New York Auto Show 2007

Ford Flex Crossover

Last year, crossovers surpassed traditional SUV sales for the first time, and they are trending toward annual crossover sales of 3 million units by the end of the decade. Such growth likely will make crossovers the first or second largest vehicle segment in the U.S.

“Flex is another example of Ford creating more of the products that our customers really want,” Fields said. “Ford intends to define crossover vehicles this decade just as we did SUVs in the 1990s.”

The Flex joins the Edge and Taurus X in Ford’s expanding crossover lineup. Ford’s success with crossover utility vehicles is substantial. In March alone, the company’s U.S. crossover sales were up more than 40 percent over last year – led by the success of the new Edge.

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“This crossover has been created for people who know it’s the journey – not the destination – that matters most,” Mays added. “Its upright, upscale design, versatility and clever touches allow Ford Flex to stand out in an increasingly crowded sea of crossovers.”

The Ford Flex brings to production the Ford Fairlane concept vehicle that turned heads at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

“Flex is following in the tire tracks, so to speak, of Ford vehicles like the Taurus, Explorer and Mustang. It’s the next iconic Ford,” said Peter Horbury, Ford’s executive director of Design for The Americas. “It shatters today’s image of people movers.”

Inside, Ford Flex delivers textures, features and functionality – including segment exclusives – that create an ideal atmosphere for discerning customers and their families.

“More than 90 percent of crossover customers make their vehicle purchases based in part on the overall quality of interiors,” said Kate Pearce, Flex marketing manager. “When they see the Flex’s exterior, they’ll be intrigued. When they see its interior, they’ll fall in love.”

Flex’s interior provides a level of craftsmanship inspired by fashion and furniture design, with modern materials and soft touch points.

Details include tweed-like fabric for the base-level Flex SE’s seats, with inserts in a miniature houndstooth. Meanwhile, the Flex SEL features a soft insert with a more pronounced grain on the seat bolsters, while the Flex Limited features unique diamond-pattern perforations on the leather seat inserts. Contrast stitching also is available on leather seats and the center console.

The Ford Flex’s chassis was designed to be capable, including more than 4,000 pounds of towing capacity, while still delivering the quiet, confident ride that crossover customers demand.

“A quiet ride is no longer a luxury,” said Gary Boes, Flex chief engineer. “It’s something that customers have come to expect from their vehicles and equate with quality. Flex has been engineered from the onset with reduced noise, vibration and harshness in mind.”

Engineering advancements include a new independent rear suspension system (IRS) with unique geometry that allows for better tuning to deliver a broad range of capabilities without compromising the interior package. Interior noise was minimized by using sound-deadening materials in the dash panel, headliner and under the carpeting.

In addition, a 6-millimeter thick windshield helps reduce wind and powertrain noise, while specially selected tires make road noise nearly unnoticeable.

Flex is powered by Ford’s award-winning 3.5-liter V-6 engine and is mated to a fuel-efficient 6-speed transmission. The powertrain is expected to deliver more than 260 horsepower, 245 lb.-ft. of torque and good fuel economy.

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