Duratec 35 - 3.5L V6 Engine

262 horsepower @ 6250 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
Requires only 87-octane regular grade fuel to help keep operating costs low
Strong, lightweight die-cast aluminum block
Lightweight aluminum cylinder heads have 4-valves per cylinder to help improve performance
10.3:1 compression ratio
Close-coupled catalysts and Intake Variable Cam Timing help Flex meet:
- Federal Tier 2 Bin 5 tailpipe and LEV II evaporative emissions standards
- California ULEV II tailpipe and LEV II evaporative emissions standards
Intake was designed as a system, all the way from air inlet to the intake valves, to create optimum flow for peak power and to broaden the torque curve
Forged steel, fully counterweighted crankshaft
High-temperature cast aluminum alloy pistons with low-friction coating
Low-maintenance spark plugs are rated for 90,000 miles under normal driving conditions

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

Every part of this transmission was designed for smooth, quiet operation
A wide ratio span that provides power on demand for quick acceleration in low-gear situations
Tall overdrive gear benefits highway fuel economy
Overdrive cancel with grade assist feature uses smart gear selection to automatically maintain vehicle speed over hilly terrain
In “low” range, the transmission controller enables engine braking to help with hill descents or other demands
“Engine braking” is the engine’s ability to slow the car when the transmission is in a low gear
When the accelerator is released, decreasing the flow of fuel to the engine, the engine’s speed slows. Logically, the vehicle slows along with it, but the amount and rate of deceleration depends on the selected gear. The lower the gear, the greater the engine braking
The most common situation in which to employ engine braking is when descending a steep hill. Riding the brakes can cause overheating and fade
Low maintenance, with “filled-for-life” transmission fluid that also helps contribute to reduced cost of ownership