The production version of the Ford Fairlane concept is named the Flex, and the Blue Oval will pull the wraps off this key new vehicle at the New York Auto Show in two weeks. The Flex joins a Ford crossover lineup that includes the newly restyled and renamed Taurus X and, of course, the Edge. The Flex, however, is essentially Ford's minivan replacement. Unlike the Edge, it features three-row seating and opposite-opening side doors (basically big suicide doors, just like the ones seen on the Fairlane). Of course, the "minivan" look is radioactive these days unless you're the Chrysler Group, and Ford thinks it's got a winner in the Flex, which will appeal to families who want minivan utility and space, but not the stodgy appearance. The other domestics are ready with competition -- GM with its GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook, and Buick Enclave, and Chrysler with the new Town & Country and Dodge Caravan (and the Pacifica, lest we forget).

According to Dow Jones Newswires, dealers who've seen the crossover are very enthused and Ford's looking to hit a sales volume of 100,000 units for the family-friendly hauler starting in 2008. Naturally, the Flex will spawn a Lincoln version as well (it won't be at NY), and if it finds the same level of popularity and acceptance as the Fusion and Edge, well, this whole Way Forward thing is going to start looking pretty good. We eagerly await seeing the Flex in person, and will report back once we've climbed all over it at the Javits Center.

Kind of looks like they are going after the "Honda Element Crowd" with that one. I'd drive it. looks pretty good!

I was thinking more of Land Rover meet F-150. I like it though, it's kinda boxy but not in a overhyped goofy toaster on wheels kinda way.

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The Ford GT= Greatest of all Time :thumbsup:

You mean a Scion

LOL, Yeah those toaster/ shoeboxes on wheels. How can you take those things seriously?

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The Ford GT= Greatest of all Time :thumbsup:

What on earth were they thinking to call it a Fairlane to begin with? That's almost blasphemy in its own right..