the vehicle.

===Photos===
Add ''Photos'' of the [[automobile|vehicle]] here.

'''''Please make sure not to use copyrighted photos.'''''

===Colors===
List the colors that the particular <MODEL> is offered in.

===Main Competitors===
Create links to other <MAKE> <MODEL> pages in this section.

==Hybrid Models==
If there are [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid]] versions of this vehicle manufactured, then please elaborate a little bit on it here.

==Unique Attributes==
If there are any features of this [[automobile|vehicle]] that sets it apart from other [[automobile|vehicles]] in its class, then mention those ''unique attributes'' here.

==Resale Values==
''Add more fields as necessary.''

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=4>
'''<MODEL> Year'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Year X
</td>
<td>
Year X-2
</td>
<td>
Year X-3
</td>
<td>
Year X-4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=4 bgcolor=#cccccc>
'''Resale Value'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$
</td>
<td>
$
</td>
<td>
$
</td>
<td>
$
</td>
</tr>
</table>

==Criticisms==
Please make sure to '''''keep critiques in a third-person point of view'''''. If using criticisms from a reputable automotive source, then '''''please make sure to cite the quote'''''.

==Generations==
Fill in as many as appropriate. Add more if necessary and pictures wherever applicable.

'''''Please make sure NOT to use copyrighted pictures'''''.

==Current Generation: (YYYY–present)==

===Fifth generation (YYYY–YYYY)===

===Fourth generation (YYYY–YYYY)===

===Third generation (YYYY–YYYY)===

===Second generation (YYYY–YYYY)===

===First Generation/Origins (YYYY–YYYY)===

==Worldwide==
If the [[automobile|vehicle]] is sold in other markets worldwide, then this is the section to mention that information. Also, mention if the <MODEL> goes by another name in these other markets.

==Design quirks and oddities==
Refer to any pop-culture tidbits about the [[Automobile|vehicle]] in this section.

==Awards==
List out notable ''awards'' that the model has recieved while in production. '''Boldface''' the company or orgainization that gives out the award, and ''Italicize'' the name of the award.

==See also==
This section should be used to link to other pages within Wikicars, that are related to this article.

* For example, the [[Lexus GS]] page, will have links to pages within Wikicars that are related to the [[Lexus GS|GS]], like the [[Luxury Cars]] page and the [[Hybrid Cars]] page, as well as a link to the [[Lexus GS 450h|GS hybrid]] article.

==External Links==
Please include any external sites that were used in collaborating this data, including manufacturer sites, in this section.

Saturn VUE

2007-02-10T17:42:36Z

24.17.150.91:

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[image:2008 Saturn Vue.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Saturn VUE'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Saturn]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 2002-Present
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Mid-Size Crossover [[SUV]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 5-door Wagon
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 181.3 in.
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 71.6 in.
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 66.3 in. (65.3 in. Green Line)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 106.6 in.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 3,279 - 3,691 lbs.
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 5-speed Manual <br> 4-speed Automatic <br> 5-speed Automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 2.2 liter [[DOHC]] inline-4 <br> 3.5 liter [[SOHC]] [[V6]] <br> 2.4 liter inline-4 with [[BAS]] electric assist
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 144 [[hp]] @ 5400 RPM <br> 152 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM <br><br> 248 [[hp]] @ 5800 RPM <br> 242 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM <br><br> 170 [[hp]] @ 6300 RPM <br> 160 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Ford Escape]] <br> [[Ford Edge]] <br> [[Jeep Compass]] <br> [[Jeep Liberty]] <br> [[Jeep Patriot]] <br> [[Mazda Tribute]] <br> [[Mazda CX-7]] <br> [[Chevrolet Equinox]] <br> [[Pontiac Torrent]] <br> [[Kia Sportage]] <br> [[Honda CR-V]] <br> [[Honda Element]] <br> [[Toyota RAV4]] <br> [[Subaru Forester]] <br> [[Hyundai Tucson]] <br> [[Dodge Nitro]] <br> [[Suzuki Grand Vitara]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}

The '''Saturn VUE''' is a [[compact SUV]] from [[General Motors Corporation|General Motors]]' [[Saturn]] marque. It uses GM's Theta platform. In 2006, a [[hybrid]] version was added to the Vue's Greenline.

See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Saturn Vue Review]]'''.

===Recent Changes===
The VUE received several interior and exterior upgrades in 2006, and these remain in tact for 2007. The biggest change for 2007 is the addition of a Green Line [[hybrid]] model, the first [[hybrid]] SUV from [[General Motors]].

