The 2013 Ford Flex has the newest technology and sophistication that you now expect from Ford. It is a three row, seven passenger vehicle with a sleek new front end and modern interior. It has a standard 3.5 liter Ti-VCT V6 engine, which delivers 20 more horse power and projected 1 mpg better fuel economy than the standard fuel-efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoast V6 engine. Mark Fields, president of The Americas said “With technologies not found in other full-size utilities, even better fuel economy and a more modern, sophisticated look, we’re offering people even more reasons to choose Flex with the new model.” The Ford Flex not only has the technology that gets you where you are going safely, it also keeps you entertained while doing so. Ford Flex has the first production rear seat inflatable belts to improve safety. The belts are inflated by cold compressed gas which is stored in a cylinder below the seat. The belts inflate within 40 milliseconds in event of a crash. They are designed to reduce neck, head and torso injuries for rear seat passengers. The Ford Flex also has radar enabled adaptive cruise control (ACC) and a collision warning with brake support system. It also has a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross traffic alerts. These technologies help drivers to avoid accidents by warning them with both visual and audio alerts. Normally the ACC system acts as regular cruise control, but it is constantly scanning the area in front of the vehicle. It can sense a vehicle up to 150 feet away, if that vehicle slows down as little as 1/4 of a mph, the system will recognize that and slow your vehicle down automatically. When the traffic clears the vehicle automatically resumes the set speed. The driver has the choice of four settings depending on the weather and road condition. Ford Flex also has rain-sensing wipers to increase safety. If an accident does occur the Ford Flex has 911 Assist which is automated emergency calling service that is free for life of the vehicle.
The Ford Flex features the SYNC with new generation of MyFord Touch, making it easier to manage information, control features and adjust settings. The screen has a cleaner, clearer display. The words are larger and easier to read. The functions are clearer and easier to navigate. A user has multiple ways to manage and control the system, including voice commands, menus accessed through the steering wheel control system, touch screen, buttons or knobs, what ever they prefer. The base SYNC package includes hands-free, voice activated calling via a Blue-Tooth -connected mobile phone or USB-connected digital music player.
The SelectShift advance gearbox offers the driver a choice between fully automatic operation and manual control. The option is available through a thumb shift integrated into the steering wheel. The EcoBoost engine are fundamental to Ford’s strategy of providing technologically advanced high output, smaller displacement power train that delivers great fuel economy and uncompromised performance for drivers around the world. In 2013, more than 90 percent of Ford’s North American lineup will be available with EcoBoost engine technology. Fuel economy is increased by up to 4 percent by the use of EPAS (electronic power-assist steering which improves steering performance because it is powered by an electric motor connected to the battery instead of the vehicle’s engine-mounted hydraulic pump steering systems. The battery management system operates the vehicle’s power supply system in a more economical manner to save fuel. The alternator and system voltage can be controlled based on battery condition, vehicle operating state and electrical load status. It provides feedback to the vehicle regarding the batteries condition including temperature.
The Ford Flex has been redesigned outside as well as inside. The new front end rounds out the previously boxy edges. There are three new colors for the 2013 model year, Ruby Red, Deep Impact Blue and Kodiak Brown. The signature Ford blue oval has been removed from the front end which now solely bears the Flex badge.The Ford Flex is built at Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada. If you like technology, lots of room and sophistication then take a look at the new 2013 Ford Flex at your local Ford dealership you will love what you see.