2011 Edge Overview
- Dramatic freshening of the 2011 Ford Edge and Edge Sport includes extensive exterior redesign, improved materials and craftsmanship on the interior, class-exclusive technology and new powertrains
- With available MyFord Touch™ driver connect technology, the 2011 Ford Edge crossover wraps an engaging package with superior craftsmanship, capability and performance
- Ford’s advanced engine valvetrain technology – Ti-VCT (twin independent variable camshaft timing) – helps Edge V6 achieve best-in-class power and torque with fuel economy of unbeatable 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (front-wheel drive, SEL and Limited)
- In addition to delivering customer-focused technology, the new Edge also showcases Ford’s impressive drive to bring new powertrain options to the customer. Both the Edge 3.5-liter V6 and Edge Sport 3.7-liter V6 use advanced engine valvetrain technology (twin independent variable camshaft timing, or Ti-VCT) and clever control strategies to increase horsepower and torque to best-in-class levels versus other standard V6 entries. The 3.5-liter V6 produces 285 horsepower and 253 lb.-ft. of torque while the 3.7-liter V6 delivers 305 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque.
- With this best-in-class power, 2011 Edge delivers unsurpassed fuel economy of 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (3.5-liter V6 FWD, SEL and Limited). This means the new 3.5-liter V6 with Ti-VCT in the 2011 Edge delivers highway fuel economy that is 15 percent better than the Nissan Murano and with 20 more horsepower.
- Sound pack and acoustic glass: A more absorptive sound pack is found throughout the interior, which reduces high-frequency noise more effectively than material that acts merely as a barrier. The result is an improved articulation index, which measures how easy it is to hear and understand someone in the vehicle. The 2011 Edge also features an acoustic headliner, and the microphone for the SYNC® system has been relocated so it is closer to the driver for improved voice recognition. The windshield also is thicker and now acoustic-laminated on all Edge models. Finally, baked-on expandable foam baffles in the fenders and D-pillars help seal out unwanted road noise.
- Powertrain NVH improvements: Three main upgrades contribute to a quieter 2011 Edge from a powertrain NVH perspective. One is the more robust engine cover. The intake and exhaust systems have been completely retuned for a crisper note corresponding to Ford powertrain DNA. Finally, a “tighter” torque converter reduces engine rpm on launch and tip-in events, reducing engine noise.
- Aerodynamic improvements: Both the lowered front fascia and new underbody shields contribute to decreased wind noise.
- Adaptive cruise control allows the driver to set the vehicle’s cruising speed, using advanced radar technology to monitor traffic ahead and scan for slower vehicles. The system slows the vehicle to adapt for traffic conditions and to maintain the preset distance between vehicles. Once traffic clears, the set speed returns. Gap distance settings can be customized from four predetermined options.
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert is a feature that can help detect vehicles in blind spots during normal driving and traffic approaching from the sides when reversing out of parking spots.
- MyKey is designed to allow parents to encourage teenagers to drive safely and more fuel efficiently, and increase seat belt usage. The standard MyKey feature allows owners to designate keys that can limit the vehicle’s top speed and audio volume.
- Easy Fuel (capless fuel filler) is a standard Ford-exclusive feature that uses an integrated spring-loaded flapper door to eliminate the need for a fuel tank screw cap.
2011 Edge Overview
2011 FORD EDGE BLENDS TECHNOLOGY, DESIGN AND CLASS-LEADING POWERTRAINS IN REVAMPED PACKAGE Style and technology – the hallmarks of Ford Edge since it took the midsize crossover segment by storm starting in 2006 – come together in an all-new way, offering customers even more of what they love for the 2011 model year. “Customers told us how much they like Edge’s design and dynamic driving quality,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “We listened and made sure the new 2011 Edge delivers that and more – including fuel economy leadership, unexpected levels of quietness, a strong new design with quality materials, and MyFord Touch driver connect technology that will change how people interact with their vehicles.” Customers made the Ford Edge the No. 1-selling vehicle in its segment in its first full year on the market, and 400,000 have been sold since its launch in late 2006. The 2011 Ford Edge now aims to redefine the segment with a wide-ranging scope of improvements. “The new Edge demonstrates how a refresh at Ford has become more than just a few design and interior tweaks,” explains Elaine Bannon, chief engineer. “We have taken every element of the Edge and completely reworked it, including three new powertrains, two new transmissions, a bold new exterior design and a completely new interior. If you add in our industry-exclusive MyFord Touch system, you have a vehicle that will continue to stand out above all the competition on the road.” Improved power and fuel economy leadership Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The SelectShift Automatic™ transmission is standard on the 2011 Edge SEL and Limited series, with class-exclusive paddle activation of the SelectShift standard on the 2011 Edge Sport. In addition, the arrival of the new 2.0-liter EcoBoost™ I-4 engine in the months ahead will give Edge customers still more choice and will deliver class-leading fuel economy with impressive power and torque. Fuel economy benefits are projected to be at least 10 percent better than a comparable V6 but with class-leading power and torque for an I-4. A more connected driving experience Complementing the new tire and wheel lineup is a retuned suspension. Shocks, springs and stabilizer bars were adjusted to tighten handling. The shocks now feature a high-flow piston, which allows engineers to tune for both road loads and driving dynamics, without compromising ride for handling or vice versa. The