New York Preview: Production Fairlane renamed Flex, will debut in New York with suicide doors (possibly)!
The production version of the Ford Fairlane concept is named the Flex, and the Blue Oval will pull the wraps off this key new vehicle at the New York Auto Show in two weeks. The Flex joins a Ford crossover lineup that includes the newly restyled and renamed Taurus X and, of course, the Edge. The Flex, however, is essentially Ford's minivan replacement. Unlike the Edge, it features three-row seating and opposite-opening side doors (basically big suicide doors, just like the ones seen on the Fairlane). Of course, the "minivan" look is radioactive these days unless you're the Chrysler Group, and Ford thinks it's got a winner in the Flex, which will appeal to families who want minivan utility and space, but not the stodgy appearance. The other domestics are ready with competition -- GM with its GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook, and Buick Enclave, and Chrysler with the new Town & Country and Dodge Caravan (and the Pacifica, lest we forget).
According to Dow Jones Newswires, dealers who've seen the crossover are very enthused and Ford's looking to hit a sales volume of 100,000 units for the family-friendly hauler starting in 2008. Naturally, the Flex will spawn a Lincoln version as well (it won't be at NY), and if it finds the same level of popularity and acceptance as the Fusion and Edge, well, this whole Way Forward thing is going to start looking pretty good. We eagerly await seeing the Flex in person, and will report back once we've climbed all over it at the Javits Center.
UPDATE: The whole French Doors/Suicide Doors thing is in question, as the Detroit News says the Flex has regular doors. We've contacted Ford, requesting a clarification. We'll let you know what they say.
UPDATE 2: Pointed out in the comments: Multiple Blue Oval News commenters emphatically state, "No!" on the French/Suicide doors, and that community is usually a reliable source of information. This is basically confirmed in Bold Moves episode 15 (thanks to commenter Martin for reminding us). For its part, Ford must be enjoying this, as the response we got from acompany spokesperson was, " All I can say is that one of them is wrong." Indeed, and it looks like the wrong one is Dow Jones. Too bad.
Thanks for the tip, JuanTan!
[Source: Dow Jones Newswires via CNN Money]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
waLLy 2:12PM (3/22/2007)
Biggest mistake? Changing the name to something as stupid as "Flex." What, do they think they're Honda or something?
Fairlane actually had a nice, unique ring to it.
dumbarses
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3cubedminus3squared 2:21PM (3/22/2007)
Hmm so it did send the tip...
Anyways, I have to agree with no.1 Fairlane sounded a lot nicer.
As long as it looks like the concept, Ford will have a winner.
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John P. 2:22PM (3/22/2007)
hmmm, the name change doesn't bother me. I'm looking forward to this. A coworker and I are supposed to be driving up for the show. I'll be sure to check this out.
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rem83 3:02PM (3/22/2007)
It'd be nice if Ford would put some effort into developing small cars. After all, isn't reliance on large vehicles while neglecting smaller vehicles a major factor in the decline of the "Big 3" ? I for one would love to be able to buy something like the Ka if they could offer it starting at under 12k.
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dayveo 3:13PM (3/22/2007)
Flex?!! Thats the stupidest name i've ever heard. A new low. What kind of idiot comes up with these ideas. Even Honda would touch that name.
That vehicle certainly doesn't look like a "Flex" either. Is that car for people who like to flex their sweaty muscles?
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hybridsrule 2:26PM (3/22/2007)
If the doors slide, it will be OK, but suicide doors just aren't practicle in a parking lot.
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JimJam 8:26PM (3/22/2007)
The "name game" is one of the profound indicators of the inferiority of domestics. Honda & Toyota are not foolish enough to believe the name means much.
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Max 3:28PM (3/22/2007)
At least they are changing the name BEFORE the car goes into production and not after the first model year.
It's surprising that Ford is abandoning the Fairlane name...especially when they are bringing back the Taurus and Sable names. Sure Fairlane hasn't been used in years, but more people associate Fairlane with Ford than Flex. For a moment there I thought Ford had realized the value of name recognition....guess not.
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Matt 2:35PM (3/22/2007)
FLEX???????? Fairlane sounds 100 percent better....
I like Ford and hate to down them but...