===Styles and Major Options===
The VUE comes in three engine forms: a base model, a [[V6]], and a [[hybrid]] model. The base model is powered by a 2.2L 144[[hp]] [[I-4]] engine, the [[V6]] is 3.5L 250[[hp]] engine, and the [[hybrid]] uses a 2.4L 170[[hp]] [[I-4]] gasoline-electric engine. While the [[V6]] and [[hybrid]] are only available with [[automatic transmission]]s, the [[I-4]] is available in both an [[automatic transmission|auto]] and [[manual transmission|manual]] version. Some of the standout features of each trim include:
[[image:2007_VUE_blueleft.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]

'''Base [[I-4]]'''
*16" steel wheels
*6-way driver (4-way passenger) front seats
*Cloth/vinyl seating
*Metal-look dashboard insert
*Manual front air conditioning
*6-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system
*Cruise control
*OnStar

'''[[V6]]'''
*16" polished alloy wheels
*Simulated wood dashboard insert
*Leather/simulated wood shift knob
*Four wheel anti-lock brakes
*OnStar

'''Green Line [[Hybrid]]'''
*16" polished alloy wheels
*Driveline [[traction control]]
*Metal-look dashboard insert
*Cruise Control
*OnStar

===Pricing===
Today's actual prices for the [[Saturn]] VUE can be found at [http://www.carsdirect.com/saturn/vue/prices CarsDirect].

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=4>
'''VUE Trims'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
[[I-4]] [[2WD]]
</td>
<td>
[[V6]] [[2WD]]
</td>
<td>
[[V6]] [[AWD]]
</td>
<td>
[[I-4]] [[2WD]]
<br>
[[Hybrid]]
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=4>
''MSRP''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$17,475
</td>
<td>
$21,750
</td>
<td>
$23,710
</td>
<td>
$22,370
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=4>
''Invoice''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$16,339
</td>
<td>
$20,336
</td>
<td>
$22,168
</td>
<td>
$20,915
</td>
</tr>
</table>

===Gas Mileage===
As seen on the [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm FuelEconomy.gov] website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=5>
'''Trim'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Vue [[AWD]]
<br>
[[V6]] [[automatic transmission|auto]]
</td>
<td>
Vue [[2WD]]
<br>
[[I-4]] [[manual transmission|manual]]
</td>
<td>
Vue [[2WD]]
<br>
[[I-4]] [[automatic transmission|auto]]
</td>
<td>
Vue [[2WD]]
<br>
[[V6]] [[automatic transmission|auto]]
</td>
<td>
Vue Hybrid [[2WD]]
<br>
4-cyl. [[automatic transmission|auto]]
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=5 bgcolor=#cccccc>
'''MPG'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
19/25
</td>
<td>
23/29
</td>
<td>
22/27
</td>
<td>
20/28
</td>
<td>
27/32
</td>
</tr>
</table>

===Reliability===
The VUE received an update in 2006, and accurate long-term reliability information is not yet available. The 2004 model, however, received an overall Green rating from Automotive Information Systems, indicating minimal problems in all categories.

===Safety===
'''Standard Safety Equipment'''<br>
''Subject to Model Availability''
* Anti-lock Brakes
* Anti-lock Brakes with Traction Control
* Driver and Front Passenger Airbags
* Height Adjustable Front Seat Belts
* OnStar

'''Optional Safety Features'''
* Fog Lights
* Head Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor

In tests carried out by the [http://www.safercar.gov NHTSA,] the 2007 Vue did well. It received 5-Star ratings for all front- and side-impact crash tests, and for rollover it received a 3-Star rating. Some of the standard safety features located in the Vue include:

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=6>
'''Rating (Stars)'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=2>
Front
</td>
<td colspan=2>
Side
</td>
<td colspan=2>
Rollover
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td>
Driver
</td>
<td>
Passenger
</td>
<td>
Front Seat
</td>
<td>
Rear Seat
</td>
<td>
2WD
</td>
<td>
4WD
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc align=center>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
3
</td>
<td align=center>
3
</td>
</tr>
</table>

===Photos===
<gallery>
image:800px-SaturnVUE.jpg
image:2007_VUE_silverleft.jpg
image:2007_VUE_bluerear.jpg
image:2007_VUE_dashboard.jpg
image:2007_VUE_frontinterior.jpg
image:
</gallery>

===Colors===
VUE exterior and interior availability and color samples.

