Ford will be the featured automaker of this year’s 2009 SEMA show where it will show a number of modified vehicles from its new lineup. Taking the center stage at SEMA this year will be Ford’s new 2010 Ford Taurus. The Ford Transit Connect, Ford Flex, Focus, and Edge will also join the lineup along with the new 2010 Ford Mustang.

This year’s featured Ford project vehicles at SEMA include:

Click through for the full list.

2010 Ford Mustang by 3dCarbon
The 3dCarbon Mustang is different from all other Mustangs because it is the true Boy Racer – an award-winning, full-body styling concept that was originally introduced with the 2005 Mustang body style. 3dCarbon introduces the 2010 Boy Racer – an evolution of styling from the old to the new featuring a bold aerodynamic design. The 3d Boy Racer is sure to turn heads.

2010 Ford Mustang by Galpin Auto Sports
The Mustang GT Convertible is the true American thrill machine, and that thrill doubles with a Ford Racing 550-horsepower supercharger and one-of-a-kind custom wide body. This is the car to have – whether you’re out on the road with the top down or in the city for a night on the town.

2010 Ford Mustang by H&R Special Springs
H&R Special Springs has taken a new 2010 Mustang and built a time machine that is making the future visible now. Working from awesome new styling cues, H&R brings the future closer; from the personalized colorized wheels and subtle LED lighting accents on the exterior to the luxurious white accents inside, custom tuning is the wave.

2010 Ford Mustang by Paul’s High Performance
This 2010 Mustang GT is unmistakably built for the quarter-mile drag strip, with low elapsed times in mind. From the functional hood to the rear wing, its aggressive wheels, tires, exhaust and custom-designed Paul’s High Performance products are all specifically tuned for maximum performance. Following in the Paul’s High Performance tradition, this GT screams “Record breaker!” while showing off Mustang’s impressive new body styling, which is way ahead of the competition.

2010 Ford Mustang by Steeda Autosports
The Steeda Q350 – embodied with the very soul of Mustang performance – provides a dynamic, super responsive and absolutely confident driving experience. With more wins, records and championships in production-based Mustangs than any other specialty manufacturer, the Steeda Q350 is both track tested and street legal. From the racetrack to the open road, the Steeda Q series never fails to amaze, combining the dynamics and agility of a high-performance sports racer with the everyday practicality and comfort of America’s original pony car – all in one integrated package.

2010 Ford Mustang by Street Scene Equipment
Street Scene Equipment once again leads the way with race-like styling for the street, and power, handling and style incorporated into the perfect package. This Mustang from Street Scene Equipment is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.

2010 Ford Mustang by Vaughn Gittin Jr.
World championship drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr. has introduced a new generation of Mustang to the world with the Mustang RTR. The extremely limited-production Mustang RTR-C puts still more muscle behind the already incredible 2010 Ford Mustang GT. Balancing 550 tire-shredding American horsepower with new-generation design influences, Vaughn has incorporated state-of-the-art technology with first-rate carbon fiber body construction to make the Mustang RTR-C one incredible-looking, raw performance machine.

2010 Ford Mustang by Ford Vehicle Personalization
Powered by imagination, this Ford Mustang showcases Ford Custom Accessories. The metallic gold design cues are inspired by such premier fashion designers as Prada, Stella McCartney and Balenciaga. The vehicle features unique Carbon Black Metallic exterior custom paint that is accented by gold 20-inch wheels and gold-tinted headlights and fog lamps. Inside, the gold theme continues with leather seat and door trim inserts, steering wheel cover and shifter boot.

2010 Ford Taurus by Tommy Z Design
The Ford Taurus lends itself quite easily to the Superlux Youthful Styling and yet it remains sophisticated. Tommy Z embellished this great vehicle with his own classic VIP luxury style and components.

2010 Ford Taurus SHO by Mobsteel
The Ford Taurus SHO and Mobsteel are both committed to being anything but ordinary. So it’s no surprise that the Taurus SHO by Mobsteel is one extraordinary vehicle. The trademark black-on-black Mobsteel paint job, custom fascias, and a host of trim touches and details give this 2010 Taurus SHO a tough menacing look, whether coming or going. And that’s just the beginning, as this SHO has the goods both inside and out.

The bad boy rides on massive 22-inch Mobsteel forged two-piece wheels and super-low-profile Pirelli PZero Nero tires. A completely customized chassis with Air Runner front struts and Mobsteel adjustable rear air ride provide attitude to the max. The Magnaflow Performance cat-back exhaust and JL Audio equipment make this Taurus SHO sound as tough as it looks.

