Autoblog

J.D. Power releases sat-nav study findings, crowns Ford tops

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:59:00 EST

Not only does Ford rank number one on J.D. Power and Associate's 2009 navigation system survey, it ranks number two as well. The top ranking system, according to Power's study, is the one found in the Lincoln MKS, followed by a nearly identical system (if not 100% identical) in the Ford Flex. And get this, Ford took down five of the top ten spots with the F-150 coming in fourth and the Escape and Edge taking seventh and eighth place, respectively.

To anyone that's driven a modern Sync-equipped Ford with navigation, these survey results probably won't come as any sort of shock, as FoMoCo has been making some of the best systems in the business ever since they released Sync with Sirius Travel Link. Here's what Ford user interface design engineer Jason Johnson had to tell us about why Ford got ranked tops:

"I think what really makes our system stand out is the fact it's designed with the user in mind. Yes, it has all the features you'd expect from a high-level navigation system -- the 3-D maps, the digital jukebox, the customizable home screens, and of course we pride ourselves on SYNC and SIRIUS Travel Link -- but it's more than that. This system is easy to use. It's intuitive. The buttons are where you'd expect them to be, the grouping is logical and the graphics are bright and easy to read. Everything is integrated, so it all works together, simply and easily."

Non-Ford top ten nav-system finishers include the Acura TL (third), Porsche 911 (fifth), Cadillac CTS (sixth), Hyundai Genesis (ninth) and Infiniti FX-series (tenth). Interestingly, Ford is the only non-luxury/premium brand to make it into the top ten. If you were wondering, seven of the bottom ten nav-systems were made by Toyota, with the Avalon finishing dead last. Complete results list and official press release available after the jump.
[Source: J.D. Power]

Continue reading J.D. Power releases sat-nav study findings, crowns Ford tops

J.D. Power releases sat-nav study findings, crowns Ford tops originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Inside Line editors pick their 'Most Wanted' for 2010 - do you agree?

Chris Shunk — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Audi, Ford, Mazda, Porsche

Inside Line Most Wanted 2010 - Click above for high-res image gallery

We love award season, even if it is a bit tough to keep up with them all. Motor Trend has a set of golden calipers for its Car, Truck and SUV of the Year winners. Car and Driver has its 10Best. Automobile has the, well, the Automobile of the Year. Then there's Edmunds Inside Line and its six Most Wanted winners. Sure, Most Wanted doesn't enjoy the same sort of name recognition as the aforementioned awards, but at the very least, we tend to like the vehicles IL picks as their favorites. We also appreciate the fact that their selection process isn't exactly chock-full of rules. If they tested the vehicle before November 1, 2009, then it's eligible for Inside Line's six shooter. The only award category that truly stands out is the "Instant Classic," an award won over the last two years by the Audi R8 and the Nissan GT-R, respectively.

This year's list didn't have quite the raw power of last year's winners, but we can definitely see where the final six could be considered big fun on four wheels. The big winner is the 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. The 540-horsepower pony car picked up IL's Instant Classic award for being such a willing dance partner - even at 3,900 pounds. In fact, Blue Oval badges dominate this year's Most Wanted list, as the EcoBoost'd Flex and the wicked cool F-150 SVT Raptor made the final cut. Porsche scored with its new Panamera, while Audi found its way back on the list with the R8 V10. The cheap thrills Mazda3 rounds out this year's list. Click on the gallery below to check out Inside Line's Most Wanted winners in our high-res gallery, then let us know if you agree with their findings by leaving a note in 'Comments.'

Gallery: Inside Line Most Wanted 2009

[Source: Inside Line]

Inside Line editors pick their 'Most Wanted' for 2010 - do you agree? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford and Canadian Auto Workers reportedly reach a deal

Dan Roth — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:09:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, UAW/Unions, Canada

Ford Motor Company and the leadership of the Canadian Auto Workers union have reached a tentative agreement after a marathon four-day wrap-up to negotiations. Union membership needs to approve the deal, which will guarantee a Great White North presence for Ford until at least 2012. Voting is underway this weekend, and if approved, the CAW will be responsible for building 10 percent of Ford's North American production, down from the current 13 percent, which the union had been trying to hold on to.

Workers did agree to time off reductions, and pledged that new employees will have to pay into their pensions. Ford's given its word that the company will build as many vehicles in Canada as it sells there, and the union deemed the pledge good enough to grant GM- and Chrysler-style concessions to Ford.

