1997 Lincoln Mark VIII

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

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

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Introduction

Faced with much lower than expected sales for 1995 and 1996, Lincoln treated the Mark VIII to a comprehensive freshening for 1997. Both the exterior and interior were revised, now incorporating features that used to be optional as standard equipment. Mechanical revisions to the engine bay helped the car achieve lower interior db ratings and reduce costs.

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New/Revised This Year

Interior:

• Standard power tilt/telescoping steering column with memory feature
• New gauge cluster with PRNDL indicators
• New door panels featuring wood accents and leather armrests
• Seats have a new sew style, and have increased side bolstering
• Lighted chrome door handles
• Chromed Lighted door switches
• Dual cupholders
• Front passenger grab handle
• Driver's seat and steering column feature easy entry/exit feature
• LUX single CD/AM/FM radio now standard
• Revised message center keyboard
• JBL Audio system now standard
• Electrochromic interior rearview mirror now standard
• New center console design
• Revised dash layout
• New airbag cover (late availability)
• New color:    Light Prairie Tan

Exterior:

• New front end styling with more prominent grille
• Hood is now made from Aluminum, rather than SMC.
• Luminarc HID headlights are now standard
• New exterior rearview mirrors featuring puddle lamps, turn signal indicators and back-up turndown.
• Electrochromic outside mirrors now standard
• New rear end styling with revised exhaust outlets and full-width neon rear taillamp.
• Concealed radio antenna
• New color:    Evergreen CC MET
• New color:    Light Prairie Tan CC MET
• New color:    Deep Navy Blue CC MET
• New color:    Pewter Grey CC MET

Functional:

• Single key system - One key unlocks doors, trunk, glovebox and starts car
• Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS)
• Electronic auto parking brake release
• Revised engine beauty cover. Valve covers now read 'V8 32Valve'
• Coil-on plug engine refinements
• Revised intake manifold and air intake plumbing
• Revised front and rear air struts/shocks
• Revised exhaust manifolds

Option Revisions:

• All-speed traction control (no cost option)
• New chrome octastar wheels
• Variable control heated seats
• One-touch open moonroof
• JBL system now standard
• Portable/convertible cellular phone
• Valet key (no cost option)
• LUX AM/FM/Cassette Radio

Discontinued This Year:

Interior:

• Color:    Saddle
• Color:    Cypress
• Single cupholder
• Traction control switch
• Autolamp switch
• Rear ashtrays and power point

Exterior:

• Halogen headlights
• Lighted keylocks on doors
• Chrome moonroof surround
• Color:    Cypress Gold Frost CC MET
• Color:    Light Saddle CC MET
• Color:    Medium Wedgewood Blue CC MET
• Color:    Medium Willow Green CC MET
• Color:    Charcoal Grey CC MET

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 Models Available This Year

Base Model:

    Revised for 1997, the Base model Mark VIII has a host of new features and options to go along with its updated look. The front and rear end styling has been revised to provide a fresh look, but is still identifiable as a Mark VIII. The front end has a new bumper, fenders, hood, grille and headlights. The headlights are much larger, and Luminarc HIDs are now standard. The rear of the car has also seen improvement, with the first ever fitting of a neon taillamp assembly. The exhaust tips and bumper cutouts have been revised. Badging now has a richer appearance. The trunklid has also been revised to lessen the appearance of the faux spare tire hump. The interior has been significantly revised, featuring new seat designs, new door panels, a new console and revised dash, new features, improved lighting and more leather. More sound deadening material is also used.  The engine bay has been cleaned up. The engine now features coil-on-plug (COP) technology, eliminating the need for coil packs. A revised intake manifold and relocated throttle body help cut down on interior noise levels. The beauty cover has been eliminated and replaced with a much-smaller alternator cover. The suspension benefits from redesigned front air struts and rear shocks that greatly improve ride quality over rough roads. The Base model features more color choices than the LSC model, and has the VIN identification designation of M91.

Standard Features

Exterior:  Body color front and rear bumpers with bright insert, bright exposed exhaust tips, flexible chrome grille, front and rear gravel guards, body color door handles, high-intensity discharge 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, concealed radio antenna, neon rear taillamp

Interior:  Dual airbags, rear center armrest, cigarette lighter, center console w/real wood trim, front ashtray, leather covered shifter, front storage bin, rear defrost on/off switch, vinyl door panels w/map pockets and leather armrests, chromed switchgear, driver's side footrest, lockable lighted glovebox, rear seat heat ducts, 4-way adjustable head restraints, analog instrumentation (speedometer,tachometer,fuel, temperature) w/PRNDL indicator, message center with memory profile system, leather seats w/6-way power, 3-user driver's seat memory, power lumbar, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power tilt/telescoping leather steering wheel, dual lighted vanity sunvisors with secondary sunvisors, electrochromic rearview mirror

Functional: CFC-free air conditioning, 130-amp alternator, anti-theft alarm system and PATS, 72 amp/hr battery, four wheel disc brakes, 'performance' camshaft, child restraint anchors, trunk release, chrome 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, all-speed traction control,

 

LSC model:

    For 1997, the LSC package has graduated to being a true model rather than an equipment package for Base model cars. VIN numbers on LSC models carry the M92 designation. Although it is now recognized as a separate model,the features that make up an LSC have not changed compared to 1996.  LSC models benefit from the same changes made to the base car. Engine ratings are once again 290hp and 295 ft/lbs of torque. HID headlights are no longer part of the package, since they are standard equipment on every 1997 Mark VIII. Options available on the Base model were also available on the LSC, with the exception of 10-spoke painted wheels.

