1993 Lincoln Mark VIII

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Introduction  -  New/Revised This Year  -  Models: Base  -  Engine  -  Suspension  -  Options

Color Combos  -  Marketing  -  Competition  -  Warranty  -  VIN/VC Info  -  Other Facts

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Introduction

Built on a heavily modified Thunderbird/Cougar platform, the 1993 Lincoln Mark VIII is the replacement for the Mark VII. Standout features include a new 4.6L DOHC aluminium V8 engine, a new 4-speed automatic transmission, dramatic interior and exterior styling, rear-wheel drive, capable sport/luxury suspension with air springs, and a long list of standard features. The Mark VIII is positioned to be Lincoln's flagship car, and was the most expensive and exclusive coupe available from Ford Motor Company at the time.

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New/Revised This Year

Being an all-new car, nearly everything about the 1993 Mark VIII is different than the 1992 Mark VII. The list below details major changes only.

Interior:

• All-new wraparound interior design
• All new leather seats with standard 6-way power and power lumbar
• 3-position driver seat memory
• New electronic automatic temperature control and message center
• New style leather-wrapped steering wheel with center horn section
• Lighted window switches
• Cargo net in trunk
• Front and rear floormats are now standard
• Autoglide seating system (late availability)

Exterior:

• Totally new exterior design
• New flexible grille
• Solar tint glass (flush fitting)
• New heated rearview mirrors
• New bodyside moldings
• New integrated front and rear bumpers
• New wheel styles

Functional:

• 4.6L DOHC V8
• Independent rear suspension, computer-controlled air suspension
• Express-down driver's window
• Front passenger airbag
• Variable-assist power steering
• Anti-theft alarm system now standard
• Remote keyless entry is now standard

Discontinued This Year:

• Trunk power pulldown
• Automatic parking brake release
• Automatic dimming lights
• Rear seat armrest
• Dual cupholders
• Cloth trim
• Exterior color: Amethyst Pearlescent CC MET
• Exterior color: Crystal Blue Pearlescent CC MET
• Exterior color: Twilight Blue CC MET
• Exterior color: Graphite CC MET
• Exterior color: Titanium Pearlescent CC MET
• Exterior color: Arctic White CC
• Interior color: Crystal Blue
• Interior color: Cranberry
• Interior color: Light Titanium
• Interior color: White

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 Models Available This Year

Single Model:

        When replacing the Mark VII, Lincoln engineers tried to develop a single car model to meet the needs of all existing Mark owners and to appeal to new customers. Unlike the Mark VII, which featured a 'Base' model, a designer 'Bill Blass' edition, and a sportier 'LSC' model, the 1993 Mark VIII is only available as one model/trim level, which for the sake of clarity should be considered a Base model. Completely reworked, the new Mark has a high level of standard features. Mechanical improvements are abundant, with major improvements in every department. The car has a DOHC version of the 'Modular' 4.6L V8 found in the Town Car, which puts out 280hp and 285ft/lbs of torque. The transmission is a heavily modified version of Ford's AODE transmission, and features wide-ratios and a capacity for 700ft/lbs of torque. A new computer-controlled air-spring suspension system has load-leveling features and drops almost an inch when the car reaches highway speeds. The new suspension also features front and rear swaybars, and is fully independent. The new interior is ergonomically designed and driver-oriented, and features leather seating surfaces and several comfort features. The exterior is much more aerodynamic and has a cd of .33.

 Note: There are a few subtle differences between early 1993 Mark VIIIs and mid-to-late 1993 model Mark VIIIs. The most obvious difference is under the hood. Early production models use a different air intake tube which has several 'dimples' running down the length of it. Mid-to-late model 1993s have a smoother version, which was used on Mark VIIIs until the 1997 redesign. Earlier models also use a single piece aluminum driveshaft, whereas later models use a less sturdy two-piece design. Autoglide, a feature whereas the front seats automatically 'glide' forward when the seatback is raised, was not available at the start of production. Owners could return to the dealer when the feature became available and have autoglide added to their car.

