Lincoln is said to be putting top priority on a new flagship sedan for 2009, possibly a bit earlier. Ford Motor Company planners have apparently scotched another makeover of the current Town Car's 1979-vintage "Panther" platform for a somewhat enlarged spinoff of the Volvo-based 2005 Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego sedans. Standard all-wheel drive is rumored, but the rest of the picture remains murky. Meantime, the current Town Car should cruise on with little basic change, though the 2006 reportedly gets a moderate restyle and possibly a 6-speed automatic transmission. The related Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis get their own '06 updates.

In other news, Lincoln is said to be mulling a sporty 2-seater or 2+2, suggested by the recent Ford Thunderbird-based Mark X concept convertible. But don't look for anything like this anytime soon. Lincoln needs stronger mainstream products yesterday, and Ford doesn't have the cash now to bankroll niche models with limited sales and profit potential.