Lincoln LS

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What is it?
"Powered by McLaren Engines" Lincoln LS

What's special about it?
McLaren Performance Technologies has been developing specialized engines for about 30 years now, with powerplants that helped win the Indy 500 and Cam-Am championships many times over. In that time, the company has made several forays into production models; remember the papaya-orange Mustang of yesteryear (OK, it was the mid-'80s)? That was the original McLaren-enhanced production car.

Now it's preparing for a return to street vehicles beginning with the Lincoln LS. With air force-fed by an Eaton Supercharger and twin intercoolers, the 3.9-liter V8 engine should propel the car from 0-to-60 mph in 6.2 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 14.2 seconds. This is made possible by 350 horses, 100 more than the regular V8. A new six-speed manual tranny routs the power to the rear wheels, but the five-speed transmission will still be standard. A completely revised exhaust system topped by dual exhaust outlets handles the extra effluvium.

With performance-tuned springs and shocks to rein in the extra power and a ride height that's been lowered by an inch, it should corner considerably better than a stock Lincoln LS. Stoppage is supplied via four-piston calipers and enlarged discs that peep out from behind the 18-inch wheels. The wheels, by the way, are courtesy of O-Z technology, with a two-part lip that can easily (and cheaply) be replaced, should you nudge against a wayward curb. Aside from bright-orange badging, the "Powered by McLaren" LS sports a perforated grille, xenon headlamps, custom taillamps and interior treatments.

What's special about it?
In the firmament known as luxury sport sedans, can you think of a serious American entry? Not right now. Lincoln hopes to rectify that with this alliance with McLaren. Think of it as an SVT or an AMG for Lincoln, only in smaller volumes. McLaren is also going to get its hands on other Lincoln models in the future, but for now an engine intake and exhaust enhancement with the 18-inch wheels is projected to be available in the summer, with the specialized engine, brake, chassis and six-speed transmission debuting in fall 2002. We'd like to kindly suggest that Lincoln take this opportunity to address another common complaint: a rather shabby interior. A McLaren-powered Lincoln with a luxurious cabin -- now that would be sweet. -- Liz Kim