Standard Features

Exterior:  Body color front and rear bumpers with bright insert, dual exhaust tips, decklid lock cover, flexible grille, front and rear gravel guards, body color door handles, low-profile headlights, cornering lamps, back-up lamps, limousine doors, power mirrors w/heat, body-color side moldings with bright inserts, bright 'Lincoln' emblems front and rear, 16-inch lacy-spoke alloy wheels

Interior:  Dual airbags, cigarette lighter-front and rear, center console, ashtrays-1 front (lighted) and 2 rear, color-keyed leather shifter, front storage bin, rear defrost on/off switch, vinyl door panels w/map pockets and integrated armrests, driver's side footrest, lockable lighted glovebox, rear seat heat ducts, 4-way adjustable head restraints, analog instrumentation (speedometer,tachometer,fuel, temperature), message center, leather seats w/6-way power, 3-user driver's seat memory, power lumbar, leather-wrapped steering wheel, tilt-steering wheel, dual lighted vanity sunvisors

Functional: CFC-free air conditioning, 120-amp alternator, automatic power antenna, anti-theft alarm system, 72 amp/hr battery, four wheel disc brakes, antilock braking system (ABS), 'performance' camshaft, trunk cargo net, child restraint anchors, trunk release, fuel door release, delayed accessory power, 4.6L DOHC V8, dual exhaust, tubular exhaust headers, 18 gallon fuel tank, solar tinted glass, automatic headlamps, lighted entry system, keyless entry, underhood and trunk lights, low oil warning light, automatic dual damping rear shocks, front and rear stabilizer bars, speed sensitive variable assist rack-and-pinion power steering, electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, power windows, interval wipers

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The Engine

All 1993 Mark VIIIs come standard with a DOHC version of the modular 4.6 liter Ford V8. The engine has a rated output of 280 horsepower and 285 ft-lbs of torque. The block and heads are made almost entirely of aluminum (iron cylinder sleeves are used), which weighs 64lbs less than the iron block used in other applications. This version of the 4.6L uses dual overhead camshaft heads and 'performance' cams. This marks the first use of a DOHC 4.6L V8 in a Ford product (yes, it predates the Mustang Cobra version).



 The engine has many features aimed at increasing reliability and performance.

• The block is deepskirted, which means that the block walls extend three inches beyond the centerline of the crankshaft, which strengthens the block.
• Six-bolt, cross-bolted main bearing caps are used, with four vertical bolts and two horizontal bolts. This increases the engine's ability to withstand deflection and distortion at higher RPMs.
• The connecting rods are powder-forged, a process that helps better balance the rods, which makes the engine operate smoother and reach higher RPMs. The rods are also manufactured as one piece, then purposefully 'cracked' apart in such a way that prevents them from being installed incorrectly. 
• The cylinder heads are made out of aluminum, which warms and cools at the same rate as the block, which helps the head gaskets last longer. The head gaskets are also dual beaded rather than single bead like most engines. Extra long head bolts also help prevent gasket leaks.
• The camshafts are chain-driven, as opposed to the more commonly used belt-drive. Since the timing chains rarely break and are fitted with tensioners, they do not require service, and take up less space.
• Roller-finger cam followers feature bearings between the cam lobes and followers to help reduce friction, increasing maximum RPM. Hydraulic lash adjusters remove the need for adjustments during servicing.
• A single serpentine belt is used to drive all engine accessories, which cuts down on complexity. The belt has a projected life of 100,000 miles.
• DOHC heads. DOHC heads allow for the use of four-valves-per-cylinder, with two intake and two exhaust valves. This increases intake valve area by 40%, and exhaust valve area by 35%. DOHC heads also allow for the valves to be angled in the head for optimum placement. The spark plug's are also mounted in the center of the combustion chamber. By design, OHC engines are capable of reaching much higher maximum RPM than conventional pushrod designs.
• Dual-runner intake manifold with intake-manifold runner control (IMRC). The intake manifold has 16 intake runners, rather than eight. Each cylinder has two runners, which are of unequal length. The engine uses the longer of the two runners below 3200 RPM, which helps create more torque. Above 3200 RPMs, the IMRC opens butterfly valves obstructing the shorter runners. This increases airflow, resulting in more power in the upper RPM range. This system was developed to reduce the tendency of four-valve engines to have 'peaky' power delivery.
• Twin 55mm throttle plates are used, and are staged in such a way to reach wide open throttle (WOT) together.
• Tubular exhaust headers are used to aid in exhaust breathing.
• The oil pan has a plastic laminate sandwiched between two layers of steel to help reduce engine noise levels.
• Electronic distributor-less ignition system (EDIS).  This system eliminates a the need to service the distributor.
• Ford claims 272 ft.-lbs at 2,000 rpms.
• The engine block is manufactured by Teksid SpA, a subsidiary of Fiat SpA and as such are manufactured in Turin, Italy. This is the saem company that makes engines for Ferrari.

