The seven-seater Flex is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine and is mated to a 6-speed transmission.

The powertrain is expected to deliver more than 260 horsepower, 245 lb.-ft. of torque and good fuel economy.

An intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is available as an option.

Among the many interior features are the refrigerator, mounted between the second-row captain’s chairs, a Multi-Panel Vista Roof and a programmable ambient “mood lighting”: passengers can choose among seven colors for six LEDs (two mounted on the front console, two on the footwells and two around the cupholders).

The same feature is being introduced on the 2008 Ford Focus.

The Flex joins the Edge and Taurus X in Ford’s expanding crossover lineup. It will go on sale in the summer of 2008.

From the official Press Release:

Design

Above: side-by-side comparison between the 2009 Ford Flex (left) and the 2005 Fairlane Concept

The Ford Flex is based on the Fairlane concept that debuted at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

“The Ford Flex has the power to move people emotionally as well as physically,” said J Mays, Ford’s group vice president of Design and chief creative officer.

“This crossover has been created for people who know it’s the journey – not the destination – that matters most,” Mays added. “Its upright, upscale design, versatility and clever touches allow Ford Flex to stand out in an increasingly crowded sea of crossovers.”

“Flex is following in the tire tracks, so to speak, of Ford vehicles like the Taurus, Explorer and Mustang. It’s the next iconic Ford,” said Peter Horbury, Ford’s executive director of Design for The Americas. “It shatters today’s image of people movers.”

Flex’s signature exterior design cues include the chrome horizontal three-bar grille, which builds on the family “face” that defines the Ford Edge and Taurus X crossovers, as well as the Ford Fusion sedan.

The vehicle is visually characterized by a unique, all black “greenhouse” – defined as the windshield, rear and side windows, and the pillars separating and connecting them to the roof.

The design brings together seamlessly the body with the available multi-panel roof.

Customers can pair a White Suede or Silver roof option with one of Flex’s 10 available exterior colors or choose a body-color roof.

Other features include the integrated rocker panel design, standard 18-inch or available 19-inch bright aluminum wheels, and Edge-inspired taillamps, which are outlined in chrome.

Flex Limited models have LED taillamps and a brushed satin finish metal appliqué spanning the center of the liftgate.

(Source: Ford)