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td>
'''Exterior Color'''
</td>
<td>
'''VUE/VUE Green Line- <br>Cloth/Leather'''
</td>
<td>
'''VUE Red Line- <br>Leather with Suede Inserts'''
</td>
</tr>

<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Black Onyx
</td>
<td align=center>
Gray/Tan
</td>
<td align=center>
Black
</td>
</tr>

<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Chili Pepper Red
</td>
<td align=center>
Gray/Tan
</td>
<td align=center>
Black
</td>
</tr>

<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Cypress Green
</td>
<td align=center>
Gray/Tan
</td>
<td align=center>
-
</td>
</tr>

<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Deep Blue
</td>
<td align=center>
Gray/Tan
</td>
<td align=center>
-
</td>
</tr>

<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Polar White
</td>
<td align=center>
Gray/Tan
</td>
<td align=center>
-
</td>
</tr>

<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Silver Nickel
</td>
<td align=center>
Gray
</td>
<td align=center>
Black
</td>
</tr>

<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Storm Gray
</td>
<td align=center>
Gray
</td>
<td align=center>
-
</td>
</tr>

</table>

<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">'''Exterior Colors'''</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Black Onyx</td>
<td bgcolor="#000000" width="73"> </td>

<td height="20" width="145">Chili Pepper Red</td>
<td bgcolor="#d22f30" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Cypress Green</td>
<td bgcolor="#4d574c" width="73"> </td>

<td height="20" width="145">Deep Blue</td>
<td bgcolor="#0f2c4a" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Polar White</td>
<td bgcolor="#f1f1f1" width="73"> </td>

<td height="20" width="145">Silver Nickel</td>
<td bgcolor="#d6d6d6" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Storm Gray</td>
<td bgcolor="#575757" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>

<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">'''Interior Colors'''</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1" bordercolor="#0000FF">
<tr bordercolor="#FFFFFF">
<td width="145">Gray Cloth</td>
<td width="73" bgcolor="#7c7974"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Tan Cloth</td>
<td bgcolor="#9e8f7c" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Gray Leather</td>
<td bgcolor="#867c7b" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<table border="1" bordercolor="#0000FF">
<tr bordercolor="#FFFFFF">
<td width="145">Tan Leather</td>
<td width="73" bgcolor="#c0af9b"> </td>
</tr>
</table>

===Main Competitors===
*[[Honda Element]]
*[[Toyota RAV4]]
*[[Ford Escape]]
*[[Mazda Tribute]]
*[[Honda CR-V]]
*[[Jeep Liberty]]
*[[Subaru Forester]]

==Hybrid Models==
'''Green Line'''
The high-performance VUE Red Line will be joined for 2007 (in summer 2006) by an environmentally-oriented '''Green Line''' model. The VUE is a [[hybrid car|mild hybrid]] using what GM calls a "belt alternator starter" (BAS) system. A large electric motor is connected to the accessory drive via a belt, with a special [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] transmission fitted. It automatically stops the engine when the vehicle comes to a halt and instantly restarts it when the vehicle must move again. The electric motor will also assist somewhat in acceleration, though not to the extent that [[Honda]]'s Integrated Motor Assist system does.

The 2.4 L ''Ecotec'' engine is used from the Saturn ION, and fuel savings are expected to be around 15%. The Green Line version is expected to cost just US$2,000 more than a similarly-equipped VUE, and debuted in production form on January 8, 2006 at the North American International Auto Show.

Green Line owners will be eligible for a $650 federal tax credit designed to encourage fuel efficient vehicles.

==Unique Attributes==

==Resale Values==
According to [http://www.kbb.com Kelley Blue Book,] "with the exception of the Green Line [[hybrid]], which is expected to retain a high percentage of its value, the remaining VUE models retain only an average value in the first three years and then fall to less than average after that."

==Criticisms==
*"A well-thought-out and capable mini sport-ute, the Vue's unimpressive interior and sloppy steering keep it from challenging the class leaders in this segment." - Edmunds.com
*"If you're looking for a small SUV that can seat seven, the VUE's lack of a third-row seat takes it out of the running." - Kelley Blue Book

==Current Generation: (2002–Present)==
[[image:2007_VUE_silverrear.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
The VUE was introduced for the 2002 model year and was designed by Saturn. It is manufactured at the Spring Hill Saturn plant. Its unibody platform is shared with the [[Chevrolet Equinox]], [[Pontiac Torrent]] and the European [[Opel Antara]].

Four-cylinder VUEs use the ''Ecotec'' straight-4. The ''L81'' [[V6|V6]] from the [[Saturn L-Series|L-Series]] and 5-speed Aisin AF33 [[automatic transmission]] were initially offered, but starting in 2004, all 6-cylinder VUEs were equipped with the 250 [[HP|hp]] (186 kW) [[Honda]]-manufactured L66 engine and a Honda transmission. The four-cylinder VUE was available with the VTi [[continuously variable transmission]] (CVT) until GM cancelled it for 2005. The CVT transmission had a separate 75,000 mile warranty.

