2007 Detroit Auto Show: Lincoln MKR Concept

As unflattering as we found the Ford Interceptor, we’re nearly gaga for Lincoln’s concept, the MKR. This sleek four-door coupe — think Mercedes-Benz CLS — is elegant with some menace thrown in for good measure. Like the Ford Interceptor, it’s based on the Ford Mustang platform but with an independent rear suspension to make the ride more comfortable. It also features a completely unique engine we hope will make its way into production. A 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 called the “Twin Force” pumps out 415 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque and runs on E85. While we don’t care about its ethanol leanings, the Turbo V-6 is a thing of beauty.

After gushing over the powertrain, we’re left staring at the design which features a glass roof — complete with a Lincoln emblem incorporated for structural support — although it doesn’t look too stable to us. The rear is simple and understated while looking futuristic. There really isn’t much wrong with the design except perhaps the headlights, which seem too small compared to the oversized grille.

This early look at one of the premiere concept cars from Detroit has definitely roused our interest and we’ll bring you more when it rolls out on the show floor next week. More images are below.

Comments

I feel I should mention that E85 is a very high octane fuel and a forced induction engine can output much more power burning E85 than it can burning gasoline. 415 hp on E85 may translate to something like 350 hp on gas (that's a wild guess).

Is it safe to assume that the MKR and Interceptor share the same fate? Either both are put into production or neither one is produced. I think they should build them both: with some design tweaking of course.

Look's like a Zephyr just got plastic surgery done... by Carrot Top and Rosie O'Donnell.

The car's crap. Ton's of horsepower but guaranteed to have no handling whatsoever.

this is a great concept but i think that engine might but to costly to mass produce

BMW has a twin turbo in the new 335i starting around $40,000. I don't see why ford can't build a twin turbo for a similar price although I'd still think this would be mid to high 40s to 50s. But if it looks like this it could still sell at that point.
As for the hp the BMW puts out 300 hp. I could see them getting to 400 but I'd think 350 would be more realistic.
The Interceptor I don't think will be made for a few reasons but a RWD ford sedan will come...eventually.
Lincoln desperately needs something hot and this could be it. Where that puts the upcoming MKS I don't know.

To the author:

piqued: stimulated our interest; focused; as in: "The rich chocolate aroma wafting from the door of the shop piqued our interest, so we decided to step inside."

peaked : achieved the highest; as in: "I finally peaked the mountaintop on my run."

peeked: took a small look; as in: "I peeked inside the window."

thanks tom.
We edit every post but with the onslaught of car show season and holiday embargoes it is much easier for something to slip through.

Shrink the grille, make the headlamps larger, leave everything else alone--and build it! This could be the car that saves Lincoln from oblivion!

Car looks good, agree with smaller grill and slightly larger headlamps.

I dont know about all the discrimination on handling though, independant rear suspensions are in BMW and Mercedes and both handle well. If Lincoln pulls this off it could be a saving grace.

Stunning design, now Lincoln-Ford put some good engineering into the handling/powertrain and this is a huge winner

this car is the best one lincoin sence the 69 post kennedy one i love it

From the front it looks like a '67, '68 Delta 88 to me.

hi, just wondering, how much this ford, lincoln mustang mkr 2007ccosts.

It would be nice to see a real Lincoln again, like the Mark 3, 4 & 5 back when Lincoln dominated with style and Luxury.

Shrink the grille, make it sexy not retro! Like they use to be!

Really. I love the grill! Maybe just cause I'm 31 y.o. and you guys are older? The Big grill draws me in. Kinda says drive away from the center line line when I'm coming from the other direction. If anything integrate the wheel wells/ front fenders better, and make the lights look set a bit deeper. Currently the top pic of the maroon MKR looks a little to disjointed.

This is a car Lincoln needs to build. The look is awesome. I have had Lincolns in the past and
they are amongst the most comfortable cars I have ever owned. I think American cars have had
a bad rap in the past. Please do it soon.

shrink grill, but keep headlights the same. the profile looks like something that chrysler would make. the interrior is horrible (unless it comes in other colors like black) but the digital technology is astonishing, just like how all other lincolns are.

This is one of those cars like the XB where either you hate it or you love it. because of this, i don't think that it would be wise of Lincoln to put this car into production.

If they build this thing, I will buy it.

BEAUTIFUL