Thursday, 19 October 2006
Ford Edge CUV overview
Ford Motor Company is positioning the 2007 Ford Edge crossover sport utility vehicle as a segment leader in styling, AWD affordability, driving dynamics, powertrain performance and safety. Pricing for front-wheel-drive (FWD) models will come in under $26,000, say Ford officials, while all-wheel-drive (AWD) variants will ring up below $28,000. Two well equipped trim models signal Ford’s commitment to providing luxury-oriented cars and trucks at competitive prices.
Base 2007 Ford Edge SE models include air conditioning, cloth seats, power windows/locks/mirrors, remote keyless entry, cruise control, seat-mounted side impact airbags, Safety Canopy curtain airbags, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, a four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system and 17-inch steel wheels wrapped in 235/65-series all-season tires.
Upscale Ford Edge SEL models add 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, front fog lights, chrome exhaust tips, six-way power driver’s seat adjustment, a six CD changer, nine stereo speakers, audio controls built into the steering wheel, dual illuminated visor mirrors, an overhead console and a message center/compass.
Options are plentiful and include all-wheel-drive, a trailer tow package, automatic headlights, number pad keyless entry, a center console-mounted auxiliary audio jack, SIRIUS satellite radio, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a rear cargo storage system.
Those Ford Edge customers who opt for SEL trim gain exclusive access to several available features such as leather upholstery, power passenger seat adjustment with a fold-flat feature, heated seats and exterior mirrors, driver’s seat memory, electronically folding second row seats, automatic climate control, DVD rear seat entertainment, audiophile sound, navigation, climate controls on the steering wheel, 18-inch chrome wheels inside 245/60-series all-season tires, reverse sensing and the huge glass Panoramic Vista Roof.
All 2007 Ford Edge models arrive equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine outputting a maximum 265 horsepower and 250 foot-pounds of torque. A sophisticated six-speed automatic transmission handles gear change duties and contributes to fuel economy expected in the mid-20 mpg range on the highway. Ford Edge acheives an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV-2) rating.
Although the Ford Edge is primarily a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle, available Intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) is capable of sending 100 percent of available torque to both the front and rear axles. Coupled with Ford’s AdvanceTrac stability control system, this AWD system delivers power exactly where required to maintain traction.
Ford touts its AdvanceTrac as the only stability control system in the industry to employ gyroscopic sensors monitoring both yaw rates and roll movement. The automotive industry standard, when applicable, is for yaw to monitored by a gyro, but not roll motion. This single sensor approach attempts to calculate roll rate via the yaw reading, but Ford believes their dual sensor system functions better.
Fully independent MacPherson front and four-link rear suspension delivers car-like composure, while power rack and pinion steering allows precise vehicle articulation. Four wheel disc brakes with ABS eliminate velocity from the Ford Edge when applied. Base curb weight measures 4,073 pounds in FWD from and 4,282 pounds in AWD trim.
While the Ford Edge specification sheet will surely look impressive to the consumer, Ford Motor Company hopes dearly that the exterior sheetmetal will generate the same positive reaction. Recent Ford vehicles such as the Five Hundred full-size sedan and Freestyle crossover wagon have been criticized harshly for their bland appearances. However another newcomer, the midsize Ford Fusion sedan, has so far resonated well visually with customers. Ford Edge borrows many of the Fusion’s critical styling components.
A chrome three-horizontal-bar grille that Ford deems “bold” defines the front fascia. L-shaped headlights slide back into the front fenders and include quad-beam lamps. Combined with the sleek rear roof-mounted spoiler, these headlights yield that “swept back” feeling of motion. The windshield rakes back aggressively, while the hood bulges. Ford describes the bonnet as a “powerdome.”
Ford has stretched the wheelbase to the maximum inside the 15-foot, 5.7-inch vehicle, creating short overhangs and a poised stance. Blacked out B- and C-pillars yield uninterrupted swaths of glass along the sides. Clear lens taillights emphasize the Edge’s refinement as the crossover utility vehicle flies by.
A cleanly executed interior, when properly equipped, provides a supple and engaging experience. Tall rectilinear HVAC keep fresh air moving through the cabin. The grand center console may be reconfigured to accommodate large items such as a laptop. An auxiliary audio jack and 12-volt power point are both concealed within the console for security and ease of operation.
Ford Edge’s Panoramic sunroof includes a huge 27.3-inch by 29.4-inch tilting and sliding front glass panel and a substantial 15.8-inch by 31.3-inch fixed rear panel. Electronically controlled dual sunshades may be positioned to block sun glare.
Independent from its design, mechanical aptitude and equipment levels, Ford Edge’s success rests largely on the staying power of the Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) segment. Ford predicts that CUV sales will eclipse traditional Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) this year, totaling over 2.4 million. Many buyers of large SUVs in the 1990s have turned away from the massive vehicles due to energy concerns, environmental awareness and social stigma. Big sport utes just aren’t “hip” anymore.
Crossovers preserve the upright seating, cargo capacity and AWD capability that consumers today cannot live without. Unlike large truck-based SUV, however, fuel efficiency, agile handling and precise interior execution also characterize the Edge. Think of Ford Edge as a conglomerate of vehicle types whose sum is larger than its parts.
Source and images: Ford media