Autoblog

Whoops! MT discovers Ford Edge Sport slower than less powerful SEL model

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 19:24:00 EST

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

According to popular American folklore, you should always buy the biggest engine available. Such thinking likely became prevalent in the 1950s, when the American automotive industry was busy building new V8 engines, experimenting with multiple carburetors and high compression, and generally discovering the art of hot-rodding. Gas prices? Fuel economy? Pfft. It was a great time to be an American.

These days, life isn't quite so simple. There are countless reasons to consider a downsized powerplant. First off, we all care about fuel mileage and many of us care about emissions. Then there's the cost consideration, and, finally, the biggest engine isn't always the best performer. Proof of such can be seen in the new 2011 Ford Edge, that we just drove ourselves and that was recently put through the full testing regime by the boys at Motor Trend.

There are currently two V6 engines available in the Edge (a 2.0-liter EcoBoost is on the way in a few months), a 3.5-liter and a 3.7, which comes straight from the Mustang. Power for the smaller engine comes in at 280 horses and 253 pound-feet of torque. The larger 3.7 puts out 305 horses and 280 lb-ft and is available only in the Edge Sport. So, the Sport is the fastest, right?

Not so fast... literally. MT clocked a 7.1-second run to 60 in the base Edge, but only managed a disappointing 7.6 seconds in the 3.7-powered Edge Sport. Apparently, the problem is weight. The base Edge tipped MT's scales at 4075 pounds while the Sport came in at an obese 4405, part of which can be explained by the addition of all-wheel drive. In any case, the Edge Sport, with its massive 22-inch wheels and wide tires, can't keep up with the base Edge in a straight line.

On the flip side, the AWD Edge Sport (with those aforementioned oversize wheels and tires) handily out-handled its base model sibling. In other words, this is a case where you need to pick your poison, either handling or straight-line acceleration. And of course the upcoming EcoBoost will add another interesting option to consider in a few short months.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Edge: First Drive

[Source: Motor Trend]

Whoops! MT discovers Ford Edge Sport slower than less powerful SEL model originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Ford Edge ordering guide hits the Intertubes

Chris Shunk — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Ford

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

After spending some time with the 2011 Ford Edge Sport, it's obvious Ford did more than just a run-of-the-mill mid-cycle refresh. And with the overhauled crossover hitting showrooms this summer, more and more information is trickling out. A member of the Blue Oval forums apparently found the Edge's order guide, giving us a complete rundown of the four Edge packages available at launch.

First, let's begin with what we already know. The Edge will be available in SE, SEL, Limited and Sport trims, come standard with an overhauled 285-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 powerplant and the Sport model will get the same 305-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 that powers the 2011 Mustang V6. According to the ordering guide, Ford expects 17 percent of customers to opt for the base SE model, 39 percent to go for the mid-level SEL, 40 percent to choose the Limited and only four percent to choose the 22-inch wheels of the Sport model.

SE buyers will have two Rapid Spec option packages from which to choose, though the pickings are slim. Spec 101A includes a convenience package with auto-headlamps, a compass, keyless entry and a reverse sensing system. The SEL will add everything from the best SE model plus standard equipment including 18-inch painted aluminum wheels, heated mirrors, a six-way power driver's seat and dual-zone temperature control. The SEL trim will also afford three different packages: Rapid Spec 201A includes the eight-inch LCD MyTouch interface with SYNC and a rear-view camera while Spec 202A adds features like leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, a 10-way power driver's seat and ambient lighting.

Stand alone options include an expansive Vista Roof (available with spec 201A or 202A) and Ford's excellent navigation system (available with spec 202A). Jump to the Limited Edge and MyTouch, SYNC, leather, heated seats with power adjust in the front row and visual cues all around are all standard. The Limited has three rapid specs, with The Blue Oval expecting 301A to be the most popular. The package includes navigation, HID headlamps and the Vista Roof. Spec 302A adds BLISS blind spot protection and adaptive cruise control, while the low volume Sport model comes with scores of standard features including the aforementioned 22-inch wheels and 3.7-liter drivetrain. All options, including navigation, are a-la-carte. What the alleged Edge order guide doesn't include is pricing or any information about the 2.0-liter turbo model, which reportedly won't be available until 2011. Check the gallery below for the full guide.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Edge Ordering Guide

Gallery: First Ride: 2011 Ford Edge Sport

[Source: Blue Oval News]

2011 Ford Edge ordering guide hits the Intertubes originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exclusive First Ride: 2011 Ford Edge Sport

Rex Roy — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Crossover, Ford, Quick Spins

Yee-Ha! in a 2011 Ford Edge Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Manufacturers used to roll out all-new cars every five-to-eight years. Somewhere around the halfway point - usually year three - much hoopla would be made about new front and rear fascias, the addition of some standard features and some new option packages. (*Yawn*). These changes were designed to give shoppers a reason to look at a car that was getting long-in-the-tooth.