The VUE received a facelift for the 2006 model year. Upgrades included a redesigned interior with higher-quality materials, a new bumper and grille, and some minor cosmetic pieces to the exterior. OnStar is now standard as well as cruise control and [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] headlights.

==== Red Line ====
Saturn introduced a special high-performance line of vehicles in 2004 under the name, "Red Line". The '''VUE Red Line''' includes the 250 [[HP|hp]] (186 kW) ''L66'' [[V6|V6]] and sportier suspension tuning for performance. 18 in alloy wheels, ground-effect front bumpers, chrome exhaust tips, special black leather and suede seats, footwell lighting, and a special gauge cluster complete the visual updates.

==Future Generations==
The VUE will be redesigned for the 2008 model year. Production will move to Ramos Arizpe, where the [[Chevrolet HHR|HHR]] is produced. It will be developed alongside the [[Opel Frontera]]. The [[Chevrolet S3X]] concept is a good indication of what the next-generation VUE/Frontera will look like.

==Worldwide==

==Design quirks and oddities==

==Awards==

==See also==
{{Saturn}}

==External Links==
[http://www.saturn.com/saturn/vehicles/vue/overview.jsp Saturn VUE Website]

== Maintenance ==
* [[Saturn Vue Maintenance]]

This page uses content from Wikipedia; see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturn_VUE Saturn VUE], which includes these [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Saturn_VUE&action=history contributors].

[[Category:Current Models]]
[[Category:Crossover SUVs]]
[[Category:Hybrid Vehicles]]
[[Category:Saturn Vehicles|VUE]]
[[Category:Front Wheel Drive Vehicles]]
[[Category:All Wheel Drive Vehicles]]
[[Category:2000s Automobiles]]

Mazda Nagare

2007-02-07T16:02:24Z

24.17.150.91:

Buick LeSabre

2007-01-28T18:51:24Z

24.17.150.91:

Talk:Nissan Skyline

2007-01-04T20:49:48Z

24.17.150.91: /* HorningGuru */

This article is written terribly. It sounds like something some drunk guy would insist on reciting to you at a bar just because you mentioned you like imports.

== I'd like to add..... ==

Also, Growing up in a Motorsport family in Australia, and Being involved in drift racing in Australia for the past four years, I have never once heard a Skyline of Any sort Reffered to as Godzilla. That claim in the article, I can confidently say, is an utter lie.

===HorningGuru===
Thank you for your comments in this discussion section. I'm glad that you could add some personal experience from the Motorsport community and clarify the nickname for the Skyline. I would encourage you to incorportate any additional information you have about the Skyline into the actual article and if you know information is incorrect feel free to change it for the benefit of our wikicars community. It would also be helpful to others if you included your signature when commenting so that others know who you are. --[[User:MQuan|MQuan]] 20:18, 4 January 2007 (UTC)

Yes, if you can imrove the article(which is indeed poorly written) in any way, feel free to do so. [[User:0-172|0-172]] , 5 January 2007 (UTC)

Chrysler Crossfire

2006-12-27T19:01:14Z

24.17.150.91:

[[Image:Chrysler Crossfire.jpg|right|250px]]
Start off with a brief Introduction to the particular MODEL. Please DO NOT use the same Introduction text from the [[Wikicars:Model Review Template|<MODEL> Review]] page, but rather paraphrase ideas relevant to grasp an overall scope of the [[automobile|vehicle]].

See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Wikicars:Model Review Template|<MODEL> Review]]'''.

===Recent Changes===
Mention any minor facelifts or major changes made to the [[automobile|vehicle]] here.

===Styles and Major Options===
Certain [[automobile|vehicles]] come in different trim levels or body styles. Features and major options should be mentioned here.

===Pricing===
''Add more fields as necessary.''

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=4>
'''MODEL Trims'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Trim1
</td>
<td>
Trim2
</td>
<td>
Trim3
</td>
<td>
Trim4
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=4>
''MSRP''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$Price1
</td>
<td>
$Price2
</td>
<td>
$Price3
</td>
<td>
$Price4
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=4>
''Invoice''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$Price1
</td>
<td>
$Price2
</td>
<td>
$Price3
</td>
<td>
$Price4
</td>
</tr>
</table>

===Gas Mileage===
''Add more fields as necessary.''

As seen on the [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm FuelEconomy.gov] website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=4>
'''Trim'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Trim1
</td>
<td>
Trim2
</td>
<td>
Trim3
</td>
<td>
Trim4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=4 bgcolor=#cccccc>
'''MPG'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
c/h
</td>
<td>
c/h
</td>
<td>
c/h
</td>
<td>
c/h
</td>
</tr>
</table>

===Reliability===
Warranty options and scheduled maintainence information should be mentioned here.