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The Suspension System

All 1993 Mark VIIIs come equipped from the factory standard with a computer controlled air suspension. This system uses bladders filled with air rather than coil springs. The system is controlled by computer, and features load-leveling and speed-dependent ride height capabilities. The system is engineered to provide a smooth and supple ride and maintain sporting capabilities.



Some of the more important features of the Mark VIII suspension.

• The computer, using sensors located throughout the car, automatically adds or removes air from the airbags to level out the car front-to-back and side-to-side. This feature keeps the car level regardless of how much weight is in the trunk and how many passengers are inside. The side-by-side feature is disabled when body roll is detected.
• One of the most publicized features of the Mark VIII is the lowering ability of the suspension. When highway speeds are reached, the computer vents the suspension to drop the car about 8/10ths of an inch. If the computer senses that the car has maintained 55-64 mph for 30 to 45 seconds, it will begin to vent the suspension. If 65 mph is reached, the computer will vent the suspension without waiting the 30-45 seconds. By dropping the suspension, drag is lowered (cd drops to .32), wind noise is reduced, and the car becomes more stable.
• The Mark uses a independent rear suspension (IRS) setup. This aids in cornering and improves ride comfort and control. The rear suspension is mounted on its own subframe, which is in turn isolated from the rest of the body by rubber mounts.
• The rear shocks are electronically controlled to help prevent dive during heavy breaking.
• Saving weight in the suspension was a priority. The differential pumpkin and lower arms are made of aluminum, and the front and rear sway bars are hollow.

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Options

Factory Installed Optional Equipment:

    Like most Lincolns, the Mark VIII has a long list of standard features, and a short list of options. Below is a listing of factory installed optional equipment. Factory installed means that these options were installed before the dealer received the vehicle. Options installed by the dealer upon arrival or customer request are dealer installed options, and are covered below.

 1993 Options Guide

    Determine what options your car has using this visual guide.

Wheels:    1993 Models were available with three different styles of factory wheels. All are aluminum, and measure 16x7, with a +39mm offset and a 4.25inch bolt pattern. P225/60R16 97V was the only size tire available. The Lacy-Spoke version was standard on Mark VIIIs. The 20-Spoke (both chrome and brushed) versions were available as options.

         

JBL Audio System:    The 'Audiophile' JBL sound system includes the following: 4 special woofers, 4 tweeters, special door panels with additional grilles and badges, a 6-channel amp, and a special in-dash head unit. The amp which is 132 watts, is located in the trunk on the decklid shelf. The woofers measure 6"x8", and are specific to the JBL system. The woofers occupy the same locations as non-JBL systems. The front tweeters are mounted behind additional grilles in the doors, and the rear tweeters are mounted behind the existing grilles in the rear.

