by Carolyn Burke, Lincoln-Mercury Public Affairs
Photos by Brad Luse
Originally published in the 4th Quarter 1994 issue of Continental Comments (Issue # 200.)

Lincoln’s all new 1995 Continental offers modular V-8 power, programmable audio, steering and suspension systems, and the ability to redefine the phrase , “personal luxury car”—all at the touch of a button.”

The 1995 Lincoln Continental is like no other car in the world,” said Keith Magee, Ford vice president and general manager of Lincoln-Mercury Division. “Continental has the ability to suit the taste of any driver,” which makes it the only true personal luxury car on the road today.”

Magee said that the 1995 Continental distinguishes itself by offering Lincoln’s Memory Pro file System (MPS), an extensive 12-feature “driver personalization system.” MPS allows the driver to program their preferences for features such as steering assist, audio presets, and suspension firmness.

At the heart of the new Continental is the InTech® V-8 system, Lincoln’s first front-wheel-drive V-8, which includes the potent 32-valve, DOHC InTech® V-8 engine and a new nonsynchronous-shifting 4-speed automatic overdrive transaxle.

“Continental’s new Transverse mounted modular V-8 engine is an example of world c lass intelligent technology, hence the name “InTech® V-8,” said Magee. “The InTech® system is designed to achieve greater fuel efficiency than past V-8 engines while also offering 260 horsepower and lots of low-end torque for quick acceleration.”

Magee said the 1995 Lincoln Continental is quite a departure from the previous model.”

Less than three years ago, we knew exactly what the 1995 Continental had to be,” said Magee. “Customers said the next generation Continental had to have a V-8 engine, less road noise, vibration and harshness, a modern interior and a distinguishable exterior.”

Available features inside the 1995 Lincoln Continental include:

• Dual airbag supplemental restraint systems.
• Child seat safety tether.
• 3-point safety belts for three rear seat passengers.
• Virtual image instrument cluster.
• Electrochromic inside rearview mirror with compass.
• Electronic climate control with sunload sensor.
• Illuminated door, window and steering wheel switches.
• Multifunction full length center console with burled walnut accents.
• High level JBL audio system with antenna embedded in the rear window.
• Center console mounted six-disc CD player.
• Overhead console with garage door opener and microphone for the voice activated cellular phone.
• MicronAir® filtration system.
• Available 5- or 6-passenger configuration.
• Ergonomically designed front bucket seats.
• Five-temperature, heated front seats with four-way power lumbar supports.
• Rear seat air-conditioning/heating ducts.
• Lincoln umbrella and umbrella storage.

The standard six-way power driver’s seat also allows for easier entry and exit from Continental’s cockpit. When the key is removed from the ignition switch, the driver’s seat automatically slides back two inches.

For greater convenience and security, Lincoln Continental features delayed accessory power for additional usage of the audio system, lighting, and windows for up to 10 minutes after the ignition has been switched off. If the lamps are left on, the electronic battery-saver system prevents an accidental battery drain by automatically shutting the lamps off after 10 minutes.

Continental received only minor changes to its overall exterior dimensions, making it slightly longer and wider, with a wider front and rear tread than the previous Continental.  However, Continental’s new and improved body offer several standard and optional features that improve upon its predecessor:

• Cornering lamps.
• Outside rearview mirror tilt-down in ‘REVERSE’ position.
• Solar tinted glass.
• Heated, glare reducing electrochromic outside rearview mirrors.
• Triple seal doors to diminish noise from external environment.
• Rain channel built into doors.
• .32 coefficient of drag to increase fuel efficiency.
• Continuous interior airflow exit built into the rear bumper.

Lincoln’s DOHC InTech® V-8 engine has a camshaft profile with intake valves that close later, producing further gains in fuel economy. Continental also features an available engine-and-brake interactive all-speed traction control system.

With a 3.56:1 final drive ratio, Lincoln’s new transaxle employs non-synchronous design to create smoother shifting.

“Simply put, the Continental’s transaxle does not time the shifts,” said Magee. “A special clutchplate is added to automatically make the gears shift when the onboard computer asks for the next gear. The end result is that the transaxle does not have to time two clutches, allowing the driver of the Continental to experience seamless shifting.”

Magee added that due to the forces generated by the InTech® V-8, the 1995 Continental’s body system is designed with increased torsional rigidity, as well as stiffened doors and central body structure.

With MacPherson struts in front and short and long control arms in the rear, Continental’s suspension is designed to take only 10-15 milliseconds to react to the road and switch the shock absorber units from soft to firm ride control.

At the rear, a set of shock absorbers is positioned vertically and a second set is positioned horizontally. Called the “quadshock system ,” this system works to significantly reduce lift and dive movements.

Luxury road feel is maintained through the use of front and rear anti-roll bars, as well as hydraulic bushings in the rear control arms. In addition, the 1995 Continental rides on specially developed P225/60R16 Michelin all-season tires mounted to 16″ directional aluminum alloy wheels.

Lincoln Continental also offers long lasting platinum-tipped spark plugs for a 100,000 mile scheduled tune-up.

The 1995 Continental also offers the “Home Safe” feature. To prevent the chance of drivers being stranded, Home Safe allows the transaxle to function in second or third gears in case of an unlikely malfunction in the engine’s electronic
engine controls.

With the most extensive personalization features of any car in the world, Continental’s new Memory Profile System (MPS) offers two different drivers the ability to set their own preferences for:

• Variable assist steering effort.
• Ride firmness.
• Memory seat positions.
• Inside and outside mirror positions.
• Autolamp delay settings.
• Instrument lighting intensity.
• Radio station presets.

MPS also extends to the following features which may be turned on or off, depending on the drivers’ preferences:

• Door lock confirmation [chirp].
• Automatic express-down driver’s window.
• Automatic door locks.
• Automatic tilt-down outside rearview mirrors.
• Easy entry/exit seats.

The steering effort selector switch (low, medium and high) and ride firmness switch (plush, normal and firm) are located in the Continental’s instrument panel message center.

Once the selections are made, steering and ride settings, as well as the other personalization features, can be programmed by using the key fob or the driver can use the Driver 1 or Driver 2 buttons on the driver’s door panel.

“Team Continental has worked hard to find the things that make a driver’s experience more pleasurable,” said Magee. “To the point that luxury in the Lincoln Continental means more than a power moonroof or a leather-wrapped steering wheel, both of which Continental has.”

Even the Continental’s trunk offers convenience features of its own. A tiedown cord is attached to the trunk to secure the trunk lid when carrying oversize loads. Also available is a trunk mounted roll cart for luggage and groceries. The trunk-mounted cart is attached to the forward panel of the luggage compartment and has a helpful trigger release.