One QUICK little crossover!!!

Well, I was very surprized while getting onto the highway today. In front of me was a boxlike crossover that looked like a Scion Xb, but it had a Ford blue oval on the back of it. I couldn't see the model, because that emblem was covered by one of those magnetic dealer plates. It did also have a "limited" badge on it, but the thing that caught my attention was the dual exhaust. Well, I was behind him on the onramp, and when he hit the freeway he was GONE!!!! I couldn't believe how quick this little boxy crossover took off. So, when I got home I had to do some research. Turns out, it's the new Ford Flex. They are available with the 355HP Ecoboost engine (same as the Taurus SHO). They are also available with a 6 speed paddle shifted transmission, AWD and electric power steering. So, these things get the Ecoboost, and paddle shifting, but the Mustang doesn't???? And the 5.0 doesn't get direct injection???? I'm not complaining about 412 HP in stock form from the new 5.0, and I'm sure that direct injection may be something that Ford is holding up their sleeves for possible use on the 5.0, since the new head castings are made to be able to accept it. But it surprizes me that innovations that would be very welcome and right at home in a Mustang are being used in some of these other "anti muscle" cars. Even the Raptor will get a 6.2L Boss engine, something that Mustang owners have been begging for for ever.

A Flex Limited with the Ecoboost would be a really fun car to drive, but it has a $37,000 starting price, and the Ecoboost and paddle shifters are options over and above that Limited package :eek:
 
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Flappy paddle gearbox doesn't belong in a musclecar and I for one am glad Ford knows that. It's just an automatic on the steering wheel anyway. Now direct injection, yes please. Also expect to see a supercharger on the 5.0 in 2012 and something huge in 2014 for the 50th anniversity.
 
Hey, those Flex crossovers are nice. I don't like crossovers and I hated the Flex at first. Then I looked at one. They are pretty sweet. I didn't know they offered the 355hp Ecoboost, as I've never seen one on a lot with that set up. Sweet. Too bad I just bought a new famiy vehicle!
 
Ford has always been re-active instead of pro-active in the horsepower wars... let's face it, the return of the 5.0 and the 412HP ONLY came about when the Bowtie guys upped the ante with their 426HP V8 Camaro...yes, Ford sat around on their laurels and kept feeding their Mustang lovers with a 300HP, then a 315HP GT muscle car...I do feel bad for the '10 GTs now that their soon to be little brother V6 2011 will almost be able to take them out on the drag-strip...Ford should have come out with 412 5.0Liter three years ago. Thanks Chevy for waking up Ford!
 
I dad had a flex for about a year right after they came out. I still dont like the styling and appearance of it but I gave it a chance and drove it a lot. It drives like a minivan really. The Edge, also being a "cross over" is a much better buy I think. The Edge handles snow like an SUV but handles and feels pretty close to a sports car where the flex didnt so well in inclimate weather and drove like a van...

both are nice vehicles for the right people of course.
 
The Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT are both available with the 3.5L EcoBoost™ churning out 355hp. The car magazine tests show them both capable of low 14 second 1/4 miles. Not too shabby for a 7-passenger station wagon! If you've never driven one, you've gotta know that they're very luxurious, ride nicely, and with such good power & handling they feel a lot smaller than they really are.

Don't like wagons? No problem, get the Taurus SHO or Lincoln MKS with the 3.5L EcoBoost™. High 13 second 1/4 mile times from a nice 5 passenger luxury sedan.