2010 Ford Taurus “Best of SHO” by MRT-Direct
MRT-Direct gives its signature classy touches to this Taurus SHO by adding subtle ground effect treatment, and a black cherry roof and custom vented hood. Increased performance is achieved through turbo system efficiencies, an exhaust upgrade, and wheel, tire and suspension modifications. The cabin is designed to be sporty and comfortable, while a Kicker sound system delivers the final beat.

2010 Ford Fusion Sport by Aaron Vaccar Signature Series
Young custom car designer Aaron Vaccar, most noted for his work with modern and sport compact vehicles, has taken his knowledge of next-generation styling and applied it to the new Ford Fusion Sport. Speed, style and sound – quite simply, this Fusion reveals that such a balance does exist in a sport-tuned street car. Upgraded with the thrills of a turbocharged motor, this Fusion now packs even more power to back up its stunning looks.

Noting that function needs to meet form, the entire audio and trunk enclosures have been designed to seamlessly integrate into the vehicle’s styling and practicality. Tastefully mix the right combination of modifications, a bit of unique style combined with an already impressive platform, and what you get is this Aaron Vaccar Signature Series Fusion Sport.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid by M&J Enterprises
This Ford Fusion Hybrid by M&J Enterprises showcases a variety of eco-friendly accessories and aerodynamic parts. These range from air splitters to heat-reflective paint, window film and a vehicle data display. All items are either lighter in weight than the factory items, increase fuel economy or eliminate petroleum-based products. The data display helps increase the consumer’s environmental awareness. The whole package delivers a desirable, eco-friendly Ford Fusion aimed at consumers who like to customize their vehicles and are concerned with environmental issues.

2010 Ford Fusion “T4” by MRT
This custom version of the fun, sporty, fuel-efficient Ford Fusion successfully combines the best of all worlds. MRT started with clever but subtle appearance changes to the exterior trim and paint. Next, they brought the same sport feel and style to the interior with revised seating and interior trim accents. The fun-to-drive factor is kicked up a notch with a single intercooled turbocharger and Street Performance coil-over suspension. To unleash the full potential of the awesome turbocharged powerplant, MRT skillfully exhaust-balanced the system with a high-performance stainless-steel Max-Flow™ h-pipe and back half exhaust system using the finest CNC Mandrel bend tube and high-flow components. The result is a system that delivers enhanced power and truly satisfying performance-car sound. Twenty-inch wheels and tires add a final touch to set off the look and give this Fusion an even smarter, sportier stance. On the inside, a kickin’ audio system from Kicker provides the perfect balance of amped-up entertainment.

2010 Ford Transit Connect by Azentek and Grant Products
Azentek and Grant Products teamed up to build this unique “Travel Inn” Ford Transit Connect van. Designed for people who are always on the go, it comes complete with the Azentek in-vehicle computing and navigation radio, and a Concept DVD for watching movies. You can cook while tailgating with your mini pull-out kitchen and even sleep in complete comfort in the upper bunk bed. You also will drive in style with the Grant Products body kit, race-inspired steering wheel and GAC interior. The vehicle features 18-inch BBS wheels with a Winona PVD chrome finish and Bridgestone Firestone tires.

2010 Ford Transit Connect by Ford Vehicle Personalization
This 2010 Transit Connect was developed by the Ford Vehicle Personalization team and it features Genuine Ford Accessories, Ford Licensed Accessories and various personalization concepts. Inspired by West Coast beaches, the vehicle is presented in a soft anodized Metallic Gold exterior paint with a large energetic side graphic depicting young people playing sports and having fun on the beach. Various racks and carriers on the exterior secure your favorite outdoor gear.

The interior is the main focus of this custom Transit Connect, showcasing the flexibility of space in the cargo area and the ability to create a realm of personal use around this vehicle rather than strictly commercial/business usage. Shown with two seats, the cargo area will house an audio wall with a custom audio/video system, a skateboard rack displaying four skateboards and a rear-mounted LCD flip-out flat-screen monitor with video game console.

2010 Ford Edge “RallyE” by Santini Paint
Santini Paint, combined with the talent of Steve Stanford Design, has taken the Ford Edge crossover to a level of design utilizing influence from the old-school British racing era, tuner cars and a little rally car, so that this “soccer mom” grocery-getter becomes the “cool” car for the family. With a few inches out of the suspension, the big wheel and tire combination, 3dCarbon body kit, British Racing Green color and an asymmetrical competition stripe paint scheme with some interior accents added in, Santini’s Ford Edge becomes a “Coolover.”

