2015 Ford Edge debuts with fresh tech inside and out

Tue, 24 Jun 2014

Edge will be the first Ford-badged product to come standard with EcoBoost power.

Ford officially unveiled the all-new, third-generation Edge today at its Dearborn home, announcing that the latest version of the popular crossover will ride on the same CD4 architecture that underpins the Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ. The Edge will also be the first Ford-badged product to come standard with EcoBoost power.

The most noticeable thing about the 2015 Edge is, of course, its all-new sheetmetal. The exterior shows a rather substantial change from the second-generation CUV, sporting something new from each visible angle. The back of the vehicle offers the most dramatic departure, with a steep rake to the rear window and a body-spanning taillight array that's not unlike what we've seen on the Lincoln MKC (though in fairness the design appears to borrow more heavily from the Fusion). This aggressive rear is most apparent in the car's profile, although our first impression wasn't positive from every angle. The front end looks somewhat questionable to our eyes, lacking the drama of the rear while appearing narrower, taller and less athletic. The new hexagonal grille is slatted as per Edge convention, but this time around, it's framed by lights that can seem a bit large.

Inside, the changes are far less dramatic. The cabin will be largely familiar fare to owners of the current-generation model. The instrument cluster retains the same dual displays of the current model, while the center stack has been given a light redo. Gone are the controversial touch-capacitive switchgear that were found on high-end versions of the second-gen Edge. Overall, changes in the cabin focus on material quality, and it strikes us as healthy improvements over the current vehicle.

The base mill is a new version of Ford's increasingly familiar EcoBoost 2.0T, churning out 245 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque.

The base mill is a new version of Ford's increasingly familiar EcoBoost 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder. It churns out 245 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque thanks to its twin-scroll turbocharger design. Ford will also offer an optional start-stop system for the 2.0T, making it the de facto choice for Edge owners who value efficiency (the EPA fuel economy figures, of course, have yet to be released).

The 2.0T is joined by Ford's 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6, although there are no official power figures for this engine. We're wagering the Edge's V6 won't stray too far from the 290 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque found in the Explorer and Taurus.

The Edge Sport, meanwhile, has perhaps the most exciting of the available engine trio, packing Ford's new 2.7-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 under its hood. For those who need a refresher, the 2.7T is slated to arrive first in the next-generation F-150 before reporting for duty in the Edge. It boasts a block made from the same compacted graphite iron found in the F-Series Super Duty's big-dog 6.7-liter PowerStroke diesel. In such a small engine, Ford says a CGI block does wonders for the car's noise, vibration, and harshness characteristics, not to mention durability. Sadly, Ford isn't offering specifics on this engine's performance, aside from saying it will produce over 300 horsepower when it finally goes on sale.

Regardless of engine, a six-speed automatic with Ford's SelectShift manual mode is the sole gearbox (paddles come standard). The 2.0T can either send its power to the front axle or through a full-time all-wheel-drive system. The 3.5 and 2.7 are AWD only.

Not only should the Edge be a more impressive straight-line performer, we can expect it to behave better in the bends thanks to increases in the amount of high-strength steel. Ford claims that the new Edge is 26 percent stiffer when dealing with bending forces and 16 percent stiffer with twisting forces.

The Edge will be the first of Ford's products to offer an optional adaptive steering system.

Underpinning all of this is a new MacPherson front suspension for FWD models. It's tied together with an integral-link, independent rear suspension, which replaces the old CUV's torsion-beam setup. Firmer coil springs and stiffer sway bars promise a ride that is more composed in turns, with less body roll.

Critically, the Edge will be the first Ford products to offer an adaptive steering system. Available as standard equipment on the Sport and as a cost-extra on the Titanium model, adaptive steering essentially varies the steering ratio constantly, adjusting for vehicle speed, in order to provide an appropriate level of turn-in for the required situation. We sampled Ford's system in late May and came away impressed with the impact it had at low speeds, although it had less of an influence as speeds climbed, a move to counter skittishness.

Befitting of a fresh redesign, the third-generation Edge will have no shortage of additional tech items, many of which focus on improving fuel economy, safety and passenger comfort. At the top of the list are two big aerodynamic aids – active grille shutters and an air curtain system. The grille shutters are only available on "select models," but they should help deliver increased fuel economy. The air curtain system, similar to what has been used rather extensively on newer vehicles from BMW, improves the high-speed aero around the wheels by reducing the amount of turbulent air. These systems, combined with the stop-start-equipped 2.0-liter, should present a nice bump in fuel economy for the 2015 Edge.

