Last year's Mark VIII was redesigned with new quarter panels, front and rear fascias, a lightweight aluminum hood, an enlarged grille, and modified exhaust tips. The Mark's trademark tire hump, which is a tradition that dates back to the days when tires were bolted on to the rear bumper, was redesigned for a more understated look.The Mark VIII is differentiated by its chrome trim, including the grille, bodyside moldings, and headlamp and taillamp surrounds. Body-colored trim distinguishes the LSC and gives it a more sporting persona. The wraparound headlamps are enormous--the largest in the industry--and they throw off a cool beam of light that's wider and reaches out farther than standard halogen beams. We've all become accustomed to seeing relatively yellow headlamps, and the light given off by the high density discharge headlamps is so white that it appears blue. Objects and reflective signs show up sooner in the driver's field of vision, while curbs, ditches and other roadside hazards are better illuminated. While safety is enhanced by improving the driver's visibility, Lincoln takes it a step further by providing better signals to drivers following along behind. The rear neon taillamps present a unique three-dimensional effect that's stylish and high-tech. A single 48-inch wide neon tube stretches across the back of the car and wraps around the rear fenders. The tube itself is covered by body molding, but it casts the light downward onto a reflective surface, and then projects it out through a clear acrylic lens. According to Lincoln, the rear brake lights illuminate one-fifth of a second faster than standard incandescent bulbs. At 60 mph, drivers following along could theoretically reduce their stopping distance by an average of 17 feet, which could translate into fewer or less severe rear-end collisions. More signals come from the outside mirrors. Whenever the turn signals are used, red LED lights on the mirrors blink in synchronization. These turn signals are plainly visible to vehicles trailing along behind or riding along in blind spots. They are invisible from inside the Mark VIII cabin, however, so they don't distract the driver. The outside rear-view mirrors are also fitted with puddle lamps that illuminate the ground below whenever the door is unlocked with the keyless remote, which makes it easier to step inside the car on dark and stormy nights.
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