What is it? The Lincoln MKR concept offers a hint, or perhaps more than a hint, at what Lincoln's next flagship sedan will look like when it's launched, possibly for 2009. The exterior styling of this rear-wheel-drive sedan makes a much cleaner and stronger styling statement than other recent Lincolns have. There's a huge V-shaped front grille and a raised styling crease, known as a chamfer line, that runs fore and aft along the body sides. These styling cues may spread to future Lincolns.
The interior has a long center console that effectively erects a barrier between the two rear seats; it is doubtful that this feature will outlive the concept version. The MKR, and presumably also the production car, has a wheelbase of 113 inches, like that of the Ford Five Hundred. Under the hood is a twin-turbo version of Ford's widely used 3.5-liter V6, said to be good for 415 horsepower in this case. The transmission is a six-speed automatic. As with past models, expect the name to change several times during the race to production.
What is new or notable: The troubled Lincoln division may have found a new look.
