Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Pics and Videos Badass Lincoln LS. Making the M5 cry!

We all know the M5 is a beast to be reckoned with. With as much tuning that was done to the 5 series to make it into an M5 went into an LS, I think we would have something comparable.

Yes, a stick version of the LS would have been nice (possibly in the works for a future model) and more power would have been nice (also in the works) so stock for stock, the LS and M5 are no match.

The things that are getting done to the LS as pictured above will add much more refinement and power to an already great machine. Strictly for racing though. It takes something that extreme to help fashion future models of the LS. It also gives me something to keep tabs on during racing season

When it comes to my LS, I am almost as passionate about it, as my Contour. And you know the degree of that.

But nothing comes before my wife!

At the U.S. Open last Saturday, Lincoln had 2 new LSE edition Lincoln LSs on display. Both were quite sweet with light ground effects, small rear spoiler, 4 exhaust pipes and a handful of other general mods. The salesperson didn't know about any engine upgrades but I am saving my money for one next year. Will be 40K and change to start (probably not worth it considering domestic depreciation). I was impressed that Lincoln had the balls to do something like this. If there are any performance upgrades, this car is going to be killer.

I'll take mine in silver please

I heartily disagree. There's nothing BMW does that the Lincoln LS can't do. The platform is there. It's in a class with any sedan on earth. All it needs is more guts.

Ford has the parts bin to give it guts. Take the Jaguar XJ-R engine and throw it in the engine bay. The non-supercharged 4.0 is already in the S-Type, so it will fit. Go to ZF or Getrag and get a MTX unit for it, otherwise, some Mustang units may also be substituted. The Jag unit will do for an optional ATX if desired.

From there, it's just tires and suspension parts, which Ford has the engineers just like everybody else to make and select.

Interior and exterior designers, which Ford has as good as anybody, would give the car the countenance needed to live up to its new muscle and ability. This would not need any major adjustments, but minor tweaks.

This would give you a car every bit of the M5 that could be priced about $45K - $47K.

The M5 is an excellent machine, but I would not say it's a work of art. Anybody could duplicate it, given the desire to do so. The XJR Jaguar is already close.

You are nuts!

Have you ever ridden in a BWM? Or a Lincoln?

I love my Ford, but lets be real here. The level of refinement is not there in the Lincoln. The fit and finish is not there in the Lincoln. The lasting quality is not there in the Lincoln.

I just don't think "anyone" can duplicate an M5. Because, if they could duplicate BMW quality, they would. It is not just a German thing, it is specifically a BMW thing.

Patrick

2000 BMW 323i 2.5lt I6 http://www.alldata.com/TSB/06/00068938.html
2000 Honda Accord V6 http://www.alldata.com/TSB/24/002427AX.html

2000 Ford Contour V6 http://www.alldata.com/TSB/19/001941C8.html


Those are from an earlier post. These are from a simple net search: http://www.auto.com/autonews/cwira5_20000105.htm
http://www.cartoday.com/livenews/99/08/0830.htm
http://archive.nandotimes.com/newsroom/ntn/biz/100798/biz10_17210_noframes.html

And from BMW WOrld, the complete listing.... http://www.bmwworld.com/repairs/recalls.htm

I love BMW's and think that their //M Series rock, but to think that they are the the Above-All_Perfect-Car-Company....please. :rolleyes:

So, this means you have never been in a Lincoln LS? Doesn't sound like it. I am speaking from experience. I actually own one. From the BMW's I have been in, the "German feel" is not for me. Utilitarian vehicles are stoich. No matter how much power they have.

They are costly suckers but I have to go with the Beammer fans here.

They are simply all that, they are the best, they are giants in the land of the little people. They (BMW) are simply gods gift to automobiles!

Ok I am biased as they have always been my fav, and I also feel they have a little something special ....a BMW thing not a German thing agreed.

I have never driven a Lincoln LS but I have only heard/read great tings about them. I really wish they would make a sportier version.
Truth here is there is a M5 on your street right now, this car ( above Lincoln) is a, well a drawing, there is currently no LS that even raises the M5s eyebrow let alone makes it cry!


I had the luck of driving a Jaguar S-type for four days in Austria, prior to that I had a 528i for four days in Germany, now while not a fare comparo but the Jag shares a few nuts a bolts with the Lincoln, but if I had to choose between the two. Hands down the fiver would have been the winner! The Jag did get all the looks though!

First, I'm specifically talking about the Lincoln LS, not the Lincoln brand in general.

I said "can't do" versus "doesn't do" for a reason. The LS is a sedan platform second to none. Unfortunately, Ford doesn't have the balls to take advantage of its full potential. My version would truly be a fit opponent for the M5, at a much lower cost.

Refinement is a matter of personal definition. I consider the LS to be just as refined as the 3- and 5- series BMW's, though the LS is in need of a sportier variant. The BMW is too spare and Spartan for the prices it tries to command, and they charge extra for items that ought to be standard, like leather and a moonroof.

Initial and lasting quality. Sorry, but BMW's aren't any more impressive than Lincolns in this area. If Ford brought its quality control back up to where it was, they may even exceed the build quality of BMW.

I think many people see the BMW propeller and their opinion is already skewed to rate it better than it really is. A reputation is a great thing, but it should be set aside when one gets behind the wheel. I have driven BMW's, and they're great, but hardly unattainable.

I was trying to state that the LS has the potential to be every bit as good as whatever BMW makes. Ford just needs to have the courage to build it.

Mr. Hightower-
What series is this car going to compete in? You mentioned that it would be on Speedvision, does that mean it will be contesting for the Speedvision Cup? I'm assuming it'd be in the Speedvision GT class, or, actually, a better fit for the Touring Car series? I haven't seen anyone racing M5s in that series. Not doubting what you're saying, just haven't seen any, that's all. That would be great to see the Lincoln out there whooping it up. I was at the Detroit Grand Prix this year, doing some gopher stuff for one of the Trans Am teams, and the Speedvision paddock was right next to the T/A paddock. I think I remember seeing the "Spirit of Detroit" racing trailer, but, I don't remember seeing any cars. I couldn't figure out what they were doing.

Also that weekend, I saw Mirko trailer in their racing Contour, but, apparently they didn't stick around, as I couldn't find them in the paddock and never saw them on the track.

Refinement in my opinion...is really the overall quality of the car...compare any Ford car to any BMW or similar vehicle and the differences are obvious. A BMW drives like a rock...no little noises or squeaks coming from the interior...the doors fit perfectly....matter of fact...everything fits PERFECT. The engine isn't some huge loud honking thing...it runs like a Swiss watch. Sure...as Chris mentioned...the cars may be Stoic and even kind of anal and in my opinion a bit uncomfortable...but thats German engineering...but the chassis, transmission, engine....the FIT...is so much better than a Ford its almost almost like holding a candle to the sun. If Ford could they would...and that's the entire reason they haven't. And of course...every company has recalls...it doesn't matter what a company may produce...but I'd bet BMW takes little things a lot more seriously than companies like Ford.