http://online.wsj.com/preview_login....s%26ru%3Dyahoo

Interesting name choice

 

Production version keeps the concepts Suicide Doors!
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/22/n...-will-debut-i/

EDIT: as future points out no suicide foors. Ah Well, should be dang good anyway.

 

Your link has been updated, the car won't have the suicide/french doors.

Ahh well, tis a good lookin vehicle

 

"Naturally, the Flex will spawn a Lincoln version as well ..."

Naturally.

Apparently badge engineering is still alive and well at Ford. Doc a point for Mulally.

 

Name's not great, not bad either. None of the minivan nameplates were usable since Ford doesn't want a Minivan stigma on this vehicle, and more "classic" names like Fairlane really don't fit this application. So he's a place where, as with Fusion, starting witha new name makes sense. Not any worse than "Vibe," "Matix," "insert boring letters here."
huh? After the MKX and MKZ you expected Ford to not shoot for a Linc variant? Mullaly will get the produucts we want out, but he's not gonna throw products already in the pipe line under the bus unless he thinks they won't sell. A Linc Flex (MKF? TTV6?) will probably sell, so he's letting it go to market if for no other sake than the $$ they've already sunk into it. Be encouraged that they didn't say a Merc version was "naturally" on its way.

 

The rumors are that the Lincoln version will only share mechanicals. Virtually no body panels are supposed to be shared. Of course, that's what they saying. We'll have to wait and see if it's what they do.

 

It was about time for Ford to introduce Fairlane/Flex.

 

 

its obvious to me why its called the flex, it will be a flexifuel vehicle witha a lot more promotion and advertising than any flex fuel ford vehicle avalible...i mean look at this http://media.ford.com/newsroom/featu...?release=24938 says two vehicles to italy in the second quarter, and the flex wont be until at least 1st quarter 2008...i dunno i could be wrong but it makes sense to me have a nice day folks

 

Yeah, it's likely that they picked that name because they see flexibility as a hallmark of this vehicle >> flexible fuel use; flexiblity with third row seating, etc, etc.

 

so what flexfuel engine would they use then for it?

 

The D35 and its variations are capable of running on E85.

 

Ford has said that future Lincolns will not share body panels with their Ford brand counterparts.

 

Ford "says" a lot of things. One could argue that every time they roll out a concept they're "saying" something.

Here's hoping they follow through this time...because right now - next to GM - they look like they're standing still.

 

God**** this thing is ugly.

 

? You mean the fairlane concept? Or have you seen the Flex?

 

Fairlane, and Flex indirectly, as I assume Ford plans to stay relatively close to the concept?

 

Its pretty much the concept, going into production, sans suicide doors. To be honest, the styling is what people like about it. Its different looking, in a non-traditional way. I think its going to be a hit for Ford.

 

Haha, yeah I've seen enough Elements and xBs on the road to know people are more than willing to buy ***-ugly cars, I just don't get it.

 

I would have to say you probably aren't in the Flex's target demographic....