Lincoln MKR

MKR in brief

MKR — a four-door sedan concept that Lincoln unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 2007. It was meant to be a manifesto, showing the direction the company was heading.

The car stands out with its long, sloping roof and large, upright grille design, which became one of the most recognizable Lincoln features of that era.

History and creation

The MKR was created as a design touchstone for the entire Lincoln lineup. It incorporated ideas such as the wide, wave-like grille shape inspired by the 1941 Lincoln Continental, thin LED taillights, and a high beltline.

The car was never intended for sale, but its design elements were widely used in later Lincoln models.

Technology

According to the unveiling details, the concept was based on the Ford D2C platform, with a 3.5-litre V6 engine featuring twin turbochargers, capable of running on E85 ethanol fuel. Approximately 415 horsepower was indicated.

Such technology showed not just a design direction, but also an engine direction: smaller displacement engines with turbochargers, focused on efficiency.

Significance and where to see it

The MKR's design cues would be seen in later production models — the 2009 MKS, 2010 MKZ and MKT, 2011 MKX. This is one of the clearest illustrations of the concept car's influence on production.

The car itself was shown at the Detroit show and other exhibitions; it was not sold.

The concept car's legacy in production models

The MKR does not have its own trims; we present models where its influence is evident.

The MKR and production Lincoln models

MKR — not a car for sale, but a design direction statement; its influence is best seen in the MKS and MKZ.

Frequently asked questions