The Panther platform has been given its last rites; the St. Thomas Assembly plant is the only Ford location currently building the body-on-frame biggies, and that plant will close in September 2011. The 1,600 people in Ontario who build Town Cars and Grand Marquis are understandably unhappy about word that Ford intends to shutter the plant, but the Panther has cheated death more than once. This time, it may stick.

Better news for CAW members is that Ford's Oakville assembly complex, also in Ontario, has the go-ahead to add a third shift when needed. Ford also says it will manufacture a new vehicle at Oakville, which currently builds the Edge, Flex, MKX, and MKT crossovers, but that will likely come after the current labor agreement expires.

[Source: CBC News, Photo: Ford/CC]

Ford and Canadian Auto Workers reportedly reach a deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Labor unrest in India to cause Ford to idle key NA crossover plant

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:47:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln, India

Rico Auto Industries in India makes transmission parts for Ford's Flex and Edge, along with its upscale Lincoln MKT and MKX twins. Unfortunately for the Blue Oval, Automotive News is reporting that Rico's operations are in flux because of persistent troubles between labor and management. A few weeks ago, some of the supplier's workers went on strike after members were suspended and fired by management. On October 18, the striking workers marched to the factory and got involved in an altercation with "unidentified men" supposedly "acting at the behest of Rico Auto's management." During the brawl, a 26-year-old worker was killed.

In the meantime, Ford reportedly hasn't got the parts it needs to build the crossovers it makes at its Oakville, Ontario plant and will be forced to idle the key facility next week. Ford is watching the situation in India closely - if production isn't restored soon, the lack of parts could impact other plants in addition to Ontario and its 3,000 workers.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd. | Image: Simon Hayter/Getty]

REPORT: Labor unrest in India to cause Ford to idle key NA crossover plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost turns it up to 11

Dan Roth — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Wagon, Crossover, Ford, Reviews

2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost - Click above for high-res image gallery

We were headed on a road trip, because that's what you do when the summer draws to a close and something as gigantic as the Ford Flex rolls into your driveway. Destination: Brooklyn. Five miles into the journey, the Sony audio system belts out the Beastie Boys' "No Sleep Till Brooklyn," and the two sub-five-year-olds in tow agree. But we had an ace up our sleeve: our Flex SEL tester was packing a six-shooter augmented by Ford's EcoBoost turbo system, good for another 100 horsepower over the standard model. If the trip was going to be hellish, at least it would be short.

There's newfound muscle to... flex.

There's a price premium to pay for the heavy breathing, but even at $40,000 as-tested, the kitted out Flex stickered for less than expected, and mitigating drawbacks seems to be a running theme with the EcoBoosted Flex. Its EPA estimated fuel economy in all-wheel drive trim of ~~17/24~~ 16/22 mpg city/highway, is exactly the same as the unboosted Duratec 3.5-liter, but there's newfound muscle to... flex. A turbocharged engine immediately makes thoughts of premium fuel dance through your head, but nope, the direct-injected V6 is happy to perform tricks on regular, though Ford recommends you run higher octane for maximum performance.

In search of some kind of glaring downfall, we kept the Flex EcoBoost for a while, trying to suss out what penalties you might ultimately pay for the added brawn. Follow the jump to see how the big Ford fared.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost

Continue reading Review: 2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost turns it up to 11

Review: 2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost turns it up to 11 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lincoln MKT earns Top Safety Pick from IIHS

Chris Shunk — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:33:00 EST

2010 Lincoln MKT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has dumped all of its latest safety gadgets into the already structurally sound 2010 Lincoln MKT, and the Blue Oval's engineering labor appears to have paid off as the luxury crossover has just scored a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. The Top Pick status of the 5,000 lb MKT doesn't come as a surprise, as it is mechanically identical to the well-regarded Ford Flex.

The MKT scored a "Good" rating in each category, including structure, injury measures and restraints. The IIHS added that "dummy movement was well controlled. After the dummy moved forward into the airbag, it rebounded into the seat without its head coming close to any stiff structure that could cause injury."

The Lincoln MKT comes with standard equipment like an advanced structural safety system that combines octagonal front frame rails, tunnel rails and support members that are designed to absorb and redirect crash forces away from the passenger compartment. Along with the usual safety suspects like side curtain airbags, Ford offers optional safety equipment like Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Warning Brake Control and a Blind Spot Information system. Hit the jump to read the Ford press release.

