Ford Flex

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Ford Flex

Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Production	2008–present
Assembly	Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Predecessor	Ford Freestar Ford Taurus X
Class	Full-size crossover
Body style(s)	5-door crossover
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
Platform	Ford D4 platform
Engine(s)	3.5L (213 CID) 262 hp (195 kW) Duratec V6
Transmission(s)	6-speed automatic
Wheelbase	117.9 in (299 cm)
Length	201.8 in (513 cm)
Width	80.1 in (203 cm)
Height	68 in (170 cm)
Related	Ford Taurus Ford Taurus X Mercury Sable Lincoln MKS Lincoln MKT
Designer	Richard Gresens

The Ford Flex is a full-size crossover manufactured by Ford. Its styling is based on the Ford Fairlane concept unveiled at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. The production vehicle made its debut at the 2007 New York International Auto Show.^[1] Sales of the Flex began in summer of 2008 as a 2009 model.^[2][3] 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.^[4] It replaces the Ford Freestar minivan and therefore is the first crossover to feature both minivan and SUV properties delivered by Ford. The Flex is only sold in the United States, Canada and in the Middle East.

Contents 1 Features 1.1 Interior 1.2 Exterior 1.3 Safety and security 1.4 Powertrain 1.5 Chassis 2 Marketing 3 References 4 External links

[edit] Features

[edit] 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.^[5]

[edit] Exterior

The Flex continues Ford's signature chrome horizontal three-bar grille design, as seen on the Edge, Taurus X, Fusion, and 2008 Taurus. The windows and pillars appear blacked out, and the roof is available as either white, silver, or body-colored. The SEL and Limited models offer LED tail lamps and BiXenon headlamps, and a "capless" fueling system without the traditional fuel door and cap, which provides better sealing to reduce evaporative emissions from the fuel tank.^{[citation needed]} The standard wheels are 18-inch (460 mm) diameter, with 19-inch (480 mm) versions available. 20-inch diameter wheels will become available later in 2008 calendar year, according to Ford brochures.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Safety 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 (200 mm) navigation display screen, whenever reverse gear is engaged. The Flex comes with Ford's AdvanceTrac traction control system with roll stability control which helps the driver maintain control on low traction surfaces and during emergency maneuvers. All-wheel-drive is available as an option.

[edit] Powertrain

The Flex's 3.5L (213 CID) V6 engine produces 262 hp (195 kW) and 248 lb·ft (336 N·m), and is paired with the 6-speed 6F automatic transmission. A Direct Injected 3.5L (213 CID) EcoBoost V6 engine is available for the 2010 model.^[6] The turbo engine produces 355 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. AWD is required with the EcoBoost engine option. Towing capacity is 4,500 lb (2,000 kg). The all-wheel drive system is capable of transferring up to 100% of torque to the front or rear axle as needed.

[edit] Chassis

The Flex includes an independent rear suspension system. It is built on an updated and enlarged version of the Ford D3 platform, which is also used for the current generation Taurus and 2008 Taurus X.^[7]

[edit] Marketing

As part of the 'electrifying the night' campaign, Ford partnered with Esquire Magazine in the magazine's first issue with a cover using E Ink technology.^[8]

A midsize crossover named the Kuga, which is very similar to the Ford Edge but borrows some elements from the Flex, was developed for the European market.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] References

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Ford Flex

• Official Ford Flex website at FordVehicles.com
• Ford Motor Company video introducing the all new Flex.

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v • d • e Ford Motor Company light truck timeline, United States and Canada, 1980s–present
Type	1980s										1990s										2000s										2010s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0
Mid-size Crossover																												Edge
Full-size Crossover																														Flex
																										Freestyle			Taurus X
Compact SUV					Bronco II																	Escape							Escape
Mid-size SUV												Explorer				Explorer							Explorer				Explorer
Full-size SUV	Bronco																	Expedition						Expedition				Expedition
																					Excursion							Expedition EL/Max
Compact pickup	Courier			Ranger						Ranger				Ranger					Ranger
Mid-size Pickup																						Explorer Sport Trac						Explorer Sport Trac
Full-size pickup	F-Series							F-Series					F-Series					F-Series							F-Series					F-Series
																				Super Duty						Super Duty			Super Duty
Minivan							Aerostar																								Transit Connect
																Windstar									Freestar
Van	Econoline												Econoline/E-Series