Introduction

Basically a carryover year , 1995 saw few changes to the Mark VIII. The 'Base' model was was joined mid-year by an LSC (Luruxy Sport Coupe) model. Several changes were made to the interior of the car, specifically to the center console area. Lincoln also added the 'InTech System' to the Mark VIII, which consisted of changes to the computer and engine to increase service intervals and incorporate a 'limp-home' mode to reduce breakdowns.

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New/Revised This Year

Interior:

• Delayed accessory power added to allow extra time to close windows and moonroof
• New larger 'LUX' Radio with new features and easier to use buttons
• Universal garage door opener (Homelink) intergrated into driver's sunvisor. Standard equipment except for Canada
• Redesigned instrument panel center console
• Color-keyed switchgear replaces black used on 93-94 models
• Speed control switches on steering wheel are now backlit and color-keyed to interior
• Chromed transmission shift knob button
• Shifter leather is now black instead of color-keyed
• Improved EATC faceplate with stronger buttons
• New Color:
• New Color:
• New Color:

Exterior:

• Polished stainless steel exhaust tips now extend through redesigned reaer bumper fascia
• New-style chrome directional wheels
• New-style painted aluminum wheels
• New Color:
• New Color:
• New Color:
• New Color:
• New Color:
• New Color:
• New Color:
• New Color:

Functional:

• The InTech System
• Cell phone prewiring has been added to the optional JBL stereo system
• A new, lighter weight CD changer has replaced the older model
• LSC Model added, limited to 5000 units.

Discontinued This Year:

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 Models Available This Year

Base Model:

    The 'Base' model of the Mark VIII was the highest selling model for the 1995 year. It offers the most exterior and interior color choices, and can be indentifed by a thin chrome strip embedded into the bodyside moldings and bumpers. Improvements over the 1994 model include a revised rear bumper with extended exhaust tips, the InTech system, and a revised center console with a new, larger radio. The automatic climate control module (EATC) now features an improved faceplate, with stronger buttons that are less likely to crack and have an improved feel. Most of the interior switchgear is now color-keyed to the interior color, which gives the interior a cleaner look. A new 10-disc CD changer is lighter than the pervious model. New wheel designs lend to a sportier appearance.

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 meory 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 intergrated armrests, color-keyed switchgear, 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 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, '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, Power door locks, Air-spring suspension system, All-Season black sidewall tires, interval wipers

 LSC Model:

    The 'LSC' model was introduced midyear 1995. LSC model cars benefit from improvements made to the Base model, and were available in a limited number of exterior and interior color choices. Power ratings are increased to 290hp and 295 ft/lbs torque by using a true dual exhaust system..  Luminarc headlights (High Intensity Discharge , or HID) were also part of the package (early LSCs used the standard halogen hedlights). Sales numbers for the LSC are much lower than the Base model, with a production run limited to 5000 units.

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), Painted silver aluminum 10-spoke wheels (replaces lacy spoke aluminum wheels), Luminarc headlights (replaces low-profile headlights)

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.

 

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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.

1996 Options Guide

    Determine what options your car has using this visual guide.

Wheels:    1995 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 20-Spoke chrome version was available until the 10-Spoke chrome version became available. 10-Spoke painted wheels were standard on LSC cars with chromed versions 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, cellular phone prewire, 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 is also fitted. Notice that the 4,5 and 6 preset buttons now have secondary functions.

 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. Rear floormats were also standard. Base models have 'Mark VIII' woven into the mat. LSC cars have 'LSC' instead of Mark VIII. LSC floormats were only available as part of the LSC package.

   

 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. 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 1996 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 Ivory Pearlescent or Opal Opalescent. Other colors were not available.

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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 1995 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.

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 FM-modulation.

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Interior/Exterior Color Combinations

Combination Availability:

        Only certain color combinations were available on 1995 Mark VIIIs. Below is a chart detailing available color combinations.

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1995 Marketing

    Since 1993, Lincoln had not put a great deal of money into marketing the Mark VIII.  In 1993 and 1994, the Mark VIII came close to meeting Ford's expectations of sales. In 1995, The combination of only slight changes to the Mark and the appearance of a significantly cheaper competitor took its toll on the Mark. A new model, the Luxury Sport Coupe, or LSC, was added midyear to help the car appeal to a wider range of consumers.

The Competiton:    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 1995, the Mark had four major direct competitors: The new Buick Riviera, Cadillac Eldorado, and Lexus SC300/SC400 and Acura Legend coupe.

Cadillac Eldorado-    The front-wheel drive Eldo saw many improvements in 1995.

   

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 steup.
• The Mark VIII has a smaller turning diameter, making the car easier to manuever 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 bodypanels 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 Eldo has standard traction control. TC is optional on base and LSC model Marks.
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 Eldo has a slightly lower base price (difference of $54).
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-    A new competitor this year, the Riviera is Buick's flagship model. Built on the same basic platform as the Oldsmobile Aroura, The buick has a remarkably stiff chassis, is front wheel drive, and dramatic new styling. The Buick is designed to provide a more traditional American luxury feel. than the Mark VIII, or Lexus SC300/400.

       

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 steup.
• The Mark VIII has a smaller turning diameter, making the car easier to manuever 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 Riviera SE stickered for around $32,000, About $8,000 less than the base model Mark.
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 SC300-    Lexus has steadily improved it's sporty luxury coupes since their introduction for 1992. SC300 features that are new for '95 include

   

Sales Consultants were trained to point out the following advantages the Mark VIII has over the SC300.

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 SC300's Inline six.
The Mark VIII has a computer-controlled suspension with self-leveling features, which is not available on the SC300.
The Mark VIII's sticker price is about $3,000 less than the SC300.

Sales Consultants were also trained to be aware of the advantages the SC300 has over the Mark VIII.

The SC300 is about 200 pounds lighter than the Mark, and is available with a five-speed manual transmission.

Published Performance Figures:

Motor Trend:    0-60: 7.8 seconds    1/4 mile:  15.8 seconds @ 91.1 mph (1992 model)

 Lexus SC400-    Lexus has steadily improved it's sporty luxury coupes since their introduction for 1992. SC400 features that are new for '96 include

   

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 about $12,000 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.

Sales Consultants were also trained to be aware of the advantages the SC300 has over the Mark VIII.

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

Published Performance Figures:

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

Acura Legend Coupe:    For its last year, the Legend coupe

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Other Information

Warranty Information:

    All 1995 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 resteraunts that are a part of the QUEST network.

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

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