2009 Ford Focus by FSWerks
In its constant search for more power, the FSWerks crew has taken a 2009 Ford Focus Coupe and pushed it to the edge. Utilizing many years of racing, fabricating and powertrain experience, this transformed Ford Focus is now pushing more than 500 horsepower, making it one serious track Focus.

2009 Ford Focus by Creations n’ Chrome
Creations n’ Chrome has taken green technology to the extreme with its 2009 Ford Focus. The exterior starts with an outrageous green chrome finish using Cosmichrome water-based spray-on plating technology, 3dCarbon Euro Series six-piece body kit and lightweight Work Emotion wheels. To increase engine efficiency and aerodynamics, an FSWerks turbo kit and H&R coil-over suspension are added. The interior was custom refinished from top to bottom with House of Color paint and custom Katzkin leather.

2010 Ford Flex by Falken Tire
Breaking the mold of cookie-cutter project vehicles on oversized chrome rims, Falken Tire has envisioned the perfect blend of traditional “lowrider” styling and a 2010 platform while utilizing today’s finest full-size CUV, the Ford Flex. Rolling on 22-inch Falken S/TZ04 tires and wire- spoke Dayton wheels, this ride will surely earn the respect of everyone from old-school purists to new-age tuners. Break the mold and Flex Your Style.

2009 Ford F-150 by K-Daddyz Kustomz
The crew at K-Daddyz Kustomz has applied their street influence with a touch of urban luxury to this Ford F-150. Staying true to their “In Your Face” style of building, this truck boasts 24-inch wheels with a radical air bag suspension. The custom two-tone paint grabs your attention while remaining classy. And in case you really need to get there quickly, the 5.4-liter supercharged engine will deliver. Whether drawing crowds at a show or turning heads on the boulevard, this F-150 plays for keeps. After all, it’s Built Ford Tough.

2009 Ford F-150 by Malibu Customz
Malibu Customz has taken their talent for customization and accented it by teaming up with world-renowned artist Mickey Harris to create the 2009 “Freedom Truck” as a tribute to all the people who serve or have served in the U.S. armed forces.

2009 Ford F-150 by Superlift
Superlift Suspension Systems has been manufacturing superbly engineered off-road suspension systems for two- and four-wheel-drive trucks for 35 years. Superlift has taken that experience and applied it to Mattel’s Hot Wheels vision of the 2009 Ford F-150. In doing so, they were able to take the F-150 to the next level in style, appearance and performance, while keeping as much detail as possible of the original 1:64 Hot Wheels die-cast model. Superlift has taken a pedestrian F-150 and transformed it into a toy that any man, woman or child would be happy to play with.

2010 Ford F-150 by Ford Vehicle Personalization
Project FX2 Sport 6.2L H.O. showcases the new Ford F-150, the Ford Vehicle Personalization Team, Ford Racing, Genuine Ford Accessories and Ford Licensed Accessories. Starting with America’s best-selling full-size pickup for 32 straight years, the Vehicle Personalization Team delivers the new head-turning 2010 F-150 FX2 Sport production package. The FX2 Sport package is available right now from your local Ford dealer and features a dark billet grille, unique headlamp treatment, monochromatic paint, unique wheels, custom step bars, a sporty deep front valance and sport captain’s chairs with flow-through center console and floor- mounted shifter. Adding Genuine Ford Accessories such as the bed sport liner and Ford Licensed Accessories such as the Hard Color Matched Tonneau Cover, you can easily transform America’s best-selling full-size pickup into a highly personalized vehicle.

This concept vehicle adds additional excitement by showing concepts presently not available on the FX2 such as the Regular Cab configuration and the power and towing muscle of a 6.2-liter H.O. powertrain. With its Red Candy tinted clearcoat exterior paint and Satin Gold graphics, this vehicle projects even more sport style. In addition to the standard FX2 Sport package content, the show vehicle features concept equipment such as a black chrome billet grille, a Ford Racing rear dual exhaust system with black chrome tips, a lowering kit, a hood scoop and Satin Gold finishes on the wheels and towing hitch accessories. In addition to Trailer Sway Control, which is standard on all F-150s, this vehicle also features available F-150 options such as the Trailer Brake Controller and a navigation system. The result is Project FX2 Sport 6.2L H.O. – sport style that stands out from the crowd at the track, and powerful towing confidence to get you there and back.

