NAVIGATOR TAKES LINCOLN INTO UNCHARTED WATERS
With features including the power of a 5.4-liter
SOHC V-8 engine, the comfort and control of air suspension and
the quality of Lincoln, the 1998 Navigator is designed to
provide its passengers the most luxurious way to travel --
anywhere. Navigator
features a four-speed automatic transmission with the 5.4-liter
V-8 and will be available in either a two-wheel or
four-wheel-drive configuration.
Navigator's distinctive
smooth ride is delivered by a load-leveling air suspension, fully
independent short- and long-arm front suspension and specially
developed shocks and tires. Engineering objectives for passenger
comfort and quietness led to the development of a premium sound
isolation package, resulting in exceptional noise, vibration and
harshness (NVH) suppression. For passengers, this can translate
into a quiet environment for conversation -- even while driving
up rugged mountain roads.
Navigator's quiet but
powerful engine is rated at 230 horsepower at 4,250 rpm with
torque of 325 foot-pounds at 3,000 rpm. A Class III trailer tow
package allows Navigator
customers to tow up to 8,000 pounds in style, with a maximum
payload of 1,800 pounds. An optional four-wheel-drive system -
Control-Trac - features four settings, including a convenient
automatic four-wheel-drive setting that self activates when it
senses wheel slippage. The power is transferred from the wheels
that are slipping to the wheels that are gripping for true
"set and forget" convenience.
On the exterior, Navigator
is immediately recognizable by its distinctive styling, which
features a one-piece Lincoln grille integrated into a uniquely
styled hood. Styling is further accented by clear lens complex
reflector headlamps and fog lamps and a wraparound front and rear
bumper fascia. The rear design features dual complex reflector
taillamps and a bright center liftgate applique with complex
reflector back-up lamps, license plate housing and integrated
liftgate handle.
Navigator is further
distinguished by its premium interior amenities. Leather seating
surfaces and burled walnut wood accents on the soft-feel
instrument panel, floor console and door panels are standard. A
wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel also is equipped with
duplicate audio and climate controls. Another feature of Navigator is standard quad
bucket seats and a third-row bench, an exclusive in the sport
utility segment. A second-row bench also is available to
accommodate up to eight passengers. With a 119-inch wheelbase, Navigator offers more than
116 cubic feet of cargo space, and with an overall length just
under 205 inches, it easily fits into standard-size garages. Navigator will be Ford Motor
Company's first vehicle to have the new Second Generation driver
and passenger air bags. Second Generation air bags have been
"depowered" to provide even more safety benefits by
reducing the risk posed to occupants, including children and
short-statured adults, from air bag inflation.
Other safety features which help protect Navigator passengers include
four-wheel antilock disc brakes, driver and passenger air bags,
side impact door beams, rear door child safety locks and
adjustable height three-point safety belts. Navigator's overall size,
command seating position and ride height also contribute to
driver and passenger comfort, safety and security. And with
features such as remote keyless entry and the SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system, passenger security is further enhanced. Other
features on Navigator
include integrated illuminated running boards, variable assist
speed-sensitive steering, an electronic automatic climate control
system, intermittent front windshield wipers, power windows,
automatic headlamps, driver and front passenger power seating, a
three position memory driver's seat and an accessory delay
system. Additionally, several upscale options are offered
including an auxiliary climate control system, power moonroof
with a one-touch-open feature and universal garage door opener,
electrochromic interior rearview mirror, seven-speaker 290 Watt
Premium sound system and front floor console-mounted six-disc CD
changer.
NAVIGATOR SETS A NEW COURSE IN SUV LUXURY
With its many features, the 1998 Lincoln Navigator gives its
discerning customers the capability, comfort and practicality
they require while also providing the level of luxury they
demand.
Capable Luxury
A proven 5.4-liter SOHC V-8 engine, two- and
four-wheel-drive powertrains and speed sensitive steering lay the
foundation for a truly capable and versatile full-size sport
utility vehicle.
Control Trac Four-Wheel Drive
Navigator's
capability is highlighted by its Control Trac four-wheel drive
system. With Control Trac, drivers have the choice of four drive
settings:
Control-Trac provides a variety of settings to allow drivers to select the one that best fits current road conditions, and they can be ready to make their selections with the flip of a switch. Automatic four-wheel drive combines the best of all worlds -- two-wheel-drive fuel economy and four-wheel-drive dependability. This mode automatically redirects torque between front and rear wheels as conditions change. If the system detects the rear wheels are slipping, then torque is automatically transferred to the front wheels for true "set and forget" convenience.
