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Boxy Is the New Swoopy: Ford Flex Claimed To Have "Superb Aerodynamics"
DEARBORN, Michigan — Ford says the boxy form of the 2009 Flex is actually an aerodynamic advantage — and that the new wagonish CUV has a better drag coefficient — 0.355 — than its more bullet-shaped competitors. Without a hint of irony, Ford Vehicle Engineering Supervisor Mike Kipley says, "Flex has inspired us to think outside the box."
Ford says the wide and low-riding stance, squarish headlamps and "front bumper sweep" helped the Flex achieve better aerodynamics than some of the taller competition. The automaker claims that, at 55 mph, the Flex needs only 8.90 horsepower. The Flex's full-size crossover competitors, the GMC Acadia and the Toyota Highlander, need more than 9.30 hp at that speed. Per Ford's press release, "The Flex's coefficient of drag is significantly better than all of its Asian competitors. Flex tests at 0.355 coefficient of drag while the competitors are at 0.375."
In what it termed a "surprise discovery," Ford said it actually made the production model's front bumper, roof and headlights more square than those on the Fairlane concept car on which the Flex is based — because wind tunnel testing proved that it was more aerodynamic. Meanwhile, the taillamps were made more rounded than those on the concept, and the front airdam and rear header were modified for less drag and reduced airflow, and the top third of the grille was blocked off to keep air from flowing through the radiator.
The Flex is priced starting at $28,295 and went on sale in June.
What this means to you: Ford gives fuel- and style-conscious buyers another good reason to think about getting inside the box. — Laura Sky Brown, Correspondent
Ford says the wide and low-riding stance, squarish headlamps and "front bumper sweep" helped the Flex achieve better aerodynamics than some of the taller competition. The automaker claims that, at 55 mph, the Flex needs only 8.90 horsepower. The Flex's full-size crossover competitors, the GMC Acadia and the Toyota Highlander, need more than 9.30 hp at that speed. Per Ford's press release, "The Flex's coefficient of drag is significantly better than all of its Asian competitors. Flex tests at 0.355 coefficient of drag while the competitors are at 0.375."
In what it termed a "surprise discovery," Ford said it actually made the production model's front bumper, roof and headlights more square than those on the Fairlane concept car on which the Flex is based — because wind tunnel testing proved that it was more aerodynamic. Meanwhile, the taillamps were made more rounded than those on the concept, and the front airdam and rear header were modified for less drag and reduced airflow, and the top third of the grille was blocked off to keep air from flowing through the radiator.
The Flex is priced starting at $28,295 and went on sale in June.
What this means to you: Ford gives fuel- and style-conscious buyers another good reason to think about getting inside the box. — Laura Sky Brown, Correspondent
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