titan

Detroit Auto Show: Lincoln MKR Concept

When the Lincoln MKR concept is unwrapped at the Detroit Auto Show on January 7th, it will foretell the future look and powertrain of Lincoln.


No, the 21-inch chrome wheels will not make it to production. Neither will the four-door, four-seat concept’s center console, which is constructed from recycled wood and looks, unfortunately and (we presume) unintentionally like a bowling-ball ball return. Forget about the MKR's glass roof that’s supported by structural elements that form the shape of the Lincoln star logo.

Strip off all of that show-car filigree, however, and what you have is the future of Ford's historic but troubled luxury brand.

New Design Language
After a couple of decades lost in the proverbial design woods and several missteps, Lincoln now has defined seven exterior design cues or characteristics that define the look of Lincoln. According to Peter Horbury, Ford’s head of design for the Americas, Lincoln designers will choose from these seven defining Lincoln characteristics to create a family resemblance among the brand’s vehicles. Sometimes, designers will use three of the magic seven elements. Sometimes they will use five. Or more. Or less. The 415-horepower, rear-drive Lincoln MKR show car uses all seven of ‘em.

They are: 1. Clean and uncluttered body surfaces; 2. a powerful, dynamic beltline; 3. a chamfered surface running parallel to the beltline; 4. a twin-port “bow-wave” front grille inspired by the 1941 Continental Cabriolet; 5. thin, horizontal headlamps; 6. a substantial C-pillar that smoothly transitions into the roof; and 7. a pronounced roofrail.

That’s a lot of styling for a sedan that’s only about an inch longer than the departed Lincoln LS sedan, yet the MKR looks remarkably neat and tidy. And the chopped roof (the MKR is about four inches lower than an LS) gives the rear-driver a decidedly sporty appearance. Wheelbase measures 112.9-inches.

Sophisticated and Modern
"The Lincoln MKR Concept is sophisticated and modern, resembling an athlete - extremely strong and fit but looks elegant in a tuxedo," said Horbury. "This concept is the ultimate expression of elegant simplicity consistent with the world's best Lincolns, and this new design language will lead us forward in the growing premium segment."

In other words, Peter thinks his new car looks pretty cool. And he's right. Notice the lack of door handles, instead a button concealed in the chrome door trim springs open front-hinged "winged" doors, which Ford says are slightly inclined for additional sophistication and a touch of drama.

Once inside you're greeted with what Lincoln calls "cool, soothing Ice Blue lighting" which illuminates the gauges. Soothing? We figure it's there to take your mind off the cashmere covered soy-foam based seats and Mohair carpets?

Twin-Turbo V6
The powertrain is unexpectedly sporty too. It’s a twin-turbo version of Ford’s recently introduced 3.5-liter V-6 with direct-injection. Ford claims the MKR’s motor makes 415 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque and runs on E85 ethanol. A production version of this motor, called the TwinForce, will make it to production, but the double-throwdown chrome treatment it has received for auto show duty will not. Lincoln even went so far as to carry some of the sedan's cranberry red metallic paint under the hood.

A fully independent suspension, with MacPherson Struts up front, and Brembo 4-wheel disc brakes also jump off the MKR's spec sheet. Other interesting bits include 13 cubic feet of trunk space and 36.9-inches of rear head room, which are similar specs to the Mercedes-Benz CLS550.

See More in 2008
Lincoln’s next rear-wheel drive flagship sedan, which the company has said will be out in 2008, will borrow heavily from the MKR. The TwinForce engine and six-speed automatic transmission are sure to make production, but so will much of the MKR's silhouette and athletic proportions.



http://blogs.edmunds.com/.ee96b0c

titan

Absolutely awesome, and just what Lincoln needs. The 415HP twin turbo 3.5 is what's really interesting, seeing as how Lincoln was also supposedly developing an exclusive 3.7L V6 for the brand. The design cues are a good idea, and overall The concept's very nice. If Lincoln doesn't tone down concepts such as this, I can easily see a Lincoln resurgence.

titan

A lifted this page from a guy on the straightline blog. As he said, this is a good direction to take from Lincoln's own past, design wise. The 1941 Continental is a good place to draw inspiration. It's obvious thats where the grill came from.

http://www.hubcapcafe.com/ocs/pages01/linc4101.htm

U8INIT

This would look good in a coupe form too...

agranado

3.5L TT v6 sounds excellent.

But from ford / Lincoln? Highly unexpected, but greatly anticipated.

biker

Will we hear complaints: it needs a V8 or it can't compete?

Some of those seven elements sound pretty dubious: WTF is a powerful, dynamic beltline - sounds like Bangle speak.

Sounds/looks very promising - if they pull it off the Caddy may actually have some competition.

Wait a minute - this is supposed to be the flagship, yet it's the size of the LS?

What is this aimed at - CTS, STS or DTS?

charliemike

I think BMW is proving two small turbos = FTW

No need for a V8 if they get 415/415 out of it off E85

biker

Some people wouldn't think so if it was in an RL.

Maximized

This is what America needs and Ford can do it. Lincoln just needs to build refinement into the vehicle and they have a winner. I would have never thought of Lincoln using a Twin Turbo V6. Great move! Lincoln used to build some great cars until Ford forgot about the brand.

GreenMonster

People said that Lincoln was gonna take on BMW with the intro of the LS...

Hopefully Lincoln can get it right this time with a RWD luxury sport vehicle.

Infamous425

but not all car companies can pull that off. bmw has that sporty image so it works for them. lincoln, not so sporty and the people who buy them probably wouldnt bother to maintain turbos correctly

charliemike

This is true.

biker

That's why Ford has to make it "Lincoln owner proof"

aesir11

You're really expecting Ford to make something bulletproof reliable???

biker

One can hope, right?

Everyone has issues with 1st year models, but the turbos are unlikely to be the issue in this car - drive trains rarely are. It's all the electronics and other stuff that comes back to bite makers in the a$$.

Python2121

I think what Ford needs is a trip to the Nürburgring, seemed to work for the C6 vette...

Yumcha

More pics...

[img]http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-2007/2007-Lincoln-MKR-Concept-Engine-1024x768.jpg[img]

Yumcha

titan

Wow, that tire track with the Lincoln logo is sick.

biker

Nice engine bay.

Moog-Type-S

Hawt!!!

phile

Looks much better from the side and rear.