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Behind the wheel
Having had the good fortune to drive a Lincoln IS every year since its 2000 model debut, I looked forward to experiencing how Lincoln engineers had improved the 2003 version.
Our test vehicle carried the standard V6 engine, which gets an extra 12 hp to provide 232 hp and 220 lb-ft torque, a 5 lb-ft increase. An optional V8 powerplant produces 280 hp and 286 lb-- ft of torque, compared to 252 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque for the 2002 model. Power is delivered through a five-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission. Unfortunately, Lincoln kicked to the curb its five-speed manual transmission previously available with the V6. To increase horsepower and torque, Lincoln engineers use variable-valve timing and electronic-throttle control.
Hydraulic actuators that attach to each intake camshaft as part of the camdrive sprocket assembly are key to the variable-camshaft timing. The actuators use oil pressure to advance or retard intake-cam timing by up...