Ford Bars Flex Crossover Details
The current New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) has hosted the presentation of different vehicles. In addition to concept vehicles, the event is also a place to showcase present and future production cars. Ford Motor Company has tapped into the nation’s largest auto show by introducing the 2009 Ford Flex crossover sport utility vehicle.
The Flex is the first crossover vehicle to offer seating for up to seven people. The full-size crossover SUV will be part of Ford’s formidable lineup in the summer of 2008, when the Flex begins appearing in US showrooms.
Mark Fields, Ford president of the Americas, had this to say during the vehicle’s introduction at the New York Auto Show: “The new Ford Flex crossover is a game changer. It is the first vehicle of its kind to combine seating for seven interior spaciousness and striking features with an eye-catching design that looks great on the road and in the home of today’s modern American families.The Flex builds on Ford’s leadership in crossover vehicles, which is the automotive market’s most fastest growing today.
A crossover vehicle is essentially a large vehicle built around the platform of a small car. The arrival of the crossover is mainly due to the increase in gasoline prices. The public, fearing a further rise in gas prices, has turned its back on gas-guzzling SUVs. While there are car buyers satisfied with small cars, there are a large number of motorists who want the versatility of large vehicles like SUVs in their vehicles.
To address that demand, automakers began developing vehicles with the versatility of a large car and the fuel economy of a small car. Last year, the crossover market overtook the SUV market for the first time, showing a strong bias among car buyers toward crossovers. This has led automakers to increase their lineup of crossover vehicles just as Ford has done with the Ford Flex.
The Ford Flex is characterized by bold styling that, of course, is common to most of Ford’s large vehicles. Amenities include an interior refrigerator, second-row footrests, in-car communications and an entertainment system called Ford Sync(TM). The entertainment system features a 2,300-song personal jukebox. The lighting inside the vehicle can be programmed to suit the needs or wishes of the passengers. The Flex offers adequate space with its seven seats.
Ford has not only addressed the Flex’s exterior and interior styling, but has also integrated both active and passive safety features. Consumers have the option of a rear backup camera that assists drivers when backing up. This feature is useful when parking in a tight parking space. Aside from that, the Flex is also equipped with front and side seat-mounted airbags. Its safety features also include AdvanceTrac® technology with RSC or Roll Stability Control®.
The anti-lock braking system is also a standard feature and can be further enhanced with the use of EBC brake pads. These features are a big plus for buyers, as the Ford Flex is geared toward families, and those in that group are looking for cars loaded with safety features.
The Flex’s power comes from an award-winning 3.5-liter V6 capable of producing 260 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed transmission. The engine and gearbox combination allows the Flex to have respectable fuel economy for its size.