Nimble Beast

SANTA BARBARA, CA — Invite journalists to test drive the new Navigator on narrow twisty roads in the hills of Southern California?

That usually wouldn't be the intuitive venue to show off the capabilities of a huge sport/utility vehicle that weighs almost 6,000 lbs. (2,720 kg) in full battle dress. But Ford Motor Co.'s Lincoln Mercury Div. is trying to make a point: Steering and suspension improvements make the new Navigator handle like a much-smaller, nimbler vehicle.

It works. When you drive the '02 and '03 models back-to-back, the difference is obvious: The new model negotiates a tight turn with aplomb, while at the same speed, last year's model heels over like a sailboat on a tight tack. Steering is noticeably improved, too, and feels sharp and car-like despite the truck's size and heft.

The '03 Navigator's new independent rear suspension (IRS) and rack-and-pinion steering are key factors in the way this big beast handles. Ford is hoping these sophisticated — and, um, expensive — technical features will help it stand out in the increasingly crowded fullsize luxury SUV segment. So far, the rest of the competition, mainly the Cadillac Escalade and Lexus LX470, still squat on solid rear axles, a vestige of their pickup-truck heritage.

With the new IRS, unsprung mass is reduced by 104 lbs. (47 kg) for 4-wheel-drive models and 100 lbs. (45 kg) on rear-drivers. Both front and rear suspensions use upper and lower control arms with spring-over-shock, load-leveling air springs and monotube dampers. Also, lower arms now are cast aluminum instead of stamped steel or cast iron, and aluminum is used for the steering knuckles.

IRS provides more than just handling benefits. Because it eliminates the big solid axle under the truck's rear end, engineers were able to lower the rear floorpan by more than 8 ins. (20 cm), providing more headroom for third-row seats and allowing them to fold flat into the floor.

But Lincoln isn't relying on a few technological features to win back the spotlight in a segment where understatement isn't appreciated. It invented the full-size luxury SUV segment in 1997 with the first-generation Navigator. It since has been pushed out of the limelight by the Lexus LX470 and the over-the-top Cadillac Escalade.

Lincoln's strategy to shoulder the others aside: “more of everything.” That includes a lavish interior that shares nothing with its downmarket siblings (Ford Expedition/F-150) and an orgy of power-assisted gadgets that deploy automatically or at the touch of a button. They include power folding side mirrors, a remote control rear liftgate and third-row seats (developed by Visteon Corp.) that electrically fold into the floor.

The real show stopper: retractable running boards that extend from under the truck when you open the door (thanks to Decoma International Inc.). The universal reaction: Wow.

Lincoln did make some evolutionary changes to the sheetmetal for '03, which improves its looks and stance, but the big change is inside. Instead of simply adding wood and nicer instrument clusters to a typical truck interior, Lincoln created a unique environment that uses lots of cues from its classic '61 Lincoln Continental, a design that has a powerful resonance with many Baby Boomers. The look is further enhanced with high-quality finishes and textures on all interior surfaces and the illumination of 120 strategically located white LEDs — especially stunning at night.

On the downside, when it comes to power and torque, Navigator can't match the Escalade. Navigator's 300 hp and 355 lb.-ft (481 Nm) of torque from its 5.4L DOHC V-8 is hardly wimpy, but Escalade's 345 hp and 380 lb.-ft. (515 Nm) of torque is noticeably stronger, especially in the low ranges where General Motors Corp.'s old-fashioned, pushrod engines offer more shove.

The lavish interior and numerous gadgets also come at a steep price. The new Navigator starts at $48,775, including a $770 destination charge, more than $3,400 over the '02 sticker. As usual, executives argue the higher price includes more standard features, such as side curtain airbags, a premium audio system and rear park assist, but a fully loaded version now commands $60,000, a price that should really test the new Navigator's entertainment value.