Lincoln
Mercury's 2002 Blackwood took center court at the US Open Tennis Tournament
in Flushing Meadow, New York as John McEnroe introduced the production
version of this much anticipated luxury pickup truck.
The
Blackwood is a hybrid cross between the Ford F-150 SuperCrew and Lincoln
Navigator SUV expected to bow in showrooms during the first half of 2001.
Accommodating
up to four adult passengers in the leather and wood lined interior, the
Blackwood, "erases the lines between luxury cars, SUVs and pickup
trucks" according to Jim Rogers, Lincoln Mercury general marketing
manager. "Probably the best word to describe the Blackwood is fun
- fun to drive and fun to be seen driving."
As
reported earlier by PUTC, the African Wenge wood found on the original
show vehicle's box has been replaced by a composite substitute for better
manageability. Lincoln is using a special photo laminate process to duplicate
the original wood texture and transfer it accurately onto the side paneling,
each of which is defined by a brushed metallic stripe.
The
Blackwood's bed is trimmed with brushed stainless steel and accented with
LED light strips. Dutch-style rear doors replace a traditional tailgate
and bear the Blackwood's name in chrome letters. A power-operated hard
tonneau cover opens at the touch of a button from either the dashboard
or key fob. Storage bins are built into the interior sides, and additional
open bins are built into each Dutch door.
Sophisticated
electronics match the Blackwood's upscale make and materials. An obstacle-detecting
Reverse Sensing System, consisting of four ultrasonic sensors embedded
in the rear bumper, is activated when reverse gear is selected to help
guide the driver during tight parking maneuvers. An overhead console offers
an electronic display including a compass, distance to empty and average
fuel economy readings. The Homelink System™, located on the driver's sun
visor, controls up to three remote-control devices, such as garage door
openers. Controls on the console operate the power moon roof and the power
tonneau cover. A console-integrated satellite-based navigation system
is optional.
The
Blackwood is powered by a 5.4-liter, 32-valve dual overhead cam V-8 engine
producing 300 horsepower and 355 foot-pounds of torque. The engine is
rated for 100,000 miles before the first tune-up and also features a fail-safe
engine safeguard designed to minimize engine damage in the event of a
catastrophic coolant loss, such as might arise from a punctured radiator.
