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 gasolineV6 was also capable of running on E85ethanol, producing up to 415-hp, and 400 pound force-feet (540 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:[2]
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.
