America's Most Powerful

Performance data refer to 4x4 model.

Lincoln Mark VIII LSCThe Lincoln Mark VIII redefined the American luxury coupe when it was introduced in '93. Adding high-tech sophistication to traditional V-8 muscle, the Mark mixes knockout punch with surgical precision. For '96, a freer-flowing exhaust helps the new LSC version's InTech 4.6-liter DOHC 32-valve V-8 pump out 290 horsepower, 10 more than the regular Mark. Despite this power and a lower axle ratio, however, the '96 LSC fell 0.1 second short of the 7.1-second 0-60-mph run we recorded with a particularly strong '93 Mark VIII. LSC chassis enhancements-stiffer front and rear anti-roll bars and firmer shock valving-significantly improve handling numbers: 0.84 versus 0.79 g on the skidpad, and 63.3 versus 60.8 mph in the slalom. Changes for '96 are minimal: optional chrome wheels and the return of high-intensity-discharge headlights.

Chevrolet Impala SSHurrying is what the Impala SS does best and, if you want one, hurrying is what you'd best be doing: '96 is the last year of production for it and its full-size, rear-drive GM "B-body" siblings. Think of this as a cop car with an attitude: everything the police package has, including the classic 260-horsepower 5.7-liter OHV V-8 plus 17-inch wheels and a sinister look. Differences in the Impala version of the LT1 include a lower compression ratio, cam profiles designed to emphasize low-end torque, and intake and exhaust system variations. Its peak of 260 horsepower falls 25 short of the regular Z28's LT1, though the Impala's gargantuan 330 pound-feet torque peak, which occurs at a leisurely 2400 rpm, is five higher. Leading changes for '96: a floor-mounted shifter for its four-speed automatic, and an analog speedometer and tachometer.