For the first time ever, we've caught a glimpse of the upcoming Ford Edge.

Codenamed U387, the Edge will be built in Oakville, Ont., alongside its sibling, Lincoln's new Aviator. The Edge will be positioned between the Escape and Explorer, and is expected to be powered by a new 3.5-liter V-6. Front-wheel-drive will be standard, with an all-wheel-drive version also available.

Production is scheduled to begin late next summer, with an on-sale date expected for early fall of 2006.

2007 Ford Edge

The 2007 Ford Edge features a new 3.5-liter, 250-hp, 240-lb-ft 24-valve dohc V6 linked to a new six-speed automatic transmission created for front-drive applications. The transmission, which also can be used in all-wheel-drive vehicles and is capable of handling up to 300 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, is the product of a joint engineering effort with General Motors. The engine, which Ford says will power one in five Ford vehicles by 2010, is designed to accommodate hybrid technology, direct gasoline injection and turbocharging. Look for the Edge in dealerships next fall, in front- and all-wheel-drive configurations.

FORD BRINGS NEW EDGE TO HOT CROSSOVER MARKET

· Bold, American design: Ford Edge stands out in fast-growing CUV market· Performance-plus: Edge’s new 3.5-liter V-6 delivers 250 horsepower and is mated to a 6-speed automatic for performance and fuel efficiency· Innovation: MP3-player jack, console laptop storage, panoramic Vista Roof™ and advanced safety features, including Ford’s industry-leading Advance Tracâ with Roll Stability Controlâ (RSC)

DETROIT, Jan. 8, 2006 – Bold, American design distinguishes the 2007 Ford Edge in the red-hot crossover utility vehicle (CUV) market – along with a dynamic driving character and innovative features designed to make it the “crossover of the year.”

Equipped with an all-new 250-horsepower V-6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, Edge will deliver performance, quietness and fuel efficiency. Ford Edge is expected to achieve fuel economy in the mid twenties in highway driving.

“Edge underscores the bold, American design direction for all Ford vehicles going forward,” says Mark Fields, president, The Americas, Ford Motor Company. “Edge also is packed with Ford innovation – from its panoramic glass roof and laptop-friendly center console to fuel-saving engine and advanced safety features. We expect Edge to make waves in the hot crossover market this year just like the Fusion did for midsize cars last year.”
CUVs are Hot
The CUV is the fastest-growing vehicle segment in the United States, outpacing even the remarkable growth SUVs achieved in the 1990s. CUVs surpassed 2 million U.S. sales in 2005 and are on pace in 2006 to exceed traditional SUV sales for the first time.

Two distinct consumer trends have helped fuel the explosive growth of the CUV segment: car buyers seeking more spacious and flexible interiors along with the security of all-wheel drive, and traditional SUV buyers seeking more maneuverable and fuel-efficient vehicles that still make an active lifestyle possible.

Most crossovers have been designed to closely resemble traditional SUVs. Edge heads to a new, unexplored part of the CUV market with a bold, modern, uniquely American design.

Modern Design with a Dramatic Edge
“Edge is not an off-road adventure vehicle, and it doesn’t look like one,” says Peter Horbury, executive director, North America Design. “The inspiration for the Edge is contemporary design and an adventurous state of mind.”

Edge’s visual promise of dynamic prowess begins with its bold front end. Its distinctive three-bar chromed grille builds on the great look of the Ford Fusion. An aggressively raked windshield and fast-sloping back window with high-mounted rear spoiler accentuate the feeling of motion. Quad-beam headlamps and a "powerdome" hood accentuate the purposeful front-end look.

Each wheel is planted at an extreme corner, giving Edge a powerful, yet graceful stance. The raised beltline emphasizes strong, sculpted shoulders formed around sharp wheel arches. Matte black lower front and rear fascias and side rocker panels emphasize Edge’s sporty character.

Edge’s modern design flows into the interior, evident in the instrument panel and distinctive center stack. The center stack design incorporates two 9- by 2-inch vertical vents that bracket the audio and climate-control switches. All-leather seating surfaces feature contrasting stitching inspired by the fashion industry and a hit with Fusion customers.

“Edge has an expressive look that evokes a connection with the customer’s lifestyle,” Horbury says. “It was important that we design Edge to have maximum flexibility in the amount of gear it can accommodate while still offering customers a contemporary vehicle they can take out on the town.”

