The Lincoln Town Car III (FN145), specifically the 4.6L i V8 (242 Hp) variant, represents the final generation of Lincoln’s long-running flagship sedan. Produced from 2006 to 2011, this iteration of the Town Car continued the tradition of providing a large, comfortable, and traditionally styled American luxury car. It was built on the Panther platform, a body-on-frame design shared with the Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis. This particular engine and transmission combination occupied a sweet spot in the lineup, offering a balance of power and refinement for buyers prioritizing a smooth driving experience over outright performance. It served as a mainstay for Lincoln, appealing to a demographic valuing spaciousness, a quiet ride, and a classic American aesthetic.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Lincoln |
| Model | Town Car |
| Generation | Town Car III (FN145) |
| Type (Engine) | 4.6 i V8 L (242 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2006 |
| End of production | 2011 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.9 l/100 km (16.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 9.4 l/100 km (25 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 177 km/h (109.98 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 242 Hp @ 4900 rpm |
| Torque | 389 Nm @ 4100 rpm (286.91 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | Modular / C46RSEM |
| Engine displacement | 4601 cm3 (280.77 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 90.2 mm (3.55 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90 mm (3.54 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.7 l (6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 17.6 l (18.6 US qt | 15.49 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2065 kg (4552.55 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2510 kg (5533.6 lbs.) |
| Max load | 445 kg (981.06 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 585 l (20.66 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 72 l (19.02 US gal | 15.84 UK gal) |
| Length | 5623 mm (221.38 in.) |
| Width | 1987 mm (78.23 in.) |
| Height | 1501 mm (59.09 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3143 mm (123.74 in.) |
| Front track | 1610 mm (63.39 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1673 mm (65.87 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/60 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Town Car variant is the 4.6-liter Modular V8 engine, specifically the C46RSEM code. This engine, a staple of Ford’s lineup for many years, is a three-valve-per-cylinder design, enhancing both power and efficiency compared to earlier two-valve versions. It utilizes multi-port fuel injection, delivering fuel directly to each intake port for precise control. The engine’s architecture is a 90-degree V-configuration, contributing to its smooth operation. Paired with this engine is a four-speed automatic transmission, a robust and reliable unit designed for comfortable cruising. This transmission features electronic control, optimizing shift points for both fuel economy and responsiveness. The 4R75E transmission was known for its durability, but it wasn’t the most technologically advanced automatic available at the time, lacking features like manual shift modes found in some competitors.
Driving Characteristics
The 4.6L V8 with the four-speed automatic delivers a driving experience focused on comfort and effortless cruising. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes around 9 seconds, which is adequate but not particularly sporty. The engine provides ample torque for merging onto highways and passing maneuvers, but it doesn’t offer the brisk acceleration of some of its competitors with smaller, turbocharged engines. The automatic transmission is tuned for smooth shifts, prioritizing a relaxed driving experience over aggressive gear changes. The gear ratios are optimized for highway cruising, keeping engine speeds low at higher speeds. Compared to the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor version of the same engine, this Town Car variant prioritizes refinement and comfort over outright performance. The manual transmission options, available in other Panther platform vehicles, offered a more engaging driving experience but were less popular with Town Car buyers.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 4.6L V8 automatic Town Car typically came standard with a generous array of features. These included leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a premium sound system. Standard safety features included ABS brakes, traction control, and multiple airbags. Optional extras included a rear-seat entertainment system, heated and cooled front seats, and a navigation system. The Town Car offered several trim levels, with the 4.6L automatic often found in the base and mid-range trims. These trims focused on providing a comfortable and well-equipped experience without the added cost of the highest-end luxury features.
Chassis & Braking
The Town Car’s chassis is based on the body-on-frame Panther platform, providing a solid and stable ride. The suspension utilizes coil springs all around, tuned for a comfortable and isolated ride quality. The front suspension features independent control arms, while the rear suspension employs a solid axle with coil springs. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. ABS is standard, providing enhanced braking control in emergency situations. The relatively heavy weight of the Town Car necessitates a robust braking system, and the discs provide adequate stopping power for most driving conditions.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Lincoln Town Car, and specifically the 4.6L V8 automatic variant, was generally well-received by critics for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and traditional American luxury. However, it was often criticized for its dated design and relatively low fuel economy compared to newer, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Compared to other trims in the lineup, the 4.6L automatic offered a good balance of power and value. The smaller V6 engine offered better fuel economy but lacked the effortless power of the V8. The higher-output V8 options provided more performance but came at a higher price point. In terms of reliability, the 4.6L engine and 4R75E transmission were generally considered to be very reliable, although routine maintenance was essential.
Legacy
The Lincoln Town Car III 4.6L V8 automatic has become a popular choice among collectors and enthusiasts seeking a classic American luxury car. The powertrain is known for its durability and relatively low maintenance costs. While fuel economy is not its strong suit, the Town Car offers a unique driving experience that appeals to those who appreciate traditional American automotive engineering. In the used car market, well-maintained examples of this variant can command reasonable prices, reflecting their enduring appeal and reputation for reliability. The Town Car represents a final chapter in the history of large, body-on-frame American sedans, and the 4.6L V8 automatic variant remains a particularly desirable example of this iconic vehicle.
