Lincoln Mark VIII Final Years (1995-1998)

FN10 RWD platform, an evolution of the MN12. All-aluminum 4.6L Teksid-cast InTech DOHC 32-valve V8 — 280 hp / 285 lb-ft on standard trim, 290 hp / 295 lb-ft on LSC with true dual exhaust and 3.27 rear axle. 4R70W four-speed automatic with electronic shift control. Distributorless coil-on-plug ignition (replacing earlier coil packs). Four-wheel independent suspension with air springs at all corners — lowered automatically at highway speeds for aerodynamics. Speed-sensitive power steering. All-speed traction control standard with switchable de-activate button. The 1995 LSC (Luxury Sport Coupe) introduced midyear marked the first domestic US car application of HID headlamps (DC type, 1995-1996). 1996 Diamond Anniversary edition commemorated Lincoln's 75th year with badge-specific trim, JBL audio, voice-activated cellular phone, electrochromatic mirror, and traction control. 1997 facelift introduced new front and rear fascias, larger grille, aluminum hood (replacing plastic), more subtle deck-lid spare-tire-hump treatment, and integrated rear-glass radio antenna (no external antenna). 1998 final-year added Spring Feature and Collector's Edition special trims. Production: 1995 ~25,000; 1996 ~22,000; 1997 ~20,000; 1998 ~15,000. Total Mark VIII production 1993-1998 was 122,060 cars at Wixom. Curb weight ~3,800 lb. The InTech V8 became the basis for the 1996 Mustang Cobra DOHC V8 (305 hp rated, but settled out of court for accuracy issues) — making the Mark VIII technically the 'Cobra before Cobra.'