How2Day: Mark VIII Specs

The 1993 to 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII was a luxury touring coupe produced by the Ford Motor Company. It replaced the Lincoln Mark VII, but it was longer, wider and offered many technical improvements over previous Lincoln models. For the 1997 model year, the Mark VIII received a significant face-lift, including an aluminum hood and rounder styling, but its dimensions were essentially the same as in the previous model years.

One engine served the Lincoln Mark VIII during its six years of production. A 4.6-liter V8 featured a 3.55-inch cylinder bore and 3.54-inch stroke and a 9.9:1 compression ratio. The V8 was Ford's first "modular" engine produced at a plant established to manufacture different size engines by switching tooling on the same floor. The block and head were constructed of light alloy. Early engines generated 280 horsepower and 285 foot-pounds of torque. The torque develops from the twisting force inside the engine to give the Lincoln its acceleration. For 1995 and later model years, Ford boosted the horsepower and torque to 290 and 295 foot-pounds. The 1998 Mark VIII earned an overall 18 mpg.

The two-door Mark VIII featured a 3.27:1 rear axle ratio, four ventilated disc brakes, electronic traction control and all-wheel ABS (anti-lock braking system). The front and rear suspension consisted of a conventional wishbone system with air springs and stabilizer bar. The front and rear suspension had an automatic leveling system.

Ford placed the Mark VIII on a 113-inch wheelbase. The 1995 models, which could accommodate five adults, measured 206.9 inches long, with later models measuring less than a half-inch longer. The Mark VIII was 74.6 inches wide and 53.6 inches tall. Its curbside weight averaged about 3,750 pounds. The front headroom in the cabin gave the driver and front passenger 38.11 inches, with the rear headroom measuring 37.5 inches. Front hip room was 55.6 inches and rear hip room was 56.7 inches. Legroom in the front was 42.6 inches. Rear legroom was 35.7 inches. Total interior volume was 101.7 cubic feet. The cargo capacity measured 14.4 cubic feet.

Standard features on the Mark VIII were external power and heated mirrors, tinted and heat-reflective windows, gear knob and steering wheel trimmed in leather, air conditioning, anti-theft protection, eight-speaker JBL audio system and a computer that tracked average fuel consumption, distance left on remaining fuel and instantaneous fuel consumption. Other standard equipment included external temperature gauge, driver and front passenger air bags, illuminated entry system, power windows and locks, remote trunk release and leather upholstery on the seats.

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