Adaptable, Flexible Design
Edge is designed to fit the customer’s need for style as well as cargo space and adaptability. For example, the large center console uses a removable divider and tray to organize the space both vertically and horizontally for everything from laptop computers and handbags to coins and MP3 players.

An optional concealed plug means that the Edge has four power points, three within the driver’s reach, along with a segment-first MP3 audio jack. Small slots molded into the side of the console keep phone and MP3 cords neat and organized. The console lid has a ticket clip, two pen holders and a tissue holder.

Edge also is big on details. A 20-ounce-cup holder is included in each front-door map pocket, along with juice box holders in the rear door pockets, two super-size-cup holders in the center console and two in the rear armrest.

Edge comfortably seats five, offering available six-way power, heated, adjustable front seats and best-in-class adult headroom and legroom for the second row. An easy-to-use available folding front-passenger seat creates an extended load floor.

The 60/40 reclining split second row folds to provide a level load floor for carrying equipment in the large cargo area. Edge can transport items as long as 8 feet inside with the front passenger seat folded down. Each rear seat can be folded manually using an industry-first single-hand release or automatically with an available EasyFold™ electro-mechanical remote release accessible from the rear cargo area.

Edge options include Ford’s next-generation DVD-based navigation system and factory-installed Sirius satellite radio. Rear-seat passengers can enjoy the available DVD entertainment system with a drop-down 8-inch screen and two pairs of wireless headphones.

Class-Exclusive Panoramic Vista Roofä
Edge’s available panoramic Vista Roofä opens up a whole world of possibilities. The large glass moon roof provides a grand view of the sky above and can open for a sense of freedom that accentuates Edge’s sporting nature.

The roof features a large 27.3- by 29.4-inch forward panel that offers tilt and slide opening, and a 15.75- by 31.3-inch fixed rear glass panel. A one-touch-open switch provides open-air touring. Close the forward roof, and the enormous skylights allow natural light to flood the cabin, while protecting the cabin from the elements. When preferred, the twin power-operated cloth shades can be closed simultaneously to block glare.

“When you sit in this vehicle and look up and see the sky all around you, you just want to take it out for a drive and chase the horizon,” says Horbury.

Engaging Driving Dynamics Set Edge Apart
Edge embodies a unique sense of adventure. “We’ve instilled Edge with balanced, agile and fun-to-drive dynamics,” says Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Product Development. “Getting to wherever you’re going can be part of the fun of the adventure.”

Edge’s modern car-based foundation facilitates its excellent driving character. The front suspension features MacPherson struts and an isolated subframe, firmly attached in six locations. To further smooth out the ride, hydro-bushings are used.

The four-link independent rear suspension uses stamped steel control blades for precise suspension tuning. The rear shocks are mounted as far outboard as possible in the vehicle and behind the wheel center to improve ride and handling. Edge comes standard with four-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes.

“We tuned Edge to be very responsive, offering drivers a confident ride without compromising the fun-to-drive quotient,” says Elaine Bannon, Edge chief vehicle engineer.

Edge’s all-new 3.5-liter V-6 features a strong, lightweight, die-cast aluminum block and lightweight 4-valve-per-cylinder heads for smooth operation at high rpm. A 10.3:1 compression ratio and close-coupled catalysts will help it meet stringent ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV) II regulations.

The all-new 6-speed automatic transmission uses a wide 6.04:1 gear ratio to deliver good fuel economy and performance. Short first and second gears provide impressive launch and acceleration, while the tall overdrive gears deliver 7 percent better fuel economy than a 4-speed automatic.

Edge’s available intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system was tuned with an emphasis on performance while offering confident all-weather driving. By constantly monitoring and predicting traction, the system delivers torque to all four wheels, even before the wheels begin to slip. An active on-demand coupler can deliver the precise amount of torque to the rear wheels. Paired with available AdvanceTrac® traction control, intelligent AWD can transfer torque front-to-rear and side-to-side.

Safety Begins with Accidents Avoided
Edge customers will find peace of mind in Ford’s comprehensive approach to safety, including available active safety technology and comprehensive passive safety features.

“Edge’s confident handling helps drivers avoid accidents, especially when paired with the industry-exclusive AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control (RSC®),” says Stephen Kozak, Ford Safety chief engineer. “Should an accident occur, Edge features a comprehensive package of passive safety features to help provide enhanced safety performance.”

Edge is available with Ford’s AdvanceTrac® with RSC®, the industry’s only electronic stability control system that uses two gyroscopic sensors to monitor both yaw and roll motions. Monitoring both motions allows for yaw-control enhancements, providing class-leading side-slip and roll stability control.