2011 Ford Super Duty DeWALT Contractor “Concept”
The new 2011 Ford Super Duty is the ultimate tough truck on any job site. With all-new powertrains, upgraded capability and tougher-than-ever new styling, the rugged, durable and strong truck is a valuable member of any work crew. This custom DeWALT edition of the new Super Duty is designed to drive improved productivity and performance for the serious contractor with a host of innovative features and upgrades inside and out. One of the most powerful enhancements is Ford Work Solutions™, the exclusive system from Ford that helps turn Super Duty into the ultimate mobile office and helps contractors effectively manage their tool inventories through Tool Link™ and Customized On-Board Storage.

- By: Kap Shah

Ford will focus on introducing its much talked about EcoBoost engines across its lineup in 2009. One of the first vehicles to get the gasoline direct-injected twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 will be the 2010 Ford Flex. Ford says that by 2013, more than 90 percent of its North American lineup will have EcoBoost technology.

The new engine gives the 2010 Flex V8 power, producing a total of 355-hp with a maximum torque of 350 lb-ft. Along with the power boost, the 2010 EcoBoost Flex gets segment-leading fuel-economy with 22 mpg on the highway and 18 mpg combined. The engine is mated to a 6-speed 6F-55 SelectShift automatic transmission.

Those interested in running out and putting down an order should note that the twin-turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6 requires all-wheel-drive and will be available on the well-equipped SEL and Limited Edition models. Pricing and other info will be revealed closer to launch.

The 2010 Ford Flex isn’t the only Ford vehicle getting EcoBoost’ed in 2009. The Lincoln MKS and the 2010 Lincoln MKT (which will be revealed tomorrow) will also get the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 in 2009.

Follow the jump for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

2010 EcoBoost Ford Flex:

Press Release:

• The 2010 Ford Flex will offer an available 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, the first gasoline direct-injection twin-turbocharged engine produced in North America

• EcoBoost is a key Ford Motor Company initiative to deliver significant advancements in fuel economy – up to 20 percent – without sacrificing the performance customers want.  The 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine delivers an impressive 355 horsepower and a responsive 350 lb.-ft. of torque across a broad rpm range, simultaneously giving Ford Flex the power of a normally aspirated 4.6-liter V-8 while enjoying V-6 fuel efficiency

• The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 is the first in a wave of EcoBoost engines coming from Ford as part of a strategy to bring major fuel-efficiency improvements to millions.  By 2013, more than 90 percent of Ford’s North American lineup will be available with EcoBoost
DETROIT, Jan. 11, 2009 – Ford Flex turns heads with its distinctive design – and in 2009, the unique full-size crossover becomes even more noteworthy, thanks to an available twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine. 

This all-new engine gives Flex V-8 power and performance feel with the fuel economy of a V-6. The twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 produces an estimated 355 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 350 foot-pounds of torque at 3,500 rpm.  In addition to the power upgrade, the 2010 EcoBoost Flex boasts segment-leading fuel economy among full-size performance crossover vehicles with 22 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined. 

The 2010 Flex has unsurpassed fuel economy in the full-size crossover segment with 24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined, one of a number of new Ford products delivering the best or among the best fuel economy.

“We are committed to delivering fuel economy leadership in every new vehicle,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group president of Global Product Development.  “We do this with affordable technology that can be applied to the widest number of vehicles.  EcoBoost is an important component of that goal.

“The beauty of EcoBoost is that it enables us to downsize for fuel efficiency, yet boost for power.  We’re able to decrease the size of the available engine – such as installing a V-6 versus a V-8 – yet boost the power using turbocharging to deliver similar power and torque of that larger engine.”

The twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine requires all-wheel drive and will be available on well-equipped SEL and Limited models of the 2010 Flex, packaged with several high-demand customer features.

“People who drive the Flex want to make a statement, and the new twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 is very much in keeping with that attitude,” said Ron Heiser, chief engineer of the Ford Flex.  “We’re proud and excited to add Ford’s most advanced engine, which is the first V-6 direct-injection twin turbocharged engine produced in North America, to the Flex line.”

The addition of the EcoBoost engine builds on what already is a strong package for Flex.

“We know that there are customers who are looking for the power and performance of a traditional V-8 but are not willing to sacrifice this for fuel economy,” said Kate Pearce, Flex marketing manager.  “No one else in this segment offers this level of performance and versatility, and when you wrap it up in Flex’s unique package, we believe that it will offer a compelling buy in the crossover segment.”

