In 2007, Team MRT embarked on a journey that is seldom done. Feeling a bit over zealous and excited, they decided to build 2 SEMA vehicles for Ford – the Hot Rod Lincoln and the Leading Edge. Both follow classic MRT engineering style with a project build that is deliberate, integrates multiple aftermarket accessories and delivered with precision fit and function.

Hot Rod Lincoln

When you’re creating a vehicle to be displayed at the SEMA show the bigger, the better so your SEMA build stands out from the crowd. As a bold move, Team MRT took a modern MKZ and customized it with suicide doors to deliver more flair. Suicide doors are rear hinged doors that were fairly common on many vehicles in the 1930s and were designed to make it easier to exit or enter the car. Reversing the door hinge and packaging the hardware in a modern vehicle is an engineering feat that MRT delivered on Hand’s down!

Of course, when you think Lincoln, you think luxury performance. True to this DNA, MRT added turbos to the 3.5L V6 engine with customized calibration for a sport, performance hear me now Hot Rod Lincoln tune. The turbo sounds amazing when paired with a street race axle back that amplifies the whistle every time you step on (or off) the gas pedal and makes the 2007 Lincoln MKZ sound like a vintage Hot Rod Lincoln.

Styling changes abound in this MRT SEMA build with customized wheels, performance suspension and bigger brakes delivering the Lincoln luxury ride. Interior trim accents, audio equipment, fabricated gauges, seats and window tint. MRT kicked up the elegance of the Lincoln styling with 2-tone paint, exterior ground effects and paint protection. MRT’s Lincoln MKZ SEMA build is sure to challenge any Cadillac that comes in its path and we promise, once this SEMA build gets started you can’t stop drivin’ that Hot….Rod….Lincoln!

Leading Edge

The Ford Edge was Ford’s first generation mid-size CUV introduced in 2007 and when MRT was awarded a SEMA project vehicle for this all new crossover the aftermarket modifications were just emerging. Team MRT’s goal with this project was to build the first American SUV to out perform and out stage the Porsche Cayenne at a fraction of the price. So they defined a one-of-a-kind Bullitt themed package and delivered the MRT Leading Edge to the 2008 SEMA show as a affordable performance SUV that excelled in the fun factor and was prominently displayed in the Ford SEMA booth.

To create a performance crossover, this 2008 Ford Edge 3.5L V6 engine was transformed with added turbo chargers, air-to-air intercooler and a T304 stainless steel exhaust handcrafted by MRT. This build didn’t stop with powertrain upgrades, other SEMA modifications included calibration tuning, chassis mods, exterior and interior styling changes so this SUV had performance power, stance, handling and sytle. With these performance upgrades, the MRT Edge was a force to be reckoned with on the road.

Using Team MRT’s background in Ford Mustang Customization and knowledge of the 2001 Mustang Bullitt, this Edge inherited a Bullitt theme that was evident in the Bullitt Green “like” exterior Sherwin Williams paint finish, customized hood, black chrome exterior trim accents, lowered stance, 22″ unique wheels, special interior badging and sport Sparco Modena Racing seats.

The MRT Leading Edge is all about: affordable performance, style and fun – for the entire family!