Standard LSC Model Features: (Note: deviations from Base model standard equipment listed above. All Base model equipment also included on LSC unless otherwise noted)

Exterior: Body color front and rear bumpers (replaces body color front and rear bumpers with bright insert),  LSC badge on lower right side of trunklid (replaces 'Lincoln' badge at same location), body color side moldings (replaces body color side moldings with bright insert), chrome aluminum 10-spoke wheels (replaces lacy spoke aluminum wheels)

Interior: Embroidered LSC floormats (replaces embroidered MARK VIII floormats), 'Euro' perforated leather seats (replaces standard leather seats)

Functional: Dual exhaust pipes (replaces standard exhaust), 3.27:1 rear axle (replaces 3.07:1 rear axle), revised suspension settings with larger front (1.06" replaces 1.024") and smaller rear (.846" replaces .886") stabilizer bars .

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The Engine

All 1997 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 in Base models, and 290 horsepower with 290 ft-lbs of torque in LSC models. 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. A center mounted intake plenum and a coil-on-plug (COP) system is used instead of the coil packs used on 1993-1996 engines.



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

1. Dual overhead camshafts: 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.
2. Chain camshaft drives: 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.
3. The block is deepskirted, which means that the block walls extend three inches beyond the centerline of the crankshaft, which strengthens the block.
4. Low-friction piston rings are used, to decrease wear and increase the engine redline speed.
5. Platinum-tipped spark plugs are used to allow the engine to go 100,000 miles before needing a tuneup.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. An aluminum intake manifold, specially designed to decrease engine noise transmitted to the interior features a centrally mounted intake.

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Options

Factory Installed Optional Equipment:

    Like previous years, 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.

1997 Options Guide

    Determine what options your car has using this visual guide.

Wheels:    1997 Models were available with four 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 Base model Mark VIIIs. The 10-Spoke painted version was available as a no cost option on Base models. 10-Spoke chrome wheels were standard on LSC models. Octastars were available as an option on all 1997 Mark VIIIs.

           

10-Disc CD Changer:    Trunk mounted 10-Disc CD changer. Requires AM/FM/Cassette radio head unit. 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 is also fitted. Notice that the 4,5 and 6 preset buttons now have secondary functions.

   

Premium AM/FM Stereo Cassette:    Available as a no cost option, a cassette head unit could be substituted for the single CD head unit. This unit was required if the CD-changer option was specified.



Heated Seats:    A new option for 1997, Heated seats offer multiple heat settings, along with being able to heat the back of the seat only, or both the back and bottom sections.

   

Front Floormats:    A no-cost option, front floormats came with every Mark VIII. They are color-keyed with the interior color of the car, and are fitted. Base models have 'Mark VIII' woven into the mat. LSC cars have 'LSC' instead of Mark VIII. LSC floormats were only available on LSC models.



Power Moonroof:    Factory moonroofs include a privacy shade. They also feature 'One-Touch Open' operation. 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 1997 is an analog version. The factory cell phone is voice activated, and uses the stereo system during calls. Cell phone equipped cars have a small unique cell phone antenna mounted at the rear of the roof, right above the rear window seal. One one version of the cell phone was available in 1997, the convertible/portable cell phone.



Tri-Coat Paint:    Only available in Ivory Pearlescent or Opal Opalescent. Other colors were not available in 1997.  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 1997 Mark VIII.

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

Valet Key-    Purchasers of the 1997 Mark VIII could request a no-cost valet key specifically for their car. This key only works in the ignition and to unlock the doors.

Trunk Cargo Net-    Standard equipment on 1993-1996 Mark VIIIs, the cargo net became a dealer installed option for the 1997 model year.

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, the 6-disc changer uses the same controls as the 10-disc version.

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Interior/Exterior Color Combinations

Combination Availability:

        Only certain color combinations were available on 1997 Mark VIIIs. Below is a chart detailing available color combinations.

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1997 Marketing

    As Lincoln's only heavily revamped model, the 1997 Mark VIII benefited from a larger percentage of Lincoln's allotted marketing budget.  Starting late in 1996, several new ads could be found with a  high frequency in major automotive magazines as well as high volume magazines such as Time and Newsweek. Unlike the earlier advertisements, these were primarily one-page ads, focusing more on value and competitive comparisons rather than prestige or performance. Once again, major automotive magazines included reviews and comparison tests of the Mark VIII, although less space was devoted to the car than the original 1993 model. You can see some of these ads in the Advertising section. Magazine reviews can be found in the Magazine Archive.

1997 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. The LSC model attracts younger buyers in the 45-50 year age group.

Key Reasons to buy a Mark VIII:

For 1997, Lincoln considered these to be the key customer buying motivations, i.e. what customers are looking for when they consider a Mark VIII.

