2009 Ford Flex Overview

Friday, March 21st, 2008

PROVOCATIVE FORD FLEX DARES TO BE DIFFERENT

Now it’s safe to add daring and intriguing to your list of adjectives describing Ford vehicles – the new Flex is here.

Flex is a vehicle that dares to be different. Its contemporary design provokes strong opinions. Its new technologies are intelligent and engaging. All in all, Ford Flex is like no other vehicle on the road today, and that may mean it’s not for everyone.

“Flex is provocative, no doubt about it,” said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president, Marketing and Communications. “The Flex is like nothing else on the road, and it defies being categorized. I have a feeling that Flex is going to appeal to a group of customers who feel absolutely the same way about themselves.”

Ford is not predicting sales or trying to define a profile for the Flex target buyer but is confident that this “white space” vehicle’s distinctiveness will have strong allure. Marketing efforts will focus on the fascination of a stylish vehicle that communicates more intrigue than definition.

Flexing its Character

From its planted stance and broad shoulders – flanked by signature side grooves – to its all-black greenhouse and distinctive multi-panel Vista Roof, Ford designers have created a provocative vehicle.

In a world of automobiles that are easy to categorize, Flex is difficult to define and polarizing. Embracing that enigmatic nature was the key breakthrough in the design process, according to Peter Horbury, executive director, Design, The Americas.

“Flex is a radical departure,” Horbury says. “At first we were uncomfortable with the way Flex could polarize, but its ability to compel an opinion, good or bad, was fascinating. It inspired us forward with courage to create a breakthrough design.”

Flex’s prominent stance is a key design element setting it apart from all other vehicles. Park Ford Flex next to an SUV or a typical crossover. The proportions are immediately surprising.

Capping the horizontal design cues in bold contrast is the unique roof of the new Ford Flex. Available in two colors, White Suede or Brilliant Silver, the roof contrasts stylishly with the Flex exterior paint palette.

“The all-black greenhouse allowed us to do the complementing color roof,” said Flex Designer Rich Gressens. “If we had body colored pillars and clear glass, it would have been difficult to do, but it all ties in together.”

The Flex’s multi-panel Vista Roof adds even more distinction.

Available on Flex SEL and Flex Limited models as an option, the Vista Roof has four glass panels to provide abundant natural light to occupants of all three rows of passengers. The forward panel is a moonroof that opens to let in fresh air.

Style, Luxury and Space for Individuality

The exterior design of the Flex creates interest, but it’s the surprising space and comfort for seven, the elegant, upscale style and clever flexibility of the interior that will magnetically keep people in the new Flex.

“We wanted the interior to be a place of contemporary, relaxed style – somewhere you could feel very comfortable, yet involved and connected,” said Anthony Prozzi, chief interior designer.

“The interior presents an environment that is radically different,” he added. “You’ll notice the improvement in materials, the appointments and the general appearance of the car. Even the way you interact with the car will be different because of all the new technology we’re introducing.”

Smart Features for the Demanding Lifestyle

Flex is packed with innovative, class-leading technology solutions that seek to empower, not overpower the driver.

* Ford SYNC™, a Ford-exclusive, voice-activated, hands-free, in-vehicle communications and entertainment system offers even more functionality for the 2009 model year, with 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Reports.
* SIRIUS Travel Link that when combined with voice activated navigation will provide users with a suite of data services including real-time traffic, coast-to-coast weather conditions and fuel price information for over 120,000 gas stations.
* Voice-activated navigation that integrates several functions, including destination entry, climate control and SIRIUS satellite radio into one easy-to-use system with information displayed on a 8-inch touch-screen display.
* Sony audio system that features 700 watts of power, 5.1 surround sound and 10 speakers is certified by Sony to deliver a unique, rich listening experience.
* EasyFuel™ capless fuel filler. This exclusive feature saves time by replacing a fuel-filler cap and provides a better seal, reducing the release of smog-forming vapors.
* Class-exclusive refrigerated console. Mounted between the second-row captain’s chairs, the available compressor-driven refrigerator can cool up to seven 12-ounce cans, four half-liter bottles or two 20-ounce bottles from room temperature to 41 degrees in a little more than two-and-a-half hours – 40 percent faster than a standard home refrigerator.
* Ambient Lighting. Flex owners can program any of seven different interior lighting colors to fit their mood. With this feature, customers can change the lighting on two light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on the front console, footwells and around the two front cupholders.
* Reverse camera system. Available as an option, this system displays the area behind the vehicle on the navigation system screen when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. The camera is mounted in the bottom of Flex’s liftgate badge.

Flex is powered by Ford’s award-winning 3.5-liter V-6 engine delivering 262 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm, mated to a fuel-efficient, advanced 6-speed automatic transmission that uses a wide 6.04:1 gear ratio to deliver good fuel economy and performance.

Flex’s available intelligent all-wheel-drive system is tuned to provide confident driving in all weather conditions. By constantly monitoring and predicting traction, the system can deliver torque to all four wheels, even before the wheels begin to slip. An active, on-demand electronic center coupler can allocate a precise amount of torque from front to rear – up to 100 percent to either axle. Paired with standard Advance Trac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control), intelligent AWD can transfer torque front to rear and side to side.