===Safety===
This section should reference points on safety ratings and features of the vehicle.

===Photos===
Add ''Photos'' of the [[automobile|vehicle]] here.

'''''Please make sure not to use copyrighted photos.'''''

===Colors===
List the colors that the particular <MODEL> is offered in.

===Main Competitors===
Create links to other <MAKE> <MODEL> pages in this section.

==Hybrid Models==
If there are [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid]] versions of this vehicle manufactured, then please elaborate a little bit on it here.

==Unique Attributes==
If there are any features of this [[automobile|vehicle]] that sets it apart from other [[automobile|vehicles]] in its class, then mention those ''unique attributes'' here.

==Resale Values==
''Add more fields as necessary.''

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=4>
'''<MODEL> Year'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Year X
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==Criticisms==
Please make sure to '''''keep critiques in a third-person point of view'''''. If using criticisms from a reputable automotive source, then '''''please make sure to cite the quote'''''.

==Generations==
Fill in as many as appropriate. Add more if necessary and pictures wherever applicable.

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==Current Generation: (YYYY–present)==

===Fifth generation (YYYY–YYYY)===

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==Worldwide==
If the [[automobile|vehicle]] is sold in other markets worldwide, then this is the section to mention that information. Also, mention if the <MODEL> goes by another name in these other markets.

==Design quirks and oddities==
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==Awards==
List out notable ''awards'' that the model has recieved while in production. '''Boldface''' the company or orgainization that gives out the award, and ''Italicize'' the name of the award.

==See also==
This section should be used to link to other pages within Wikicars, that are related to this article.

* For example, the [[Lexus GS]] page, will have links to pages within Wikicars that are related to the [[Lexus GS|GS]], like the [[Luxury Cars]] page and the [[Hybrid Cars]] page, as well as a link to the [[Lexus GS 450h|GS hybrid]] article.

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Chrysler Crossfire

2006-12-24T13:36:45Z

24.17.150.91: Implementing template

Introduction
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_Crossfire wikipedia does crossfire]

Start off with a brief Introduction to the particular MODEL. Please DO NOT use the same Introduction text from the [[Wikicars:Model Review Template|<MODEL> Review]] page, but rather paraphrase ideas relevant to grasp an overall scope of the [[automobile|vehicle]].

See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Wikicars:Model Review Template|<MODEL> Review]]'''.

===Recent Changes===
Mention any minor facelifts or major changes made to the [[automobile|vehicle]] here.

===Styles and Major Options===
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===Pricing===
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===Gas Mileage===
''Add more fields as necessary.''

As seen on the [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm FuelEconomy.gov] website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

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===Reliability===
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==Hybrid Models==
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==Unique Attributes==
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<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
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$
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</table>

==Criticisms==
Please make sure to '''''keep critiques in a third-person point of view'''''. If using criticisms from a reputable automotive source, then '''''please make sure to cite the quote'''''.

==Generations==
Fill in as many as appropriate. Add more if necessary and pictures wherever applicable.

'''''Please make sure NOT to use copyrighted pictures'''''.

==Current Generation: (YYYY–present)==

===Fifth generation (YYYY–YYYY)===

===Fourth generation (YYYY–YYYY)===

===Third generation (YYYY–YYYY)===

===Second generation (YYYY–YYYY)===

===First Generation/Origins (YYYY–YYYY)===

==Worldwide==
If the [[automobile|vehicle]] is sold in other markets worldwide, then this is the section to mention that information. Also, mention if the <MODEL> goes by another name in these other markets.

==Design quirks and oddities==
Refer to any pop-culture tidbits about the [[Automobile|vehicle]] in this section.

==Awards==
List out notable ''awards'' that the model has recieved while in production. '''Boldface''' the company or orgainization that gives out the award, and ''Italicize'' the name of the award.

==See also==
This section should be used to link to other pages within Wikicars, that are related to this article.

* For example, the [[Lexus GS]] page, will have links to pages within Wikicars that are related to the [[Lexus GS|GS]], like the [[Luxury Cars]] page and the [[Hybrid Cars]] page, as well as a link to the [[Lexus GS 450h|GS hybrid]] article.

==External Links==
Please include any external sites that were used in collaborating this data, including manufacturer sites, in this section.