The EcoBoost program is part of Ford’s ongoing and wide-ranging initiative to deliver fuel-efficient powertrain systems with power and performance found in larger-displacement engines.

“EcoBoost engines offer more power and better fuel economy,” said Brett Hinds, EcoBoost design manager.  “It’s all part of Ford’s strategy to bring adaptable powertrain technology to all kinds of vehicles and all kinds of lifestyles.  This technology is affordable and applicable to all gasoline engines.”

Hinds said the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 will handle any tasks Ford Flex drivers ask of it.  “The drivability of EcoBoost engines is superior and it just generates a lot more confidence in your Flex – it goes where you want it to go,” he said.  “You’re rewarding yourself as a driver.”

The twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 also will arrive in the Lincoln MKS and MKT in 2009.  Although these are three very different vehicles that serve different needs for customers, the EcoBoost engine can handle the roles seamlessly and effectively.  The 2010 EcoBoost V-6 MKT, for example, provides segment-leading fuel economy, exceeding the V-8-powered Audi Q7 by 4 mpg on the highway.

“A key element in our EcoBoost strategy is the efficiency we gain by employing a common control unit across a wide variety of vehicle applications,” said Craig Stephens, EcoBoost powertrain control system manager.  “All the driver should notice is the seamless power delivery and terrific fuel economy.”

The key to the EcoBoost system is the harmony between the twin turbochargers and the direct injection fuel system.  The turbochargers recover energy from the exhaust that otherwise would’ve been wasted and put it back in the engine to gain efficiency.  Simply, the turbocharging system puts more air into the engine for more power.  A compressor increases or “boosts” the pressure of the air entering the engine.  An intercooler reduces the air temperature before it enters the engine.  

The twin parallel turbochargers, which are water cooled and operate simultaneously, combine with a direct-injection fuel system to produce power when the driver pushes down on the gas pedal.  The high-pressure fuel pump operates up to 2,175 psi – more than 35 times the norm seen in a conventional V-6 engine.  The high-pressure pump is a cam-driven mechanical pump with a single piston and an electronic valve that controls how much fuel is routed into the fuel rails to the injectors.

As demands on the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine are increased, the control system responds to maintain optimal combustion, timing and injection duration.

On each stroke, six individual jets spray fuel directly into the combustion chamber, mixing with the incoming air.  “By bringing the fuel injector right into the combustion chamber, there’s no delay from the time you inject the fuel to when it’s used by the engine,” Hinds said.

The fuel injectors are located on the side of the combustion chamber.  When the fuel is injected into the cylinder, it evaporates and cools the air that’s been inducted into the cylinder.  “Another benefit of our direct injection method is that it cools the air right where you’re going to burn it,” Hinds said.  “This action both improves the breathing of the engine and minimizes knocking.”

The direct injection of fuel into the cylinder also helps provide a well-mixed air-fuel charge, increasing engine efficiency.  Direct injection provides several benefits in terms of fuel burn and lower emissions.

“Because the fuel is directly introduced into the combustion chamber, you don’t get fuel wetting the combustion wall like with port fuel injection, you don’t saturate the ports and you don’t get droplets that might recombine and add to saturation,” Hinds said.  “By injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber and under high pressure, the fuel can be directed to exactly where we want it to be for a given combustion cycle.”

The spray pattern for the fuel was optimized after extensive modeling work, with the angle of how the fuel is sprayed key to the process. 

“The better combustion process is a big advantage of direct injection,” Hinds said.  “In a port fuel system, at key off it’s possible to have fuel on the walls of the intake port, which migrates to the top of the valve and puddles.  So when you key on, you get that emissions spike.  Direct injection is much cleaner from that standpoint.”

Turbo lag virtually eliminated

The simultaneous turbocharger operation paired with the direct-injection system help to virtually eliminate turbo lag, one of the main reasons turbocharger technology was not previously more widely used. 

The dual-turbocharger setup has several advantages over previous turbocharging systems, including:

• The turbochargers are smaller, resulting in more-compact exhaust manifolds, which don’t generate as much heat

• Turbochargers are packaged adjacent to the cylinder block and have improved mounting providing NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) improvements

• The dual turbochargers spool up quicker, allowing the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine to reach peak torque faster.  The turbochargers spin at approximately 170,000 rpm.  By comparison, the redline for the engine is approximately 6,500 rpm

“Our two turbochargers both operate identically over the speed range of the engine – one is responsible for the left bank of the engine and the other is responsible for the right bank,” Hinds said.  “Both spin immediately and produce boost, even at low engine speeds.”

