Powered by McLaren Engines Lincoln LS Debuts

NEW YORK, March 27 McLaren Performance Technologies debuted a high-performance, ``Powered by McLaren Engines'' Lincoln LSE luxury sport sedan today at the New York International Auto Show.

``With the addition of almost a hundred horsepower, along with chassis and braking upgrades as appropriate, the McLaren Engines-enhanced LSE will move Lincoln still further into the left lane,'' said Steven Rossi, president and chief executive officer, McLaren Performance Technologies. The special Lincoln LSE show prototype as ``Powered by McLaren Engines'' includes a supercharged V8 engine packaged with a six-speed manual transmission -- a first in the LS sedan.

``As one of the industry's foremost powertrain providers, our LS upgrade is not simply bolt-on brute and brawn -- but rather, the application of engineering elegance which is on par with the world's premium autobahn burners ... befitting the Lincoln brand,'' Rossi continued. ``Beyond the LS, our long- term vision is to apply our expertise across the full Lincoln portfolio,'' said Rossi.

The ``Powered by McLaren Engines'' Lincoln LSE includes an Eaton supercharger supplied by Magnuson, along with twin intercoolers incorporated in a completely redesigned McLaren Performance inlet system. McLaren Performance Technologies also created its own, unique bellhousing arrangement to mate a Tremec six-speed manual transmission to the Lincoln 3.9-liter V8 engine. McLaren Performance Technologies cooperated with Trilogy International of Dearborn, Michigan for computer aided design and engineering services (CAD-CAE) in the creation of the powertrain package.

A re-calibrated suspension system lowers the ``Powered by McLaren Engines'' Lincoln LSE approximately 1-inch, front and rear. Braking has been upgraded by a special StopTech four-piston caliper package front and rear, with aggressively enlarged brake discs as well.

An innovative, patented lip 18`` x 8'' performance wheel design is also featured on the ``Powered by McLaren Engines'' Lincoln that, for the first time, allows the owner to simply remove and replace the outer bright trim ring -- as opposed to the entire wheel -- in the event of curb damage. Created and supplied by O-Z, this is the industry's first alloy performance wheel with ``curb appeal.'' The patented O-Z wheels are performance matched to Michelin Pilot Sport 245/45 x 18`` tires.

ASC-designed and provided body and interior appointments round out the fast flavor of the ``Powered by McLaren Engines'' Lincoln LS -- including a perforated performance grille, Xenon-gas discharge headlamps, custom tail lights, titanium trim package and McLaren Performance ``Speedy Kiwi'' logos as appropriate on the head restraints, floor mats, etc.

The McLaren Engines-enhanced Lincoln LS may be supplemented with its award-winning Gerodisc(TM) limited-slip differential technology, which is both torque and speed sensitive. The patented McLaren Performance traction device provides a smooth and continuous flow of traction, even under the most demanding conditions. In addition to creating unparalleled power, with Gerodisc(TM), McLaren Performance Technologies also has the unique capability to also apply it to the ground.

Breathing through a performance inlet system, followed by a low restriction dual exhaust, projected performance figures are on the order of 6.2 seconds, 0-to-60 mph.

McLaren Performance Technologies has been helping the automotive world to achieve its engineering goals and to satisfy its complex technical challenges for more than three decades. Founded as the original engine development company for Bruce McLaren Motor Racing, McLaren Engines fueled multiple Can-Am championships and Indy 500 wins. With a proven track record rooted in a strong tradition of competitive spirit, McLaren Performance Technologies continues to thrive in the fast lane as a premium powertrain and related components provider.