Edge comes standard with dual-stage driver and front-passenger air bags, an energy-absorbing steering wheel and knee bolster for the driver and an energy-absorbing glove box for the passenger. The driver seat uses a seat position sensor while the passenger seat uses an occupant classification sensor – both are equipped with load-limiting safety belts and pretensioners.

Edge offers several layers of side-impact protection, including solid unibody construction with cross-member ladder frame, a reinforced greenhouse, energy-absorbing side door trim, available seat-mounted side air bags and Ford’s Safety Canopyä system with rollover detection and extended-duration side curtain air bags.

Impressive Interior Quietness
Edge’s well-rounded, modern performance extends to impressive refinement, enhancing the driving experience.

Engineers spent hundreds of hours fine-tuning Edge’s interior ambiance. For example, the side mirrors were specifically designed to reduce wind noise. Even the radio antenna was scrutinized. Engineers took clay modelers into the wind tunnel to fine-tune the mirror design.

By modifying the pitch and height of the spiral by tenths of a millimeter, wind noise was reduced by as much as two decibels.

Ford Aims for CUV Leadership
With its unique combination of styling, capability and driving dynamics, Edge is the perfect complement to Ford Motor Company’s expanding CUV lineup. Ford outpaced the competition in CUV growth in 2005 and looks to further energize the CUV market in 2006 with the new Edge and two other crossovers – the Lincoln MKX and Mazda CX-7.

Ford Edge goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2006. It will be manufactured at Ford’s Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada.

# # #

At the Edge's launch last week, a Ford spokesman hinted that a performance version of the Edge is already in the pipeline. A V-8 - even the 4.4-liter Yamaha transverse design used in Volvos - isn't a possibility, we were told, as the Edge was designed to be a single-powerplant, single-transmission vehicle. But the turbocharged, direct-injection version of the 3.5-liter V-6 that's being developed may be installed in a high-performance version of the Edge, bringing power well exceeding 300 hp, along with manumatic shifting, and significantly more fun in the way of handling.-Bengt Halvorson

Manufacturers used to roll out all-new cars every five-to-eight years. Somewhere around the halfway point – usually year three – much hoopla would be made about new front and rear fascias, the addition of some standard features and some new option packages. (*Yawn*). These changes were designed to give shoppers a reason to look at a car that was getting long-in-the-tooth.

Ford Motor Company sung by this songbook for decades, but it's not any longer. As we've seen with the Escape, Fusion and Mustang, the Ford brand is rolling out significant product changes any time they darn well please. For example, the 2010 Fusion could have been a standard refresh, but instead included three all-new powertrains, a significantly upgraded interior, and the expected front and rear fascias.

Introduced as a 2007 model at the close of 2006, the Edge was Ford's second attempt at a more car-like crossover. (Anybody remember the Freestyle/Taurus X ... uhh, not so much.) Heading into its fifth year of production, the Edge needed some serious attention. It just got it: We reported so on the eve of February's Chicago Auto Show.

Following the new model's public debut, Ford offered Autoblog an exclusive opportunity to ride in a 2011 Edge Sport with some development engineers so we could have an early, behind-the-scenes look at their handiwork. The new Edge doesn't go on sale until later this Summer, but you can read all about our experience at the Dearborn Development Center right now after the jump.


Gallery: First Ride: 2011 Ford Edge Sport



<small>Photos by Rex Roy / </small><small>Copyright ©2010</small><small> Weblogs, Inc.</small>

Driving into Ford's expansive test facility, the navy Edge Sport stood out, even from an eighth of a mile away. The lower hood, narrower headlights, new fenders, chrome grille and vertical daytime running lights effectively update the crossover's style. A closer look sees a body that's hunkered down over huge 22-inch aluminum wheels. Rich Kreder, Vehicle Development Manager pointed out, "Those forged wheels are premium pieces. They don't get any better."

Louis Jamail, Core Vehicle Dynamics guy, chimed in, "The suspension is all new, and it does sit a few millimeters lower." Jamail went on to explain that even though the Edge rides over a chassis that's unrelated to the Flex, Taurus, Lincoln MKT and MKS, suspension technology used on these models is now under the Edge (and the 2011 Lincoln MKX).



Revised springs and bushings support the most important change, new dampers. They're a twin-tube design with fully displaced pistons. For non-engineers, the result is more control with less friction. The on-road translation means that the new Edge rides more smoothly than before, with a notable improvement in handling.

