The 2011 Ford Edge doesn’t bring radical change to America--at least not from the outside--but it’s a beefier take on the five-seat crossover that gave Ford new life after the Explorer fell to earth. And for the new model year, the 2011 Edge counters its bigger grille and tougher appearance with the first appearance of a new eco-friendlier engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that’s a part of the company’s "EcoBoost" family of engines. (We’re bringing you this preview with Ford’s first official announcement and photos; a first drive of the 2011 Edge is coming this spring.) Ford’s calling this Edge a "refresh." On the market five years already, the Edge has been pretty thoroughly refurbished but Ford doesn’t call it "all-new"--possibly, to keep all its new crossover converts in the fold. But all the Edge’s powertrains are new, and the interior’s graced with Ford’s MyTouch system, which mimics the sensitive interface you’d find on an Apple iPhone. Outside it’s entirely familiar, but we’re liking the new edition more than the old. Despite the close visual kinship to the first version, the 2011 Edge is easier to spot. The big grille goes deep in a Volkswagen way, so massive we doubt Bobby Flay would challenge it to any face-off. The silhouette is more of an echo of the original Edge, though the fenders are a bit more pronounced. It’s made a name for itself with a smoothly sculpted shape, though, and mostly the Edge carries that sensibility over intact. The interior makeover’s way more "impactful," if you believe in that non-word. Vertically grained wood trim in these first photos gives the dash some heft, and like BMW, Ford’s streamlined its controls for better graphic impact. A large LCD screen dominates the control stack and it houses Ford’s MyTouch system, which lifts the iPhone interface neatly into the automotive realm. A delicate tap on the screen adjusts climate or audio controls--and instantly renders click-wheel systems like iDrive and COMAND and MMI hopelessly out of, er, touch. Steering wheel controls also cycle the LCD screens on the instrument panel and let drivers customize the information displayed. Ford’s focused more attention on the powertrains in the 2011 Edge. In the middle sits a revamped version of the Edge’s 3.5-liter V-6, now putting out 285 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. The upscale option is the 3.7-liter V-6 found in Lincolns and in some Fords, as well as the Mazda CX-9. It produces 305 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, which Ford reminds, is more than the BMW X5 or Lexus RX 350. Ford claims improved fuel economy’s improved, but no EPA figures are stated. Both engines are paired with Ford’s latest six-speed automatic transmission. The bigger engine story will be the EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. With a six-speed, dual-clutch gearbox, Ford says this Edge will get 30 percent better fuel economy than the original 2007 Edge--17/25 mpg, by the EPA’s data--which suggests a potential 30-mpg highway fuel economy rating. A retuned suspension could give the Edge a more sporting feel, something it lacked in its current form. Big 18-inch wheels will be offered on upper trim levels. A new braking system will be combined with anti-lock, traction and stability control; hill start assist; trailer sway control; and adaptive cruise control. All Edges get Ford’s capless fuel filler; a USB connection for music players; a blind-spot detection system; and MyKey system, which allows parents to program in driver-safety alerts for younger drivers. The MyTouch system will be standard on Limited models and the revamped Edge Sport. HD Radio is a new option, and with it comes iTunes Tagging, which lets drivers note a song on the radio and add it to a purchase list on their iTunes accounts via a docked iPod or iPhone. 2011 Ford Edge SportThe most desireable--and probably most expensive--2011 Ford Edge will be the Sport edition. It’s distinguished from the base, SEL and Limited editions by its standard 3.7-liter V-6, paddle shifters on its six-speed automatic, and even tauter suspension tuning, as well as massive 22-inch wheels and tires. On the body, the Edge Sport adds a black-finished grille, smoked headlamps and taillamps, new body-color side skirts and door cladding, and different front and rear fascias. Aluminum trim on the pedals and paddle shifters matches up with distinctive leather seats. Stay tuned for more on the 2011 Ford Edge from the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, and from our first drive coming soon.
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