Lincoln MKR

The Lincoln MKR concept featured an independent rear suspension, with MacPherson struts up front. The engine selected for the MKR concept introduced the new generation of Ford twin-turbocharged engines. The prototype TwinForce 3.5L twin-turbo, direct-injection gasoline V6 was also capable of running on E85 ethanol, producing up to 415-hp, and {{convert|400|lb·ft|N.m}} of torque.

The interior design included environmentally-friendly and renewable materials, such as cashmere leather, oak instrument panel engineered from recycled wood, mohair carpet, and seat cushion foam made from soy. The concept car also featured the THX II-certified car audio system.

The Lincoln MKR concept was introduced along with what became Lincoln's flagship sedan, the Lincoln MKS. The MKR represented a full expression of Lincoln's future design strategy, which included seven primary design features:{{cite web|url=http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/2018 |title=Straightline - Detroit Auto Show: Lincoln MKR Concept |access-date=2006-12-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070104143755/http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/2018 |archive-date=2007-01-04 }} Edmunds.com blog

• Clean and uncluttered body surfaces
• High beltlines
• Rear suicide doors are easy for passengers to access
• Chamfered surfaces which run parallel to the beltline
• Twin-port “bow-wave” double-wing front grille - inspired by the 1941 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet
• Thin horizontal headlights, and thin LED tailamps that run the width of the vehicle
• Thick C-pillar that smoothly transitions into the cantilevered roof
• Pronounced cantrail / roofrails

Special Projects Inc., located in Plymouth, Michigan, was hired to be responsible for the building of the MKR. Special Projects has built many other concept vehicles for Ford including the Ford 427, Ford Super Chief, Ford Flex, and Lincoln Blackwood.{{cite web|url=http://www.specproj.com/portfolio/index.html |title=Special Projects, Inc |access-date=2011-04-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212155443/http://www.specproj.com/portfolio/index.html |archive-date=2012-02-12 }} Special Projects portfolio

The Lincoln MKR did not enter production, but many of the concept's design themes and features were adopted for the production Lincoln MKS, MKZ, MKX, and MKT vehicles, starting with the 2009 model year MKS, 2010 for the MKZ and MKT, and 2011 for the MKX. The Lincoln C concept also shared design themes with the MKR, in a smaller compact platform. If the MKR had ever been approved, as an all new vehicle it would have likely been scheduled to launch around the 2011 time frame, most likely having been assembled at Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Flat Rock, Michigan alongside the Mustang, with which it would have shared a platform.

• Powertrain: 3.5-liter V-6 TwinForce engine - {{Convert|415|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} / {{convert|400|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}
• Chassis Dimensions:
• Overall length: {{convert|195.7|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}.
• Wheelbase: {{convert|112.9|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}.
• Overall width: {{convert|75.4|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}.
• Overall height at curb: {{convert|52.7|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}.
• Front track width: {{convert|63.7|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}.
• Rear track width: {{convert|63.8|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}.
• Brakes: Brembo power 4-wheel disc with ABS and traction control system
• Front Suspension: MacPherson struts with rear-facing L-shaped lower control arms and stabilizer bar
• Rear Suspension: Independent rear suspension
• Interior:
• Front headroom: {{convert|37.8|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}.
• Rear headroom: {{convert|36.9|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}.
• Front legroom: {{convert|42.7|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}.
• Rear legroom: {{convert|33.7|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}.
• Luggage capacity: {{convert|13.0|cuft|L|abbr=on}}

{{reflist}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110525171317/http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=25110 Ford Motor Company press release on the Lincoln MKR from Media.Ford.com]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110525171345/http://media.ford.com/images/special_events/mediamain_mkr.jpg Additional fair use candidate image from Ford press kit - Media.Ford.com]
• [http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2006/112_news061227_lincoln_mkr_concept Motor Trend description of Lincoln MKR]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070104143755/http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/2018 Lincoln MKR description from Edmunds.com]
• [http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070107/nysu009.html?.v=87 Ford Motor Company press release on the TwinForce concept engine family]

{{Lincoln Motor Company}}

Category:Cars introduced in 2007

Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles

Category:Mid-size cars

Category:Luxury vehicles

Category:Sports sedans

MKR