2013 Ford Flex

First and foremost, the 2013 Flex wears a new nose that channels its inner geek perfectly. The Flex's OS will be the updated MyFord Touch system that was announced earlier this week, with improved screen layouts and less dense displays of information. Every Flex will come with at least a base configuration of SYNC, with emergency features and phone and audio control.

The Flex's powertrain has received some attention as well. All Flex crossovers now have electric power steering as well.

Stay tuned for more on the 2013 Flex, live from the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, which opens to the media on November 16.

Ford is certainly embracing the weirdness of its Flex crossover – at least, in terms of design – for its 2013 model year refresh. Of course, customers will still be able to outfit the Flex with Ford's 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6, which carries over unchanged.

Inside, the 2013 Flex receives a refreshed dashboard and instrument cluster that incorporates the latest version of MyFord Touch. We'll have more on the 2013 Flex live from Los Angeles next week.

2013, the Flex’s base 3.5-liter V-6 engine, gains Ti-VCT variable valve timing. The changes are expected to improve fuel economy ratings by 1 mpg, to approximately 18/25 mpg (city/highway) for front-wheel-drive models and 17/24 mpg for all-wheel-drive models.

The 2013 model can be optioned with adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot warning system, and seat belt airbags for the second row of seats. The grille-mounted Blue Oval emblem has been removed and replaced by bold “FLEX” lettering above the grille. The interior receives updated instrument clusters, new seat trims, and a revised steering wheel.

Enhanced technology
The new Flex features SYNC® with the new generation of MyFord Touch®, making it easier to manage information, control features and adjust settings.

Enhanced safety and driver-aid technology
The new Ford Flex is equipped with the automotive world's first production rear inflatable belts to offer improved comfort and protection for rear seat passengers. The ACC technology uses advanced radar to scan for vehicles in front of Flex at 20 times per second. The driver can set distance, speed and the time gap between vehicles.

Fuel economy bolstered by engines, technologies
The new Flex also is projected to deliver 1 mpg more fuel economy, with projected fuel economy of 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

EcoBoost engines are fundamental to the Ford strategy of providing technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains that deliver exceptional fuel economy and uncompromised performance for millions of drivers around the world. Ford holds more than 125 patents on its EcoBoost engine technology.

EPAS improves fuel economy approximately 4 percent and reduces emissions while improving steering performance primarily because the steering system is powered by an electric motor connected to the vehicle's battery, instead of engine-mounted hydraulic pump steering systems.

In addition, the new Ford Flex's battery management system operates the vehicle's power supply system in a more economical manner to save fuel.

The system:
Allows the alternator and system voltage to be controlled based on battery condition, vehicle operating state and electrical load status

In the rear, Flex now has standard dual exhaust and available rear appliqué.