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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