Gallery: 2010 Lincoln MKT

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Lincoln MKT earns Top Safety Pick from IIHS

Lincoln MKT earns Top Safety Pick from IIHS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fido Approved: America's top ten pet-safe vehicles

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:41:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety

America's Top 10 Pet Safe vehicles - Click above for high-res image gallery

Most people don't pay it any mind, but car accidents and pets don't mix. Just like with humans, wrapping your car around a telephone pole can kill Fido dead. Or really injure the cute little guy. To draw attention to this issue, a website called Bark Buckle Up has teamed up with Edmunds.com to bring us their Top 10 Pet Safe Vehicles.

As Bark Buckle Up points out, "If you have an accident at 35 mph while toting your 60-pound unrestrained dog, your pet is capable of causing an impact of up to 2,700 pounds, slamming into the seat, the windshield, or even a passenger." Ouch. Now of course, if you have an eight pound pooch, that's only a 360 pound impact. We say "only" to illustrate how violent car crashes can be. And just imagine if you had a really big dog, like a Dogo Argentino. Assuming you got a big 160-pound satin-white boar hunter, the impact would be near the four ton range.

What do the following ten vehicles do to address pets flying through the windshield in a crash? Very little, and we don't want to get into the delusion that CUVs are somehow safer than cars. But they all offer nice amenities for pets -- stuff like room to stretch out, tri-zone climate control, fold flat rear seats, side impact airbags and rear back up cameras. As for an accident, you might want to invest in a doggy seat belt. Says Bark Buckle Up founder Christina Selter, "In the event of a sudden stop or accident, the animal can injure other passengers or be thrown through the windshield, then hinder the efforts of rescue workers or even cause another accident by escaping into the street." All ten vehicles are listed out in alphabetical order, so check 'em out in our gallery below.

Gallery: Top 10 Pet Safe Vehicles

[Source: Bark Buckle Up]

Fido Approved: America's top ten pet-safe vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost delivers more than just a better engine

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Ford, First Drive

2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just a year after the Ford Flex first appeared, the Blue Oval has revamped its lineup in ways that make the 2010 model quite different from its forebearer. First among the changes is the Blue Oval's EcoBoost engine, which packs 3.5 liters of displacement and a duo of turbochargers to produce V8 power with V6 fuel economy. Autoblog went to the Colorado hinterlands to spend some with with the Flex and its new powerplant, and as we found out, there's more to Ford's boxy crossover than boosted performance and fuel economy.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost delivers more than just a better engine

First Drive: 2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost delivers more than just a better engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai trumps BMW and Jaguar in J.D. Power 2009 APEAL study

Michael Harley — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Marketing/Advertising, BMW, Dodge, Ford, Hyundai, Nissan, Volkswagen, Luxury

Click above for a gallery of the graphics from J.D. Power and Associates

Porsche grabs the top spot for the fifth year in a row in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) Study. For this year's study, the team at JDPA gathered information from more than 80,900 purchasers and lessees of new 2009 model-year cars and questioned them on more than 90 vehicle attributes. Their studies examined "how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive," based on those evaluations.

While the APEAL nameplate ranking is significant (Porsche, Jaguar, and Cadillac round out the top-three), the segment winners offer more insight into what today's buyers are seeking. This year, it appears to be the newly launched models including the Volkswagen CC, Nissan Maxima, Dodge Challenger, and Ford Flex... each took top honors in their respective category. This year's biggest upset comes in the "Midsize Premium Car" segment as the all-new Hyundai Genesis (sedan) knocks the BMW 5 Series from the podium. Check out the gallery for the graphics, and read the full press release after the break.

Gallery: 2009 J.D. Power APEAL Results

[Source: JDPower.com]

Continue reading Hyundai trumps BMW and Jaguar in J.D. Power 2009 APEAL study

Hyundai trumps BMW and Jaguar in J.D. Power 2009 APEAL study originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Racing a Lincoln MKS EcoBoost at Milan Dragway [w/VIDEO]

Chris Shunk — Fri, 22 May 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Crossover

2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost - Click above for high-res image gallery from Milan Dragway

When the 2009 Lincoln MKS entered production, it arrived to market with a 273 horsepower, 3.7-liter V6. This made the new luxurious Lincoln a large, loaded, heavy vehicle with the power of a Nissan Altima. When we reviewed the MKS, we liked the newest Lincoln's interior, loved its in-car technology, and found the package itself acceptable to drive, but we were left longing for Ford's seemingly far off twin-turbocharged, direct-inject 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine. A vehicle as big as the MKS deserves the extra pop, we figured.