Lexus LS

2006-12-23T15:35:44Z

24.17.150.91: Removing vandalism

[[Image:Lexsls430.jpg|right|250px|2002 Lexus LS430]]
The '''[[Lexus|Lexus]] LS''' (sold as the '''Toyota Celsior''' in Japan) is a V8-powered, rear wheel drive luxury car that serves as the flagship of [[Toyota]]'s luxury [[Lexus]] division. A length of almost five meters (200 in) gives the LS a "large car" classification in Europe as well as in the United States. According to reviews, the LS 400 has one of the most silent cabins among modern cars and is sometimes hailed as one of the most refined, well-engineered and technologically advanced vehicles in the high-end luxury car segment. As the LS's suspension is tuned primarily for ride comfort and isolation, the model is often accused of not being as sporty as German competitors such as the [[BMW 7 Series]]. The exterior design has also been referred to as being unexciting and ordinary, yet has superb fit-and-finish and one of the lowest drag coefficients of any sedan on the market.

==First generation (UF10)==
===UF10 I (1989)===
The UF10 I LS 400 was produced from 1989 to 1994. The model introduced the [[Lexus|Lexus]] nameplate to the US, and soon after won critical acclaim, becoming ''Wheels'' magazine's Car of the Year and earning a place on ''Car and Driver'' magazine's Ten Best list for 1990. The LS 400 was initially intended to be introduced as a standalone model for [[Lexus|Lexus]], but ultimately was sold alongside the [[Lexus ES|ES 250]], an entry-level luxury car that was based on the [[Toyota Camry]].

===UF10 II (1993)===
For the 1993 model year, the LS 400 (now designated as the UF10 II) was introduced with larger brake rotors, standard passenger's side front airbags, larger wheels and tires, and numerous other upgrades.

==Second generation (UF20)==
[[Image:800px-1999_Lexus_LS.jpg|right|250px|1999 Lexus LS 400]]
===UF20 III (1995)===
Introduced in 1995, the UF20 III LS 400 was an evolutionary redesign of the LS and featured a new body that eliminated 300 lb from the previous car. The wheelbase was increased by 1.4 in, resulting in more interior and trunk space, yet the overall length of the car remained at 196.7 in. The durability of the brake system was improved as well.

The most noticeable cosmetic upgrades included a new front fascia with an increased gap between the headlights and grille, new headlights and taillights,

===UF20 IV (1998)===
For the 1998 model year, the UF20 IV LS 400 was introduced. New interior amenities included retractable rear headrests, wood accents on the leather-bound steering wheel and gear selector, and a [[Navigation System|navigation system]] with a concealed antenna. A new "jam protection system" for the vehicle's windows was designed to reduce the risk of possible injury by preventing the windows from closing if an object came in between the window and the door frame. Door window controls were also added to the vehicle remote control.

Exterior updates included new five spoke wheels as well as redesigned rear view mirrors that reduced the amount of wind noise. The [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] headlights were now equipped with a delay feature that allowed the headlights to remain on while the occupants exited the vehicle.

The revised LS 400 featured Toyota's new 290 [[HP|hp]] VVT-i UZ engine mated to a smooth five-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] transmission. The drivetrain improvements not only enabled the 3,890 lb sedan to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds but also improved the vehicle's fuel economy.

==Third generation (UF30)==
[[Image:Lexsls430.jpg|right|250px|2002 Lexus LS 430]]
===UF30 I (2001)===
For 2001, the UF30 I '''LS 430''' was introduced. While previous LS redesigns were evolutionary, the 2001 update was a more thorough update of the model's exterior and interior. The UF30 had a completely redesigned suspension and a brand new 4.3 L engine generating 290 [[HP|hp]] (216 kW) and 320 ft•lbf (434 N•m) of torque. A three-inch wheelbase stretch resulted in more interior volume than the competing Mercedes-Benz S-Class and allowed the engine to be positioned farther rearward for better balance. Features such as Dynamic Laser Cruise Control, a DVD-based [[Navigation System|navigation system]] and heated & cooled seats became available. These and other features, such as sonar assisted parking, power rear seats with massage and a rear cooler were bundled in the 'Ultra Luxury Package.'

In the interior the most notable design changes included additional woodgrain trim on the dashboard and doors as well as the addition of an LCD screen on the center console. The exterior of the vehicle was completely new with the vehicle's dimensions increasing in terms of length and height.

===UF30 II (2004)===
The UF30 II was introduced in 2004. [[Lexus|Lexus]] freshened the front & rear fascias and added as standard equipment previously optional features, such as a one-touch power [[Sunroof|moonroof]], power rear sunshade, and lighted rear-seat vanity mirrors. Some features previously included in the Custom and Ultra Luxury packages became available separately. The transmission got an added sixth gear, and keyless 'smart access' and [[Bluetooth]] technology became optional, while a pre-collision system, similar to Mercedes-Benz's Pre-Safe, which used millimeter-wavelength radar to predict crashes and allow distance-aware cruise control, was added as an option. Other updates included different wheels, projector headlamps, and LED taillights.

