NEW TITANIUM SERIES ADDS STANDOUT APPEARANCE AND PERFORMANCE OPTION TO FORD FLEX CROSSOVER
Customers continue to embrace the Ford Flex for its head-turning style, segment-first technology, capability and performance. For 2009, Flex sales were up 73 percent year over year, the conquest rate is up seven points, and more than 40 awards have been collected since its debut in 2008.
New for 2011 is Flex Titanium, which differentiates the three-row full-size crossover even further with unique styling cues and content. Several new dynamic exterior colors are available, and the popular EcoBoost option returns as well.
Technology and capability in a stylish package
The 2011 Ford Flex combines segment-first features and class-exclusive technology and capability wrapped in a distinctive design. Pushing the design even further is the all-new Flex Titanium trim series, which features several distinctive styling cues.
The Titanium series builds off the content of the high series Flex Limited with distinctive beltline molding, grille (black chrome finish), roof (black), mirror skull caps (black), liftgate (black chrome) and fog lamp bezels. Additionally, 20-inch five-spoke painted luster nickel wheels are standard on Flex Titanium.
Both Flex Limited and Flex Titanium include the available Convenience Package, ranked second only to SYNC® as the most popular option selected by Flex customers. Included in the Convenience Package are adjustable pedals with memory, memory driver’s seat, power heated mirrors and a 110-volt inverter along with the power liftgate.
Introduced in 2009, the available 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 offers power comparable to a normally aspirated V-8 engine with the fuel economy of a V-6 with its unique twin-turbocharged, direct-injection strategy. Flex with EcoBoost is available on the SEL, Limited and Titanium series. The EcoBoost engine is mated to 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 some 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, Limited and Titanium 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 electromechanical clutches to efficiently distribute torque between front and rear wheels as needed. AWD is standard on Flex with EcoBoost.
Standard on Flex is a 3.5-liter, 24-valve variation of the award-winning Duratec® engine family. Delivering 262 horsepower 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 24 mpg highway for Flex FWD. All Flex models send power through a six-speed automatic gearbox.
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 also is packed with innovative, class-leading technology solutions that seek to empower, not overpower the driver.
Standard and available features include:
Active and passive safety innovations
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 SPACE (Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement) 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 airbag package and seat 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 seat belt usage to adjust airbag 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 2011 Ford Flex safety features include:
Ford Flex technology and connectivity features
Standard and available 2011 Ford Flex technology features also include:
The Ford Flex is built at Ford’s Oakville Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada.