The Flex demonstrates America's car industry at its best

The Flex isn't light, but it feels light on its feet, a neat trick. Back in the bad old days, when we all climbed into rear facing third rows for a puketacular family ride, a wagon of this size and weight would be powered by something large, iron, and sporting eight cylinders. Technology has marched on, and the Flex packs Ford's 3.5 liter V6. You'd think that it would pale in comparison to the lazy old V8s of yesteryear, but in reality, its output is about the same. We're not talking fire-breathing high performance engines here - and it's a much more modestly sized power unit. Coupled with an excellent six-speed automatic transmission that shifts like butter, Ford has turned a potential downfall into a net positive. No, you're not going to win any races, but the powertrain is smooth and refined and goes about its business unobtrusively. The Flex returned about 20MPG, which also isn't going to set the world aflame with its efficiency, but it's not horrible, and it'd do better with more highway mixed in there.

The Flex demonstrates America's car industry at its best. Surely, the design polarizes, but it never fails to generate conversation. While American cars have long been known as some of the most stylish, it's been a long time since the average consumer would even glance over at a domestic product. The Flex is a vehicle that's executed in the most stellar manner. It's not perfect, but neither are its competitors. It's well built - as well built as anything else you might cross-shop with it - and refined. Think back, when was the last time you called any domestic family vehicle refined? Ford's biggest challenge with the Flex will be enticing people to pony up between $30- and $45,000 in a time when nobody seems to be biting on much of anything.

Thoughtfulness is a common thread inside the Flex, too. In the past, that's where other automakers have built their reputations, and an area that American brands have commonly fallen short. Not with the Flex, there's little touches everywhere that remind you that this car was fussed over. Folding the third-row seats is but one example. The operation can be carried out with one hand and only takes seconds. There are two folded positions, too, one offering a deep well, and the other providing a flat loading surface that can be extended by also folding the second row seats. Of course the rear hatch power itself open and shut, which makes it easier to load and unload all those groceries the Flex can hold. The model I drove also sported a massive multi-panel moonroof and a refrigerator between the two second row seats. The Flex is also full of tech, with a fantastically easy to use system that incorporated navigation, a surround-sound audio system by Sony, and the Sync system, all under touchscreen control.

Size without sizeable penalty is the big story with the Flex

Size without sizeable penalty is the big story with the Flex. Just swing one of those beefy doors open. The seats are chair height - no stooping required to get in. Space in all directions is pretty massive. With the driver's seat positioned for my 5 foot 6 frame to drive comfortably, the second row seat, which slides, had more legroom than I can recall seeing in most vehicles, with the possible exception of a minivan. There's a third row of seats, too, one that actually fits humans. Many times, third rows are just a suggestion of a seat, useful in a pinch and offering very little legroom. In the Flex, there's space for two normal adults back there. Families with little ones will find LATCH anchors on the center row, and another on the right side of the third row, making it possible to carry both adults and children without resorting to a van. Nice.
Nice certainly describes the way the interior of the Limited trim level Flex was outfitted. Leather seats with a cross-hatch pattern sewn in are comfy, though it's still weird to have a bottom cushion that's power adjustable, and a manual lever for backrest rake. Between the adjustability of the seats and the steering column, it's not hard to find a good driving position. Big mirrors and lots of glass area bring great visibility, too. Most of the materials have a high quality look, though there are still some areas that might be scuff prone. Everything is put together well, and if you haven't been in an American car for a while, the Flex might surprise you - it's a class job. Toyota's Venza offers a similarly roomy interior, but I prefer the layout, design, and materials in the Flex.

Ford Flex Limited

Meet Gigantor, otherwise known as the Ford Flex. Families love cars with space, and the Flex definitely offers that. There are smaller apartments in the North End than the amount of space in the latest classification-defying vehicle from Ford. Classically, lots of room has meant penalties. Either the vehicle was a floaty barge, or more recently, it's based on a truck and much more heavy duty than most people needed. The Flex doesn't suffer those two maladies, offering a cavern inside while still no harder to drive around than a car.

Is it a wagon? Is it an SUV? Ford calls it a Crossover - the latest fashion in catchall categorization. It's available with all wheel drive, like many SUVs, and the ride height is taller than a normal car's. The weight, while substantial at 4600-plus pounds with all wheel drive, is well disguised. The Flex doesn't bob around like you're out at sea, and it's far easier to handle than something carrying a full frame and four wheel drive. Looking at the family tree, the Flex is actually derived from a car, tracing its lineage back to the first generation Volvo S80 by way of the Five Hundred/Taurus models. Given that heritage, it makes a lot of sense that the Flex is very well mannered.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Interior shots and teasing sketch of the new 563bhp Mercedes SLS AMG gullwing



The Mercedes SLS AMG supercar is edging closer to reality. It's a car that's been teased to us for a while now, with a variety of official 'spy shots' and footage of disguised cars out playing in the snow.

These latest shots include designer's sketches that confirm what the car is set to look like, as well as shots of the interior. Exterior styling apes the Mercedes 300SL, the firm's original gullwing supercar, especially at the rear, which seems curvier and shaplier than the front might suggest. The inside isn't exactly the stuff of supercar fantasy however, with things kept reasonably sedate. It's not dissimilar to other Mercedes cabins, although parity with its rangemates is something Merc is likely keen to achieve.

The 6.2-litre V8 supercar could be classed as a successor to the McLaren SLR, but the SLS will major on different talents. It's set to be a lot cheaper, for a start - under £150K is touted - while the 563bhp engine is front-mid mounted, which means a near perfect weight distribution of 48:52 front/rear. It should add up to a more dynamically sound package than the outgoing supercar. It is set to hit 60mph in 3.8sec (thanks to a trick twin-clutch seven-speed auto) and have a top speed just shy of 200mph, although the speedometer does go up to 224mph and the revcounter to 9000rpm...

Lada to introduce new car in Porto

Lada will introduce its new Priora challenger at the Porto rounds of the World Touring Car Championship on 5 July.

Vladislav Nezvankin, the Lada Sport director, expects a big step forward with the Priora, which will replace the 110 model used for the Russian company's initial entry into the series.

"The first aerodynamic tests in the windtunnel have showed that our new Lada Priora is well balanced, which is extremely important on all the tracks we will visit. The drag coefficient is very low and that makes us competitive.

"The original Lada 110, which serves as a base for the new Lada Priora, already had a very low drag factor. This makes Lada one of the best cars in its class."

Driver and project leader Viktor Shapovalov added that the 110, which has so far failed to get above the midfield, would receive several upgrades as work continued on the Priora.

"Lada's latest challenger is undergoing improvement all the time, with several new parts and details constantly being tested," he said.

"In particular, the car's suspension will be heavily revised, with some of these changes being seen on the current car in time for the Morocco race in Marrakech from 2-3 May.

"By the end of May the Lada cars will also receive more powerful engines. This will allow the team to increase the car's top speed on the straights and to reduce the gap between Lada and the championship leaders."

The latest Mercedes E-class is one of the stars of this year's Motorexpo

The latest Mercedes E-class is one of the stars of this year's Motorexpo
Car enthusiasts dismayed by the cancellation of next year's British International Motor Show should take heart - organisers of the London Motorexpo this June have revealed plans for their biggest show yet.
More than 200 vehicles from 40 manufacturers are lined up for the event, which takes place in the imposing Docklands setting of Canary Wharf.
Mercedes-Benz will headline the show with a full line-up of vehicles on Canada Square, using the occasion to debut its long-awaited new E-class in the UK.
Other makers who have booked stands at the show include Saab - which will show off its new 9-3X - and Land Rover, which has promised to debut its 2010 model line-up. The off-road firm will also entertain visitors with an "interactive consumer driving experience", both on and off-road.
Suzuki will show off its new Alto city car while Vespa and Piaggio will showcase their latest scooters for those who prefer two wheels. Superbike World Championship manufacturer Aprilia will also be there, displaying the road-going version of its RSV4, among other high-powered machinery.
Volvo will exhibit a range of models at the London Motorexpo, with the emphasis on its "green" technology, while Porsche will be celebrating the recent opening of its new Canary Wharf dealership.
Footballers wives' favourite - the Hummer - will be on hand with the firm promising to demonstrate its "versatility and suitability" for the "toughest of terrains through to the most elegant of urban environments". Other big marques to present their model ranges at the Motorexpo include BMW, Aston Martin, Cadillac, Corvette and Jaguar, with more names to follow.
Graeme Carver, the managing director of the Canary Wharf Motorexpo, said: "I am delighted that we are seeing such strong support from across the spectrum of manufacturers. Our 2009 exhibitor line-up already surpasses that of last year's event; we look forward to working with all our exhibitors to try and generate sales as this very tough time".
The Motorexpo will run from June 8-14, between 9am-5pm weekdays and between 10am-6pm at weekends. Entry is free. More details at www.motorexpo.com.

Toyota takes on smart car with iQ

Toyota will soon join the smart-car ranks in a segment that will soon include Volkswagen's up! and additional micro-cars coming from other brands.
Toyota is moving ahead with a car called the iQ that will be more accommodating than the smart fortwo.

The little Japanese runabout will actually be "for four," three up front and one very small person in the rear, which will give it a serious advantage over the tiny European despite being almost as small on the outside.

The iQ will be released in Europe early next year, and should be popular due to its fuel efficiency and stylish duds. It looks good, wearing Toyota’s “Vibrant Clarity” design language more fittingly than it does with some of the brand’s larger cars.

The iQ will also make all of the latest audio and connectivity technologies available, targeting the young and young at heart who are expected to flock to Toyota showrooms, fall in love and take one home.

But will Toyota bring it to North America? While no announcement has been made, it only makes sense that they will import the car to compete with the strong-selling smart fortwo.
With Toyota's large dealer network and strong brand loyalty, as well as awareness, the iQ could attract more buyers who want a fun little car but are hesitant to spend money on the smart brand managed by Mercedes-Benz.