     

10-Disc CD Changer:    Trunk mounted 10-Disc CD changer. Requires JBL audio system. Factory systems are mounted in the trunk on the left side. All factory CD changers have 'Ford Audio System' silkscreened onto the unit. The felt cover shown in the picture is also standard. Since the CD-changer is controlled through the radio, a special head unit with CD controls is also fitted.

 

Electrochromic Mirrors:    Electrochromic mirrors are specially designed rearview mirrors that automatically dim when bright lights are shone into them. Only the driver's side mirror and interior center rearview mirror automatically dim. Passenger side mirrors are the same as in cars that are not equipped with electrochromic mirrors.

 

Power Moonroof:    Factory moonroofs include a privacy shade. The moonroof also has a vent feature. The motor for the moonroof is in the rear-center of the roof.  The standard overhead interior light is removed, and is replaced by a smaller unit housing the moonroof controls. The new unit is mounted between the sunvisors.

         

Cellular Telephone:    At the time, cell phones were not a prolific as now, so this feature was not all that common. The cell phone available in 1993 is an analog version. A car equipped with the cell phone option also requires the JBL audio system. This is needed because the factory cell phone is voice activated, and uses the stereo system during calls. Two versions of the cell phone were available, one permanently mounted to the car, and a smaller, mobile version which was a dealer installed kit. Cell phone equipped cars have a small unique cell phone antenna mounted at the rear of the roof, right above the rear window seal.

     

Electronic Traction Assist:    Using the ABS system, the car's computer senses wheel slip, and applies the brakes to reduce wheelspin. This system is only effective below 35 mph. The system is active by default, and can be switched off via the console mounted switch located to the right of the rear defrost switch. When the Traction control system is deactivated, 'OFF' will be displayed in amber on the lower half of the switch.

 

Tri-Coat Paint:    Available in White Opalescent.  This tri-coat painting process makes the car appear to be more than one color.

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Dealer Installed Optional Equipment:

    Dealer installed options vary wildly. Some dealers add only minor things, such as adding aftermarket tire/wheel packages, while others add tonnau covers or complete ground effects packages. Below is Ford-Authorized optional dealer installed equipment for the 1993 Mark VIII.

 Cellular 'Flip' Phone-   This is a dealer-installed option that replaces the standard factory cell phone. All of the features of the factory phone are retained, but the phone is now able to be used outside of the car. The phone automatically recharges itself when it is placed in the armrest cradle.



Mudflaps-    Specially designed for the Mark VIII. They are black in color and have MARK VIII in white letters written on them.

10-Disc CD-Changer-    Two versions of this were available. Cars equipped with the JBL audio system could be equipped with the factory changer by the dealer. Non-JBL cars could have a changer installed that used FM-modulation to play the CDs on head units not equipped with CD changer controls.



6-Disc CD-Changer-    Available only as a dealer-installed option.

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Interior/Exterior Color Combinations

Combination Availability:

        Only certain color combinations were available on 1993 Mark VIIIs. Below is a chart detailing available color combinations.

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1993 Marketing

    Lincoln spent a great deal of the 1993 marketing budget on the Mark VIII. More than 4 different print advertisements were used, with ads showing up in popular magazines such as U.S. News, Time, and Forbes. Advertisements also appeared in automotive magazines such as Motor Trend, AutoWeek, Road & Track, Automobile, and Car and Driver. Television spots were also used, with one notable spot highlighting the speed-lowering ability of the air suspension. You can see some of these ads in the Advertising section. Lincoln projected a first-year sales target of 36,000 units.