Sales are slated to begin in the North American market in early 2015.

On the convenience front, the new Edge will be rich in available goodies. Heated and air-conditioned front seats, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel will be available, as well as adaptive cruise control, a hands-free liftgate, active park assist with fore and aft parking sensors, Sync and MyFord Touch and a 180-degree front camera. Active safety systems, meanwhile, include blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, Curve Control (part of Ford's stability control system), inflatable rear seatbelts and a glovebox knee airbag.

The next-gen Edge modifies the current CUV's trim scheme, retaining the base SE, volume SEL and Sport models by adding a top-of-the-line Titanium trim. Ford hasn't gone so far as to release what sort of standard equipment will be found in each trim tier, though.

The 2015 Ford Edge will enter production at the Blue Oval's Oakville Assembly Complex outside of Toronto with sales slated to begin in the North American market in early 2015. The Edge will also be exported to Europe, South America and Asia, although estimated dates to reach those markets have not been hammered out quite yet.

Scroll down for the full press release and official images on the 2015 Edge, and then be sure to go up top for our live images from today's unveiling.

All-New 2015 Edge Showcases Ford's Best Technology, More Driver-Assist Features, Improved Performance, Craftsmanship

• 2015 Edge will go on sale in North America early next year as a showcase of Ford innovation – from a new design that excites to technology that comforts, the all-new Edge sets a benchmark for Ford utility vehicles
• Available driver-assist technologies include adaptive steering system, enhanced active park assist, adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support, 180-degree front camera with washer, glove box-mounted airbag system, inflatable rear safety belts and hands- free liftgate
• 2015 Edge will be first Ford vehicle with standard EcoBoost® engine; new Sport model will be powered by most advanced EcoBoost yet – a 2.7-liter V6; premium-level Titanium series joins lineup

DEARBORN, Mich., June 24, 2014 – The all-new Ford Edge demonstrates what happens when a proven leader gets even better. The original crossover utility vehicle from Ford is loaded with more technology, higher levels of craftsmanship and greatly improved vehicle dynamics. The 2015 Ford Edge is a better vehicle by every measure.

When launched in late 2006, Edge helped to define the crossover sport utility vehicle segment in North America, the biggest such market in the world. With a car-based design, Edge delivered better on-road comfort, fuel efficiency and overall driving dynamics than any truck- based SUV. It was proof a utility vehicle could meet the demanding needs of an everyday commuter.

The 2015 Edge revealed today in North America and Europe is all-new from wheels to roof, designed to reset the standard in the two-row utility vehicle market. Based on Ford's successful, global midsize vehicle platform, Edge has been reimagined with a stronger, more athletic shape. It has been retooled to meet higher expectations for quality, and reengineered to add more features and technologies for a more rewarding driving experience. The all-new Edge will be sold in more than 100 markets across the globe.

"The original Edge was our first entry into the world of crossover utilities – a technologically advanced vehicle that was the perfect blend of sedan comfort and efficiency with SUV functionality," said Raj Nair, group vice president, Global Product Development. "Now, we are building on that success, and building on the emotional appeal of the vehicle by offering more of the technology our customers want in a package that meets the highest expectations for quality and craftsmanship."
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With the new Edge, Ford is also building on its utility vehicle leadership around the world. Last year, the company sold a record 1.2 million utility vehicles in markets across the globe – up 38 percent from 2012.

In North America, Ford was the top-selling utility vehicle brand for a third consecutive year in 2013. Ford utility vehicle sales have been strong elsewhere as well, increasing nearly 20 percent in Europe last year. In China, Ford's share of the utility vehicle segment is growing exponentially, increasing to 4.5 percent in 2013 from less than 1 percent in 2012.

"For three years in a row, Ford has been the best-selling utility vehicle brand in North America and has been experiencing exponential growth in global markets," said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln. "The all-new Edge is the next chapter in this story. And it's a story driven by the emotional appeal of the vehicle – not its feature content."

This emotional appeal is enhanced by a wealth of advanced technologies and new amenities. The all-new Edge will go on sale in North America in the first quarter of 2015, with sales following in Europe, South America and Asia Pacific markets.

Dynamic all-new body and suspension
The 2015 Edge, now based on the same global platform as the award-winning Ford Fusion that debuted in North America in 2012, will deliver the confident, smooth driving experience customers expect from Ford.

"The all-new Edge has been remade in almost every single detail, always keeping in mind the customer, who expects something premium, powerful and special," said Judy Curran, vehicle line director for Ford. "With a structure more rigid than ever and a suspension tuned to the highest global standards, the 2015 Edge is a high-tech utility that delivers a special driving experience customers will feel from their first moments behind the wheel."

