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Dealers
Marty Padgett
Last week, we took you for a ride in the new Ford Flex during our coverage of the New York auto show. We thought it would make a great taxi, among other things -- but apparently, someone at Ford thinks it might make a great new version of the old Country Squire, too.
Our spy photographers nabbed pics of a Flex wearing some seriously old-school wood-effect trim between the doors. We're not sure if they're serious, or not--this could just be a tongue-in-cheek nod to the inspiration for Ford's offbeat Flex, after all.
But could it also be a real version of the Flex, which goes on sale later this year? Ford's Anthony Prozzi, Interior Design Manager on the Flex, admitted as much when he said on the Ford public Web site: "We took apart the iconic American woody station wagon and modernized it, because this car is for a modern person." It's not clear if he was simply referring to the packaging and interior concept, or if the woody was an inspiration for the entire vehicle concept--including the exterior.
The Flex is a unique, polarizing design--something of which Ford is quite proud. Some might find some kitschy wood trim as a perfect addition to the Flex's funky shape. Who knows? Ford's official Flex Web site allows for some online customization to personalize your virtual version, but faux wood trim is nowhere to be found on your clickable choices. Maybe the woody option is further down the road. Or maybe this is a sign that a few those wacky automotive engineers are just having some fun. Regardless, it certainly caught our eye.
You can see more of the woodie shots in our high-resolution photo gallery--and rest assured, when there's more info, we'll bring it to you.--KGP Photography
Enlarge Photo Last week, we took you for a ride in the new Ford Flex during our coverage of the New York auto show. We thought it would make a great taxi, among other things -- but apparently, someone at Ford thinks it might make a great new version of the old Country Squire, too. Our spy photographers nabbed pics of a Flex wearing some seriously old-school wood-effect trim between the doors. We're not sure if they're serious, or not--this could just be a tongue-in-cheek nod to the inspiration for Ford's offbeat Flex, after all. But could it also be a real version of the Flex, which goes on sale later this year? Ford's Anthony Prozzi, Interior Design Manager on the Flex, admitted as much when he said on the Ford public Web site: "We took apart the iconic American woody station wagon and modernized it, because this car is for a modern person." It's not clear if he was simply referring to the packaging and interior concept, or if the woody was an inspiration for the entire vehicle concept--including the exterior. The Flex is a unique, polarizing design--something of which Ford is quite proud. Some might find some kitschy wood trim as a perfect addition to the Flex's funky shape. Who knows? Ford's official Flex Web site allows for some online customization to personalize your virtual version, but faux wood trim is nowhere to be found on your clickable choices. Maybe the woody option is further down the road. Or maybe this is a sign that a few those wacky automotive engineers are just having some fun. Regardless, it certainly caught our eye. You can see more of the woodie shots in our high-resolution photo gallery--and rest assured, when there's more info, we'll bring it to you.--KGP Photography
Responses (30 total)
By Thor #1, Posted: 3/24/2008
Putting more lipstick on the pig will not fool Auto Literates as to what it really is: A MINIVAN. And a rather inefficient one at that, as are most crossovers that are all the rage (supposedly).
Hey FORD: What is the story about the MPG of the FLex? THAT"S what counts!!!!!
By Jean Barsalou #2, Posted: 3/24/2008
Why is FORD going back since 20 years.
Is there anybody at FORD who can come up with someting new?RETRO MUSTANG,WOODY FLEX,BIGGER ENGINES,NO ELECTRIC CARS COMING,NO DIESELS COMING SOON,FLEX IS SAME AS LINCOLN!PICK UPS LINCOLN AND FORD ARE SAME MODELS.I am sure the big boys like the new president,BILL FORD and the whole family are collecting millions and none are doing anything to go forward.(LIKE THEIR AD SAYS)They are not going forward if they only make old new cars!
Just watch the other co. GO BY!
By Bob Henning #3, Posted: 3/24/2008
It would appear Ford is only 20 years behind the times. I remember forty years ago when they used to laugh about the Japanese. Who's laughing now?
By brian #4, Posted: 3/24/2008
Looks like someone wrapped the lower doors with self-adhesive shelf paper from Walmart...
...Wow, that's a Bold Move.
By Jason #5, Posted: 3/24/2008
@ Thor: Minivan? that's gotta be the shortest minivan I've ever seen. Station wagon is more like it. It's only marginally taller than the car next to it.
What's with the bumpers on it though... and does anyone else notice what appears to be a rollcage inside?
As for the woody trim, I'm guessing it's just a joke.
By brian #6, Posted: 3/24/2008
"...and does anyone else notice what appears to be a rollcage inside?"
Good eye - Didn't notice that before...
...wonder what that's all about?
By rbw #7, Posted: 3/25/2008
@ Jason:
It's 1" shorter than a Sienna or a Grand Caravan. It's 3" taller than a 2nd generation Odyssey.
By hal #8, Posted: 3/25/2008
This is clever.....the new look is a squashed explorer with a sick stick on woodie look....man o man get real at the design studio less pot and more clear thinking will sure help at FORD.
By Jeff Cox #9, Posted: 3/25/2008
RIP Flex Country Squire!
By Thor #10, Posted: 3/25/2008
"Jason Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
@ Thor: Minivan? that’s gotta be the shortest minivan I’ve ever seen."
Are you sure? The Flex is quite long and is alleged to be very roomy.
But I bet its MPG will be quite dissappointing, unless Ford has learned its lesson finally.
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