The 2001 to 2006 LS 430 was the most reliable luxury sedan in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality survey, and the early models of this series were the most reliable cars in the survey. In later studies of defects after 3 years of ownership, the LS 430 is also at the top of the pack.

==Fourth generation (UF40)==
[[Image:20_2007-LS-460.jpg|right|250px|2007 Lexus LS 460 UF40]]
===UF40 (2007)===
Introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, a redesigned LS will arrive for the 2007 model year. Based on the LF-Sh concept vehicle, the new LS will use either a 4.6 L [[V8]] producing 380 [[HP|hp]] (283 kW) and 370 ft•lbf (502 N•m) or a [[hybrid car|hybrid]] V8. An 8-speed [[automatic transmission]] will be the world's first. The car's complex electronic and safety systems have been shown in detail at the Geneva Motor Show in February, while the [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid]] version had its debut at the New York Auto Show in April 2006.

New high-tech options on the LS 460 will include a 19-speaker "Reference Surround Sound System" with an 8 GB hard drive, front and rear climate-comfort seats, and a 4-zone climate control with an air purifier. A new [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] parking system with a push-button starting feature, as well as the 8-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] transmission will both be standard features.

The 2007 LS will also mark the first time the car is sold under the [[Lexus|Lexus]] marque in Japan — the [[Lexus|Lexus]] brand was launched there in 2005 as part of [[Toyota]]'s vision to make [[Lexus|Lexus]] a 'global luxury brand.'

====LS 460 L====
For the first time, [[Lexus|Lexus]] will offer two wheelbases. The base '''LS 460''' will use the shorter 116.9 in (2969 mm) wheelbase, while the gasoline engine will also be offered as a long 121.7 in (3091 mm) wheelbase '''LS 460 L'''.

The LS 460L will also feature an optional rear seat comfort package. The package includes a reclining right-hand side rear seat with massage features. Both rear seats will feature an automatically operated footrest while an [[LCD screen]] will be an available option for the rear seat compartment.

====LS 600h L====

[[Lexus|Lexus]] introduced the '''LS 600h L''' as the world's first V8-powered full [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid]] to the audience at the 2006 New York Auto Show. Introduced only in long-wheelbase form (it will be available in other parts of the world in both wheelbases), the LS 600h L uses a 5.0 L V8 engine mated to a high-output electric motor with [[Battery Technology|Nickel-Metal Hydride]] battery packs to generate a total of 430 [[HP|hp]] (321 kW) which is comparable to the [[BMW 7 Series|BMW 760Li]]'s 438 [[HP|hp]] (327 kW) V12. The LS 600h L will be available with an all-wheel drive system and a two-stage continuously variable (CVT) transmission. [[Lexus|Lexus]] is also predicting the LS 600h will be certified as an [[Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle|SULEV]] vehicle. It claims the LS 600h is the most technologically advanced vehicle in the world.

More details such as curb weight, price (speculated to be in the region of $90,000) are yet to be released.

====Advanced Safety Systems====
At the same time the [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid]] model debuts [[Lexus|Lexus]] will offer its Advanced Pre Collision system, with such features as a driver monitoring camera (to sound an alarm if the system determines the driver's attention is needed), stereo video cameras and millimeter radar for advanced obstacle detection, pre-crash braking, and lane keeping assist, which nudges the car back in line if it strays from its intended lane on the highway. The system will also feature rearward-facing radar to detect impending rear collisions and prime the active headrests to reduce injury to passengers.

==Technical Specifications==
<center>
{| class="wikitable" align="center"
!colspan=5| [[Lexus|Lexus]] LS 400/430 model years
|-
!
! 1990–1994
! 1995–1997
! 1998–2000
! 2001–present
|-
| Gears
| 4
| 4
| 5
| 5–6
|-
| Power
| 173 kW (250 [[HP|hp]])
| 186 kW (260 [[HP|hp]])
| 214 kW (290 [[HP|hp]])
| 214 kW (290 [[HP|hp]])
|-
| Torque
| 353 Nm (260 ft•lbf)@4400rpm
| 366 Nm (270 ft•lbf)@4500rpm
| 407 Nm (300 ft•lbf)@4000rpm
| 434 Nm (320 ft•lbf)@3400rpm
|}
</center>
==Future possibilities==
Critics point out the absence of a range-topping [[V12]] as another significant omission in the [[Lexus|Lexus]] lineup. The closest competitors to the upcoming LS 460 such as the [[Mercedes-Benz S-Class]] offer range-topping S600 and S65 AMG sedans with powerful V12 engines and prices exceeding US$120,000. For 2007, a gasoline-electric [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid]] variant currently dubbed the LS 600h L (see above) will become available in the [[Lexus|Lexus]] lineup and is expected to boost the esteem of the [[Lexus|Lexus]] LS. Critics, however doubt whether [[Lexus|Lexus]] will be able to command more than $12,000 premium over LS 460 L, thereby resulting in a MSRP in $80,000-85,000 range for LS600h L; still $15,000 short of the $100K ultra-luxury segment mark.