Proven Powertrain
Navigator's
5.4-liter modular V-8 engine develops 230 horsepower at 4,250 rpm
and 325 foot-pounds of torque at 3,000 rpm. This engine is a
chain-driven, single overhead cam (SOHC) design with a deep-skirt
block and an induction system tuned to provide maximum low rpm
torque without sacrificing horsepower at higher engine speeds.
This maximized low-end torque allows drivers pulling boats or
trailers increased capability to quickly reach and maintain
highway speeds. A standard Class III trailer tow package allows Navigator to tow up to 8,000
pounds. Navigator also has
a maximum payload capacity of 1,800 pounds. Navigator's engine
also features multi-port electronic fuel injection and Ford's fifth generation
engine control system (EEC-V) which optimize fuel economy and
engine power output. The engine is protected with fail-safe
cooling, an early warning and safeguard system used to avoid
overheating damage. The system allows Navigator to operate for
short distances even after a total loss of coolant, depending on
vehicle load, road conditions and outside temperatures.
Speed Sensitive Steering Control
Speed-sensitive variable assist steering gives Navigator low-speed
maneuverability with high-speed handling ability. This is
achieved by using the vehicle's speed to regulate the power
assist steering boost, giving greater assistance at low speeds
and less at high speeds. The end result gives the driver an
improved sense of control at any operating speed.
Comfortable Luxury
Load-leveling air suspension, fully independent
shortllong arm front suspension and specially developed shocks
and tires all contribute to Navigator's
comfortable, smooth ride. In addition, passengers are surrounded
by a sense of luxury in Navigator's
interior which features many premium amenities and a sound
isolation package.
Load Leveling Suspension
Navigator
features four corner load-leveling suspension on 4x4 models and
rear air suspension on 4x2 models. Four corner air suspension
provides a uniform ride height for smoother ride and easier entry
and exit by lowering the vehicle's step-in height. Rear air
springs and front air shocks allow the Navigator to
"kneel" down 1 inch after the vehicle is turned off. In
4x4 Low mode at speeds below 25 mph, the vehicle rises 1 inch
higher than the standard ride height for improved off road
capability. Rear load-leveling suspension is featured on 4x2
models. It uses air springs in the rear of the vehicle. Ride
height and level pitch attitude are maintained under loaded
conditions with this unique suspension. For customers, this means
extra ride smoothness, control and trailering capability. Navigator's suspension
components are specially tuned to optimize overall ride quality
with uniquely designed shocks and tires. Up front, an independent
short-and-long-arm (SLA) front suspension allows each of the
front wheels to travel individually over bumps for a smooth ride.
Interior Amenities
Navigator's seating
surfaces are premium leather with burled walnut accenting the
soft-feel instrument panel, floor console and door panels. A wood
and leather-trimmed steering wheel features speed control and
duplicate audio and climate controls. A premium sound isolation
package accounts for
Navigator’s measurably low levels of noise, vibration
and harshness (NVH). For drivers and passengers, this means a
quiet, comfortable ride. When passengers are ready for a little
noise, Navigator's Premium
audio system takes over. The optional system combines six
speakers and an 8-inch subwoofer for clear, crisp sound. The
package includes the large P 100 receiver with auto-reverse
cassette and rear-seat audio controls with headphone jacks. A
front floor console-mounted six-disc CD changer also is
available. Navigator's
electronic automatic climate control system further enhances
passenger comfort. The standard system offers separate outlets
and controls for the front and second row. An auxiliary heating
and cooling system that adds third-row outlets also is available.
Safe, Practical Luxury
Navigator will be
Ford Motor Company's first vehicle to have the new Second
Generation driver and passenger air bags. Second Generation air
bags have been "depowered" to provide even more safety
benefits by reducing the risk posed to occupant's, including
children and short-statured adult, from air bags inflation. Navigator's overall size,
command seating position and ride height also contribute to
driver and passenger comfort, safety and security. And Navigator is practical -- it
can seat up to eight passengers while providing plenty of room
for cargo and towing up to 8,000 pounds.
Meeting Expectations for Safety and Security
Navigator meets
all 1999 Federal government truck safety standards. Important
safety and security features include:
Segment First Quad Bucket Seating
Navigator comes
standard with quad buckets and a third-row bench, an exclusive in
the sport utility segment. Both the front- and second-row bucket
seats include a center console for convenient storage. A
second-row bench seat also is available to accommodate up to
eight passengers. Navigator
provides over 116 cubic feet of cargo space - more than any other
competitive full-size luxury sport utility vehicle. With an
overall length of just under 205 inches, it easily fits into
standard size garages.