result is a flatter response through turns and over hills while still providing a comfortable ride. New four-wheel disc brakes provide enhanced stopping power. Key brake system upgrades include steel pistons, larger rear rotors, revised brake friction materials, upgraded brake booster and revised pedal ratios, all of which enable more initial bite and a firmer, more confident feel when customers press on the brake pedal. The 2011 Edge offers several new brake-related features: hill start assist, which reduces rollback on hills; trailer sway control, which provides greater towing stability when equipped for trailer tow; hydraulic brake assist, which provides greater braking force in emergency stops; and available segment-first adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support. Adaptive cruise control allows the driver to set the vehicle’s speed, using advanced radar technology to monitor traffic ahead and scan for slower vehicles. The system slows the vehicle to adapt for traffic conditions and maintain the preset distance between vehicles. Once traffic clears, the set speed returns. Gap distance settings can be customized from four predetermined options. Collision warning with brake support uses radar to detect moving vehicles ahead and warns the driver of danger with an audible alarm and warning light. The system also automatically pre-charges brakes and engages an electronic brake assist system to help drivers stop more quickly. New subframe mounts enhance driveability, help reduce road noise The larger rear subframe bushing’s rubber volume is five times larger compared with the outgoing bushing, improving the isolation between the subframe and the body, which in turn helps decrease road noise. Both road noise and wind noise are significantly decreased in the 2011 Edge because of improvements found throughout the interior and exterior, including powertrain. Here’s a look at some of the upgrades: Bold, flowing design makes Edge the can’t-miss crossover “To me, craftsmanship isn’t just fit-and-finish,” said Bannon. “It’s also the layout and the ergonomic experience. It’s where we put the material – the stitching, the cutlines – and all the attention to detail to give the customer a great experience.” Increased presence is announced through a bolder grille and chin spoiler. The A-pillar flows into the hood, which adds subtle undulations to create a heightened sculptural quality. The wrapping lines emphasize both the front end and the new wheel lineup. 2011 Edge Sport adds more power, distinctive look The Edge Sport’s class-exclusive 22-inch polished aluminum wheels have distinctive Tuxedo Black spoke accents. Other key styling cues include a Tuxedo Black grille, unique headlamp and taillamp treatment, body-color rocker moldings, oval chrome exhaust tips, body-color door cladding and revised body-color lower front and rear fascias. Key interior differentiators are Liquid Silver Smoke appliqués that are echoed in the Silver Smoke metallic leather seat inserts, aluminum pedals and class-exclusive paddle shifters, which activate the six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission to give customers the option of a fun-to-shift manual experience. Unique to the 2011 Ford Edge Sport is that the paddle shift activation is “live in drive,” which means the customer doesn’t have to shift to “M” or manual mode. Instead, while in Drive, the driver can pull the “+” paddle on the right side of the steering wheel or “-” paddle on the left side of the steering wheel to shift up or down gears. “The 2011 Ford Edge Sport, with its exceptional powertrain, specially tuned suspension and unique style, offers a driving experience not seen in other crossovers, and really appeals to the driving enthusiast,” said Bannon. “Like the rest of the 2011 Ford Edge lineup, it perfectly blends technology and style.” MyFord Touch ushers in new era of interaction Standard on the 2011 Edge Limited and 2011 Edge Sport, the MyFord Touch system displays information using two 4.2-inch full-color LCD screens flanking an analog speedometer and an 8-inch touch-screen LCD at the top of the center stack. A five-way switch on each side of the steering wheel crossbar controls the information displayed on the corresponding instrument panel screens. The screens can be personalized to display information relevant to each individual driver. The steering wheel has all the necessary functions available in a very compact area, right where the driver’s hand falls as he or she grabs the wheel. The five-way buttons feel familiar to anyone who has used a mobile phone or MP3 player. Like the song? You can tag it Also new on the 2011 Ford Edge is the world’s first use of iTunes® Tagging in an available factory-installed HD Radio™ receiver. iTunes Tagging provides customers with the ability to “capture” a song they hear on the HD Radio receiver for later purchase from iTunes. With a simple push of a “TAG” button on the MyFord touch-screen display, the song information will be stored in the radio’s memory. Once a song is tagged and customers dock their iPod to the SYNC system, the tagged song information will transfer to that iPod. Up to 100 tags on SYNC can be stored until the iPod is connected. When the iPod is then synced to iTunes, a playlist of tagged songs will appear. Customers then can preview, and if they desire, purchase and download tagged songs from the iTunes Store. One significant benefit of HD Radio technology is that the sound quality of the broadcast is dramatically better because of the digital transmission – FM sounds like a CD and AM sounds like today’s FM broadcasts. Unlike analog broadcasts, digital broadcasts aren’t susceptible to interference, fadeout and other issues. 2011 Ford Edge brimming with standard and class-exclusive technologies Here’s a closer look at some of the technologies: “You can jump in the 2011 Ford Edge and bring your technology – your lifestyle – with you and have everything at your fingertips,” said Bannon. “The 2011 Ford Edge gives you all the capability and flexibility you want along with great style.” The 2011 Ford Edge will be built at Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada, and will be available in dealers later this summer. |
