1994 Lincoln Mark VIII

 _____________________________________________________

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

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

_____________________________________________________

Introduction

Essentially a carryover year, the 1994 Mark VIII has a host of minor changes, most of which are in response to criticisms from the media and owners. Outside of some new colors, exterior changes are non-existent, although a large number of changes were made to the interior.

 _____________________________________________________

New/Revised This Year

Interior:

• New Noble leather seating surfaces for a softer, richer appearance
• Secondary sunvisors
• Ford logo on audio system is replaced with the Lincoln Star
• Real wood is added to the center console (late availability)
• New Color: Portofino Blue
• New Color: Saddle
• Lincoln Star emblems are stitched into the seatbacks

Exterior:

• New Color: Champagne CC MET
• New Color: Evergreen Frost CC MET
• New Color: Garnet Red Glaze CC MET
• New Color: Amethyst CC MET
• New Color: Dark Portofino Blue CC MET
• New Color: Portofino Blue CC MET
• New Color: Santa FE CC MET

Functional:

• Memory seating feature now includes outside mirror placement
• Memory seat recall feature now added to remote entry feature

Discontinued This Year:

 Interior:

• Color: Mocha
• Color: Aquamarine
• Mark VIII plaque mounted on door sill panels
• 'Tail' on lower cushion power seat control is trimmed.

Exterior:

• Color: Light Mocha Pearlescent CC
• Color: Nordic Blue CC MET
• Color: China Blue CC MET
• Color: Burgundy CC MET
• Color: Cranberry CC MET
• Color: Aubergine CC MET
• Color: Garnet Red CC MET

_____________________________________________________

 Models Available This Year

Base Model:

    Lincoln continued its single-model philosophy for 1994. The Mark VIII continues to be sold as a single well-equipped model, offering more standard features than the 1993 model. Several new colors have been added, including two new interior colors. Noble leather is now used in response to owners who complained that the leather in the 1993 model was not as soft as was expected from a Lincoln. The Star emblem has also been stitched into both front and rear seat backs.  The remote keyless entry system now recalls seat position when the doors are unlocked. The outside mirrors are now tied to the memory recall settings as well. Secondary sunvisors have been added. Near the beginning of production, real wood was added to the center console, starting with the climate control surround and sweeping down the console to the cupholder cover.

Standard Features

Exterior:  Body color front and rear bumpers with bright insert, bright exposed 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 and memory recall, 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 w/real wood trim, 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, color-keyed switchgear, driver's side footrest, lockable lighted glove box, 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 with secondary 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, universal garage door opener, solar tinted glass, automatic headlamps, lighted entry system, keyless entry, underhood and trunk lights,

_____________________________________________________

The Engine

All 1994 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.



 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.

 _____________________________________________________

The Suspension System

All 1994 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. Midyear 1994 this feature was eliminated.
• 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.

_____________________________________________________

Options

Factory Installed Optional Equipment:

    Like the previous year, 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.

1994 Options Guide

    Determine what options your car has using this visual guide.

Wheels:    1994 Models were available with two 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 chrome version was available as an option.

     

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 1994 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:    Only available in White Opalescent. Other colors were not available in 1994.  This tri-coat painting process makes the car appear to be more than one color.

_____________________________________________________

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 1994 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.

_____________________________________________________

Interior/Exterior Color Combinations

Combination Availability:

        Only certain color combinations were available on 1994 Mark VIIIs. Below is a chart detailing available color combinations.

 _____________________________________________________

1994 Marketing

    With no new competition in the market, the 1994 Mark VIII could bask in the afterglow of the buzz created by the 1993 model. Lincoln continued to market the 1994 model much in the same way as in 1993, using carryover print ads and television commercials. The advertisements were less frequent than before. 1993 model Mark VIIIs were still featured in automotive periodicals as the editors wrapped up long-term tests to generally positive reviews. You can see some of these ads in the Advertising section. Magazine reviews can be found in the Magazine Archive. Back in late 1992, Lincoln projected 1994 Mark VIII sales volume at 40,000 units.

1994 Mark VIII Demographics:

Median Age: 56 years
Median Annual Income: $100,000
Male/Female: 79%/21%
College-educated: 55%

The majority hold managerial, professional or technical positions, and have read about the Mark VIII in enthusiast magazines. Sales Consultants should be prepared to answer performance-oriented questions.

Key Reasons to buy a Mark VIII:

For 1994, 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
Performance
Interior Styling
Safety
Technical Innovation

Sales Numbers: Lincoln sold 28,164 1994 model year Mark VIIIs. Calendar year sales for Lincoln: 180,587. Model year sales for Lincoln: 196,947.

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.

1994 Mark VIII:

Road & Track 11/94:  0-60: 7.6 sec    1/4mile: 15.8 sec@ 93 mph    Top Speed: N/A mph    Braking 60-0: 137ft    Skidpad(200ft): .77g

 

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 1994, the Mark had three major direct competitors: The Cadillac Eldorado Touring Coupe, Acura Legend Coupe LS, and Lexus SC300/SC400.

Cadillac Eldorado-    The front-wheel drive Eldo benefited from a few minor improvements in 1994. Improvements included the following: Anti-Lockout System - The doors cannot be locked when the keys are in the ignition. Intentional Set Feature - Allows occupants to adjust seatbelts to have about 1 inch of slack in them. The steering wheel and airbag assembly have been revised and are now smaller, allowing for better viewing of the instrument panel. NOTE = Lincoln chose to concentrate on the highline Touring Coupe model of the Eldorado as a direct competitor. The standard Eldorado features a Northstar engine with 25 fewer horsepower and suspension settings tuned more towards comfort than performance. The lackluster 4.9L V8 has been dropped from the lineup.

   

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)

Lexus SC400-    Lexus made minor changes to its sport coupe for 1994, most of which are not noticeable. R134a is now used in the air conditioning system. The instrument panel was also slightly revised to improve visibility during the day. 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 nearly $9,000 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 1989. For 1994, the LS coupe received a redesigned front grille, a power adjustable steering column with both tilt and telescope functions, and an increase in sound deadening material.



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)

 _____________________________________________________

Other Information

Warranty Information:

    All 1994 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:

A 10-cars-per-hour assembly line is used at the Wixom factory.
Wixom, the plant where all 1994 Lincolns were built, received Ford Motor Company's Q1 award in 1994.
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.
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 (this explains the frequent appearances of Mark VIII test mules).
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 4.6L DOHC V8 in the Mark was the first dual-overhead camshaft engine offered in the United States from Ford Motor Company.
The 1994 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 interior of the 1994 model Mark VIII won the 'Interior Of The Year' award in the luxury class from Inside Automotives, which is a trade publication for interior suppliers and manufacturers. Only cars manufactured in North America were eligible to win the award.

 _____________________________________________________

Back

Home