Flexing the SHO Muscle

[dukeofsho]

So, now the the Ford Flex has a Eco Boost heart. It also has the same towing capacity as the Tahoe, awd, lowered, and a Fidge in the back....what more would anyone want.

 

[tardboy21]

something with looks. I know I'll probably get crap from others for saying that, but it is ugly as sin IMO. It looks like a stretched xB. It's got functionality, I'll give it that, but good grief its not a particularly mesmerizing sight.

 

[IM Buddy8]

I didn't like the look at all at first.. But with the ecoboost and all it's a very nice vehicle.. My aunt got one (limited model) and the thing is amazing in every way..

 

[dukeofsho]

So what if it looks like a lowered bread truck or and extended Mini

 

[SHOCH]

Bigger than I'll ever need, more box shape than I like, but the same way I feel about houses, I spend 99.999% of my time inside, not outside starring at it. It's funtional and comfy, not alot of car shows in its future but who cares it's a van.

 

[dukeofsho]

Yeah, if I had 100k I'd buy both(thought Id throw in a reality check).

His-SHO
Hers-Flex

 

[typhoon5000]

This is why the EB Flex is awesome:

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This 4800lb wagon can hold it's own running against a C6 'Vette & it can haul 7 people & all of their stuff. Very cool IMO

 

[shobote]

I saw a review too, and the ecoboost Flex is said to be a very good and pretty quick driving vehicle; more of a station wagon than SUV, as it is for on road use only, The 2011 Explorer is also being completely redesigned with the ecoboost option. Given the choice, I prefer a vehicle that can go where roadgoing cars cannot.

 

[Huntervf]

I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed driving an EcoBoost Flex. For its size and weight it has enough power and handling prowess to prove fun. Mind you, it's no corner carving machine, but for a large seven passenger vehicle it's actually quite engaging. I see the tuning community really embracing the Flex.

 

[OSU 4 SHO]

This 4800lb wagon can hold it's own running against a C6 'Vette & it can haul 7 people & all of their stuff. Very cool IMO

In what world is a 14.5@98 holding its own against a mid 12@110+ ????

Its got some good power for being a larger SUV, but nothing crazy.

 

[Huntervf]

In what world is a 14.5@98 holding its own against a mid 12@110+ ????

Its got some good power for being a larger SUV, but nothing crazy.

C'mon, don't start this argument AGAIN

Nobody says the Flex beat the 'vette, but yeah, to be driving a new Corvette and still have a 5000 pound, seven-passenger crossover filling your rearview at the end of the 1/4 AIN'T BAD.

That's all people are saying. Why the big deal?

 

[OSU 4 SHO]

C'mon, don't start this argument AGAIN

Nobody says the Flex beat the 'vette, but yeah, to be driving a new Corvette and still have a 5000 pound, seven-passenger crossover filling your rearview at the end of the 1/4 AIN'T BAD.

That's all people are saying. Why the big deal?

I obviously missed that discussion so I wont re-hash it (much) for your sake lol.

However can anyone honestly say any car running 2 seconds SLOWER in the 1/4 is holding its own, keeping up with, or giving it ****? I don't think so. Be real people.

PS. I don't think I was making a big deal out of anything, simple statement with some numbers. You guys don't pick out the 100% bogus, made up lies that others post, but you come down on those that question those claims? Really?

 

[Toolman]

I does not look as if that particular C6 Vette ran a 12.5. I can not read the lights though.

 

[Rubix]

something with looks. I know I'll probably get crap from others for saying that, but it is ugly as sin IMO. It looks like a stretched xB. It's got functionality, I'll give it that, but good grief its not a particularly mesmerizing sight.

Have you looked into the Ford Gorilla at all? Dear car companies of the world: Why the f#%* are you all designing boxes with wheels, what is the engineering feat in that?? God they are ALL hideous and non aerodynamic. I just recently heard a guy complaining about his Scion getting crappy gas mileage, well yea ******* it's a damn box! The Gorilla is the worst, please Ford don't mass produce this thing.

 

[OSU 4 SHO]

I does not look as if that particular C6 Vette ran a 12.5. I can not read the lights though.

I agree, but your point is what? That an ecoboost flex can stay within a a couple bus lengths of a horrible driver in a C6?

It would be pretty entertaining for the Flex driver though. Catch a Corvette owner off gaurd and while drinking a coffee, and you will surely give them ****.

 

[dukeofsho]

I agree, but your point is what? That an ecoboost flex can stay within a a couple bus lengths of a horrible driver in a C6?

It would be pretty entertaining for the Flex driver though. Catch a Corvette owner off gaurd and while drinking a coffee, and you will surely give them ****.

No, but while hes spilling his coffee, I'll be reaching back and grabbing a cold one out of the fridge in the back!

 

[Iron Lung Jimmy]

Nobody says the Flex beat the 'vette, but yeah, to be driving a new Corvette and still have a 5000 pound, seven-passenger crossover filling your rearview at the end of the 1/4 AIN'T BAD.

It's not filling his rearview mirror, it's quickly disappearing.

But, hey, I think the Flex is a cool vehicle and they look pretty good in person, IMO.

 

[97SHOgt]

Easily one of the ugliest vehicles on the market today no matter what powers it.

 

[dukeofsho]

Easily one of the ugliest vehicles on the market today no matter what powers it.

I dont know if you were around when your Gen III came to market. I was, I remember many making the comparison of the Gen III to a "Sea Bass". To be honest I still don't like it.

 

[typhoon5000]

Have you looked into the Ford Gorilla at all? Dear car companies of the world: Why the f#%* are you all designing boxes with wheels, what is the engineering feat in that?? God they are ALL hideous and non aerodynamic. I just recently heard a guy complaining about his Scion getting crappy gas mileage, well yea ******* it's a damn box! The Gorilla is the worst, please Ford don't mass produce this thing.

Surprisingly, Ford was able to make the Flex very aerodynamic. It only has a Cd of 0.355 and only requires 8.90hp to cruise @ 55mph. That's the same Cd as a '06 BMW Z4 coupe, '99 Mustang or Aston Martin Vanquish. Just because it's boxy, doesn't necassarily mean it has poor aero. It's amore about how the air exits the car. If you can make that smoother, than you will reduce drag significtanly. That's why the Flex and many other SUVs/crossovers have flat rear spoilers that come off of the top of the tailgate now. And I don't know how that guy was getting poor fuel economy in his Scion xB from aero, because I have a friend with a 1st gen xB and they can easily get 35+ mpg driving 70+mph on the highway.

References:
BREAKTHROUGH AERODYNAMICS IS BOXY FORD FLEX’S SECRET WEAPON FOR FUEL ECONOMY
List of Automotive Cd's