The turbochargers are designed for a life cycle of 150,000 miles or 10 years. 

“Our testing is far, far more harsh than could be achieved in the real world,” Hinds said.  “In an extreme situation, a customer might be able to hit peak power for about 10 seconds – probably not even that much.  We test at peak power for hundreds of hours to ensure we can reach our durability and reliability goals.”

The turbochargers are only about the size of an orange, but help provide a big performance advantage to customers.  Hinds describes the torque response in terms of linear acceleration – power whenever you need it.

“You get peak torque across a very wide engine speed range,” he said.  “It’s available when you pull away from a stoplight or pass someone on a secondary road at a comparatively low speed. You don’t need to wind up the engine to get performance out of it.  It’s there all the time.”

Turbocharger “whoosh” is mitigated by electronically controlled anti-surge valves, which proactively relieve the boost in the intake, which can range up to 12 PSI.  Precise software calibrations manage the pressures in the intake manifold.

“We control the boost to make sure that customers don’t recognize when the boost is building,” Hinds said.  “As the turbochargers spool up, the electronic control system takes over.  Our active wastegate control along with the throttle controls the boost and torque levels very precisely and the customer perceives a continuous delivery of torque.”

Extensive durability tests on the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine ensure it will excel in all conditions.  Start-up tests, with a wide variety of fuels, were made in conditions ranging from minus 40 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit.  Altitude testing up to 12,000 feet in Colorado also was performed.

“The direct-injection fuel system allows us some real opportunities in terms of optimizing cold start for both emissions and robustness,” Hinds said.  “We have multiple injections for each combustion event, and we can essentially tune where those injections should take place to deliver the strongest start possible with the lowest emissions.”

Mated to the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine is the 6-speed 6F-55 SelectShift automatic transmission, which is dedicated to the twin-turbocharger engine. 

The 6F-55 transmission was developed from the successful 6F-50 transmission to specifically respond to the increased torque demands of the EcoBoost V-6 engine.  Upgrades were made to the transmission’s friction material in response to the higher shift energies, and a new torque converter has been optimized for performance and fuel economy.

Additionally, the 6F-55 transmission operates more efficiently.  The transmission team was able to reduce the fluid level in the transmission, which in turn reduced weight and drag torque on the system.  Upgrades to the transmission’s thermal valve mean the system warms up quicker, reducing gear-spin losses.

“We’ve upgraded the gear sets to handle the increased torque,” said Joe Baum, powertrain team leader.  “We’ve also adjusted the final drive ratio and matched the gear ratios to provide the optimum performance and fuel economy.

“Our final drive ratio is 2.73.  With a lower final drive ratio, the engine spins lower at highway speeds, which helps save fuel.  And with all the torque, the Ford Flex still delivers good low-speed launch performance.”

One harmonious system

Careful powertrain system management ensures the engine, turbochargers and transmission work together harmoniously.

“The Flex is a hit with our customers, bringing new customers to Ford,” Heiser said.  “Adding the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 is just more great news.”

Nelly will see his brand new customized 2009 Ford Flex for the first time today when it is unveiled at the 2008 SEMA Auto Show in Las Vegas. The, 34-year old rapper turned actor says that he fell for the Flex when he saw it at a Ford-sponsored event in Atlanta – his home town. How convenient.

“When I saw it, I said ‘Yo, that’s hot!  How can I get one of those?’” he recalled.  “I thought it was a real unique vehicle.”

What’s more convenient is later that night Nelly ran into DJ Funkmaster Flex who also owns a customized Flex. Nelly shared his excitement with Funkmaster Flex and well Funkmaster made some phone calls and now Nelly has his own.

If you care to learn more about all this excitement follow the jump for the press release.

Press Release:

“NELLY” FLEX UNVEILED AT SEMA SHOW

LAS VEGAS, Nev., Nov. 4, 2008 – Grammy Award-winning artist Nelly will see his brand new customized 2009 Ford Flex for the first time today when the vehicle is unveiled on the Ford stand at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.

The 34-year-old rapper, singer and actor says Ford’s newest crossover caught his eye for the first time in July when it was on display at a Ford-sponsored event in Atlanta.

“When I saw it, I said ‘Yo, that’s hot!  How can I get one of those?’” he recalled.  “I thought it was a real unique vehicle.”

