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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 Trac® with Roll Stability Control® (RSC)
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. More than 41 models occupy the CUV segment today, but only three compete in a niche subsegment dominated by foreign competition. The 2007 Ford Edge crossover will be the only domestic product in this sub-segment later this year. 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 offers comfortable seating for five or can accommodate items up to 8 feet long with the rear seats and front passenger seat folded flat. 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’s available panoramic Vista Roof™ 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. 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. 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." Ford Edge goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2006. It will be manufactured at Ford’s Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada. January 08, 2006
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