Ford sees problem, but misses the point.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Ford has partnered with Dow with the intention of developing inexpensive, high-volume lightweight carbon fiber production methods for cars. The geniuses at Ford have identified weight reduction as a key way to improve fuel economy. They have set a lofty target for themselves: by 2020 they intend to trim between 250 and 750 lb from their cars. The future is here!

I nearly spat coke all over my coworkers when I read this saturday in the breakroom. Ford makes the single most purposelessly, grotesquely overweight sedaon in existence: the Taurus. The car seats like a 3 series but weighs like a 7 series. I've always found it astounding and more than a little baffling. Apparently, so have Ford. So they're turning to carbon fiber, since apparently they're incapable of building cars that don't weigh like small moons without ultra-exotic materials.

This is such a joke. Ford doesn't need carbon fiber, they need engineers who don't suck. Or suspensor belts.

That's what I see every time I look at a new Taurus.

The Impala weighs 3500lb. The Taurus weighs 4500lb. SOMEONE EXPLAIN WHY CARBON FIBER IS EVEN COMING UP HERE.

[Rev_D21]

A Dune reference, didn't think I'd see that today. Bravo!

[Jesda]

VW has the edge on large-volume carbon fiber production right now. It would be wise for Ford to invest.


But in the interim, they need to properly package their vehicles. The Taurus is a nice, attractive car, but there's no reason for it to be as tall as a house.

[Mr1der]

meh, Ford's money maker is the Fusion and Focus.

The Taurus is just a big ol bag of disappointment.

Bring me a new Crown Vic! with a Coyote.

[bigbadberry3]

It's a start at least which I'm glad to see.

[Jesda]

The Flex is a perfect example of ideal interior packaging. It sits upright but isn't 10 feet off the ground so you get a low center of gravity and plenty of utility. Almost every cubic foot is dedicated to giving space to passengers and cargo.

Plus, it looks cool.

[VQpwrdSE-R]

Ford should turn their new initiative into a reality show.

Oh wait there already is one

[alms24sebring]

Plus, it looks cool.

What!?!

Ummm, I will highly disagree there but I did notice how open and low the interior is.

[MinisterofDOOM]

The Flex is a perfect example of ideal interior packaging. It sits upright but isn't 10 feet off the ground so you get a low center of gravity and plenty of utility. Almost every cubic foot is dedicated to giving space to passengers and cargo.

Plus, it looks cool.

I'm actually quite fond of the Flex. It's a genuine stationwagon, which means it has sedanlike footwells and seating position, but with lots of headroom and cargo space. I like the styling, but I also like the packaging all around. The fascia was revised for the new model year and looks quite classy.


I really like the clean, oval-less grille and the FLEX emblem above it. I think the center grille bar needs a sweeping Cylon LED.

[Dattebayo]

I really dig the F-150 SVT Raptor, it's got a sexy nose. Kinda reminds me of the Flex a little...

[BusyBadger]

I hear all the new Fords come with a hairless cat you have to milk to get it to start up in the morning.

[300ZXttZMAN]

Yea the Raptor kicks a**.

In all honesty Ford needs to do away with the Taurus... Plus are they efing serious about the carbon fiber panels do they not realize how high the additonal cost that will be involved in producing such a thing??

They should do away with the stupid Taurus then turn their focus to new models like that Flex which is bad a** looking.
Only time will tell if its a piece of s*** though.