Ford Motor Company sung by this songbook for decades, but it's not any longer. As we've seen with the Escape, Fusion and Mustang, the Ford brand is rolling out significant product changes any time they darn well please. For example, the 2010 Fusion could have been a standard refresh, but instead included three all-new powertrains, a significantly upgraded interior, and the expected front and rear fascias.

Introduced as a 2007 model at the close of 2006, the Edge was Ford's second attempt at a more car-like crossover. (Anybody remember the Freestyle/Taurus X ... uhh, not so much.) Heading into its fifth year of production, the Edge needed some serious attention. It just got it: We reported so on the eve of February's Chicago Auto Show.

Following the new model's public debut, Ford offered Autoblog an exclusive opportunity to ride in a 2011 Edge Sport with some development engineers so we could have an early, behind-the-scenes look at their handiwork. The new Edge doesn't go on sale until later this Summer, but you can read all about our experience at the Dearborn Development Center right now after the jump.

Gallery: First Ride: 2011 Ford Edge Sport

Continue reading Exclusive First Ride: 2011 Ford Edge Sport

Exclusive First Ride: 2011 Ford Edge Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2010: New Ford Edge becomes cutting edge CUV [w/video]

Michael Harley — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, SUV, Ford

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

Ford rolled out its 2011 Edge, with a triad of engine choices, in Chicago this morning. As we mentioned earlier, the 2011 variant will offer the all-new EcoBoost 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The four-cylinder turbo, with direct-injection, promises 20-percent better fuel economy without sacrificing performance or suffering emission penalties (Ford has yet to release any specifics on horsepower, torque or fuel economy). The standard engine will be a 3.5-liter V6 (285 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque), while the Edge Sport (pictured above) is fitted with a 3.7-liter Ti-VCT V6 (305 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque).

The front fascia is completely reworked with a new fresh look, while the rear is only slightly updated - the greenhouse appears untouched. Mechanically, the brake system has been upgraded with larger rear rotors, improved pad composition and a revised brake booster. The Edge SEL and Edge Limited wear standard 18-inch tires - now one-half inch wider, with 20-inch tires optional on both. The Edge Sport has (gulp!) 22-inch wheels standard, a class-exclusive says Ford.

Inside, the dashboard has been completely redesigned around the centerpiece MyFord Touch infotainment center. Standard on the Edge Limited and Edge Sport, the system utilizes a 8.0-inch full-color touch-sensitive LCD screen in the center console. Complementing the main display is the revised instrument panel with dual multi-tasking 4.2-inch information panels on each side of the speedometer that are operated via five-way spoke-mounted thumb switches on the steering wheel. With about a gazillion different features, including the ability to have your Edge welcome you by name when you enter the vehicle, the industry-leading MyTouch system keeps getting better and better - its revised application in the 2011 Ford Edge only serves to reinforce the message. Check out the video and press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Edge Sport at Chicago Auto Show

Gallery: 2011 Ford Edge

Gallery: 2011 Ford Edge Sport

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Chicago 2010: New Ford Edge becomes cutting edge CUV [w/video]

Chicago 2010: New Ford Edge becomes cutting edge CUV [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Ford Edge Sport offers big wheels, key improvements

Dan Roth — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Crossover, Ford, New Car Reviews

2009 Ford Edge Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Twenty-two inch wheels. A chocolate bar shy of two feet, the 2009 Ford Edge Sport has alloys the size of manhole covers. Despite being made of aluminum, these wheels pull the eyes of onlookers magnetically. The big rollers are not everyone's cup of tea, but they're the defining feature of the Edge Sport - even the standard Sport model kicks it with 20s. Ford adds even more visual slickness to the Edge Sport with smoked lenses for the head- and tail-lamps that go along with an uncommonly tasteful bodykit. We spent a week to-ing and fro-ing with an Edge Sport just to see if those rollers crushed our kidneys into renal failure, or if this crossover's aggressive looks are matched to a chassis that you can get along with every day. Click on the jump to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Ford Edge Sport

Continue reading Review: 2009 Ford Edge Sport offers big wheels, key improvements

Review: 2009 Ford Edge Sport offers big wheels, key improvements originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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