Later that night, Nelly shared his excitement about the car with his good friend, hip hop DJ Funkmaster Flex, who has a customized Flex of his own.  That’s when the metaphorical wheels started turning.

“I’ve been partnering with Ford on some amazing vehicles since 2005,” said Funkmaster Flex. When Nelly reached out on wanting a custom Flex of his own, I knew it was going to be ‘on and poppin.’  From our initial meeting with him at my warehouse in the Bronx to follow-up conversations that we had about this vehicle, there was no doubt that we could deliver something that would ultimately be true to Nelly and his own style”.

“When it comes to a vehicle looking sweet, this crossover is beyond sweet,” said Flex of the crossover. “This vehicle is one where you can be hot coming off the dealership lot—which is a plus, but when you know that you can customize it afterwards and turn a car that’s a 10 into a 20—that’s super hot.” It was even more exciting for me to be able to work with Nelly and introduce him to the Ford team of designers to create a vehicle all his own. It was definitely an experience.”

Usha Raghavachari, Ford’s Crossover Marketing Communications Manager, attended the initial event in Atlanta and says she was delighted to see how enthusiastic Nelly was about the Flex.

“He is a huge hip hop star who transcends the traditional audience.  The fact that he is attracted to Flex is testament to its head-turning design,” she said.

Nelly says he was thrilled about the idea of “building” his own Flex.

“I’m what they call a ‘premiere stuntastic stuntman,’ and so you know when it comes to cars, I’m pretty inclined to go overboard,” he said.  “I wanted to really turn the vehicle into mine.  You can do so much with it, and I think that’s the best thing about it.”

After meeting with Nelly and getting a feel for his taste, Ford Designer Melvin Betancourt began sketching.

“Just from talking with Nelly, we knew that he wanted a custom-color blue car with a white roof, a great sound system, 22-inch wheels, an exhaust system with a little bit of a rumble on it, and a personalized interior,” said Betancourt, who worked with Catalyst Industrial Marking, Inc. to build the vehicle.  “He wanted our input on the other elements of the customization.”

One of the first ideas they had, says Betancourt, was to design a custom appliqué for the roof.

“We created an art form that we feel reflects Nelly’s personality,” he said.  “It’s a bird, which is a symbol of freedom — the ability to do whatever you want in life — and it has a very modern feel to it, which is very Flex.”

The wheels had to stand out.  So the team chose NC Forged “6 Spoke” 3-piece aluminum, 22-inch wheels with NC floating center caps.

“Wheels are usually either all-chrome or all-painted.  We did custom chrome rims with a brushed aluminum center, which is very unusual,” he said.  “We also wanted a wild, crazy offset on the wheels, so we went with a 4½-inch rim in the back and a 3-inch rim in the front, which creates a staggered look.”

Betancourt says the inspiration for the interior of the vehicle came largely from the exterior.

“The outside of the car reflects his personality, so it was a matter of bringing the some of the same elements inside,” he said.

The team selected a black Tuscany leather interior with Katzkin® seats and contrast blue stitching that picks up the unique exterior color of the car.  They also replaced all the wood grain trim inside the car with the same artwork appliqué featured on the roof.

In addition, Nelly’s Flex features the industry-exclusive Ford SYNC™ technology and a CIM LIIV™ wireless Internet entertainment system, which enables passengers to enjoy web surfing, online games, e-mail, downloaded movies, music and live television.

Nelly says one of the things that really attracts him to the Ford Flex is the vehicle’s potential to transcend the generation gap.

“It used to be that parents and kids didn’t like the same thing.  Families are getting a lot younger, and now it’s kind of a friendship between parents and kids,” he explained.  “When you can have a vehicle that both can rock their own way, I think you have something there that’s very special.”

Raghavachari agrees.

“Flex has successfully attracted a wide variety of people to Ford, with over half our customers being completely new to the Ford brand,” she said.  “This car helps our customers make a real statement about themselves and allows us to make a statement about where Ford is headed in terms of design and innovation.”

CGS Motorsports will try to help FoMoCo re-emphasize the Flex with their version of the crossover called “ReFlex.” The tuner, known for its high-performance exhaust systems and air intake systems for the Big 3, will bring the ReFlex to the 2008 SEMA Auto Show next month.

Designed by Sean Smith of SS Designs, the ReFlex features custom paint by DuPont Refinishes, 22-inch Bonspeed wheels, Pirelli tires, custom leather by Roadwire, door solenoids by SPAL, suede interior by Keyston Bros and a custom sound system by Kicker with Clarion navigation.

