More powerful engines, newly available features, revised styling, and additional sound-deadening measures updated Lincoln's near-luxury sedan for 2003. The LS sedan shared its platform with the British-built Jaguar S-Type, but differed in styling and equipment. Jaguar was a Ford subsidiary. The Ford V6 engine added 12 horsepower for 2003, while the Jaguar-designed V8 gained 28 horsepower. Both engines came with a five-speed automatic transmission. The manual transmission, formerly offered with the V6 engine, was dropped. Front side airbags, antilock four-wheel disc brakes, and traction control were standard. An antiskid system was optional. Later in the year came optional curtain side airbags. Other new options included cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a navigation system, and xenon high-intensity headlights. Power-adjustable pedals and one-touch power front windows were newly standard. Ford claimed that noise levels were reduced, due to more effective sound insulation. Styling changes included a new grille surround and front fascia, new taillights and rear decklid, and restyled wheels. Interior appointments also were updated. Lincoln's LS competed against the Acura TL, BMW 3-Series, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35, and Lexus ES 300/330.