Straightline

Here are two bits of information we know for sure – Ford will build the Flex for 2009, it will have the option of a Sony stereo. Here’s an early look at how the new audio system works.

This Flex is not a production model but Ford says the interior will remain as it’s seen here. This Flex has a navigation system, hard drive with Gracenote software and the Sony audio system. Sony provides only the audio related hardware like the 10 speakers, sub and a class D, 8-channel amp.  The head unit, hard drive and navigation system are not supplied by Sony.

The touch screen is laid out nicely with large type for all relevant information like song title and artist name. Thanks to Gracenote software, album art shows up on the screen along with the other information. It’s hard to see in this picture but the dark box above the artist name “Pete Yorn” is the CD cover art.

The system also sounds very good with clean deep bass a nice well rounded sound overall – Dolby Pro Logic II with a surround sound profile is part of the package too.

Look for this same audio system to show up in the 2009 F-150 and later the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. Ford has done a great job of moving from low-tech infotainment to state of the art - anyone think they can't keep it up? If these early models with Sync and hard drives and Sony stereos are any indication, more and more Fords will start showing up on the must have list for in-car gadget geeks - Brian Moody, Road Test Editor.