Central to the improved driving dynamics is an entirely new body structure and redesigned suspension – front and rear – developed specifically to better isolate road imperfection and absorb noise without compromising handling.

The front-wheel-drive Edge retains a MacPherson-type front suspension, but features an entirely new, sophisticated integral-link independent rear with coil springs and a 23-millimeter antiroll bar. The advanced new system has been tuned to deliver a more dynamic, engaging ride customers will feel immediately.

Thanks in part to the use of more high-strength steels, the solid body structure of the all-new Edge provides a far better platform for the new suspension to work. Compared to the 2014 Edge, the new model shows a 26 percent increase in stiffness when reacting to bending forces and a 16 percent increase in stiffness when reacting to twisting forces.

This means less noise, vibration and harshness characteristics, giving Edge customers a quieter, more substantial ride. As a result, Edge is well suited for an everyday commute, but ready to attack when the road opens up.

All-new adaptive steering technology
The all-new Edge will be the first Ford product to feature the company's adaptive steering technology, which will make the vehicle easier to maneuver and more fun to drive.
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A standard feature on Edge Sport and available on the new Titanium series, adaptive steering changes the ratio between a driver's actions at the steering wheel – the number of turns – and how much the front wheels turn. In traditional steering systems, this is a fixed steering ratio. With Ford adaptive steering, the steering ratio continually changes with vehicle speed, optimizing steering response in all situations.

At lower speeds, such as pulling into a parking space or maneuvering in tight quarters, the new system makes the vehicle more agile and easier to turn, as it dials more steering into the road wheel. Each low-speed maneuver requires less turning of the steering wheel.

At highway speeds, the system further optimizes steering response, enabling Edge to react more smoothly and precisely to driver input. Adaptive steering technology can help make any drive more enjoyable.

The Ford system uses a precision-controlled actuator placed inside the steering wheel, and requires no change to the vehicle's traditional steering system. The actuator – an electric motor and gearing system – can essentially add to or subtract from a driver's steering inputs. The result is a better, more engaging driving experience at all speeds.

Two new engines, for a total of three power options
In North America, the all-new Edge will feature three engine options, two of which are new powerplants – a standard twin-scroll 2.0-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder and a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6. A normally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine will also be offered. All will be equipped with dual output exhaust and a six-speed automatic transmission.

Edge represents the first Ford vehicle to feature standard EcoBoost power.

The twin-scroll 2.0-liter EcoBoost, offering an estimated 245 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque, is significantly improved over the previous 2.0-liter EcoBoost. Beyond efficiency advantages, this new engine will also provide more capability. Edge equipped with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost can be specified with newly available all-wheel drive and a towing package capable of hauling a 3,500-pound trailer.

Among a host of changes to the 2.0-liter EcoBoost is a twin-scroll design enabling optimized camshaft timing for improved engine performance and reduced turbo lag. A new, lighter engine block casting along with new aluminum balance shaft assembly shaves six pounds from the engine's gravitational weight. Other changes include lighter pistons; a newly designed, integrated exhaust manifold; and a new, high-pressure direct-injection fuel system for finer fuel atomization. These upgrades pave the way for an increased compression ratio of 9.7:1, up from 9.3:1, for improved overall fuel efficiency.

Ford's Auto Start-Stop system will also be available with the twin-scroll EcoBoost engine on the new Edge. In heavy traffic, this technology can seamlessly shut down the engine to decrease fuel consumption, reducing tailpipe emissions to zero while the vehicle is stationary and the engine is off.

On the other side of the engine spectrum is Edge Sport, with an exclusive, all-new 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine that will provide an exceptional combination of power and efficiency. Setting a new standard in world-class powertrain engineering, this twin-turbocharged V6 is one of the world's most advanced engines. Drawing its design from the best of the efficient Ford EcoBoost lineup, along with the unmatched durability of Ford Super Duty Power Stroke® diesel, this 2.7- liter EcoBoost provides a remarkable combination of advanced materials expertly applied.

The 2.7-liter EcoBoost uses the same compacted graphite iron in its cylinder block as is used in the 6.7-liter Power Stroke. This advanced cylinder block allows for a remarkably stiff and compact design that returns exceptionally refined noise, vibration and harshness control. The compacted graphite iron core is mated with a die-cast aluminum engine-block ladder frame and composite oil pan, saving weight by applying advanced materials where they are needed most.

