2002 Lincoln Blackwood ... continued

But why a truck in this luxury class? Cadillac initially kind of snickered but then rushed to come out with their version, due later this year. Lincoln felt that there could be a limited market for a four seater that could tow or haul some awkward loads, and the public acclaim has proven them correct. They built 50 Nieman Marcus vehicles with DVD player in rear, plus a console mounted refrigerator/food heater combo. It was priced at $58,800 and sold out in 8 hours.

Blackwood's most striking feature is its 4-foot, 8-inch cargo trunk, which recalls the craftsmanship of classic wooden motorboats. The trunk interior is visually arresting with its stainless-steel trim and LED accent lighting. The power tonneau cover and side-hinged Dutch doors enhance the appearance and functionality of the Blackwood's trunk.

They kept the stance of the show vehicle but still wanted to provide for towing and hauling so use a hybrid air and leaf spring suspension. The air system provides leveling with a height sensor and an air compressor combining to keep the Blackwood at an optimum height and stance. The refined element was paramount, but handling and functionality were key elements in the design. It also provides an impressive towing capability - up to 8,700 pounds. There is a 1200 lb bed capacity.

The front suspension is borrowed from the Navigator, but they have changed the previous rubber isolation mounts to a microcellular urethane that offers consistent response across the wide operating temperature range. In order to maintain comfort and maneuverability at low speed and safety at high speed Blackwood uses a new steering system adapted from sedans. It allows the power steering valves to be full open for parking maneuvers, yet are constricted at high speed to avoid wander. Add to this dual adjustable shocks coupled with 18 inch wheels and Michelin tires designed and tuned to perform well in dry and snow. There is a full size spare complete with a styled aluminum wheel.

We meandered all over central California, taking tight mountain roads as well as freeways, and while Blackwood will not challenge sports cars, it out handles any SUV tested. It stops, swerves and corners with aplomb, and will be comfortable and safe in all but the worst conditions. There is only a 4x2 version, with no 4x4 intended. Yet there is a limited slip to balance torque from side to side in slippery conditions and the traction control is limited at low speeds so it will not bog down in sand or soft snow.

Blackwood's passenger cabin provides a visual link to the exterior cabin through its monochromatic black interior trimmed in perforated Connolly leather and dark-stained crystal wood. Lincoln is thinking of smaller drivers with adjustable pedals, grab handles (even on the driver side), and great side steps. In the warm California hills, we enjoyed the heated and cooled seats, especially since we were in and out of temperature ranges as we traveled from dusty farm country to misty coastlines in a couple hours. These seats have less than a two minute response, welcome in any extreme weather. There are memory positions for three drivers and the rear seats fold flat for cargo. It is fully loaded with an Alpine audiophile audio system, and the only option is the GPS navigation system, since half the potential buyers had no interest in that feature.

Blackwood's engine is rated for 100,000 miles before the first tune-up, under normal driving conditions, with regular fluid and filter changes. It features fail-safe engine protection designed to minimize engine damage in the event of a catastrophic coolant loss. If the engine controller detects overheating, it shuts off fuel to alternating banks of cylinders, which allows cool air to pump through the cylinder bores. In fail-safe mode, the vehicle can be driven a short distance under reduced power.

Standard safety features include second-generation front air bags, seat-mounted side impact air bags for driver and front seat passenger, childproof door locks and child seat tether capability for the rear seats. Blackwood also has a Reverse Sensing System that is activated when reverse gear is selected that provides an audible cue to obstacles behind the vehicle, beeping with increasing frequency as the object nears. Blackwood has three-channel, four-wheel antilock (ABS) disc brakes. Electronic brake force distribution (EBD), in concert with ABS, helps to shorten stopping distances by continually monitoring wheel slip and allocating braking forces front-to-rear based on available traction.

Blackwood will be built at the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, MO. Production will be limited to less than 10,000 units per year, in order to maintain exclusivity.