2007 SEMA - Ford Flexing its muscles

When you look at Ford's financials, there isn't any doubt that this is a company in trouble. So there is something affirming about seeing two modified Ford Flex crossovers parked next to Ford's new factory-built Mustang race car.

Despite having what seems to be a dozen overlapping SUVs in their line-up, Ford needs the roomy Flex to rival the GM Lambda crossover triplets (Buick Enclave/GMC Acadia/Saturn Outlook). Even though the 2009 Flex isn't out yet, Ford built two concepts to "help customers start dreaming" about these vehicles. Modifications are mostly limited to fancy paint, fancy leather, and fancy wheels. The press conference included the entertainingly redundant line "Here's the Funkmaster Flex Ford Flex." (We'll see if my colleague Jim Travers winds up using a production FMF as a kindler, gentler resting spot at later car shows.)

Moving from three-row people movers to single-seat race cars, the Mustang FR500S continues a lineage of limited-production Mustangs built for the track. What makes this car different is that it's built at the same Flat Rock, Michigan, factory as other Mustangs. But you're not likely to confuse it with the V6 convertible you rented in Florida last year. At $75,000, Ford has built 77 of them for this year with the intent of most of them competing in their own race series, the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup. (Not sure if the cup is full of Miller beer, though.) 

One thing was absent at the press conference: the mention of Ford's SVT division. From someone who loved the SVT Contour and Focus, it's a letdown. But Ford seems to be seeking performance in different ways.

So, Ford is showing that they're working on models they need (as evidenced by the Flex and nine 2008 Focuses here at the show), as well as the fun stuff. That's good for consumers and enthusiasts alike.

--Tom Mutchler

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