Revised Edge features two Ford firsts

[TonyV]

Revised Edge crossover features two Ford firsts
Bryce G. Hoffman / The Detroit News
Dearborn

Ford Motor Co. is slated to unveil a new version of the Ford Edge at the Chicago Auto Show today, the first freshening of the company's best-selling midsized crossover.

But this update features more than just a different face. As The Detroit News first reported last week, the Edge also will be the first American vehicle to get Ford's new 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, along with an all-new interior that will be the first to incorporate the new MyFord Touch control system.


"Customers told us how much they like Edge's design and dynamic driving quality," said Ford Americas President Mark Fields. "We listened and made sure the new 2011 Edge delivers that and more -- including fuel economy leadership, unexpected levels of quietness, a strong new design with quality materials, and MyFord Touch driver connect technology that will change how people experience their vehicles."

Ford also will offer a sport version of the Edge powered by a beefier 3.7-liter V-6 that delivers 305 horsepower and 280 foot-pounds of torque.

The current 3.5-liter V-6 will remain standard.

"It's the same approach they took with the Fusion," said analyst Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics LLP in Birmingham, adding that Ford is doing more extensive freshenings of its products than most of its rivals.

But he wondered whether the new EcoBoost would be up to the task. Ford has not released horsepower data yet, but says it will provide about the same power as the current V-6 with a 15 percent savings in gasoline.

"The problem with the Edge is that it's porky," Hall said. "But in light of the new CAFE standards, it's probably a good idea."

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[TonyV]

Posted: Feb. 9, 2010 | Updated: 12:46 a.m. today
Next Edge gains 3 engine options
4-cylinder EcoBoost is included for 2011
BY BRENT SNAVELY
FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

The 2011 Ford Edge to be unveiled today at the Chicago Auto Show will show off a variety of new features.



A more aggressive front grille and more angular headlamps give the popular crossover a more dynamic face. It also gets a more tech-friendly interior.

But the biggest change for the 2011 Edge is under the hood, with three new engine options.

The Edge has already been a successful vehicle for Ford.

The automaker has sold 331,672 since its introduction in 2006, making it among the most popular midsize crossovers in the U.S.

Ford said the updates to the Edge will give customers a reason to buy another one.

"We're talking about ... significant exterior improvements, an all-new interior, a vehicle that is quieter, and a vehicle that will be more fun to drive," Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of global product development, said last week.

Customers are to be able to pick from three new engines -- including a four-cylinder, 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine -- when it goes on sale this summer.

Ford introduced six-cylinder EcoBoost engines on several models last year, but the four-cylinder EcoBoost makes its debut in the Edge.

EcoBoost combines direct-injection technology and turbocharging to improve fuel economy without sacrificing power.

In addition to the small EcoBoost engine, Ford is offering a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque on the Edge. For the Edge Sport, Ford is offering a 3.7-liter V6 engine with 305 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.

The Edge also will be the first vehicle to feature Ford's new MyFord Touch technology, which replaces traditional knobs and switches with a five-way controller on the steering wheel as well as a touch screen.

MyFord manages all climate, navigation, entertainment and communication functions.

In the past, what the automotive industry refers to as mid-cycle freshening typically resulted in minor styling changes. But last year, when Ford updated its Fusion midsize car, critics gushed about the changes, U.S. sales increased 22% and the vehicle won several major awards.

Kuzak said the Edge is another example "of our new approach to freshenings."

Contact BRENT SNAVELY: 313-222-6512 or [e-mail]