Ford Flex
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Production: | since 2008 |
Class : | SUV |
Body versions : | station wagon |
Engines: | Gasoline: 3.5 liters |
Length: | 5131 mm |
Width: | 2032 mm |
Height: | 1727 mm |
Wheelbase : | 2995 mm |
The Ford Flex is an American SUV , it replaced the discontinued models Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey .
History
The Flex is a cross between a family van and an SUV . In 2006, Ford decided to discontinue production of the outdated Van models Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey, as sales and profit margins declined compared to Chrysler , Dodge, and automakers from Asia. The Flex is a car-oriented crossover vehicle designed to combine the possibilities of passenger transportation of a van with the transport capacity and traction of an SUV.
Its styling is based on the Ford Fairlane Concept shown at the 2005 North American International Auto Show . The model year 2009 Ford Flex was unveiled at the 2007 New York International Auto Show . The sale of the Flex began in the summer of 2008. The Flex is produced on the same "flexible" production line as its sister model Lincoln MKT , the Edge and the Lincoln MKX at Oakville, Ontario . The first production vehicle was delivered in early June 2008.
Outside
The Flex continues the Ford-style design with three horizontal chrome bars in the grille, already familiar from the Edge and the Taurus X. Window and roof pillars are clad in black plastic, and the roof is available in white, silver or body color (a retro aspect in the otherwise modern car, similar to the Mini ). The Flex features LED taillights and a "capless" tank system that eliminates the need for a standard fuel cap, which provides better sealing, especially against outgassing. The standard wheels have a diameter of 18 inches; 19- and 20-inch wheels are available on request.
Inside
The Ford Flex offers either six or seven seats and has adjustable as well as removable footrests for the rear passengers. The second and third rows of seats are to be folded so variable that results in a flat cargo space area. The car is the only one in its class to offer a small fridge in the center console of the second row of seats. A voice-controlled communication and entertainment system, called Ford Sync , combines the functions of mobile phone, satellite radio, CD, DVD and other media and the navigation system and was developed together with Microsoft . The car interior can be lit in seven different colors; There is also a multi-part sunroof similar to the Ford Edge,
On request, there is a rear view camera directly above the rear bumper, which allows the driver to detect obstacles immediately behind the vehicle on an 8 "navigation screen as soon as reverse gear is engaged. The Flex has AdvanceTrac traction control with rollover control that helps the rider to stay in control of the vehicle on rough terrain and in emergency maneuvers. On request, four-wheel drive is available.
Drive and Engine
The 3.5-liter V6 engine of the Flex delivers 262 bhp (195 kW) of power and a torque of 336 Nm. It is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. At a later date, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine with 365 bhp (272 kW) was introduced, which is available exclusively with four-wheel drive. The trailer load is 2040 kg. The four-wheel drive can distribute as needed 100% of the drive power on the front axle or rear axle.
The Flex has independent rear suspension (IRS). It is built on the same Ford D4 platform as the Taurus .
