2009 Ford Flex Preview – New York Auto Show: Say goodbye, Freestar. And you, too, Taurus X (Freestyle), though we may be getting a little ahead of ourselves with that claim. Chased out of the minivan game by Honda, Toyota and others, Ford has regrouped with what looks to be a modern, seven-seat crossover vehicle named Flex. Built on the same platform as the Taurus (Five Hundred) and Taurus X, the Flex will be available at the end of the year and promises uncompromising style with room for everyone in the family except Granny – who still doesn’t understand what happened to that Fairlane concept everyone was talking about, and why it wasn’t a sedan.

Ford left the minivan segment bloodied and battered thanks to a vehicle that failed to keep pace with the competition, leaving the Freestyle (now Taurus X), as the only three-row family crossover on Ford lots. That car, while a decent driver and with a new powertrain, has not been able to overcome its vanilla styling. For now, it’s still on sale, and will be joined by the Flex, which is built on the same platform, seats seven and looks far more stylish. If the Flex is a success, Ford will be able to point to their decision to leave the minivan segment as a “Bold Move.” If not, it’s just another failed vehicle soon to be found on rental lots at your local airport.

Powered by Ford’s 3.5-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, the Flex is expected to produce more than 260 horsepower and 245 lb.-ft. of torque. Power goes to all four wheels via Ford’s all-wheel-drive system, while the Flex boasts Ford’s new independent suspension that has been a hit on vehicles such as the 2007 Expedition. Safety features include an available backup camera, stability control, side curtain airbags, four-wheel ABS brakes, plus more. The Flex wears standard 18-inch wheels, with 19-inch wheels available.

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