M Fighter.......

[Lscman]

"Lincoln will begin selling a rear-drive sport sedan in 2005 or 2006 to compete with the BMW 3-Series, analysts said"

Am I the only skeptic...looking forward to this rumored LS variant? Why does it take Lincoln 4 years to add a couple bolt-on parts to the LS (exhaust, tires/wheels & suspension)? They'd better "accelerate" the release a bit, because they're only slipping more. The closest they ever got was when the LS debuted and the M3 had a 6 cylinder. I really don't expect to see mid 13 second 1/4 mile times like the 2001 M3! They can't even do that with the Cobra. By 2005, the BMW M3 will be in the 11's with 1+ G lateral grip and 200 MPH! The M5 nearly stomps a Viper already!

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Rick, Road Track Terror in my '88 Mark VII LSC. See ya at Northeast Events! Pgh, PA

[LS1BMW0]

It's more than a few bolt-on parts. The "Baby LS" will be a shortened version of the LS. While I agree that Lincoln does need to shorten it's development time, the LS is a brand new vehicle, while the 3/5-series and the M have been around for at least 10 years of development. Lincoln is also part of Ford with all the corporate American big-company luggage that goes along with that, while BMW is a small (by comparison) family-run German company.

[351CJ]

I agree with you, LSCman, that Ford has a bad habit of introducing promising cars and then never delivering on any significant improvements to keep those models attractive in the face of an ever higher competitive bar. It looks like the 2002 LS has no significant improvements over the 2000 & 2001. The Mustang horespower #'s are finally getting to where they should have been 5 years ago. The Taurus lost its market segment leading position because it went too long between updates. Even now the option list on a Taurus pales in comparsion to it's most direct competition, the Chevy Impalla.

While I agree with you, LS1BMW0, that you can't compare the overall Ford corporation wiht BMW, if Ford really wants to compete in the same luxury performance segment it better find some way to deploy engineering resources sooner. By the time the "baby LS" is introduced won't BMW be introducing a new gerneration 3 Series again leaving Ford with a too little too late product?

[LS1BMW0]

I agree. If Ford could go to a two-year development cycle or even better a yearly cycle they would be able to deploy changes a lot faster. The 2002 is a transition year for the LS. The 2003 will have quite a few changes while the 2005 is scheduled for a full redo.

[Lscman]

I wasn't implying the 2005/6 LS was just bolt-on's. I meant they should do bolt-on's NOW and quit looking long term. The LS series MUST be separated into tow series, one for old Continental buyers and one for the Bimmer buyer. Let's hope Lincoln spends more time with motor & suspension enhancements than with cupholders, grille redesign, bezels, chrome applique and wood dash inserts http://www.lincolnsonline.com/ubb/wink.gif

I vote for an LS-R car with flared fenders, like the M series...that allow you to drive rough roads or corner hard with 275mm tires on 17"x10" or 18" wheels. I want fat 13"-4 piston brakes too! Let's not play catch-up, let's play leap frog! I am convinced Ford will NEVER try to exceed expectations of the american car buyer.

I still feel the 2000 LS model was a close to BMW as they'll get. They are slipping fast. The current M series can give a 380 HP C5 Corvette 2 seater a run for it's money on any road. The M5 runs 12 flat and handles like a slot car! What'll be in the Bimmer store then?? I seriously doubt the 2006 LS will be able to outrun a $25K 2001 ponycar on any course. We shall see.

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Rick, Road Track Terror in my '88 Mark VII LSC. See ya at Northeast Events! Pgh, PA

[This message has been edited by Lscman (edited June 21, 2001).]

[351CJ]

On the other hand LSCman a regular 328 / 330 costs more than an LS V8, a 528 / 530 cost 10K more. I don't even know how much $$ an M of any flavor is because they are way beyond my price range. The LS still represents good value. Like you I do worry that the LS could get wimped out in the future.

[351CJ]

One more thought LSCman, Seems like what you are asking for is a SVT version of the LS. The price and sales volume of such an animal would be more in line with what SVT, Saleen or Roush does. If Lincoln is serious about lowering the age of their customers and taking away BMW & Audi customers they need an image builder car like a SVT LS and Lincoln should have a racing presence like Cadillac is doing.

[Lscman]

Good points. It seems to me that the great value & affordability of the LS line only perpetuates the opinion that discriminating buyers must limit their search to only foreign offerings. Ford needs to move into the high profit luxo/sport market with USA Lincolns, not just Jaguar. Such mentality within Ford perpetuated drum brakes and solid axles for too long. There are plenty of buyers with $40K+ Volvo, Lexus SC and BMW M cash bulging in their pockets. GM and Daimler Chrysler attract buyers to their american showrooms with a handful of specialty vehicles (Viper & Vette etc). No one is gawking at "one-size-fits-all" bargain basement Lincolns with 0% financing. The couple hundred Cobra R's Ford sells that are backordered for a year do not create showroom traffic and enthusiasm. They go straight from the car hauler to someone's garage.