The Lincoln LS (Luxury Sport) is a mid-size, rear-wheel drive luxury car. It shares the Ford DEW98 platform with the Jaguar S-Type and Ford Thunderbird. This is the first Lincoln in decades to offer a manual transmission. With a powerful V8 engine, rear-wheel drive and a weight distribution of almost 50/50 (the battery is located in the rear trunk to better balance the weight balance of the front and rear.) The LS is an attractive alternative to European and Japanese sports sedans. In 2003, the LS was significantly improved, with the engines receiving a variable valve control system with electronic accelerator throttle control. The exterior has received minor changes - front xenon headlights, replaced boot lid with new tail lights, electronic button-operated parking brake, touch-screen DVD satellite navigation system. However, Ford has announced that production of the LS will be suspended in 2006 and replaced by the Lincoln MKS.