What the hell where they thinking.... FLEX
Freestar sounds better than FLEX Thats sounds really Stupid....
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BOB 2:55PM (3/22/2007)
LOOKS LIKE A BIG WINNER TO ME!___________
If you look at the complete photo set of the show car__http://www.motortrend.com/auto_shows/coverage/112_05_detroit_ford_fairlane_photos/______ and hope they simply cleaned up that front end, and replaced the ribs, you have a winner.
Unless they stupidly made it into another Expedition/Explorer clone, they get a fresh look, a fresh concept -- I have seen Acadias on the street, looking like a nice chop job on a Yukon, which is fine for GMC. This car needs to be radical to get new sales.
THE NAME: It took me a minute, but I think it is great __ the Edge, the Flex, younger names that will get people looking at the cars. And Flex describes the multiple options of family hauler and cool car.
As for the comment about changing the name from Fairlane, calling Ford "dumbarses": may I suggest that Americans know a bit more than you about what is wanted here.
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Michael Karesh 2:38PM (3/22/2007)
Suicide doors will hurt. First there's the name--not kid friendly. Then, as #4 notes, they're awful in parking lots and not suited for frequent use.
I've yet to warm to the look of the concept, but am eager to see the concept. I'm starting to wish I'd planned on NYC.
Can someone get inside right after the presentation (when they let the press do such things), and report back on legroom, seat height off the floor, seat comfort, and why anyone would buy this inside of a Lambda?
Thanks.
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MattB 3:11PM (3/22/2007)
How does mom and dad, and their 6 kids exit the Fairlan...err..Flex at the same time in a tight parking lot with suicide doors? Come on Ford, the back doors should be sliders.
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Hamud 2:47PM (3/22/2007)
Flex?? Sounds like these Flexfuel cars we have here, Fairlane is a lot better. Anyway, just green light it, I can deal with the name.
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Alex Nunez 2:54PM (3/22/2007)
Michael, Ford officially calls them "French Doors." As for their utility (or lack thereof, more specifically) in a parking lot, I'm skeptical.
If they aren't minivan owners, most drivers tend to do just fine in lots with traditionally-hinged doors. Plenty of families do it with SUVs today, anyway. I guess we'll know better once we physically open the door to climb in and out.
Hamud, it is greenlit. The Flex is the production car.
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willpumphrey 3:26PM (3/22/2007)
If I remember right, when we first saw this thing with the "Fairlane" name, everyone was saying how they should change the name and stay away from the names of the past.
I just think its funny that they pretty much took your advice, came up with a name that will attract a younger crowd, and now a bunch of people are complaining again!
Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing this thing in the flesh. I'll be starting a family soon and can't stand the thought of driving a minivan.
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Michael Karesh 3:00PM (3/22/2007)
Alex,
They can call them whatever they like, but what do you think everyone else will call them?
As I understand it, the problem with suicide..er..French doors is that when both front and rear doors are opened the people getting out are confined in a tight space. And if there isn't enough room to fully open them, which is generally the case, it's especially tight in the "triangle."
When you're checking the doors out, imagine another vehicle two feet away.
I pick up and drop off at my kids' school nearly every weekday. This wouldn't work there.
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geo.stewart 3:46PM (3/22/2007)
Yes, the key will be what makes it to production, the idea, the lines, the interior, what? I'm guessing the interior will be cheesy, no ridges, chrome lines on the doors, Exploder or Fusion style headlamps and the 3-bar grill. I'm not buying that its going to be a radical new entry for Ford. While the concept looks good, looks sellable, I'm not sure enough will make it to production. This is a grown up Element or xB....
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Steve0 3:10PM (3/22/2007)
That's funny, the Detriot News is reporting that the Flex will NOT have the French/Suicide doors...
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/UPDATE/703220444/1148/AUTO01
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DPC car videos 3:15PM (3/22/2007)
Great looking Van/SUV but I agree the Fairlane has a better American sound to it.
http://www.dpccars.com
DPCcars
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Shawn 3:37PM (3/22/2007)
It would be completely stupid to use a heritage name like Fairlane on something like this.
Flex, as in Flexible, is fine. After all, this thing isn't meant for auto enthusiasts. It is an alternative to minivans/suvs. With that in mind, Flex is fine for what it is...an glorified minivan.
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