Lincoln LS

The LS (2000-2006) was Lincoln's serious attempt at a European-style mid-size sport sedan — and the brand's first credible BMW/Mercedes/Lexus competitor. RWD DEW98 platform shared with the Jaguar S-Type and the 2002-2005 Ford Thunderbird (both built within Ford's Premier Automotive Group at the time). Two engines: 3.0L Duratec V6 (210-232 hp depending on year) and 3.9L AJ-26 V8 (252-280 hp depending on year) — both Jaguar-derived and shared with the contemporary S-Type. 5R55S five-speed automatic with SelectShift manual mode. Critically, a Getrag 221 five-speed manual transmission was offered with the V6 from 2000-2002 (and arguably 2003-2006 in very limited specs) — making the LS one of the only American luxury sedans ever offered with a manual gearbox in the modern era. Total manual production: only 2,331 cars. Near 50/50 weight distribution, four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension, aluminum hood and decklid for weight reduction. Named Motor Trend's 2000 Car of the Year. 2003 mid-cycle facelift bumped V6 to 232 hp and V8 to 280 hp / 286 lb-ft, plus electronic push-button parking brake (BMW E65-style), DVD navigation with touchscreen, and an industry-first 10-speaker THX-certified audio. 2004 LSE Special Edition added unique trim. 2006 dropped V6 entirely and applied LSE-style fascia treatment to all cars. Production at Wixom Assembly until plant closure 2007 (shutting down LS production after 2006 model year). Replaced by the FWD-platform MKZ for 2007. Now firmly the cult Lincoln sedan — manual V6 cars are the obscure-collector pick, V8s are the affordable enthusiast option.