2006 Lincoln Mark LT
by Clarence Cornwell

Price range: $40,000-45,000
Competition: GMC Denali , Cadillac Escalade Ext
Engine: 5.4 liter V8 producing 300 horsepower and 365 pounds feet of torque
Fuel Economy: 15 mpg city / 19 mpg (mpg numbers for Ford F150) Official fuel
ratings have not been released for the Lincoln, but MPG numbers should not be
much different from the Ford F150 for which the Mark LT model is based upon.

Information: www.lincoln.com

Many are not aware that Lincoln all but single handedly created the luxury SUV market with its pioneering Navigator. When Lincoln released the Navigator six years ago it hit the market hot! Now Lincoln has plans on doing the same concerning the luxury pickup truck segment. Within the past ten years, the traditional pickup truck segment has doubled in sales volume from 1.1 million units to 2.3 million sold annually.

More and more, high-end luxury boats are being launched on Lake Wylie and Lake Norman everyday. So when it comes time to get that fancy, shiny, new boat to the water, most want to tow it in style and comfort. The 2006 Lincoln Mark LT aims to please on both accounts. First the style of the Lincoln Mark LT while very similar to the F150, (both build on the same platform), is more refined than the base model Ford. Once inside, the lightly colored, great smelling, soft leather instantly tells you that the Mark LT is not an ordinary pick up.

Lincoln Mark LT is built on a stable, hydroformed frame that forms a closed “box” section. Unlike traditional “C” frame rail designs, the Mark LTs frame has increased stiffness and stronger attachment points. Ahh, umm stronger attachment points as in for trailer hitches. Speaking of trailer hitches, the Mark LT comes with a class four hitch standard.

At the heart of it all is the Lincoln Mark LT’s 5.4 liter Triton V8 that produces 300 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 365 pounds feet of torque at 3,750 rpm. The Mark LT has a three valve per cylinder design that enhances power and torque in conjunction with an advanced electronic throttle control system that improves power response and modulation. This helps improve the Mark LTs strength for towing. The 5.4-liter, 3-valve Triton V-8 engine has ample low-end torque to provide seamless, instant response and consistent transmission shift quality. This consistent, smooth and responsive low-end torque works well at various altitudes and under various loads.

Last but not least, Lincoln wanted to make sure that the LT covered both ends of the spectrum better than its competition. First the Lincoln covers the luxury end with a quiet, premium interior. Lincoln then made sure that the LT had good work-truck credentials by giving it a class leading maximum towing limit. For example the Cadillac Escalade EXTs 6.0 liter V8 produces a better 345 horsepower and 380 pounds feet of torque. However when it comes to maximum towing limits the Lincoln Mark LTs max rating of 8,900 lbs. beats the of 7,300 lbs. max rating of the Cadillac Escalade EXT. In ending, if your ideal pairing is a nice Stetson cowboy hat, boots and a Tuxedo, the 2006 Lincoln Mark LT might just be for you.

Test drive a Lincoln Mark LT at Vantage Lincoln-Mercury, 5201 E. Independence Blvd , Charlotte, 704-535-7810. Check out Sea Pro & Palmetto Custom Boats at Carolinas Performance Marine, 8130 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, 704-394-1156.