We won’t be attending SEMA 2008 this year, which is probably a sigh of relief for some of you who hate the show.

Click through for the press release.

CGS ReFlex:

Press Release:
CGS Motorsports is one of the leading manufacturers of High Performance Cat Back Exhaust Systems and Air Intake Systems for late model cars, trucks, & SUVs.

Besides being one of the leading manufacturers of Performance Products, CGS has also become one of the leading creators of many SEMA Show vehicles over the years. CGS has built several trucks and SUVs for the Big 3.

Once again, CGS is creating another SEMA Show vehicle for Ford, which will be showcased at the 2008 SEMA Show. They will be customizing a new ‘09 Ford Flex, designed by Sean Smith of SS Designs, and named “ReFlex.”

This new crossover SUV will feature custom paint by DuPont Refinishes with paint preparation by 3M, 22″ one-off Bonspeed wheels, Pirelli Tires, Custom leather from Roadwire, door solenoids by SPAL, suede interior of Keyston Bros., and a custom sound system by Kicker featuring a Clarion navigation head unit.

As illustrated in the rendering, ReFlex will feature a one-off body kit, Sean Smith and the design team at CGS will clay up the body kit until it looks just the way they envisioned it. The CGS team is also designing and building hand made chrome moldings to separate the two tone paint scheme. So be sure to check out the completed ReFlex at this year SEMA show in Las Vegas, NV. www.cgsmotorsports.com

Just yesterday, Ford announced that it will offer a $2,500 cash back incentive on the 2009 Ford Flex due to slow sales. Today,Consumer Reports has announced that the Flex along with the Mazda CX-9 are one of the top five three-row SUVs they tested.

“Ford’s new Flex wraps a versatile, cavernous interior in a distinctly boxy styling,” the magazine writes. “It is also lower and more wagon-like than the others in this class.”

Among 17 models tested, the new Ford Flex and Mazda CX-9 came in behind the Acura MDX and the Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid. Flex came in at No.4 followed by the CX-9 at No.5. The two were followed by GM’s two Lambda crossovers, the GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook.

The new redesigned Honda Pilot, once a top rated SUV in the category, fell to No. 11.

Click through to see the top 10 list.

1. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
2. Toyota Highlander
3. Acura MDX
4. Ford Flex
5. Mazda CX-9
6. GMC Acadia
7. Saturn Outlook
8. Hyundai Veracruz
9. Buick Enclave
10. Ford Taurus X

Source: FreePress

Despite all the hype and buzz generated around Ford’s new crossover, the Flex, sales have been so-so. Sales of the Flex are slated under 30,000 units annually, rather than the 70,000 – 100,000 predicted by Ford. Of course, the declining sales in the SUV segment play a major part.

To help boost sales, Ford is no offering a $2,500 incentive on the Flex in most regions. KickingTires says that the $2,500 cash back is available in the Midwest, South, Northeast and Southern California. In Texas, Ford is offering a $2,000 cash back incentive on the Flex.

The 2009 Ford Flex starts at $28,295.

Source: KickingTires

Chief designer of the new Ford Flex crossover, Richard Gresens, has left FoMoCo. According to Ford spokeswoman Charlotte Fisher, Gresens is no longer with Ford and would not comment on the reason for Gresens leave.

Fisher would not confirm whether the Gresens’ departure was related to the salaried job cuts that Ford plans on completing this week. FoMoCo is expected to cut salaried workers by 15 percent in North America by August 1st.

Siting sources familiar with the matter, the Detroit Free Press reported over the weekend that Gresnes left the company as Ford’s salaried layoffs. Who knows what the real reason is but Gresens has been praised for his Flex design by many industry critics. Us – not so much. We still think the Flex is a big Mini-Cooper with sharp edges and no aerodynamics.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

A FoMoCo company official said today that 350 new hires at the its Oakville, Ontario plant were told their jobs have been indefinitely put on hold as sales of new cars continue to decline. Ford said that market condition are currently to uncertain for it to start a third shift. The Oakville plant is known for producing the Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX and the recently launched Ford Flex.

"The Oakville assembly complex is delaying the introduction of a third shift in its final assembly operations and that is to better align production to some of these unprecedented shifts we’ve seen in the market," Lauren More, spokesperson for Ford Canada, told Automotive News .

Ford said it will find openings for 160 of workers who have been laid off from the Windsor, Ontario plant that it transferred to the Oakville plant to begin work on the third shift. More said that about 9 out of 10 vehicles produce in Canada are sold in the U.S.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)