Test drive Lincoln Navigator 1998 - 2003 SUV
Lincoln Town Truck
When the luxury SUV Lincoln Navigator first appeared before the public, he was immediately given the nickname - Town Truck (as a contrast between the Town Car sedan of the same manufacturer). This definition is even more suitable for Lincoln Blackwood, which sales in the United States began in July. Town Truck - City Pickup ...
In the form of the Lincoln Blackwood concept, he appeared in 1999 and since then has not missed a single car dealership, invariably attracting attention to both visitors and journalists. The motor also did not pass by - Blackwood flashed several times on the pages of the magazine. The start of the serial release is a good reason to return to the car, and at the same time summarize the first impressions of those who have already managed to travel on it (we ourselves are unlikely to do this in the near future, except that some desperate dealer will drag a pickup in the starting cost of $ 52.500 plus to Moscow Customs wraps for a considerable engine volume plus its percentage). Recall the story. The roots of the black tree go to the Ford Pikap F-150. It was on its basis that the sports and utilitarian Ford Expedition, and then his luxury brother Lincoln Navigator, was built. Subsequently, the back of the passenger body was cut off from the navigator and a cargo body was attached to its place - it turned out to be Blackwood. The company in every possible way avoids the name of the pickupa, offering in return the term luxury-utilitarian car, and calls the body a trunk. (Ford is the same with the Explorer Sport Trac model, the Chevrolet separation - with Avalanche, and Cadillac with Escalade Ext: Apparently, a pickup working image is shy. But, whatever it may be, the body takes place ...)
Actually, it is the main distinguishing feature of Blackwood, attracting increased attention to the car. Especially everyone likes a hard plastic cover for a power drive and LED backlight. To go away from the traditional pickup, the rear side was made not folding, but swinging from two doors. From the concept (motor #3, 1999), the serial machine is not in the absence of African black tree in the body - the company considered that natural strips will require too complicated care and replaced them with plastic. At the same time, aluminum lining the sides was changed to a more practical stainless steel. Practical? The only thing that would be logical to place in such a compartment is a box of champagne. By the way, the cover does not rise to the end, and it cannot be removed, so you can forget about the transportation of something relatively large ...
According to Navigator Blackwood (motor #11, 1997), it practically does not differ, except for a shortened passenger cabin, designed strictly on four (rear passengers lost about 50 mm of the legs). The V8 engine with a volume of 5.4 liters develops 300 hp. and 480 nm. The box is automatic, the rear suspension is a combination of sheet springs and pneumatic pillows with pumping, which provide the alignment of the body under load and reduce the rolls in corners. The front is independent, on levers of unequal length. Unlike Navigator, Blackwood all -wheel drive is not provided at all. This made it possible to noticeably lower the car, which added its appearance style and dynamism. However, do not perceive Blackwood as a sports shell. The corresponding indicators are quite acceptable - the car gets up to 8.5 seconds to a hundred, and a quarter of a mile (400 m) from a place passes in 16.2 seconds, reaching at the end of a measuring speed of 135 km/h. But completely cotton steering, slow reactions and a large braking distance (about 90 m at a speed of 110 km/h) quickly remind you that the appearance is deceiving - under it is a frame cargo platform (Blackwood weighs about 2.5 tons). These disadvantages are completely redeemed by excellent comfort when driving along a good road and in reasonable speed modes ...
In the cabin - dark -dark, as in a cave. Black leather, black plastic, black wooden inserts. The bucket -shaped seats are equipped not only with heating, but also by ventilation. Force drives are equipped with everything that is possible - except for the backs of the seats. The pedal node adjustable. The car is fired for the eyeballs: just say that the only option provided for it is a navigation system worth $ 2000. In terms of safety, the Blackwood builders overwhelmed: belts and pillows are the necessary things, but the door locks locking with loud knock, as soon as you turn on the transmission, irritate. Yes, and sit, listen to music in a parked car only if you fasten your belt - otherwise a warning bell will get you.
Well, and who will be the buyer of Lincoln Blackwood? Who needs a watch for $ 10,000? But they buy - and a lot. There are two simple considerations: firstly, I want, and secondly, there is money. With the Lincoln Blackwood pickup, the situation is similar - they will buy, they will. According to the company’s plan, mainly men of about forty, with an annual income for a family in the area of \u200b\u200b$ 200,000. True, there will not be too many of them - they intend to produce no more than 10,000 cars a year. By the way, in old Ford traditions, only one color is offered - black cars.
Text: Mikhail Vasiliev
Source: Motor magazine [No. 8/2001]
