The Mark VIII was a large luxurious GT coupe from Lincoln, sold between 1993 and 1998. The Mark VIII was assembled at Ford's Wixom, Michigan assembly plant and was based on the FN10 platform. The Mark VIII was available in two models: the standard Mark VIII and the LSC. The 1995 LSC model received a powertrain calibrated for an additional 10 hp (7.5 kW), with true dual exhaust systems, and lower (3.27) gearing for better acceleration. The LSC also featured unique body colors, distinct LSC badging on the trunk, and perforated leather seat inserts, along with LSC scripted floormats. The bright chrome inserts normally found in the body-side moulding and bumper on the Mark VIII were replaced with monochrome body color inserts on the LSC. The 4.6L 32-valve DOHC V8 engine was an all-aluminum variation on Ford's Modular engine, in all model years. Starting with model year 1995 the engine was given the marketing name InTech. The late-1995 and 1996 LSC models were the first cars from any automaker to be equipped with Direct Current HID headlights. All other manufacturers that offered HID headlights at the time used an Alternating Current HID system.


[edit] Facelift (1997-1998)
In 1997, the Lincoln Mark VIII received a significant facelift, with a smoother, more rounded front and rear facia, and a larger grille. HID headlamps became standard, placed in larger housings. Lincoln incorporated an innovative neon brake light across the entire rear decklid. The side mirrors came with "Puddle Lamps". The lamps cast a glow on the ground when the doors were opened, so the driver and passengers could see when entering or exiting the car. The side view mirror housings also incorporated flashing LED turn signal lamps to warn other drivers of an intended lane change/turn. The interior included "Theater Lighting", which softly illuminated the driver's controls and handles. The exterior had a more rounded "Power Dome" on the hood, and the trunk had less definition to the famous "spare tire hump" associated with the previous Mark series. The grille was bigger and bolder. Optional 16" chrome "Octastar" wheels looked like solid chrome, yet were very light. The DOHC 32-valve 4.6L V8, rated at 280 hp (210 kW), came with a distributorless coil-on-plug ignition system, eliminating the use of high voltage spark plug wires. Some of the transmission internal parts were reinforced in the late 1997 models and all 1998 models. LSC models had firmer shocks and larger anti-roll stabilizer bars, for better handling and control, a lower gear ratio and true dual exhaust giving a 10 hp (7.5 kW) boost taking it to 290 hp (220 kW). All-speed traction control was standard, and could be deactivated via the onboard systems status computer when desired.Towards the end of Mark VIII production, Lincoln offered 2 personalized "specialty" models: the Spring Feature and the Collector's Edition. The era of large American personal luxury coupes neared an end in the late 1990's, and the Mark VIII was retired during the 1998 model year. It was replaced with the Lincoln LS personal luxury sedan. In 2003-2004, Lincoln showed some concept coupes based on the 2002-2005 Ford Thunderbird, including the Lincoln MK9 and Lincoln Mark X, but these never saw production, as the Thunderbird was cancelled after a 4-year run.

The Lincoln "Mark" line continues (in name) across the current product line. The Lincoln Mark LT luxury pickup truck was introduced in early 2005 as a 2006 model. Lincoln introduced a new crossover utility vehicle, dubbed the Lincoln MKX (pronounced "Em-Kay-Ex"), and renamed the Lincoln Zephyr as the Lincoln MKZ ("Em-Kay-Zee") for the 2007 model year. For 2009, a new flagship sedan based on the Lincoln MKS ("Em-Kay-Ess") sedan is expected to appear, and other upcoming models could also receive the MK- "Mark" designation.