1993 Mark VIII Demographics:

Median Age: 45 years
Median Annual Income: $100,000
Male/Female: 65%/35%
College-educated: 60%

The demographics for the Mark VIII are different than the Mark VII, with a median age 8 years younger, $25,000/yr better off, 12% more college educated, and 7% more female. Customers interested in the Mark VIII were expected to be quite different than those dealers were accustomed to dealing with. Customers were expected to put less importance on pricing and color choices and more on learning about the product and taking demanding test drives. Unlike the traditional Lincoln customer, who was included to be an 'impulse buyer'. Mark VIII customers could take up to a month to decide to purchase. Lincoln expected customers to have varied backgrounds, including the following:

New professionals, people 25 to 30 who are looking to upgrade from their Acura Integras and Honda Accords.
Established professionals who are looking for a domestic alternative to their Jaguars, BMWs and M-Bs.
Post-muscle-car enthusiasts under 40 who want a fun-to-drive car that's more refined than a Corvette, Supra or Z-car.
And lastly, celebrities, sports professionals and entertainers who are looking for domestic alternatives to Porsches and Jaguars.

Note: I'm not making this up. Sales Consultants were told these were potential customers who might consider the Mark VIII. This is from the Advanced Marketing Pocket Guide published by Lincoln just before Mark VIIIs started to appear in showrooms.

Key Reasons to buy a Mark VIII:

For 1993, Lincoln considered these to be the key customer buying motivations, i.e. what customers are looking for when they consider a Mark VIII.

Exterior Design
Interior Styling
Performance
Ride and Handling
Safety

Sales Numbers: Lincoln sold 32,370 1993 model year Mark VIIIs. Calendar year sales for Lincoln: 173,644. Model year production for Lincoln: 280,661.

Published Performance Figures: Below are published performance figures from popular car magazines. It is important to remember that a lot of variables affect these figures, such as driver skill, launch techniques, weather conditions, elevation, test track conditions, and vehicle condition.

1993 Mark VIII:

Road & Track 12/92:  0-60: 7.6 sec    1/4mile: 15.8 sec@ 93.0 mph    Top Speed: 130mph    Braking 60-0: 152ft    Skidpad(200ft): N/Ag

Car and Driver 02/93: 0-60: 6.8 sec    1/4mile: 15.3 sec@ 94 mph    Top Speed: 131mph    Braking 70-0: 186ft    Skidpad(300ft): .79g

AutoWeek 9/13/93:    0-60: 6.9 sec    1/4mile: 15.2 sec@ 95.5 mph    Top Speed: N/Amph    Braking 65-0: 163ft    Skidpad(300ft): N/Ag

 

The Competition:    The luxury coupe segment that the Mark VIII competes in has shrunk rapidly over the years, due to market trends favoring Sport/Utility vehicles. For 1993, the Mark had three major direct competitors: The Cadillac Eldorado Touring Coupe, Acura Legend Coupe LS, and Lexus SC300/SC400. Buick's Rivera was also available, although the 93 model is an older design that is not really competitive.

 Cadillac Eldorado-    The front-wheel drive Eldo benefited from a bunch of major improvements in 1993. Dual airbags are now standard. Speed sensitive steering and a slightly revised suspension are also new. Touring Coupe models gain the Road Sensing Suspension system, which is computer controlled and more advanced than the speed-based system on the base model. The Touring Coupe models also gain the 270 horsepower version of Cadillacs 4.6L Northstar V8 engine. The base models still use the 4.9L V8, which has 200 horsepower. The Base model Eldorado is also considered a competitor, although not directly.

   

Sales Consultants were trained to point out the following advantages the Mark VIII has over the Eldorado.

• The Mark VIII's rear-wheel drive setup does not suffer from the torque-steer effects of the Eldo's front-wheel drive setup.
• The Mark VIII has a smaller turning diameter, making the car easier to maneuver around in parking lots and tight spaces.
• The brakes used on the Mark VIII have 14 percent greater swept area, for improved braking performance.
• Better fuel economy, both on the highway and in the city. Mark VIII - 18/25, Eldorado 16/25.
• The Eldorado's Road-Sensing Suspension does not adjust vehicle ride height at highway speeds.
• The Eldorado's more conservative interior is less leading-edge than the Mark VIII interior.
• The Mark VIII can tow twice as much as the Eldorado (2000lbs vs 1000lbs).
• The Mark VIII has more shoulder room, more front head room, and more rear hip room.
• Ride comfort was better, since the Mark has a 5-inch longer wheelbase.
• The C-Pillars on the Eldo are much larger, hindering rearward visibility.
• The 4.6L DOHC in the Mark has staged intake runners for a broader power range and better fuel economy.
• The 4.6L DOHC engine in the Mark is a closed-deck block, which permits better head-gasket seal, which improves durability.
• The Eldorado shares some of its bodypanels with the 4-door Seville, leading to a less-distinctive appearance.