Rumors persist that a new and improved version of a Toyota V12 used in the Japanese [[Toyota Century]] will be upgraded to more than 500 [[HP|hp]] (currently 280 [[HP|hp]]) for the European and North American markets to more successfully compete in the ultra-luxury segment with the [[Mercedes-Benz S-Class|Mercedes-Benz S600]] and [[BMW 7-Series|BMW 760]], but nothing concrete has been confirmed by Toyota.

==Awards==
The LS has received numerous awards since its introduction.
*The first-generation LS earned a place on ''Car and Driver'' magazine's Ten Best list and became ''Wheels'' magazine's Car of the Year.
* The LS 430 was judged as the "Finest Luxury Sedan In America" by Automotive Marketing Consultants, Inc. in a 2002 comparison test. Competing against ten other luxury models, including the [[Mercedes-Benz S-Class|Mercedes S500]] and the [[BMW 7-Series|BMW 750iL]], the LS placed first in three out of seven categories: NVH, ergonomics, and utility. The LS 430 was also the quietest car in the comparison, with an idle reading of just 31.1 decibels in the front seat.

==Trivia==
* Antony Leung, the former secretary of finance of Hong Kong, purchased an LS 430 just before implementing a new tax that would have cost him an additional HK$50,000. The scandal, known as "Lexusgate", led to his resignation.
* The third season of the popular BBC television program, ''Spooks'', featured a number of [[Lexus|Lexus]] LS vehicles as part of the brand's introduction in the British market.
* The 2005 J.D. Power ''initial quality'' study found just 90 problems per 100 LS vehicles, the first time in the study's 16 year history for a vehicle to have less than one problem per vehicle.
* Bill Gates owned a 1990 LS 400 in burgundy and subsequently donated it to the Pacific Crest Outward Bound School in Portland, Oregon in 1995.
* A Toyota Celsior is one of the cars driven in the racing arcade game and manga Wangan Midnight. The car, driven by Gen Sasaki (Gatchan), is often regarded as a joke due to the ricer features and Gatchan's reluctance to give his car more race features like removing excess weight and using garish bodykits.

==References==
*1. [[Lexus|Lexus]] LS competitors:
**[http://www.intellichoice.com/reports/vehicleReport/vehicle_nmb/17692/section/competitors/type/new/year/2006/make/[[Lexus|Lexus]]/model/LS%20430 [[Lexus|Lexus]] LS competitors according to Intellichoice]
**[http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/compare.aspx?year=2006&make=[[Lexus|Lexus]]&model=LS%20430&trimid=-1&type=Competitors [[Lexus|Lexus]] LS competitors according MSN]
**[http://www.[[Lexus|lexus]].com/assets/about/news/pdfs/ls_news_article_2005_05_a.pdf [[Lexus|Lexus]] competitors according to Toyota's [[Lexus|Lexus]] division]
*2. [http://sev.prnewswire.com/auto/20060303/LAF01603032006-1.html Advanced Safety in LS 460]\
*3. [http://www.thecarconnection.com/Auto_News/Daily_Edition/Daily_Edition_May_10_2004.S173.A7125.html [[Lexus|Lexus]] Ultra-Sedan]
*4. [http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051123/OPINION03/511230428/1148/AUTO01 [[Lexus|Lexus]] V12]
*5. [http://btobsearch.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?z=y&btob=Y&pwb=1&ean=9780801442896]
*6. [http://[[Lexus|lexus]].com/about/press_releases/popups/2002/pr_02_11_a.html Finest Sedan in the World]
*7. [http://www.thecarconnection.com/Vehicle_Reviews/Luxury_Cars/2004_[[Lexus|Lexus]]_LS_430_Sport.S183.A7351.html Pricing]
*8. [http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/34870/[[Lexus|lexus]]_ls_600h_poor_mans_v12.html [[Lexus|Lexus]] 600h: Poor Man's V12]

This page uses content from Wikipedia; see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus_LS Lexus LS], which includes these [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lexus_LS&action=history contributors].

[[Category:Lexus vehicles|LS]]
[[Category:Rear wheel drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Luxury vehicles]]
[[Category:Prestige vehicles]]
[[Category:Full-size vehicles]]
[[Category:Flagship vehicles]]
[[Category:Sedans]]