1997 Lincoln Mark VIII A hot rod Lincoln in black-tie. By Kevin Ransom, New Car Test Drive .com

In the 40-odd years since its inception,

Lincoln's Mark series has come to represent the marriage of driver-pampering

luxury and potent sport coupe road prowess.

When it was introduced in 1993, Lincoln's current incarnation, the Mark

VIII, continued that tradition--from the plush, landed-gentry refinement

of its cabin to its highway-gobbling 280-hp V8 engine.

Now, with a host of new features, restyled body panels, a new interior

and some technological advances, the Mark VIII has once again topped itself.

Where do we begin? Let's start with the Mark's innovative new lighting

system, including High-Density Discharge headlamps that deliver 2.7 times

more reflective light than standard lamps--meaning the driver sees things

easier and sooner. And the Mark VIII's use of a neon tube taillamp system--an

industry first that was pioneered in the Ford Explorer--allows following

drivers to significantly reduce their stopping distance.

In addition, Lincoln designers have replaced the Mark's plastic hood

with an aluminum one, enlarged the grille, modified the exhaust tips, and

added new front and rear fascias, along with new quarter panels. There's

more. The trademark rear-end tire hump, recalling the first Continental

of 1940, is now more subtle, and six new hues have been added to the color

chart.

The Mark's interior has also been redesigned, with several new touches--a

power-tilt steering column with memory, burled-walnut door trim, power-adjusted

lumbar-support, luxury instrument panel, and leather-trimmed armrests.

Two trim levels are offered--the standard Mark VIII and the sportier

LSC (Luxury Sport Coupe). The hue of our LSC test model was dubbed Opal

Opalascent. In less poetic English, it was a handsomely creamy off-white.

Our LSC tester's base price was $38,880. It came equipped with several

options: A $1515 power moonroof, a $670 trunk-mounted CD changer, a $300

tri-coat paint treatment, $290 heated seats and two no-charge options--front

floor mats and electronic traction assist. The $670 destination charge

boosted the total cost to $42,325.