It took a year, but it's finally turbo time at the top of Lincoln's lineup. We already had the pleasure of a first drive with the force-fed MKS, and we found the 4,300-lb all-wheel-drive sedan to be quick and nimble for its size with fuel economy that handily bests its V8-powered competition. But we drove the EcoBoost MKS in the controlled environment of Ford's Romeo Proving Grounds. This time, we were given the chance to drive the EcoBoost MKS at a place where few Lincolns roam: the drag strip. Hit the jump to see how Ford's new hot rod Lincoln handled itself on the track. We have performance numbers and video waiting for you, as well as video and stats for the EcoBoost Ford Flex.

Gallery: 2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost at Milan Dragway

Continue reading Racing a Lincoln MKS EcoBoost at Milan Dragway [w/VIDEO]

Racing a Lincoln MKS EcoBoost at Milan Dragway [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 May 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CES 2009: The cars of CES Part II

Chris Tutor — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, CES, Etc., Bentley, Cadillac, Ford, Lamborghini, Toyota

Click above to view a high-res gallery of the cars of CES 2009

While CES is and should be known for its unabashed display of geekery, it has also become a venue to display some top-notch custom automobiles. Take for instance the Ford Flex at Sony's XPlod display. Sony says it wears an "urban-themed custom paint job" on the outside and a long list of the company's XPlod audio products on the inside. The urban decor impressively even extends to the doors' kickplates and interior frames. Now that's attention to detail.

A couple of booths over (which in CES speak means several thousand yards away), Monster skipped the fancy paint and just went for the fancy cars. Their super-blue Bentley GT looked almost stock until closer inspection revealed Monster's logos imprinted on the roof and the Bentley trunk badge replaced with the Monster's corporate red M. Monster's booth was also home to a Lambo Murcielago whose exterior was mercifully left unscathed by such blatant branding.

Other cars of note were Toyota's Ducati Tacoma from SEMA and a really bad-ass, turbocharged, LSX-powered Cadillac wearing some sweet leather seats and a Strut S grille and wheels. Check out the gallery for high-res photos of the second round of the cars of CES. You can also peruse the Round 1 cars by clicking here.

Gallery: CES 2009: The cars of CES Part II

CES 2009: The cars of CES Part II originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2009: Lincoln MKT debuts with a big, toothy smile

Chris Paukert — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Lincoln

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Lincoln MKT

Ford has a major-league hit on its hands with the 2009 Flex crossover - with the media. Sadly, despite its varied and considerable charms, sales haven't met the Blue Oval's admittedly lofty expectations. Blame the recession, blame the marketing department, blame the Flex's divisive styling, blame what you will, but Dearborn is plainly going to have to find more volume for its D4 platform. Enter the 2010 Lincoln MKT.

It doesn't take more than a brief glance to realize that Ford's stylists have exacted much more than a quick nip/tuck on the rectilinear Flex en-route to minting this new Lincoln. But beyond the crossover's assertive looks, there is a host of new technology on offer inside and out that should help put the MKT on luxury crossover shopping lists. Follow the jump to learn more about the MKT and read Lincoln's official press release.

Gallery: 2010 Lincoln MKT

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Lincoln MKT debuts with a big, toothy smile

Detroit 2009: Lincoln MKT debuts with a big, toothy smile originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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N.A. Car and Truck of the Year Finalists Announced

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Etc., Dodge, Ford, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Volkswagen

Click either image for a high-res gallery of the NACOTY and TOTY nominees

Now that the motoring world has announced the International COTY and TOTY contenders, the finalists for North American Car and Truck of the Year have been revealed. The six chosen chariots consist of some of the same nameplates, but whereas the international body tapped the Dodge Challenger, Ford Flex and Nissan GT-R for the car honors, the 50 N.A. automotive journalists have elected the Ford Flex, Hyundai Genesis and Volkswagen Jetta TDI as finalists for the 2009 NACOTY. So the Challenger makes the International list but not the North American one? Baffling. The Nissan GT-R didn't make the N.A. cut, but it could be argued that the Flex and Genesis are more important to their respective companies, and the Jetta, well, it's green and all. The Jetta TDI did appear on the separate Earth, Wind & Power list from the international committee.