The Lincoln
Commitment
Every Navigator
is backed by the Lincoln Commitment. This includes 24-hour
roadside assistance and a 4 year/50,000 mile limited warranty. It
is a guarantee by Lincoln
to provide a positive ownership experience in product quality and
sales and service.
LINCOLN GETS READY TO
DRIVE INTO THE FULL-SIZE SPORT UTILITY MARKET
The 1998 Navigator
is about to turn the tide in the full-size sport utility
segment when it joins Lincoln's line of luxury vehicles. In this
expanding market, Lincoln's
first entry into the full-size premium sport utility segment will
give customers a unique choice with Navigator's combination of
elegance and capability. Between 1990 and 1996, the total sport
utility market grew from 93 5,000 units to more than 2 million
units. By 1998, the sport utility market is expected to grow to
more than 2.3 million units and represent nearly 30 percent of
the total truck market. Annual sales of full-size utilities in
the United States are expected to reach 500,000 units by 1998.
Many functional features are standard on Navigator such as
load-leveling air suspension, a 5.4-liter SOHC V-8 engine, a
premium sound isolation package and specially developed shocks
and tires. Safety and security features include four-wheel
antilock disc brakes, Second Generation driver arid passenger air
bags and SecuriLock passive anti-theft system.
Navigator's functional and
safety features are combined with luxurious interior
appointments, such as leather seating surfaces, burled walnut
accents and second-row bucket seats, a Navigator exclusive in the
sport utility segment. This is in addition to distinctive
exterior styling. Research shows that Navigator will appeal mostly
to families and empty nest couples with active lifestyles who
want their vehicle to be both versatile and capable.
PRICE AND FEATURES MAKE LINCOLN NAVIGATOR
THE BENCHMARK FOR FULL-SIZE PREMIUM SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES
Lincoln has
notified its dealers of manufacturer's suggested retail prices
starting below $40,000 for the 1998-model Lincoln Navigator,
establishing a new benchmark in the full-size luxury sport
utility segment. Customers comparing full-size luxury SUVs will
find that Navigator offers
premium features and world-class performance at prices well under
competitive full-size luxury brands. Suggested retail prices for
the Navigator 4x2 model
start at $39,950 and at $43,300 for the 4x4 model, both including
destination charges. All Navigator
models offer an impressive array of standard features and are
backed by the Lincoln Commitment, which includes limited warranty
coverage for 48 months or 50,000 miles.
1998 NAVIGATOR
TO DRAW A NEW CUSTOMER TO A NEW LINCOLN
The introduction of the Lincoln Navigator is expected
to attract customers who are different from those who usually go
to Lincoln showrooms. On a functional level, these buyers want a
vehicle that is versatile enough to accommodate their active
lifestyle. They also need space for growing families with
multiple activities or for traveling and entertaining. Navigator buyers are busy
people who want a vehicle capable of handling any situation or
condition they might face in their day-to-day lives. They also
are discerning and think of their vehicle as an enhancement to
their lifestyle. They desire a superior level of comfort,
roominess, ride, quietness and luxury features. On an emotional
level, Navigator buyers
are image conscious and value the adventurous, sporty image that
SUVs project. They see SUVs as the ultimate in family safety and
security because of the capability and control they offer. These
customers seek exclusivity and can afford it, and they translate
greater demands on their time into more demands on their
vehicles. They also want a personal level of sales and service,
viewed as the "luxury experience. This buyer group does not
aspire to the large, traditional luxury cars of the past, and
they want functional luxury in new and different packaging with
greater flexibility to support their active lifestyles. The
versatility and capability offered by a full-size sport utility
vehicle meets this need. Customers expect a luxury SUV to have:
NAVIGATOR
- ENGINEERED TO BE CAPABLE, LUXURIOUS
Creating an exceptional vehicle to meet the high
expectations of the luxury customer was the goal of the Navigator engineering and
design teams. Their mission was to craft a full-size luxury sport
utility vehicle that is as functional as it is good-looking --
and worthy of being called a Lincoln.
With a focus on a premium sound isolation package, suspension
development and specially developed shocks and tires, Navigator engineers set out
to make a full-size sport utility vehicle that set new standards
in ride, quietness and comfort. Additionally, the Navigator team sought
performance and handling characteristics agile enough to run with
the cream of the SUV crop, then wrapped these features in a
distinctive interior and exterior package. A premium sound
isolation system accounts for Navigator's
measurably low levels of noise, vibration and harshness
(&127VVH).