Published Performance Figures:

Road & Track:    0-60: 7.2 seconds    1/4 mile:  15.3 seconds @ 92.2 mph (1994 ETC Model)

Motor Trend:    0-60: 8.2 seconds    1/4 mile:  16.5 seconds @ 81.0 mph (1992 ETC w/4.9L V8 engine)

Lexus SC400-    Lexus made minor changes to its sport coupe for 1993, the most noticeable being the inclusion of a passenger-side airbag. The only other change is the addition of automatic headlights.  NOTE = Lincoln also lists the less powerful SC300 as a competitor. The SC300 uses a 3.0L inline six, has a 5-speed as standard, and smaller wheels and tires. The SC300 is also much less expensive.

   

Sales Consultants were trained to point out the following advantages the Mark VIII has over the SC400.

With 15 percent more passenger space, the Mark VIII is noticeably more spacious inside for all passengers.
The Mark VIII seats more people, has greater head room, leg room, shoulder room and hip room.
The Mark VIII has 55 percent more luggage space.
The cell phone option in the Mark is factory installed, whereas the Lexus model is dealer-installed, and the voice-activation feature costs 3 times as much as the Lincoln system.
The Mark VIII's V8 is both more powerful and more fuel efficient than the SC400's V8.
No side moldings are used on the Lexus, offering no side-protection from dings.
The Mark VIII has a computer-controlled suspension with self-leveling features, which is not available on the SC400.
The Mark VIII's sticker price is thousands less than the SC400.
The DOHC V8 in the Mark VIII uses a chain camshaft drive, which is more durable than the belt-driven version used in the SC400.

Published Performance Figures:

Road & Track:    0-60: 7.7 seconds    1/4 mile:  15.3 seconds @ 89.2 mph (1994 model)

Acura Legend Coupe LS-    Faced with increasing competition, Acura has continually made changes to the Acura Legend Coupe, which was introduced in 1991. For 1993, the coupe received a passenger-side airbag as standard equipment, higher-performance tires, and traction-control.



Sales Consultants were trained to point out the following advantages the Mark VIII has over the LS Coupe.

The functions provided by the Mark VIIIs message center are not available in the LS
The cell phone is factory installed, rather than dealer installed.
The Mark VIII features Autoglide seats, the Legend does not.
A 1.6 inch longer wheelbase makes the ride more comfortable.
The Mark VIII has an air suspension, the Legend uses steel coil springs.
The air-suspension has a load-leveling feature, allowing the headlights to always be properly aimed.
Rear-wheel drive eliminates the torque steer present in the Legend coupe.
The Mark VIII's 4.6L V8 has 50hp and 79ft/lbs more torque than the Legend's V6.
The interior of the Mark has much more shoulder, hip, and rear seat legroom than the Legend.

Published Performance Figures:

Road & Track:    0-60: 7.3 seconds    1/4 mile:  15.7 seconds @ N/A mph (1993 LS model)

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Other Information

Warranty Information:

    All 1993 Lincolns came with 'The Lincoln Commitment', a comprehensive warranty/dealer service plan.  Coverages were as follows:

Service Loaner-    The dealer will provide a service loaner, or a rental car is covered for $30 a day up to five days.

Roadside Service Assistance- Towing, jump-starting, lock-out service, tire changing. Service is free for four years after delivery of the car.

Emergency Travel Expense Reimbursement-    If the car becomes disabled more than 100 miles from home, Lincoln would reimburse travel expenses such as meals, lodging, and car rentals up to $1,000.

