Spies Catch 2009 Ford Flex exterior and interior

Call it D471, call it Fairlane, call it Flex ... just don't call it late for cocktail hour. We caught this monotone Ford Flex hiding in plain sight near a suburban Detroit watering hole, in its all-refrigerator-white glory. Ford unveiled the production Flex at the New York Auto Show in April in two-tone, root beer with a white top. The biggest difference, besides paint color, is that this loaded white Flex has production 19-inch wheels in place of the oversize wheels on the concept.

The Flex is expected to come to market early next year with a 260-plus horsepower 3.5-liter twin-cam V-6 and six-speed automatic. This white example has backup sensors on the rear bumper, perforated leather seats with 60/40 split third row and probably the optional cooled center console and fridge/freezer compartment.

While the Flex is aimed squarely at the Saturn Outlook and coming Chevrolet version of GM's Lambda platform, D472, a Lincoln version of the Flex, will tackle the new Buick Enclave. Ford's Flex is expected by next summer - although this uncovered version, with only a big, red fuel shutoff button on the dash to distinguish it from production - looks ready now. Lincoln's D472 (MKF?) will follow the Flex, probably with an autumn '08 intro.
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Bmw8ter - 7/28/2007 1:20:51 AM

+1 Boost

It looks like it'll be a big seller, but honestly, I'm done with this FWD and "for safety only, not performance" AWD hype. Introduce a new RWD or 4WD car already.

EnnNorak - 7/28/2007 12:55:53 PM

+2 Boost

The only FWD cars I ever had were 3 Audis in the eighties I recently returned to Audi but leased an A6 Quattro this time (my first AWD). I did not like the fact that CV-joint boots are a maintenance issue on FWD cars. Audi's AWD with the Torsen center differential is unstoppable in the worst of winter storms. I'm totally sold on AWD but watch out as most cars have real cheap inferior AWD systems. Even Audi has a cheap AWD system for the A3 but still calls it Quattro. You can bet your boots that if a car manufacturer fails to fully disclose the technical details on its AWD system, it is not worth getting. Back in the fifties and sixties I used to always order LSD for my RWD vehicles and I plan to go back to that configuration. The 2008 Cadillac CTS will be available with RWD and LSD. The Lexus IS 350 Sport is another vehicle one could consider but the CTS is my choice. A RWD car with LSD is good enough for most winter applications and then you don't have to have your vehicle in AWD all the time. BorgWarner's new ITM3e AWD coupling should be available on some vehicles soon but I don't know which ones -- it can handle considerable torque and is probaly very reliable.

Bmw8ter - 7/28/2007 3:44:02 PM

+1 Boost

I couldn't stand owning my 1997 Mazda 626 few years back. I was replacing a cv boot every few months.

I went to owning a Ford Mustang v6 with literally no options, and haven't had an issue yet, and it's battled through the snow storms in Rochester, NY with no LSD, and no problems; but I think my next car is going to have to have an LSD.

I was under the impression that all "A" models used the Haldex, and that the "S" and "RS" used the Torsen Differential. I managed to find what little info there is about the Audi differentials, and you're right; only the A3 and TT use the Haldex.

I test drove a CTS-V, and compared to the IS350 I tested, it practically blew the IS350 away. I would really like to save up to get one, but I have to buy a truck for towing, as my wife and I move so much, I'm tired of paying for rental trucks. I thought about getting a Touareg V10 TDI because I plan on doing the majority of travelling up north; I still think they're ugly as piss, but I don't much care for driving oversized diesel trucks; I still want to be able to go offroad.

mercuryguy - 1/14/2008 8:33:59 PM

+1 Boost

I have driven RWD cars in Buffalo New York since the Eighties, with out any problems since I am among the few people who take the time to put top-of the line snow tires on the back, and only the back. Even my old Ford Aerostar went through the snow ok, the secret is in the tires, not technology. The best way to go about this is to buy 2 Extra matching factory rims, and mount them with snow tires, then you can slap them on in 10 mins in October. This system has saved me tons of money over the years, and the confidence of interstate driving in the worst of winter conditions.

All my RWD cars gave me well over 100K miles of reliable service. Every FWD car I have ever owned, was riddle with problems, from leaky seals at 8k miles, to expensive service, to premature tread wear. FWD vehicles are a way for the automakers to reduce their costs, by selling the customer junk. I an even remember my father’s FWD car in the 70s being a problematic car., but that is a consumer market for you, where we purchase based solely on glitzy commercials or rebates.