The oddly attractive retro-modern styled Flex, which originally debuted as a concept named Fairlane at the New York Auto Show, could get any of several engines, although likely candidates include Ford’s 270hp 3.7L V6 - a direct-injected, turbocharged version of which will be coming in 2010 to the MKS sedan. The large crossover might seem the perfect bed for a grumbly V8, but as Ford faces the new CAFE regulations and their 2012 deadline, smaller-displacement forced induction engines are a more attractive and efficient alternative, reports Car and Driver. The Ford version of the Flex will be powered by a 260hp 3.5L V6 matched to a six-speed autobox, so the engine from the MKS would be a good match. Both will likely come with Ford’s AWD system that can distribute torque where it’s needed, up to 100% to either the front or the rear.
The Lincoln-branded Flex - we don’t know yet what it will be named as a Lincoln - will come some time after the Ford version, some saying up to a year later. No word yet on the ‘restyling’ it will receive under the chrome-laden Lincoln badge, but rest assured it’ll be shiny.