NAVIGATOR
A blend of poise and power in a luxury SUV

Navigator, Lincoln's star entry in the luxury sport utility vehicle segment, enters its second full model year with a surge of 300 horsepower under the hood, adjustable pedals under driver's feet and cleaner emissions than most cars.

"Navigator merges poise with power," said Jim O'Sullivan, Lincoln group brand manager. "Lincoln owners have come to expect a certain level of performance in their vehicles, and Navigator is a true Lincoln thoroughbred."

Early in the model year, an enhanced 5.4-liter two-valve Triton' V-8 engine will power Navigator. The engine combines low-revolution torque and high rpm cruising while delivering 30 extra horses - 260 - at 4,500 rpm. Peak torque increases by 15 foot-pounds, from 330 to 345 foot-pounds at a lower 2,300 rpm.

In December, the first Ford four-valve engine available in a sport utility truck - the 5.4-liter V-8 Intech' engine delivering 300 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 360 foot-pounds of torque at 3,000 rpm - will power the Navigator. The engine is mated to a four-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive transmission.

While offering noteworthy fuel efficiency, low emissions and performance, the engine is specifically designed to produce excellent low-end torque to haul or tow heavy loads.

Both the 5.4-liter InTech' and the 5.4-liter V-8 Triton T. engines will achieve LEV (low-emission vehicle) status for 1999.

To make the driving easier and more comfortable, Navigator offers power adjustable brake and accelerator pedals - a first for any car, truck or sport utility. The feature, which adjusts for up to 3 inches of linear travel for both pedals, is especially beneficial to shorter drivers because it enables them to sit farther from the steering wheel while still being able to reach the pedals. The 3 inches of adjustment accommodate 95 percent of the population by size.

All drivers benefit from the adjustable pedals with increased knee bolster legroom, more comfortable arm positions, better access to console features and more headroom. The adjustable pedals have a memory feature that allows up to three drivers' positions to be saved.

In other creature comforts, Navigator offers an adjustable speed-compensated volume control for the new seven-speaker Alpine audio system, which automatically adjusts volume depending on vehicle speed.

A hands-free programmable portable cellular phone is available, and the numeric keypad on the driver's door has been added to Navigator's standard equipment. Also, rollers have been added to third row seats, allowing for easier removal and installation.

Navigator also offers the following standard equipment: keyless entry, rear window defroster, compass, the Securilock" immobilizer system and traction assist.

1999 Navigator 4x2 pricing starts at $39,510 and 4x4 starts at $43,160.