2000 Lincoln LS

Unbelievable! That was my overriding thought, as I circled California's Thunderhill Raceway again and again. Whether accelerating down straights, carving through sweepers, threading hairpins, or hauling it down under hard braking just before slicing in toward a new apex, this car was working surprisingly well. It felt unexpectedly taut, predictable, and controllable as it tackled the ins and outs of the track with the same finesse and fine-tuned control as a world-class European sport sedan. Yet, most amazing of all, I was driving a Lincoln. This is no mushy, wallowing Town Car; it's Lincoln's brand-new entry-level sport luxury model, the LS. And it is, quite simply, a revelation.

The LS is a new vehicle from the ground up, and innovation rather than tradition has guided its development. It's a true world car that will be distributed in 20-some different countries around the globe in both left- and right-hand-drive configurations. Moreover, it's a well-balanced package that blends all the right ingredients of an entry-level sport/luxury sedan into an attractive whole, with satisfying performance, sports-car-like handling, advanced technology, a comfortable, well-equipped cabin, and excellent value.

The heart of the LS' fun-to-drive nature lies in its extremely rigid all-new chassis, the stiffest ever offered in a Lincoln. At 114.5 inches, it has the longest wheelbase in its class, which translates into plenty of interior legroom. An aluminum hood, rear deck, and front fender panels reduce weight. Plus, its near perfect weight distribution (51/49 with a V-6, 52/48 with a V-8) lends it a neutral feel and easy handling dynamics most appreciated in at-the-edge driving, such as during our laps on the track or in an accident-avoidance situation.