http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...t_drive_review


If u didn't know, I am a BIG fan of this van. The new engine really helps now!

 

Interesting to read about the Eco Boost in action. Ford is puttng it in some heavy vehicles (5,000 lbs yikes!) and it seems to be doing the trick performance-wise. It would be interesting to see that engine in a smaller/lighter car. We probably will eventually.

I like the Flex too. Not bad looking either. It's an interesting concept.

 

I thought EcoBoost = better MPG, but it appears to be 99.9% performance????

Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 6- or 7-passenger, 5-door wagon


BASE PRICE: $36,890


ENGINE TYPE: twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 213 cu in, 3496cc
Power (SAE net): 355 bhp @ 5700 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 350 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm


TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic with manumatic shifting


DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 117.9 in Length: 201.8 in Width: 75.9 in Height: 68.0 in Curb weight (C/D est): 5000 lb


PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 6.1 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.6 sec
Top speed: 120 mph


FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 16/22 mpg

 

Loaded up Sienna is going to be near 4500lbs, its not as wide as the Flex and also has a 1000lb less towing cap.

The Flex is a little heavy but not exactly brutal given its a TT AWD kid hauling beast.

They did well on the Flex

 

I could see installing the new 2.0L ecoboost unit in the Flex, but why this wagon/minivan/crossover thing needs this much power makes no sense. It's a grocery getter.

 

Short answer IMO 5000 pound curb weight and blunt non-aero body shape requires a lot of power. Maybe not 355 horsepower/350 pounds torque, but not much less.

 

Next up: 4.6L Sienna.


...it's a waste of gas to me. Now a Fusion SHO, not a waste of gas.

 

if it's filled with people/kids and all their stuff it's gonna need the power.

 

I'm very impressed with Ford's latest products. If the dealers hadn't outrageously lowballed my trade, I would be driving a new 2010 Ford Fusion Sport.

 

its about time ford gets it together. fusion, flex, the new taurus, and the new fiesta.... ford has my attention again.

 

+1... we are replacing our Sienna with either a Traverse or Flex...

 

LOL. The 0-60 time of our AWD Previa was 10 seconds and we took it on many a cross country trip. Doing it in 6 is just uneccessary.

 

Nice! Also I was not bagging on the Sienna, just that lets put the numbers out to see what is what.

The nice part of the flex is that is does have function to it. Lots of room on the inside, does not sit to high, can tow a decent amount of weight and to some it has more style then a mini van.

 

If you boost it they will come................... Ford has definately stepped their game up. They should boost the V6 mustang while they are at it.

 

I completely disagree. You seem to be applying the acceleration only to pulling away from a red light.

Improved acceleration is beneficial in many scenarios. Think loaded family hauler in a freeway merge with a semi bearing down on you. Any freeway merge scenario, I want better acceleration.