On the Truck side we have the Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram making both lists, but the N.A. group selected another Earth, Wind & Power nominee, the Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC, instead of the internationally-nominated Subaru Forester. All of the contendors seem worthy of recognition, but we're sure you'll have your own suggestions, as do we. Both sets of winners will be announced January 11th at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The full press release with all of the eligible nominees is after the jump and we've assembled a gallery of the finalists below.

Gallery: 2009 North American Car and Truck of the Year finalists

[Source: North American Car & Truck of the Year]

Continue reading N.A. Car and Truck of the Year Finalists Announced

N.A. Car and Truck of the Year Finalists Announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automobile Magazine Announces 2009 All-Stars

Chris Shunk — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Chevy Corvette ZR1

After what we're sure are thousands of miles driven and some undoubtedly heated round table debates, Automobile Magazine has chosen its 2009 All-Stars. The ten winners were chosen based upon attributes that include design, driving enjoyment, performance and value, with vehicles taken from a wide range of segments. This year's winners range from the econobox Honda Fit to the Audi R8, with the spaciously rectilinear Ford Flex somewhere in between. The Chevrolet Malibu was one of four vehicles to make the list for the second straight year, joined by the Corvette (this year in ZR1 trim), Volkswagen GTI and the trophy darling BMW 3-Series. With it's nod from Automobile, Jaguar's XF continues to bring home the hardware, with one tester calling it the best Jaguar sedan he's ever driven (not a stretch in our book). Other winners included the Porsche 911 and the stonking Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.

Just like with Car and Driver's 10 Best list, the Nissan GT-R didn't make Automobile's All-Stars team - an interesting ommission considering that it was recently crowned their Automobile of the Year. (Note: no price cap got in the way of victory this time). In fact, the only Japanese model to make the cut was the Fit, while the Germans took home five spots. In all, we'd call the All-Stars a solid list, but we're more interested in hearing what you think. What's missing and what vehicle(s) need the boot?

Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

[Source: Trading Markets]

Continue reading Automobile Magazine Announces 2009 All-Stars

Automobile Magazine Announces 2009 All-Stars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: A baker's dozen concepts stretch Ford Flex-ibility

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Wagon, Crossover, Ford

Click above for high-res gallery of the Flexes from SEMA

With so many acres of sheetmetal to work with, the Ford Flex definitely offers a tempting canvas for tuners and automotive taggers. But 13 official custom Flexes? It seems everyone and their mother decided to do up a tuned Flex this year for SEMA. We were told there were at least 13, but we suspect there were closer to 1,000 including everything from street machines to art cars to Land Rover look-alikes (above). While any one of them might be striking enough to catch your eye at the local pee-wee soccer game, seeing so many together can be overwhelming. Still, if taken individually there are some very nice interpretations of the modern full-size wagon here. Flex customizers displaying their handiwork include Funkmaster Flex, 3dCarbon, Catalyst Industrial Marking, Kal Koncepts/Air Syndicate Inc., Mobsteel, Galpin Auto Sports, Lee Quinones for Automobile Magazine, CGS Motorsports, Rick Bottom Designs, Hot Rod Magazine, Heavy Hitters Magazine, and even Motor Trend. The MT one has a humidor. A video of the unveiling with... uh... Nelly and complete details of each are after the jump and a huge gallery is available by clicking any image.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Ford Flexes in Vegas

Continue reading SEMA 2008: A baker's dozen concepts stretch Ford Flex-ibility

SEMA 2008: A baker's dozen concepts stretch Ford Flex-ibility originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Slow Ford Flex sales blamed on...

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:34:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, Ford

Click above for more high-res pics of the Ford Flex

Ford's boxy new Flex crossover wagon is far from meeting its sales expectations. And while part of its slow sales can be chalked up to the overall downturn in the auto market, and specifically sales of large 'utes, some believe that there could be more than meets the eye to this particular story.

Up to this point, Jim Farley, Ford's main marketer, has been running a very stylized advertising campaign to accompany the launch of the new people mover, and certain members of Ford's board reportedly believe that a more mainstream or conservative launch would have worked out better.

