The Ten Best Concepts of the Decade #8: Lincoln MKR

December 9, 2009 by Madison · 1 Comment
Filed under: Ford 

At the time, the MKR was something completely apart from the mainstream Lincoln.  The concept was revealed to the auto media at the start of ‘07, at a time when the Lincoln brand was rusted out.

Instead of going the uncomfortable front-drive/V-8 route, rear-drive was brought back–with a twist.  A twin-turbo direct-injected 3.5 L V-6 powered the concept, putting out 415 hp and mated to 6-spd. automatic.  The fascia was endowed was a bold grill and narrow headlamps, giving an aggressive look unseen before on a Lincoln

It’s still possible the MKR will be a reality–but its place has diminished.  Ford’s retooled the Lincoln brand, using more styling cues and inside ideas taken from the MKR.  Look at the 2010 MKZ?  It’s almost identical to the MKR.  That turbo-six?  Take a look at Ford’s award-winning EcoBoost engine.  The ‘Boost V-6 measures 3.5 L, puts out 355 hp, and achieves mid-twenties EPA.

It’s not MKR-caliber, but it’s more than we’ve gotten from Honda over that new NSX.

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Ford CEO Alan Mulally Named “Man of the Year”

November 11, 2009 by Madison · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Ford 

Automobile magazine has proclaimed Ford’s head-honcho as its 2010 “Man of the Year.”  In a piece written by Joe DeMatio, it was noted:

Mulally is living proof that a single, extraordinary leader with vision and determination really can make all the difference in an organization. In 2006, when Bill Ford, Jr., went shopping for someone to take over the role of Ford CEO, he was looking for not just a talented executive but for someone who had demonstrated the ability to reinvent and reimagine an entire corporate culture. Candidates were thin on the ground, but Mr. Ford found his man, the father of the Boeing 777 airliner, in the number-two chair at the aircraft manufacturer. Industry observers were shocked: never had someone with absolutely no car experience been appointed to such a high position.

But the gamble worked.  Mulally trimmed Ford’s overstretched empire by selling off the Land Rover, Jaguar, and Aston-Martin properties.  (Volvo is said to be set for a sale next year.)  This allowed the company to concentrate its manpower and materials on restoring the Ford and Lincoln brands.  Under his tenure, Ford has reduced its losses, excelled in industry safety, and been honored for its product reliability.

The vehicles themselves have made the jump nicely.  The Taurus is once again a respected sedan, the Fusion has shaken up the mid-size segment, and the EcoBoost engine has blended V-8 power with I-4 fuel economy.  The popular Euro Fiesta and Focus are also making their way to North American shores, likely to take back the compact category from Honda and Toyota.

Mulally’s refusal to take a federal bailout was seen as arrogant.  But he’s been able to live up to his modest defiance by gradually transforming Ford into a proud and effective American corporation.  Chrysler, anyone?

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