Lincoln launched the Mark VIII after the 1993 season began, to replace the aging Mark VII. Rear-wheel drive was retained, but a new V-8 engine was installed along with standard driver- and passenger-side air bags. While the basic platform is shared with the Ford Thunderbird and Mercury Cougar, the Mark VIII body is longer by about eight inches. When compared to the Mark VII, the Mark VIII rides on a 4.5-inch longer wheelbase and is 4.1 inches longer overall. From door to door, the car is 3.7 inches wider. Despite the more generous dimensions, the Mark VIII is actually 30 pounds lighter, thanks to a lighter powertrain. Under the hood of the new Mark VIII sits the new twin-cam version of the all-aluminum 4.6-liter V-8 first introduced in the 1991 Town Car. When unveiled in 1993, the engine developed a healthy 280 horsepower at 5000 rpm, considerably more than the 225 horsepower of the previous all-iron 5.0-liter V-8. The only available transmission is a revised 4-speed automatic with electronic shift control. While acceleration is outstanding, it comes at a price--the need for premium unleaded. Handling features include an all-independent electronically-controlled air-spring suspension, anti-lock brakes, and speed-sensitive power steering. The new powertrain gives the Mark VIII acceleration and agility not provided by the previous Mark VII. A sweeping two-tier dashboard is convenient and unique, but it makes the cockpit seem smaller...

Changes for 1994 include the addition of wood trim to the center console, plus a remote keyless entry that recalls the settings for both the power driver's seat and the power outside mirrors. Lincoln added softer leather seats for '94 and optional chrome-plated wheels in place of the standard aluminum wheels.

Among the additions to the 1995 Mark VIII are a redesigned instrument panel, complete with a new stereo. The stereo now has larger buttons that should prove easier to use, and the climate and audio systems have been more fully integrated into the walnut dashboard trim. In addition to a new center console, most of the interior switches have been color-keyed for easier recognition. Also new is a delayed accessory power feature that allows the accessories to operate for up to 10 minutes after the ignition has been turned off. However, opening the driver's door cancels the accessory power. Arriving in mid-year is the 290-horsepower LSC version, with a firmer suspension, new alloy wheels, perforated leather upholstery, a monochrome exterior, and the latest in headlamp technology high-intensity discharge lamps.

Highlighting the 1996 model year is a special Diamond Anniversary Edition model, created to celebrate the 75th year of the Lincoln brand. Similar anniversary versions of the Town Car and Continental appeared as well. For the 1996 Mark VII, several options have been lumped into a new Touring Package option. The new Touring Package consists of traction control, the JBL audio system, a trunk mounted CD changer, and electrochromatic automatic dimming mirrors. A folding rear center armrest is a new standard feature.

Slow sales of luxury sport coupes in general, and the Mark VIII in particular, resulted in a host of equipment and appearance changes for 1997. Just as strategic, perhaps, was the $2370 price reduction on the Mark VIII, which gave all three Lincoln cars a sticker price of $37,280. Bolder in appearance, the '97 model came with a more rounded "power dome" hood, with subtle character lines to highlight the larger, more aggressive chrome grille. (The "power dome" was also part of a rumored turbo package or 5.4 liter engine that never made it into the Mark VIII) The addition of high-intensity discharge headlamps with their distinctive blue light completed the changes to the front of the car. The rear had a revised full-width neon light bar, while the industry's first "puddle lamps" cast a glow on the ground from their position on the bottom edge of the sideview mirrors. Suspension changes included the addition of firmer shocks, larger stabilizer bars, and standard all-speed traction control. Inside, the Mark VIII added such standard features as a power tilt/telescopic steering column that automatically tilts up when the engine stops--allowing easier exit and entry--plus an anti-theft system with a coded ignition key. Other changes to the cabin included the addition of more contoured bucket seats a brighter gauge cluster, and repositioning of the ignition lock from the car's steering column to a more convenient position on the dashboard.

The new Mark VIII has distinctive-looking high-intensity discharge (HID) front headlights that produce 2.7 times more light than standard halogen bulbs and neon gas rear lighting that makes the car visible to vehicles following miles down the highway. Cornering lamps, which accompany the turn signal, illuminate dark turning points in the road while prominently signaling your intention. But the most creative lighting idea comes from "puddle lamps." Located on the side mirrors. These lights shoot a beam toward the ground along the side of the car when the doors are unlocked with the key fob. Click the fob as you approach the car and, viola! lights that startle unwelcome visitors as effectively as they welcome your arrival! Talk about an innovative safety feature! Lincoln says all the lights on the new Mark VIII are safety features. We would agree and even go on to say that the lights, along with unique styling lines, give this sport-luxury coupe a look that will remain contemporary well into the 21st century. Other state-of-the-art features include side mirrors that tilt down when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear and a power tilt/telescope steering column with memory. The driver-friendly controls are aimed toward the pilot, giving one an awesome cockpit feel. The rather high-tech appearing interior is softened with wood, leather and chrome touches.