2011 Ford Edge gets three engine choices, more ambitious Sport model

[NewsFeeder]

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Crossover, Ford

2011 Ford Edge - Click above for high-res image gallery

As dutiful American consumers, we've been taught to believe that choice is good. To that end, the splintering of the automotive market into different niches (four-door coupes, small panel vans, high-riding hatchbacks, etc.) is a positive development for buyers. But while the range of total models from automakers has been increasing, individual variation within a given model range has seemingly been reigned in, from a drastic reduction in build combinations of light-duty pickups to the availability of engines and ala carte options in everyday vehicles. Standing in direct contrast to this trend, however, is the 2011 Ford Edge crossover.

Whereas the first-generation Edge has lived since 2006 with a 3.5-liter V6 as its sole drivetrain, the 2011 model will offer no fewer than three powertrain choices. For 2011, the 3.5-liter engine will live on as the Edge line's bread-and-butter, but it is being joined by Ford's first production application of a new EcoBoost 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo, as well as the larger 3.7-liter V6 for the popular Edge Sport. In the case of the 3.5-liter, it produces 285 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque, while the Sport's larger 3.7 Ti-VCT V6 delivers 305 ponies and 280 torques on 87 octane. Ford is not yet releasing power and economy numbers on the EcoBoost engine, but it promises "class-leading" fuel efficiency, noting that the new powertrain should eclipse the original 2006 Edge by some 30 percent.

Follow the jump to find out what else has changed for the Edge, as well as Ford's official press release.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Edge

Gallery: 2011 Ford Edge Sport

[source: Ford]

Continue reading 2011 Ford Edge gets three engine choices, more ambitious Sport model

2011 Ford Edge gets three engine choices, more ambitious Sport model originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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[Intrepidation]

I have to say, another impressive revision by Ford. Looks much more athletic with this new front end. Chrome grill is a bit much but the Sport's blacked out grill looks real nice, as so the new Edge's slimmer headlights. Interior is a massive improvement. Interesting how it has two completely different center stack designs, both pictures with large screens.

I like how the new Sport is more than just a badge and some ground effects this time around.

[regfootball]

it would be nice if they had the epa numbers for all the powertrains, especially the ecoboost. Hopefully the 4 popper will tag 30 hwy.

at one point i had read that part of ford's plan for the edge redo was to switch to more high strength steel, and take some weight out of this slug. between that and the four popper, i hope they were able to trim the curb weights at least on the base model some.

Edited February 10, 2010 by regfootball

[ocnblu]

Again, as with Fusion/Milan, Ford engineers have gone in like skilled surgeons and given the Edge just the right changes to give it a new lease on life. Impressive work! And those wheels on the Sport, WOW, very sexy looking. *golf clap*

Edited February 10, 2010 by ocnblu

[pow]

Nice improvements. Ford went the right route by making this a "lifestyle" vehicle with cool tech and big wheels, because there are cheaper crossovers out there that seat seven, cost less, and have equal fuel economy. The new Sorento comes to find.

That said, 285-hp and 27 mpg highway is still very impressive, considering the 2007 version got 23 mpg highway. A V6 Malibu only gets 26 mpg. The technology is definitely out there to make a SUV nearly 20% more efficient without changing its size or worsening its performance. Ford: CAFE, bring it on!

[CSpec]

Wow, huge improvements. Ford has really breathed some new life into some very average products.

[Z-06]

Nice. I love the job of refresh. Ford interiors however are starting to look same but good.

[pow]

From the pics, the plastics look a bit cheap and slimy - hopefully, that's just the Armor All fooling with my eyes. Without the MyFord Touch and Sony controls, it would be an otherwise average Japanese interior. Reminds me of the Grand Vitara and CX-9 interiors...

Some actual brushed metal, like seen on the VUE and Regal interiors, would be so much nicer than this Fiesta-grade painted silver plastic.

Edited February 10, 2010 by pow

[loki]

the front immediately made me think terrain.