Ford Flex

Infobox Automobile
name = Ford Flex


manufacturer = Ford Motor Company
production = 2008–present
class = Full-size crossover SUV
body_style = 5-door SUV
engine = 3.5L 260+ hp Duratec V6
transmission = 6-speed automatic
layout = Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
platform = Ford D4 platform
related = Ford Taurus
Ford Taurus X
Mercury Sable
Lincoln MKS
Lincoln MKT
assembly = Oakville, Ontario, Canada Buffalo, New York
length = Auto in|202|1
wheelbase = Auto in|117.9|0
width = Auto in|80|1
height = Auto in|68|1
predecessor = Ford Freestar
Ford Taurus X
designer = Richard Gresens

The Ford Flex is a full-size "people-mover" crossover SUV built by Ford that replaces the discontinued Freestar minivan and the soon-to-be-discontinued Ford Taurus X crossover SUV. Its styling is based on the Ford Fairlane concept as introduced in the 2005 North American International Auto Show. The 2009 Flex made its debut at the 2007 New York International Auto Show [ cite web
authorlink = Auto123.com
title = The Ford Flex, a.k.a. Fairlane, to debut in New York
date = 2007-03-24
url = http://www.auto123.com/en/info/news/news,view.spy?artid=79129&pg=1
format =
doi =
accessdate = 2007-03-24 ] .Sales of the Flex began in summer of 2008 as a 2009 model. [ cite web
authorlink = Inside Line
title = 2007 New York Auto Show Preview: Production Version of Ford Fairlane To Be Christened "Flex"
date = March 26, 2007
url = http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=120123
format =
doi =
accessdate = 2007-03-26 ] [ [http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080620/LOCAL040206/806200444/1274/LOCAL06 Greenwood dealership sells first Ford Flex in the nation] .] The Flex is produced on the same assembly line as the Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers at the Oakville Assembly Plant in Oakville, Ontario, where the first Flex was driven off the line at the beginning of June, 2008. [ [http://fordflexforum.com/index.php?showtopic=85 Ford Flex Begins Production In Ontario, Canada - Ford Flex Forum ] ]

Features

Interior

The 2009 Ford Flex includes seven-passenger seating, including adjustable and removable footrests for second-row passengers. The second and third row seats fold flat into the floor. The vehicle includes a class-exclusive optional interior "mini-fridge" refrigerator in the middle console mounted between the second-row seats. A voice-activated communications and entertainment system, called Ford Sync, integrates the functions of cell phones, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, compact disc, DVD and other media players, navigation systems, and was developed in collaboration with Microsoft. The interior is lit with programmable "mood lighting" available in seven colors, along with a multi-panel Vista Roof, similar to that on the Ford Edge, for skylighting. The Navigation system has a built in hard drive for music and picture storage.

Exterior

The Flex continues Ford's signature chrome horizontal three-bar grille design, as seen on the Ford Edge and Ford Taurus X crossovers and the Ford Fusion and 2008 Taurus sedans. The windows and pillars appear blacked out, and the roof is available as either white, silver, or body-colored (a unique retro-cool styling touch on the otherwise modern exterior). The Flex has been compared with the Scion xB and the Mini Clubman [http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2008/09/2009-ford-flex.html?resultPageIndex=1&resultIndex=2&searchTerm=ford%20flex] . The Flex includes LED tail lamps & HID head lamps as an option (SEL & Limited models), and a "capless fueling" system, which does away with the traditional fueling door and cap, and provides better sealing to reduce evaporative emissions from the fuel tank. The standard wheels are 18-inch diameter, with 19-inch versions available. 20-inch diameter wheels are supposed to become available later in 2008 calendar year according to Ford brochures.

afety and security

An optional back-up camera, mounted just above the bumper, allows the driver to see obstructions behind the vehicle, displayed on the 8-inch navigation display screen, whenever reverse gear is engaged. The Flex comes with Ford's AdvanceTrac traction control system with roll stability control, which assists the driver with maintaining control on low traction surfaces and during emergency maneuvers. All-wheel-drive is available as an option. Ford is counting on this vehicle to sustain its place in the crossover SUV market.

Powertrain

The Flex's 3.5-liter V6 engine produces Convert|262|hp|kW|0|abbr=on and Auto ft.lbf|248|0 of torque, and is paired with the 6-speed 6F automatic transmission. A 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine will be introduced later in the model year with output close to 340 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque. Towing capacity is expected to be 4,500-pounds. The all-wheel drive system is capable of transferring up to 100% of torque to the front or rear axle as needed.

Chassis

The Flex includes an independent rear suspension system (IRS). It is built on an updated and enlarged version of the Ford D3 platform, which is also used for the current generation Taurus and Taurus X. [ [http://cargurus.com/Cars/Overview-c9110-2009-Flex.html 2009 Ford Flex Overview] ]

Marketing

As part of the 'electrifying the night' campaign, Ford partner with Esquire Magazine in the magazine's first E-ink issue. [ [http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2008/09/08/098985.html Ford Flex Partners With Esquire and E Ink to Present First-Ever Digital Magazine Cover] ]

References

External links

* [http://www.fordvehicles.com/flex/ Official Ford Flex website] at FordVehicles.com
* [http://www.fordflex.net/ Ford Flex Enthusiast website]
* [http://cargurus.com/Cars/v-2009-Flex-c9110_v11350 Ford Motor Company video introducing the all new Flex.]