Ford Flex already turns heads with its distinctive design. For 2010 Ford's unique full-size crossover becomes even more noteworthy, thanks to an available twin-turbocharged direct-injected 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine. This all-new engine gives Flex V-8 power and performance feel with the fuel economy of a standard V-6. EcoBoost serves as proof of Ford's ongoing commitment to advanced powertrain technology as a way to bring economical fuel efficiency to millions.

 

A Boost to Power and Efficiency
The twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 produces 355 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 350 ft.-lb. of torque at 3,500 rpm while still returning 16 mpg city/22 highway with standard AWD.

 

“We are committed to delivering fuel economy leadership in every new vehicle,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development. “The beauty of EcoBoost is that it enables us to downsize for fuel efficiency, yet boost for power. We’re able to decrease the size of the available engine – such as installing a V-6 versus a V-8 – yet boost the power using turbocharging to deliver similar power and torque of that larger engine.”

 

Pressurized direct injection enables a higher compression ratio, while twin turbochargers work in tandem to reduce lag associated with earlier turbocharged engines. Even with additional horsepower, fuel economy is optimized by an increased compression ratio – enabled by charge-cooling air – and sophisticated knock controls.

 

Standard equipment on Flex remains a 3.5-liter, 24-valve variation of the award-winning Duratec engine family. Delivering 262 hp at 6,250 rpm and 248 ft.-lb. of torque at 4,500 rpm, this engine has been tuned to provide brisk acceleration and smooth power delivery, plus an unsurpassed 20 mpg combined for Flex FWD.

 

All Flex models send power through a six-speed automatic gearbox. When powered by the EcoBoost V-6, Flex is equipped with a six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission. This advanced gearbox offers the driver a choice between fully automatic operation and manual control.

 

With SelectShift, paddle shifters are integrated into the steering wheel spokes. Intuitive to operate, a squeeze back on either paddle will deliver an upshift, while a gentle push forward on either paddle will induce a “matched-rev” downshift. Unlike other competitive transmissions, SelectShift won’t “second guess” the driver with an override shift; manual control is truly manually controlled.

 

All-wheel drive is optional on Flex SEL and Limited with the standard 3.5-liter V-6. The AWD option enhances the vehicle’s capability in a variety of weather conditions and is fully automatic, using an advanced array of internal electro-mechanical clutches to efficiently distribute torque between front and rear wheels as needed. AWD is standard in the Flex with EcoBoost.

 

Technology and Convenience Features
It's not just the class-leading room for seven and myriad interior storage options that have Flex owners raving. Flex is also packed with innovative, class-leading technology solutions that seek to empower, not overpower the driver.

 

Standard and available features include:
 

The Ford Flex features an advanced structural safety system that combines octagonal front frame rails, tunnel rails, and support members designed to absorb and redirect crash forces away from the passenger compartment.

 

Flex also uses Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement (SPACE) Architecture® to optimize side-impact occupant protection. The SPACE system integrates a hydroformed high strength steel tube embedded in the floor that runs the width of the vehicle from B-pillar to B-pillar and along the rocker panels to form a safety cage to help protect passengers in side impact incidents.

 

Also included is the Personal Safety System™, combining multiple technologies to tailor the air bag package and safety belt functions to each individual passenger and the particular accident circumstances. The system can identify variables, such as severity of the crash, weight of the individual passenger and safety belt usage to adjust air bag deployment force.

 

To help encourage safer teen driving, Flex features the MyKey™ system. Parents simply program the vehicle key through the message center to incorporate features such as:
 

Flex Safety Technologies
Standard and available 2010 Ford Flex safety features include:
 

Standard and available 2010 Ford Flex technology features include:
 

The 2010 Ford Flex is available in SE FWD and SEL and Limited trim with FWD and AWD. All Flex models are built at the Oakville Assembly Plant in Ontario.