2011 Ford Edge
A New Modern Design with a New Fuel Efficient Powertrain
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The Ford Edge first made its public debut at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January 2006. As a premium mid-size crossover SUV (CUV) manufactured by Ford, based on the Ford CD3 platform, the Edge was Ford’s first stab at the ever growing crossover market and it was viewed as one of the most stylish models from the automaker in a while. The CD3 platform is shared with Mazda CX-9 crossover, the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and the Lincoln MKZ sedans. While the 2011 Edge won't be all-new, substantial improvements are in store. Most of the exterior changes will occur via new front and rear fascias. Expect slimmer headlights, a bolder 2-bar grille (replacing the current 3-bar setup), a new bumper and a deeper front airdam. The rear will feature a new bumper as well as new taillights, the latter apparently doing away with the current Edge's clear-lens design. Furthermore, the Edge will improve on fuel economy with Ford’s new Ecoboost powertrain. The 2011 Ford Edge will have an estimated starting MSRP $26,920 – $35,770.
Powering the Edge
The new Edge, along with its Lincoln MKX cousin, will get turbocharged Ecoboost motors. The 2011 Edge will be available with Ford's new 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged and direct-injected V-6 EcoBoost. In other models, such as the Ford Taurus SHO and Lincoln MKS, the EcoBoost makes 365 and 355 bhp, respectively, so the Edge should be somewhere in this range. Whether this motor ends up being the twin-turbo 3.5L found in the MKT and MKS or the four-cylinder Ecoboost motor which is now in deveopement, the Ford Edge will get more power and increased fuel economy. The current normally aspirated 265-bhp 3.5-liter V-6 may continue in the lineup as the base engine, but there is a good chance it will get dropped in favor of new technology. The Edge can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.
2011 Ford Edge Design
As the crossover market is growing quickly, it is changing quickly too. While the Edge was a leader in style in 2007, the original design has become outdate. Knowing this, Ford is currently developing the crossover first major refresh, due to roll out in late 2010. The Edge basically looks like a bulky wagon. The new look will improve it style and give it a more modern feel. The Sport models include an eight-piece body kit (it's the only version with a body-colored front air dam and lower sills), smoked taillights and headlamps, and optional 22-inch rims. The massive 22 inch wheels and sporty, low-profile tires take this Edge model to a whole other level. In back the Edge will get new, chrome-ringed taillights. A new bumper is also in store. The over all effect for the 2011 update is a tougher look, with more truck like aspects than before.
A Hybrid Ford Edge?
First announced in June 2007 by Ford Canada, a gasoline-electric hybrid version of the Edge will likely debut within the next few years. Whether it will be ready for the 2011 model is unknown.. The model is expected to use a new hybrid system from Ford, called HySeries Drive, pairing an electric motor with a V6 engine. While there are many significant technical hurdles to be overcome the Edge with HySeries Drive will be an exciting alternative to hybrid vehicles currently on the market. The Edge with HySeries Drive uses what Ford calls a "real-world version" of the power plant envisioned in the Ford Airstream concept that was unveiled at the 2007 Detroit auto show. The name is derived from the powertrain's structure: a hydrogen fuel-cell-powered series hybrid powertrain. The Edge prototype weighs 5,400 pounds, over 1,000 pounds more than a conventional Edge. It has five basic parts: a fuel cell, a hydrogen tank, two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack. With its batteries fully charged, the Edge prototype can go about 25 miles on electricity alone. Once the batteries discharge about 60 percent, the fuel cell switches on to power the electric motors and recharge the battery pack, giving the vehicle another 200 miles of range. Ford says the HySeries Drive powertrain delivers a combined city/highway gas equivalent fuel economy rating of 41 mpg. For those who drive fewer than 50 miles per day, the average jumps to the equivalent of more than 80 mpg. This makes it the world's first drivable hydrogen fuel cell vehicle with plug-in capability. The vehicle features the latest generation Ballard Power Systems fuel cell stack. Unlike the fuel cells used in the Focus FCV, this one is capable of operating at cold temperatures down to -20C. The HySeries Drive Edge is being used to prove out the new drive-train concept. Similar to what GM has done with E-Flex (the powertrain of the Chevy Volt), the Edge system is designed to allow flexibility in replacing the power systems. They could easily swap out the fuel cell stack for gas or diesel engines or even more batteries.
2011 Edge Cabin
The Ford Edge provides seating for five, and its car-based design means it's easy to get in and out of without climbing. The instrument panel features white-faced gauges, and there are available metal accents for the dashboard. The 60/40-split rear seats fold forward easily thanks to spring-loaded backrests and, optionally, a power button in the rear of the cargo area that releases them remotely. An optional fold-flat front passenger seat allows greater cargo utility. With the rear seats and front passenger seat folded, the Edge can carry 8-foot-long items. The Edge features comfortable seating and plenty of room in the rear for adults. Headroom is also reasonable in the rear, even with the optional Vista Roof. The rear-center passenger even gets more room than normal in a vehicle of this size, thanks to the wide track. The 2011 Edge features Ford’s SYNC technology, with a USB interface to connect with iPods and other MP3 players. To issue a voice command, the driver hits a steering wheel button and speaks the command. Occupants can tell the system to play a specific artist, album or track stored on an MP3 player. Cargo loading is easy with the Edge. The tailgate lifts to reveal a wide opening and even with the rear seats in place there's a reasonable amount of cargo room. Pressing a button automatically reclines the rear seats to open up 69.0 cubic feet of storage space on a nearly flat floor. Furthermore, the front passenger seatback can be folded forward to provide a mostly level floor space for long objects all the way to the dashboard. The Edge combines a stylish, comfortable interior with lots of cargo-hauling utility.
Conclusions
As the Edge turns five years old for the 2011 model year, it was in great need of a restyling. Ford will deliver, with new front and rear fascias, greater aerodynamics, an improved cabin, and a brand new, more fuel efficient, power train. The Edge is available in SE, SEL, Limited and Sport trim levels and competes with the Nissan Murano, Mazda CX-7 and Mitsubishi Outlander. The new 2011, will likely once again reach the top of its class, and is a perfect vehicle for everyday commute or family travel.