Destination Assistance-    If your Lincoln is in an accident, Lincoln will reimburse up to $250 in travel expenses to reach your immediate destination.

Trip Planning Service-    Lincoln provides maps and trip routings custom made for your trip. Requires advanced notice.

QUEST Membership-    Gives you discounts at hotels and restaurants that are a part of the QUEST network.

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty-    4 years, 50,000 miles. Includes a five-year corrosion warranty.

 Understanding Your VIN and Vehicle Certification Label:

    There are two major forms of vehicle identification on Mark VIIIs.  The VIN number is a 17 digit number that is unique to each car, and is visible from outside the car, through the windshield in front of the driver. The VIN number can tell you the model year, engine, body type, assembly plant and serial number of the car.  The other is a vehicle certification sticker, which has the VIN, along with several other tidbits of information, such as interior and exterior colors, axle, transmission, radio, and intended sales region. To see examples of VINs and VC stickers along with an explaination for each, click on the links below:

        VIN number identification

        Vehicle Certification identification

 Other Facts:

An exclusive 10-cars-per-hour assembly line is used at the Wixom factory. This is slower than any other assembly line used by FoMoCo. The typical assembly-line speed at Wixom is 45-cars-per-hour.
Wixom, the plant where all 1993 Lincolns were built, received Ford Motor Company's Q1 award in 1993. The 450 workers on the Mark VIII assmebly line were volunteers.
The rear window is installed using a zero-tolerance procedure.
Two-sided galvanized steel body panels are used everywhere but the roof. All of the steel used to build the car comes from the same supplier, which helps ensure a close fit.
The paint process used on the Mark VIII has 23 steps, and the primer is color-keyed to the topcoat to reduce visible scratches.
 Wixom underwent $650 million in upgrades, including a new paint booth and equipment.
The cell phone antenna was wind-tunnel tested to reduce annoying wind noise at speed.
The design utilized 'team-oriented' product development
The Mark VIII benefited from more pre-launch testing than any other Ford product. Nearly 500 prototypes of the car were made prior to job 1 (this explains the frequent appearances of Mark VIII test mules in spy shots). The Mark VIII engine was endurance tested under the hoods of a fleet of 40 Town Cars.
Parts for the Mark VIII are outsourced to Q1 suppliers only.
The Mark VIII is the first in the Mark series to have IRS.
Ford told sales consultants to explain that the spare tire hump on the trunklid improves airflow, increasing fuel efficiency.
The Lincoln uses special door latches that can resist 4000 pounds of force.
The lumbar bladders in the Mark VIII are mounted lower and are narrower in size than most to improve comfort.
The front grille of the Mark is made of thermo-polyurethane coated with indium and a clear urethane. This helps the grille look like chromed metal but still survive a 5mph impact without breaking. This is the first application of this technology.
The Mark VIII headlights were the lowest-profile headlights on the market in 1993.
The 4.6L DOHC V8 in the Mark is the first dual-overhead camshaft engine offered in the United States from Ford Motor Company.
The side-impact beams in the Mark VIII are lighter and stronger than the ones used in the Mark VII.
The brakes fitted to the 1993 Mark VIII were the largest disc brakes ever installed on a Ford automobile.
The Mark VIII is the first Ford product to use R-134a air-conditioning in every car.
Early 1993 Mark VIIIs use a single piece aluminum driveshaft, all other Mark VIIIs use a two-piece design.
The 1993 Mark VIII has the highest level of standard equipment ever available from Ford-Lincoln-Mercury
All stock Mark VIIIs are speed-limited to 130 mph.
The wiring harnesses used in the Mark VIII weigh in at  95 pounds.
The Mark VIII was the first Ford product to benefit from computer-aided crash analysis, which allows engineers to see how a crash will impact the structure of the car.
The Mark VIII uses almost 500 pounds of aluminum parts. The industry average in 1993 is 182 pounds.

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