Well, I was very surprized while getting onto the highway today. In front of me was a boxlike crossover that looked like a Scion Xb, but it had a Ford blue oval on the back of it. I couldn't see the model, because that emblem was covered by one of those magnetic dealer plates. It did also have a "limited" badge on it, but the thing that caught my attention was the dual exhaust. Well, I was behind him on the onramp, and when he hit the freeway he was GONE!!!! I couldn't believe how quick this little boxy crossover took off. So, when I got home I had to do some research. Turns out, it's the new Ford Flex. They are available with the 355HP Ecoboost engine (same as the Taurus SHO). They are also available with a 6 speed paddle shifted transmission, AWD and electric power steering. So, these things get the Ecoboost, and paddle shifting, but the Mustang doesn't???? And the 5.0 doesn't get direct injection???? I'm not complaining about 412 HP in stock form from the new 5.0, and I'm sure that direct injection may be something that Ford is holding up their sleeves for possible use on the 5.0, since the new head castings are made to be able to accept it. But it surprizes me that innovations that would be very welcome and right at home in a Mustang are being used in some of these other "anti muscle" cars. Even the Raptor will get a 6.2L Boss engine, something that Mustang owners have been begging for for ever.
A Flex Limited with the Ecoboost would be a really fun car to drive, but it has a $37,000 starting price, and the Ecoboost and paddle shifters are options over and above that Limited package
A Flex Limited with the Ecoboost would be a really fun car to drive, but it has a $37,000 starting price, and the Ecoboost and paddle shifters are options over and above that Limited package