Improvements to the 2003 Lincoln LS, Motor Trend Car of the Year when it debuted in 2000, have elevated the luxury sports sedan to exciting new levels of performance and refinement. With their targets set squarely on the competition, Lincoln sought to boost power, handling, safety, comfort, and convenience to the LS. The result is a fantastic American car quite capable of taking on, and beating, its German and Japanese counterparts. The enhanced V8 engine now produces 280 hp, mated to a series of new vehicle performance systems that actually improve fuel economy numbers over the previous engine despite generating more power. The ZF Speed Sensitive Steering System and the Electronic Throttle Control systems are two of these new technologies. Even more impressive, the re-engineered LS V8 surpassed the BMW 540i, a seasoned driver's car, in a battery of handling, cornering, and slalom tests. American sports sedans have been summarily outgunned by Germany's best for years. Now, finally, the LS V8 is changing that while continuing to provide substantial savings in the MSRP. Building a powerful car is obviously not enough to be successful in the competitive luxury sports sedan segment. The car's performance must be matched by lavish amenities and interior comfort. The LS V8 delivers with several new improvements, none more impressive than the industry's first THX-certified audio system that boasts 10 speakers, a neat in-dash six-disc CD changer, and 345 watts of power. The touch screen audio system interface also houses the DVD-based navigation system. Other luxurious amenities include heated and cooled front passenger seats, a one-touch power moonroof, a space-saving electronic parking brake, rich leather seats, real American walnut burl trim, and beautiful satin nickel accents that Lincoln has also featured in their redesigned Navigator and Aviator SUV's. Exterior refinements are found in the simplified front bumper, streamlined headlights, turn signals and taillights, chrome accented exhaust tips, and the reinterpreted signature Lincoln grille. By Ayman Shairzay lincoln.com