The Auto Writer

2011 Ford Edge unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show

The Ford Motor Company is using the 2010 Chicago Auto Show as the backdrop for its unveiling of the 2011 Ford Edge, a mid-cycle refresh of its popular five-passenger crossover utility vehicle (CUV). What is significant about the 2011 Edge is that this particular refresh incorporates many changes, on par with the number of updates usually found when a model shifts from one generation to another.

Chicago Showing

The Chicago exhibit reveal makes sense for the Ford Edge as the car targets the American heartland, people who once may have been satisfied with their minivan or sport/utility vehicle, but found a gem with their Ford Edge. According to Ford, more than 330,000 units of the Edge have been sold since the CUV was introduced in late 2006, leading its segment since its inception.

Most evident about the Edge are the exterior updates which can be found from the windshield forward. A new grille, updated hood, and slightly larger wheel wells are some of the most important exterior changes for the Edge. Wheels are now a half inch thicker, with 18 inch wheels standard and 20 inch optional on the Edge Limited. On the Edge Sport, drivers enjoy standard 22 inch wheels, the only vehicle in this segment offering wheels that large.

Quiet Cabin

Inside, Ford says that the cabin is quieter, with better noise absorption materials used which helps make it easier for people to carry on conversations without raising their voices. Improved craftsmanship, softer touchpoints, and changes in cabin storage are among the other interior updates.

Optionally, the Ford Edge welcomes MyFord Touch, which is the company’s all-new driver connect technology system replacing most command switches with an LCD screen or five-way controls as found on most MP3 players and cell phones. Ford has been demonstrating its leadership in the area of cabin technology, realized when Ford SYNC—its communication and entertainment system—was released in 2008.

EcoBoost Powered

But the most significant changes for the Ford Edge will be what driver’s find underneath the hood.

EcoBoost, which is Ford’s engine technology incorporating direct injection and turbo-charging will be offered with the Edge. First introduced in 2009 with the Lincoln MKS and Ford Taurus in the form of a 3.5L V6, the next engine is a 2.0L I4 and it will be one of three powerplants offered. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, Ford says that drivers will enjoy V6 equivalent power along with four-cylinder fuel economy. Indeed, fuel economy for the EcoBoost will show a 30 percent improvement over the first Edge models produced back in 2006.

Other engine choices include 3.5L and 3.7L V6s with the smaller engine tuned to maximize fuel economy while the larger engine tuned to maximize performance. Both engines will be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2011 Ford Edge will begin appearing in Ford dealerships this summer.

Source: Ford Motor Company