Navigator's body contains
strategically placed sound deadening materials on the floor and
in the pillars. The hood and dash also have been equipped with
sound isolation pads. Additionally, hush panels were inserted
into the bottom of the instrument panel to make the cabin even
quieter. These improvements were made on a package that already
was designed with sound dampening in mind. The original body is
rigid, with a sturdy frame. The fully boxed front and center
frame sections also provide a solid, smooth ride and steady feel.
The smoothness and quietness of the powertrain was achieved early
in the development process. The V-8 blocks are deep-skirt
castings with deep-mounted cylinder head bolts and cross-bolted
main bearing caps to increase engine stiffness and provide
quieter engine operation by muffling connecting-rod bearing
noise.
Navigator's suspension
system features a short/long arm construction. Four-wheel drive
models feature four-corner load-leveling air suspension using
compressed air shocks on the front and air springs on the rear.
By maintaining its ride height under all loaded conditions, this
unique suspension delivers extra ride smoothness, control and
trailering capability. The air suspension permits a fully loaded Navigator to ride as smoothly
and corner as precisely as it does when empty. The short- and
long-arm front suspension and speed sensitive variable-assist
power steering system contribute to the sense of control realized
by the Navigator driver.
The front air shocks and rear air springs allow the vehicle to
"kneel" down 1 inch after the vehicle is turned off.
This system allows for easier entry and exit and lowers the
vehicle step-in height. The vehicle also rises 1 inch higher than
standard ride height in 4x4 Low mode at speeds below 25 mph for
increased ground clearance when off roading.
Two-wheel drive Navigators have
rear load-leveling suspension that uses gas-pressurized shocks
and air springs in the rear of the vehicle, to equalize the ride
attitude of the Navigator,
even when towing a fully loaded trailer. Unique tires and shock
absorbers were developed specifically for Navigator, designed and
engineered to deliver the ride comfort luxury buyers demand
without compromising the expectations of full-size sport utility
buyers for functional performance. With the rugged underpinnings,
smooth ride and exceptional quietness engineered into Navigator, a distinctive
design execution was a must. To ensure that Navigator reflected key
luxury styling cues, the team worked with Lincoln car designers
to sketch their vision for an SUV.
The first Lincoln "signature" for the Navigator is the
turbine-vaned grille, trimmed with chrome and topped with its
bold Lincoln star badge. Attached to the uniquely shaped
structural molded composite hood, the grille is flanked by
complex reflector headlamps that lend a jewel-like appearance to
the front end. The front fenders and bumpers were also styled to
flow smoothly from the grille. Along the sides, a sculpted
bodyside cladding and integrated, illuminated running boards
carry the luxury theme through the doors and wheel-arch flares,
back to the distinctive Navigator
liftgate at the rear. A chrome license plate insert contains the
handle for the tailgate and rear window as well as the backup
lamps. A Class III trailer tow hitch is integrated into the rear
wraparound bumper valence and dual complex reflector taillamps
complete the exterior design elements of the Navigator.
Inside, the attention to detail extends to every luxury
appointment. Real burled walnut and leather give the interior a
feeling of luxury, but with a durable, practical, substantial
feeling typical of an SLTV. The steering wheel is made of wood
and trimmed in leather for an elegant feeling of warmth. Speed
control and duplicate audio and climate controls are integrated
into the spokes of the steering wheel. The four leather low-back
luxury bucket seats offer ample shoulder and hip room for
passengers in the front and second row. A stylish floor console
rests between each pair of captain's chairs for storage and
convenience. A third-row bench seat is standard and a second-row
bench seat also is available to seat up to eight passengers in
comfort. All the craftsmanship and richness designed into the Navigator interior blends
with the distinctive exterior treatment to set a new standard for
SLTV comfort and design. But under its elegant skin, Navigator offers distinct
product attributes and ride, quietness, performance and handling
in the best luxury tradition -- in keeping with the Lincoln heritage of superb
engineering, elegant design and luxurious refinement and
execution.
Click Here For More Press Releases
Click Here To Return To The AutoPricing Home Page
Copyright © 1985-2001 AutoPricing / VIS. All rights reserved. *Values are subjective opinions based on the Staff of NABA / VIS and recent market conditions. National Automobile Bankers Associates / Vehicle Information Services is not responsible for actual or claimed deviation. Copyright 1993-2001 NABA/VIS. Auto Pricing a service of VIS. 561-394-0610