Not too long ago, the idea of a luxury brand like Lincoln producing a pickup truck would have seemed unimaginable. However, in today’s ever-evolving market for versatile vehicles, where luxury cars embrace SUV-like features and big sport-utility vehicles take on the guise of luxury cars, anything is possible. Enter the remarkable Lincoln Blackwood pickup truck, a testament to the changing landscape of the automotive industry. The question now is, do Americans truly need or desire a lavish truck like this?
Blending Luxury and Versatility
For those who hold steadfast to the classic notion of a pickup truck, where hard work and play are intertwined, the 2002 Lincoln Blackwood may seem like blasphemy. However, for the growing population of upscale suburban buyers, the Blackwood’s unique blend of luxurious sedan features and robust truck capabilities is undeniably appealing.
Unlike traditional pickups, the Blackwood deviates from the norm in many ways. It shares its platform with the Lincoln Navigator sport-utility vehicle and the Ford SuperCrew, boasting a smooth and comfortable 138.5-inch wheelbase and an impressive 220.2-inch overall length. Compared to the Navigator, the Blackwood offers an additional 19.5 inches of wheelbase and 15.4 inches in length, although it is slightly narrower.
Stylish and Elegant Design
The Blackwood’s design perfectly embodies the marriage between the Navigator and the Ford SuperCrew crew cab. Adorned with luxurious Lincoln touches, such as a prominent chrome-trimmed grille, integrated turn signals on the side mirrors, Chris Craft-style faux wood applique on the exterior bed panels, a polished aluminum fuel filler door, and massive 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in wider 275/55 Michelin tires, the Blackwood exudes opulence.
Perhaps the most impressive feature is the solid, power-operated tonneau cover, which elegantly conceals the 56.3-inch long carpeted and stainless steel-lined cargo space. Instead of a conventional tailgate, the cargo area is accessed through dutch doors. It’s important to note that the cargo trunk is not intended for heavy-duty hauling, but it can easily accommodate four Fabrizio Paini golf bags or provide 26.5 cubic feet of storage space. LED light strips along the floor illuminate the trunk, allowing you to easily locate your belongings even at night.
A Cabin Fit for Royalty
Inside the Blackwood’s spacious cabin, four full-size adults can enjoy the same level of comfort as the Navigator, Lincoln’s flagship SUV. The luxurious black Connely leather-trimmed 6-way power adjustable bucket seats provide exceptional support and are equipped with a standard climate control system that circulates hot or cold air through perforated cushions. With power-adjustable pedals, even drivers with a compact physique can find their ideal seating position in this full-size truck.
Dark oak wood trim adorns the interior, providing a touch of elegance. The Blackwood offers an optional satellite-based navigation system, the only available upgrade, which utilizes data CDs to provide detailed street-level directions. The 7-speaker Alpine stereo system includes a cassette deck and a 6-disc CD changer, while the fully automatic climate controls ensure a comfortable environment. Conveniently located satellite switches on the steering wheel allow easy adjustment of audio, ventilation, and cruise control settings.
The rear cabin is equally lavish, providing ample legroom for adult passengers. Rear seat occupants have their own stereo and ventilation controls, as well as a spacious center console that offers plenty of storage space.
Powerful Performance and Capability
Under the hood, the Blackwood boasts the same 5.4-liter, twin-cam, 32-valve V8 engine found in the Navigator. This robust powerplant generates an impressive 300 horsepower and 355 pound-feet of torque, allowing the Blackwood to handle substantial towing tasks with its 8700-pound towing capacity. The engine is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, and while four-wheel drive is not available, the Blackwood does feature a standard limited-slip differential.
Acceleration is smooth and refined, more akin to a luxury sedan than a truck. It reaches 60 mph in just 9.2 seconds and covers the quarter-mile in 17 seconds at 83 mph. While the Blackwood does display some body roll due to its weight and size, its handling remains surprisingly sure-footed, even with 7.9 inches of ground clearance. Additionally, the Blackwood’s suspension, which combines short-and-long-arm suspension in the front with a combination of leaf and air springs in the rear, ensures a comfortable ride. The use of micro-cellular urethane body mounts further reduces noise and vibration.
However, it is important to note that the Blackwood’s ride comfort comes at the expense of fuel efficiency. It achieves an EPA estimated fuel economy of 17 mpg in the city and 12 mpg on the highway. In our mixed driving tests, we averaged a mere 14 mpg.
Pricing and Availability
With a base price of $52,500, the Blackwood oozes luxury and exclusivity. The only available option is the satellite-based navigation system, bringing the total price of our test vehicle to $54,236. Additionally, there are 50 limited edition Blackwoods exclusively sold through Neiman Marcus, priced at $58,000, with all units already spoken for.
Lincoln has set an ambitious sales target of 10,000 Blackwoods for the year, and based on its exceptional features and desirability, we believe they will achieve this goal with ease.
FAQs
What sets the Blackwood apart from other luxury trucks?
The Blackwood stands out with its unique blend of luxurious sedan features and robust truck capabilities. It offers a spacious and opulent cabin, elegant design touches, and impressive towing capacity, setting it apart from other luxury trucks on the market.
Is the Blackwood available in four-wheel drive?
No, the Blackwood is only available in rear-wheel drive with a standard limited-slip differential.
What is the fuel economy of the Blackwood?
The Blackwood achieves an EPA estimated fuel economy of 17 mpg in the city and 12 mpg on the highway.
Conclusion
The 2002 Lincoln Blackwood is a testament to the ever-evolving automotive industry, where luxury and versatility converge. While traditional pickup truck enthusiasts may question the need for a gilded truck like the Blackwood, its blend of opulence and capability appeals to a growing market of upscale suburban buyers. With its lavish features, smooth ride, and unmistakable Lincoln styling, the Blackwood is sure to turn heads and set new standards in the world of luxury trucks.