Manufactured to the highest quality standards at Ford’s Oakville Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada, Flex will be available at dealers this summer.

2009 Ford Flex Desktop Wallpapers

Posted in Ford | No Comments »

Tesla Motors Begins Regular Production of 2008 Tesla Roadster

Tuesday, March 18th, 2008

Regular production of the 2008 Tesla Roadster commenced today, marking an historical milestone for Tesla Motors and a watershed in the development of clean, zero-emissions vehicles.

First unveiled as a prototype on July 19th, 2006, the revolutionary Tesla Roadster generated an extraordinary response from people everywhere who were inspired by the vision that beautiful, high performance cars could generate zero-emissions and burn no oil.

Less than 2 years later, this vision has become a reality as Tesla Motors begins production of this breakthrough electric vehicle. The 2008 model year is sold out and Tesla is currently taking reservations for the 2009 model year Tesla Roadster. To date, over 900 Tesla Roadsters have been reserved in total.

Through the course of development of the Roadster, Tesla Motors has established a leadership position in EV technology which it plans to extend over the next years, leading to the introduction of its next model, a five passenger sports sedan, in 2010.

Tesla Motors president and CEO, Ze’ev Drori, comments further on this important milestone on the corporate blog.

Posted in Tesla | No Comments »

New Audi A3 Cabriolet Will Be Hot Property This Summer

Friday, March 14th, 2008

The ideal antidote to the winter blues – the new Audi A3 Cabriolet – can be administered by Audi Centres from this week as the brand’s first premium compact class ‘open top’ opens for order in standard, Sport and S line trim with OTR prices ranging from £20,750 to £27,060. Deliveries will begin in May.

The guiding principle behind the latest Audi soft-top was the achievement of the best possible balance between the essential fun factor of a roadster and the refinement and day-to-day usability of a fixed roof premium class car. As a result, the A3 Cabriolet not only converts to topless mode and back extraordinarily rapidly, but also genuinely accommodates four passengers without ruling out impressive luggage capacity that is expandable thanks to the standard split/fold rear seat.

The majority of the strong and responsive TFSI petrol and TDI diesel engines powering the A3 and A3 Sportback are carried over to the new Cabriolet, including the 160PS 1.8 TFSI petrol, the 200PS 2.0 TFSI petrol, the 105PS 1.9 TDI and the 2.0 TDI with common rail piezo fuel injection, developing 140PS. These are combined with either a five or six-speed manual gearbox, depending on version, or the option, for all models bar the 1.9 TDI, of the acclaimed S tronic twin-clutch transmission.

Standard versions of the A3 Cabriolet will boast a generous equipment list that includes 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, powered windows and mirrors, a Chorus radio with single CD drive and semi-automatic hood operation – the hood is attached to and released from the windscreen rail manually but retracts and raises at the touch of a button.

On top of this, the Sport specification, costing an additional £1,850, combines features such as larger 17-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension and sports seats with fully automatic hood operation, which adds automated ‘hands-free’ detachment from, and attachment to, the windscreen rail, plus a wind deflector. The hood also incorporates additional acoustic insulation, maximising the potential for enjoyment of the upgraded Concert radio.

True to the formula that elsewhere in the Audi range already appeals to more UK customers than any other, the new S line specification for the A3 Cabriolet supplements the Sport equipment list externally with larger 18-inch 7 twin-spoke alloy wheels and S line body styling including exclusive front and rear bumper design. Inside, it adds extras such as leather and Sprint cloth combination upholstery embossed with the S line insignia, an S line multifunction sports steering wheel with paddle shift controls (where automatic transmission is specified), a perforated leather gear knob and matt brushed aluminium inlays. S line specification carries a premium of £1,550 over the price of a Sport model.

Open-air motoring in just 9 seconds The hood incorporates a large, heated glass rear window, and in Sport and S line versions with fully automatic operation, can be lowered in just 9 seconds or raised in 11 seconds at speeds of up to 19mph. At 85mph, the A3 Cabriolet Sport and A3 Cabriolet S line with their extra acoustic insulation run their fixed-roof, A3 three-door counterparts impressively close for cabin refinement, registering an increase in cabin noise of just 1dB (A).

When lowered, the hood is folded up into a Z-pattern which takes up a minimum amount of space. The header – a rigid section at the roof’s front edge – comes to rest on top, flush with the body. The folded hood is set down in a compact sheet steel compartment that is separate from the boot and therefore doesn’t impair luggage capacity.

Because the luggage space is unaffected by the retracted hood, it has not been necessary to move the rear bench seat further forward. This leaves ample legroom at the rear, thanks in part to the generous wheelbase of 2,578 millimetres. The split/folding rear seat back – a standard feature across the range – boosts load capacity from an already usefully accommodating 260 litres to a maximum of 674 litres.

The relatively light roof also ensures that the A3 Cabriolet handles with the same impressive agility that has been a key factor in the consistent popularity of the A3 range since its 2003 launch. Sophisticated McPherson strut front and four-link rear suspension and electromechanical power steering guarantee excellent response and a compliant ride in standard models, while Sports suspension lowered by 15mm is reserved exclusively for Sport and S line versions, giving an even greater degree of tautness and precision.

Posted in Audi | No Comments »