A new grille, wraparound headlights, and bulging fenders highlight a swept-back front end that renders the car more modern looking. Additionally, a new hood flows into a windshield that is more steeply raked than last year, thanks to a cowl-forward interior design which pushes the passenger compartment forward, closer to the carB s engine. Very cool-looking taillamps sit atop the corners of the ContinentalB s slightly longer trunk, giving the car a sophisticated stance when viewed from the rear. Interior changes to the 1998 Continental include a larger passenger space that is made possible thanks to the cowl-forward design previously mentioned. Also new is the use of birdB s-eye maple wood trim that runs the length of the ContinentalB s redesigned center console.
Rear passengers get a new folding center armrest that has two integrated cupholders.
Overall, we are pleased with the ContinentalB s new look. The exterior is a nice example of American solidity and European fluidity. We think that Lincoln could have saved some money on the car by laying off the chrome a bit, but that might make the Continental less of a Lincoln and more of a Ford. We take issue, however, with the ContinentalB s puffy front seats, which provide limited support and not too much comfort on long trips. This motor is hooked to a smooth 4-speed automatic transmission that upshifts and downshifts with nary a jolt.