Performance/Handling
Comfort/Convenience
Quality
Durability/Reliability
Safety/Security

Sales Numbers: Lincoln sold 16,805 1997 model year Mark VIIIs. Model year production for Lincoln: 153,143.

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.

1997 Mark VIII LSC:

AutoWeek :  0-60: sec    1/4mile: sec@  mph    Top Speed: N/Amph    Braking 60-0: ft    Skidpad(300ft): N/Ag

Motor Trend : 0-60: sec    1/4mile: sec@ mph    Top Speed: N/Amph    Braking 60-0: ft    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 1997, the Mark had three major direct competitors: The Buick Riviera, Cadillac Eldorado, and Lexus SC300/SC400. The Acura Legend Coupe, which was discontinued for 1996, Returned as the TL, Which was vastly different than the Mark VIII, and as such is not considered a competitor.

Cadillac Eldorado-    The front-wheel drive Eldo saw two notable changes in 1997. The StabiliTrack system became standard equipment, and rainsensing automatic windshield wipers were added.

   

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

• A slightly lower base price, with a higher level of standard equipment, makes the Mark a better value.
• 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 - 18/26, Eldorado 16/25.
• The Eldorado's Road-sensing Suspension does not adjust vehicle ride height at highway speeds.
• The 4.6L engine in the Mark VIII is more powerful, at a lower RPM than the Northstar in the Eldorado: 280@5500  vs 275@5600.
• The Mark VIII can tow twice as much as the Eldorado (2000lbs vs 1000lbs).
• Ride comfort was better, since the Mark has a 5-inch longer wheelbase.
• The Eldorado shares some of its styling cues with the 4-door Seville, leading to a less-distinctive appearance.

Sales Consultants were also trained to be aware of the advantages the Eldorado has over the Mark VIII.

The Front-wheel drive setup contributes to the larger interior room of the Eldo.
The Northstar system makes more torque at a lower RPM than the InTech system (300@4000 vs 285/295@4500).
The optional Northstar engine is more powerful than the optional Mark VIII engine.
The Eldo has a larger trunk with almost 1 cu.ft. more space, and a much more 'useable' shape.

Published Performance Figures:

Motor Trend:    0-60: 6.6 seconds    1/4 mile:  14.8 seconds @ 96.5 mph (1995 ETC Model)

Buick Riviera-    After making big changes for the Riviera's second year, Buick rested on its laurels. Daytime running lamps and minor transmission and electronic changes highlight the new features for 1997.

       

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

• The Mark VIII's rear-wheel drive setup does not suffer from the torque-steer effects of the Riviera'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.
• The engine in the Mark VIII is larger, smoother and more powerful than the engine in the Riviera.
• The Mark has leather seats as standard equipment.
• The Mark has a computer-controlled air suspension system.
• The Mark VIII has a 4yr/50,000 mile warranty, whereas the Riviera has a 3yr/36,000 mile warranty.
• The Mark VIII can tow twice as much as the Riviera (2000lbs vs 1000lbs).

Sales Consultants were also trained to be aware of the advantages the Riviera has over the Mark VIII.

The Riviera has more interior room.
The Riviera gets better gas mileage both city and highway, both with and without the supercharger.
A well equipped base model Riviera stickered for around $30,000, much less than the Base Mark VIII
The Riviera can be equipped to hold six passengers or five.
3 cubic feet more trunk space.

Published Performance Figures:

Motor Trend:    0-60: 7.8 seconds    1/4 mile:  15.9 seconds @ 88.7 mph (1995 supercharged model)

Lexus SC400/SC300-    Lexus has steadily improved it's sporty luxury coupes since their introduction for 1992. For 1997, interior changes were made, moving the passenger airbag and added a trip computer. Softer seats were also among the changes. Exterior trim was changed as well, freshening up a car that has had the same appearance since introduction.

   

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 has 55 percent more luggage space.
The Mark VIII's V8 is both more powerful and more fuel efficient than the SC400's V8.
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 much 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.

Sales Consultants were also trained to be aware of the advantages the SC400 has over the Mark VIII.

The SC400 is about 100 pounds lighter than the Mark, and makes nearly as much power from its smaller V8.

Published Performance Figures:

Motor Trend:    0-60: 7.0 seconds    1/4 mile:  15.2 seconds @ 93.7 mph (1995 model)

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Other Information

Warranty Information:

    All 1997 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 1997 Lincolns were built, received Ford Motor Company's Q1 award in 1997.
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 tolerance spread for the Mark VIII's sheetmetal is +/- .040, which is the tightest requirement of any Ford product.
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.
The neon rear brake light illuminates .2 seconds faster than conventional brake lights, which reduces following-car stopping distances by approximately 45 feet.
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 'Focus Model' for 1997 was the Base model Mark VIII.
The 4.6L DOHC V8 in the Mark was the first dual-overhead camshaft engine offered in the United States from Ford Motor Company.
All stock Mark VIIIs are speed-limited to 130 mph.
The 32v V8 is one of the winners of Ward's Auto World's Best Engines for the second year in a row.

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