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Absent of Any Rough Edges: New 2015 Ford Edge to Set a Higher Plateau in Family Crossovers

Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company
 

Ford Motor Company has made an intense effort defining their vehicle line-up over almost a decade now. Turbocharged EcoBoost engines, dual-clutch transmissions, SYNC integration and heavy European small vehicle flair is presently the norm under the Blue Oval. In 2006, Ford’s late entrance into the crossover vehicle market conceded that the truck-like Escape and Explorer was not winning over a changing automotive customer seeking a car personality. Tardy to the party, the Ford Edge was nonetheless a hit, matching motorists with all-wheel drive, utility, reasonable fuel economy at a reasonable price. Nine years since its introduction, the Edge receives a massive upgrade reflecting an all-new set of Ford technology.

　

Edgy New Style



Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company



The new Ford Edge remains decisively truck-like, however, the 2015 vehicle styling appears derived from the car line-up. The grille work and the headlamps housings mirror the current Taurus. On the outside of the new crossover vehicle is where one of many new technical innovations is found. A so-called “air curtain” is integrated with the new Edge body using smart ducting to achieve enhanced aerodynamics. There will also be active grille shutters at the front of certain Edge models allowing airflow to be optimized to cater both aerodynamics and engine cooling.

The 2015 Ford Edge is a figure shaped with high-strength steel contributing to stiffer overall construction. Resulting in a quieter and subtler ride, improved suspension will give the driver an immediate feel behind the wheel. The new Ford crossover vehicle is 26 percent stiffer reacting to bending forces compared to the outgoing model

Standard on the Edge Sport model is adaptive steering technology that will intelligently augment the amount of steering wheel input by the driver to the speed of the vehicle. The result with the electric-assisted system is more agile vehicle turns in parking lots and smoother, gradual turns at highway speed.

　

Edgy Engine Power



Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company


For 2015, the Ford Edge will provide a choice of three engines. The 3.7-liter V-6 engine will be discontinued but the more powerful 3.5-liter powerplant will be back as a naturally aspirated engine choice. EcoBoost power will also be a major component of the 2015 Ford Edge line-up. Returning is the turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that will be lighter and feature a higher compression ratio for 2015. The four-cylinder EcoBoost powerplant is recorded to produce 245 horsepower. The 2015 model year Edge will also receive the option of a twin-turbocharged, 2.7-liter V-6 powerplant. The new 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 is slated to produce more than 300 horsepower. While producing power equal to what was previously associated with eight-cylinder engines, the EcoBoost V-6 will provide thrifty fuel consumption. The 2015 Ford Edge will also benefit through Auto Start-Stop technology integrated on the larger EcoBoost engine. Front wheel drive and all-wheel drive will be available on the 2015 Ford Edge. All engines will be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that will include paddle-shift activation.

　

Edgy Comfort and Safety



Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company


Riding on the comfort and control of an all-new suspension, passengers inside the 2015 Ford Edge is paramount to the latest generation crossover. The five-passenger interior is quieter and shaped for greater occupant room spearheaded in part by the inclusion of newer, thinner seats. Both rows of seating are available with heated comfort while the front seats can additionally be cooled. Cargo room within the crossover is also expanded growing to 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear passenger bench or up to 73.4 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded. The hands-free liftgate (same as the one optional on the Escape) is offered on the new Edge.

SYNC with MyFord Touch will be standard on the Sport and Titanium models of the new Edge. An eight-inch LCD touchscreen is the centralized control for the SYNC with MyFord Touch technology. Other electronic measures engineered into the 2015 Ford crossover are instituted to make the vehicle the safest Edge ever. A first for a Ford product, a 180-degree front camera is available for an expanded perspective of the road. A rear-view camera will be standard on all models. Forward and rear sensing systems, side parking sensors, Lane-keeping System as well as Ford’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) can be found on the 2015 Edge. In case of a collision, Inflatable rear safety belts will also protect the rear seats passengers of the 2015 Ford Edge.

　

Making a 700-million US dollar investment in Canada, the 2015 Ford Edge will be built at the company's Oakville Assembly Complex. On sale for the first quarter of next year, the new Ford trim levels include SE, SEL, Sport and Titanium.
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