Farley defends his approach to The Detroit News, and he points out that half of all Flex's are sold to conquest buyers from other brands, especially from foreign-made minivans. Plus, more are sold loaded with all the goodies and are going for prices in the high 30's. Regardless, expect to see more ads touting the Flex's roominess and sound core family values moving forward.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Flex

[Source: The Detroit News]

Slow Ford Flex sales blamed on... originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: CGS ReFlex

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Crossover, Ford

Click above to enlarge

Every time we see a Flex on the road, it looks cartoonish to us - those two massive rectangles sitting on cute little wheels. We wouldn't be surprised if, a la CARS, a Flex started talking to us. The "ReFlex" above, designed by Sean Smith of SS Designs and being prepared by CGS Motorsports for this year's SEMA Show in Las Vegas, looks like it could have something interesting to say. Who knew that a minimal body kit, a drop, and a set of 22s could give the Flex that personality it's been missing. The custom DuPont-painted CUV is also getting a suede interior, a Kicker sound system, and even new door solenoids from SPAL. We'll take it, or at least a ride in it. Check out the full press release after the jump, and stay tuned for the full report from SEMA.

[Source: CGS]

Continue reading SEMA Preview: CGS ReFlex

SEMA Preview: CGS ReFlex originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2010 Lincoln MKT

Chris Shunk — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 08:56:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln

Only a few days after Ford officially confirmed that the seven-seat crossover everyone already knew was coming was indeed coming, a preproduction mule of the Lincoln MKT has been spotted in the wild. Ford promised that the MKT would look nothing like its Ford Flex sibling, and a quick glance at these spy pics prove that to be the case. In fact, the well-covered MKT development vehicle looks an awful lot like the MKT concept from the 2008 Detroit Auto Show.

Up front the new Lincoln split grille is visible under the bra, along with the same headlight shape as the concept. The concept's love it or hate it belt-line also appears to be carry over to production, as well as the curvy C-pillar. The production MKT also appears to have a glass roof, though it doesn't look as dramatic as the concept. One thing the MKT appears to have in common with the Flex is its relatively low ride height and massive wheels, which helps the Lincoln crossover keep the retro Ford's wagon-like stance.

Spy photographers also got a shot of the MKT's interior, which shows off some good looking blonde wood and the familiar Lincoln center stack. Its material quality should be at least as good as the Flex, if not better.

The MKT is expected to hit production next year with power coming from Lincoln's exclusive 3.7L V6 that also does duty in the new MKS sedan. Ford has also announced that the MKT will receive an Ecoboost engine, which should give the unique-looking crossover upwards of 340 horsepower.

Gallery: Lincoln MKT Concept

[Source: Automobile Mag]

Spy Shots: 2010 Lincoln MKT originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford to officially announce Lincoln MKT today

Chris Shunk — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Ford, Lincoln

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lincoln MKT concept.

We've been waiting for an official production announcement of the Lincoln MKT since the concept was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January, and according to Automotive News and the Wall Street Journal, that confirmation comes today. The Ford Flex-based crossover will give Lincoln a seven-seat CUV to compete with the Acura MDX and the Audi Q7, while providing customers a more fuel efficient alternative to the Navigator. The production MKT will share none of the Flex's boxy sheet metal, but the mechanicals will be very similar. The MKT will launch with either the 3.5L V6 from the Flex or the bored-out 3.7L version from the MKS sedan. The MKT will get Ecoboost at some point in its production run, but Ford hasn't released a date yet. Ford plans to build approximately 25k Lincoln MKTs annually, and production is slated to begin next year.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Lincoln MKT Concept - Live Reveal

[Source: Automotive News (subs req'd)]

Ford to officially announce Lincoln MKT today originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Flex earns five stars all around for crash safety

Chris Shunk — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Crossover, Ford

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Ford Flex.

Ford has made safety one of its top priorities, and its efforts have paid off. Not only does the Blue Oval have more five-star crash rated vehicles than any other automaker, but it's added another notch to its safety belt with NHTSA giving the Flex five stars for both front and side impact tests. A front crash impact score of five stars means that there is a 10% or less chance of serious injury at 35 mph, and the five star side impact score indicates a 5% chance of serious injury at 38.5 mph. The Flex comes standard with dual front air bags, headliner mounted side curtain air bags, traction and stability control, and tire pressure monitoring, which helps with NHTSA scoring. The Flex also received four stars for rollover protection, tying the CUV for best in class in the crossover segment.

With a Volvo-derived platform and plenty of heft, we're not surprised the Flex achieved a five-star score in NHTSA testing. Then again, it doesn't hurt that just about every automaker engineers all new cars and trucks specifically to score well on the Fed's tests. Hit the jump to view Ford's press release.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Ford Flex

[Source: Ford]

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Ford Flex earns five stars all around for crash safety originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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