Used Car 2011

FoMoCo kept its word on the official… unveiling date of the Lincoln MKR concept that’ll make its public debut at the Detroit Show. But enough with the nagging lets go straight to the point. While it’s more than uncertain whether it’ll wriggle its way into production, the MKR expresses Lincoln’s future design strategy and premieres a new engine family called “TwinForce”.

Starting off with its design, Lincoln’s 4door-coupe concept showcases the visual elements that will influence a new generation of Lincoln products. According to Peter Horbury, executive director, Design, The Americas, there are seven key exterior cues, which will define modern Lincolns so take a few minutes to check them out:

Clean, uncluttered surfaces
Powerful, dynamic beltline
Chamfered surface running parallel to the beltline
Distinctive Lincoln bow-wave, double-wing grille opening
Thin, horizontal taillamps that run from one side to the other
Significant C-pillar smoothly transitioning into the cantilevered roof, and
Powerful cantrail/roofrail

Interior-wise, the MKR is simple but elegant looking. Lincoln says that they used environmentally friendly amenities but knowing Horbury’s past work at Volvo, we’d call your attention on the design of the centre console.

Last but not least the MKR’s powerplant. Dubbed TwinForce, it will power production versions of a range of future Ford and Lincoln products. TwinForce uses direct injection technology and turbocharging. Sound familiar? Of course it does, just think VW Group and its TFSI motors.

Specifically, the MKR receives a 3.5 V6 turbocharged engine that delivers 415 Hp and 400 pound-feet of torque. The MKR’s engine also is flex fuel capable, providing the driver with the flexibility to switch back and forth between gasoline and E-85 ethanol. The engine is mated to a 6speed transmission.

Lincoln MKR Concept Specifications

Powertrain
3.5-liter V-6 TwinForce engine
Chassis lengths
Overall length .......................195.7 in.
Wheelbase .............................112.9 in.
Overall width ..........................75.4 in.
Overall height at curb ..............52.7 in.
Track width
Front .......................................63.7 in.
Rear ........................................63.8 in.
Brakes
Brembo power 4-wheel disc with ABS and traction control Suspension
Front ............ MacPherson Struts and rear-facing L-shaped lower control arm and stabilizer bar
Rear .............Independent Rear Suspension
Luggage capacity ..............13.0 cu. ft.