With Jamail at the wheel, we hurtled around a handling course. Jamail knows a thing or two about being behind the wheel. After participating in the Formula SAE competition in college, he worked on advanced chassis dynamics supporting Ford's NASCAR teams. He's not the kind of engineer who would be happy designing microwaves or refrigerators, a point made clear by the grin on his face as he deftly hustled the Edge through a series of technically demanding corners, even getting air a couple times.

The navy Edge was an early chassis development vehicle, so while the interior wasn't production correct, the suspension, wheels and tires were. No wallow. No flex. No squeaks from the rear hatch. No porpoising. No head toss. No crashing off the suspension bump stops.


The pictures prove that body motions were well controlled in a sporty way that's totally cool for a five-passenger, two-ton crossover. To make sure Kreder, Jamail and company hadn't sacrificed comfort for handling, we headed over to a section of the test facility populated with pothole-infested strips of asphalt and concrete. Even over purposefully terrible road surfaces, the Edge Sport rode supplely. Sharp-edged potholes were absorbed. Their impact on the chassis was rounded off and well managed.

305 horsepower from the new 3.7-liter V6 added more goodness to the Edge Sport's performance. Based on Ford's corporate 3.5-liter architecture, the engine debuted under the radar as the standard MKT engine. But now with its placement in the 2011 Mustang and the upgraded performance afforded by variable intake and exhaust valve timing, this is an engine that's worth some attention.

Very light throttle brought on smooth acceleration. This is an indication of good powertrain electronics programming. Conversely, dropping the hammer made the Edge launch with authority. The engine easily spins to its 6,500 rpm horsepower peak, with peak torque of 280 pound-feet arriving at 4,000 rpm. At wide-open throttle, the engine sounded good, but a bit loud. Due to the fact that the Edge was a development vehicle, it may not have had a complete sound-deadening package installed. (We'll have to watch out for this when we test our first production model.)



Kreder noted that 0-60 mph performance should be about 1.5 seconds under an older Edge Sport with the 265-horspower 3.5-liter V6. We're estimating a mid-six-second run, which is plenty quick. Top speed is limited to 112 mph.

Fuel economy ratings are not yet available, but the variable valve timing enables the 3.7-liter V6 to run in the fuel-saving Atkinson cycle when it is beneficial. By delaying the closing of the intake valves until after the piston has rounded bottom-dead-center, the Atkinson cycle reduces pumping losses and boosts economy.

The Sport uses one of Ford's corporate six-speed automatic transmissions (the 6F50). The gearbox now has paddle shifters when fitted to the Edge Sport, and is the first with Ford's new shifter interface: Left pull to downshfit, right pull to upshift.

The controls are on the backside of a newly designed three-spoke steering wheel that looks pretty comfortable. The new steering wheel also included twin five-button controllers that work the MyFord Touch system. (Being such an early pre-production vehicle, the Touch system wasn't fully operational, so we'll reserve evaluation until an on-sale version is ready.)



Whether left to shift on its own or using the paddles, the gearbox's shift quality reflects Ford's approach to automatics. They use torque matching on either side of the shift to smooth out the gear change in a way that doesn't impede linear acceleration.

A quick blast up to nearly 100 mph on the facility's high-speed track revealed quick, but not harsh, full-throttle shifts plus a composed chassis that remained locked-down stable. The interior also remained quiet, with little wind noise.

After our ride, the engineers left me to capture the photography you can see in the gallery.

I took the quiet time to study the new interior. As Ford did with the Fusion and Mustang, the Edge's new interior represents a huge upgrade. Previous (2007-2010) Edge instrument panels had a piecemeal approach to panels and materials. There were cut lines everywhere and the graining didn't always match or feel substantial.

The 2011 interior features a one-piece dash cap that improves fit and finish considerably. The overall design is cleaner and more modern. The main eight-inch MyFord Touch screen also looked well integrated into the overall design. (Check out factory photos of the Edge Sport's interior here.)



Those who have driven a Fusion Hybrid will recognize the main instrument cluster. An analog speedometer is flanked by twin LCDs that clearly communicate all pertinent vehicle functions. The left screen is controlled by the left five-button controller on the steering wheel, and same for the right. (For a primer on MyFord Touch, see this story.)

The 2011 Edge Sport appears ready to assume its position as top dog in the Edge family. Those considering this crossover will have more choice than ever before because Ford will also offer a high-mileage turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine sometime in 2011.

Stay tuned for a proper First Drive later this spring. It should be good.