Two engines are available for the 2003 Lincoln LS: a 3.0-liter V6 and a 3.9-liter V8. The V6 is offered with base or Premium trim, while the V8 comes with Sport or Premium Sport trim. All come standard with a five-speed automatic transmission. (Last year's Getrag five-speed manual gearbox is no longer available.)
The base V6 model ($33,860) is equipped well, with 16-inch wheels and tires, all-speed traction control, power-adjustable pedals, black lacquer interior trim and leather seats with eight-way power and three-position memory for the driver (plus six-way power for the front-seat passenger). V-6 Premium trim ($37,260) adds a power moonroof, a premium sound system, walnut burl interior accents and other comfort and convenience features.
V8 models account for about two-thirds of all LS sales. For 2003, the V8 models are designed to offer a sportier driving experience. V8 models come with a stiffer suspension and a SelectShift five-speed automatic transmission that allows manual shifting. V8 models come in two trim levels. V-8 Sport ($40,060) comes standard with a 12-speaker, 180-watt audiophile sound system, and climate-controlled seats. Satin nickel accents replace wood in the interior.
V-8 Premium Sport ($43,360) adds high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, walnut interior trim, AdvanceTrac traction and stability control, and a power moonroof.
Options include a new THX-certified audio system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer, 10 speakers, and a four-channel Class-H amplifier. Also optional is a touch-screen navigation system that stores maps of the entire United States and Canada on one DVD. The system's 6.5-inch screen lifts electrically for access to the six-disc in-dash CD changer. Another new option for 2003 is an Extended Rear Park Assist that sounds a warning chime if an obstacle is detected while reversing. The system uses two ultrasonic sensors and a radar sensor to sweep the area behind the vehicle, and has a field of coverage up to 15 feet.