Revamped underpinnings and optional front side airbags highlighted the mid-2002 introduction of the 2003 Crown Victoria. Ford's rear-wheel-drive full-size sedan again shares its design with Mercury's Grand Marquis, which is similarly revised for '03--though Crown Vic has no counterpart to the new high-performance Mercury Marauder. These are among the few remaining body-on-frame automobiles, and the '03 versions have a redesigned frame and front suspension intended to improve ride and handling. Better handling also motivates the change from recirculating-ball steering to a speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion system. Dimensions are unaltered but styling gets minor tweaks, such as new headlamps. Crown Vic offers Standard, LX, and LX Sport models. Front side airbags are a first-time option available only on the LX and LX Sport. Standard and LX have a front bench seat; the LX Sport has buckets with a center console. Automatic transmission is standard. The sole engine is a 4.6-liter V8 with 224 hp in base form, 239 in the LX Sport or with the optional Handling and Performance Package. ABS is standard on all models for '03; traction control is optional. Also sharing this revamped design is the 2003 Lincoln Town Car.