The Ford Flex, available since 2009, comes standard in 2010 with the same sequential multi-port electronic fuel injected 3.5L V6 Duratec Engine. Aditionally, 2010 models now offer a more powerful, yet economical EcoBoost version, a direct injected twin-turbo V6 powered engine. This new engine technology offers plenty of power while holding true to what consumers consider to be most valuable; fuel economy.
Flex’s non-turbo engine offers optional AWD or FWD. Paired with a 6 speed automatic transmission, the Flex puts out 248 pounds of torque at 6,250 RPMs. Horsepower is rated at 248 at 4,500 RPMs. The new EcoBoost enhanced engine, available only in AWD, ups the torque dramatically to 355 at 5,700 with an increased horsepower output of 350 at only 3,500 RPMs.
Ford Flex’s base engine comes with a single stainless steel exhaust with two catalytic converters. The EcoBoost enhanced engine upgrades to a chrome tipped, dual stainless steel exhaust. Cast Aluminum is used for both engine block type and cylinder head material.
Gas mileage for the base FWD 3.5L V6 is 17 city/24 highway, while AWD Additionally models are 16 city/22 highway. The faster, equally economical turbo charged AWD model will not break the bank for gas mileage, achieving the equivalent of gas mileage as the non-turbo version, at 16 city/ 22 highway.
Although new to the Ford Flex, the EcoBoost enhanced engine appeared in 2009, used in the Lincoln MKS sedan. EcoBoost technology is promising, offering suprisingly higher output and excellent fuel economy. Designed to deliver an astonishing 20-30 percent increase in fuel economy over standard, perhaps sluggish, non-turbo displacement engines, Flex’s EcoBoost option should be a treat for any owner.
Tags: cast aluminum, catalytic converters, displacement engines, engine upgrades, fuel economy, gas mileage, head material, horsepower output, lincoln mks sedan, stainless steel exhaust