Town Car a perfect package of performance and prestige

Town Car, the most traditional expression of classic Lincoln design, raises the ante on safety by offering standard side air bags for the driver and front passenger.

Housed in the side bolster of the front seats, the side air-bag system is designed to provide occupants with incremental head and chest protection during side-impact crashes. The combination air bag inflates a bag for both the head and chest within 30 milliseconds of a side impact.

"The 1999 Town Car combines a contemporary design with the smooth ride, exceptional room, comfort and safety that traditional luxury customers expect," said Jim O'Sullivan, Lincoln group brand manager. "Town Car is evolving from a traditional large luxury car to one with a more aggressive stance, emphasizing luxurious, distinctive styling. Engine performance, prestige and vehicle dynamics are Town Car's trump cards in attracting new customers."

Town Car's Executive series receives some interior changes. New door trim incorporates a wood appliqué bezel, and the front armrest has a storage compartment. The new rear-seat armrest includes cup holders. The seat controls are relocated to the door panel from the side of the seat. The front seats now have a power recline mechanism.

Town Car's powertrain features an advanced SOHC 4.6-liter V-8 and a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. Peak output for the Executive and Signature series is 205 horsepower at 4,250 rpm and torque is 280 foot-pounds at 3,000 rpm. The Cartier and Signature Touring Sedan models are equipped with a dual exhaust system and deliver 220 hp at 4,500 rpm and 290 foot-pounds of torque at 3,500 rpm.

Town Car also offers the following standard equipment: keyless entry on key fob and door; rear window defroster; compass; the SecuriLock™ immobilizer system; and traction assist.

Base prices for the Executive, Signature and Cartier series are, respectively, $38,325, $40,325 and $42,825.