The strength of the compacted graphite iron cylinder block allows the 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine to produce impressive power and torque for its size. Compact and efficient, the all-new engine can produce the power and torque of a mid-range V8.

Expected to deliver more than 300 horsepower, this 2.7-liter EcoBoost will ensure Edge Sport is the highest-performance Edge ever.

The suspension in Edge Sport has front and rear antiroll bars that are 15 percent stiffer than the base model, and unique rear monotube dampers that are larger in diameter. The coil springs are 10 percent thicker. Overall, with improved damping and control, Edge Sport offers 15 percent to 20 percent better road-holding capability, giving the driver more control, sharper steering and greater confidence.

Paddle-activated SelectShift puts driver in control
All three engines are mated to Ford's SelectShift® six-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shift activation. Drivers will have the ability to manually select gears via race-inspired paddles on the steering wheel. The paddle-shift system is standard on all models.

The SelectShift transmission features two modes of operation – drive and sport. Sport mode offers a more aggressive shift pattern, allowing the engine to rev higher during acceleration, and hold lower gears longer to support spirited, fast-paced sessions.

Unlike many paddle-shift systems, the Edge six-speed automatic is always "live in drive," so the driver won't have to select sport mode to enable operation.

The available all-wheel-drive system for the new Edge is full-time, on-demand and seamless – there are no knobs or switches to activate. An electronically controlled clutch, which can engage faster than a human can blink, transfers power between the front and rear axles, sending up to 100 percent of the power front or back.

New level of technology for better driving
The 2015 Edge will be a technology leader for Ford, with a suite of standard and available technologies designed to improve the driving experience and the level of occupant comfort. Technologies being offered for the first time include adaptive steering, enhanced active park assist, side parking sensors and a front camera with washer.

"The new Edge is a rolling showcase of Ford's commitment to developing and offering the latest, most advanced technology in the business," said Curran. "We know our customers have embraced technology – from smartphones to wearable devices that track their health. Technology is part of their lives. We want to make it part of their driving experience as well."

Key technology features include:
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• Active Grille Shutters: Available on select models to help counter air resistance
• Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support: Uses radar to detect
moving vehicles directly ahead and change the cruising speed if necessary
• Adaptive steering technology: Most advanced steering system ever from Ford makes Edge easier to maneuver and more fun to drive by optimizing steering response in all
conditions
• Air curtain: Creates a curtain of air alongside the vehicle using smart duct work,
improving aerodynamics at high speed
• Auto Start-Stop technology: Turns the engine off to save fuel when the vehicle is
stopped, then restarts the engine in milliseconds when the brake is released; specially
tuned for Edge
• Blind Spot Information System: BLIS® uses radar to trigger a warning when another
motorist is in the driver's blind spot
• Cameras: New 180-degree front camera with washer featured for first time on a Ford
vehicle; standard rear camera
• Cross-traffic alert: Uses radar to help alert drivers to oncoming traffic when backing out
of a parking space
• Enhanced active park assist: Builds on Ford parallel parking technology and includes a
system to guide the vehicle into a perpendicular parking space. The system can also
steer the vehicle into and out of a parallel parking space
• Forward and reverse sensing systems: The systems provide audible alerts designed to
help drivers avoid obstacles when parking
• Hands-free liftgate: Allows customer to move leg below center of the rear bumper to
unlock and raise liftgate
• Heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel: Amenities
make occupants more comfortable, and every drive more enjoyable
• Lane-keeping system: Alerts driver to steer the vehicle back into its lane if the vehicle is
allowed to drift
• Side parking sensors: uses sensors and algorithms that measure speed and steering
wheel angle to warn drivers of obstacles on either side of the vehicle during parking or
low-speed maneuvers
• SYNC® with MyFord Touch®: Becoming available for more trim levels; standard on Edge
Sport and Titanium series
Safety technologies available on the new Edge include:
• Active glove box knee airbag: Advanced new design uses glove box front to cushion the knees of the front seat passenger in a crash. A pliable, injection-molded plastic bladder is sandwiched between the inner and outer glove box door panels. On impact, a small inflator fills the bladder, extending the glove box outer door panel toward the passenger's legs
• AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability ControlTM: Uses sensors to measure the roll rate of the vehicle and predict its roll angle. Based on this information and measurements from other vehicle dynamics sensors, the system can adjust engine torque and brake pressure at all four wheels to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle
• Curve Control: Uses the same sensors as Roll Stability Control to detect and measure roll rate, yaw rate, lateral acceleration, wheel speed and steering wheel angle to help drivers follow their intended path by slowing the vehicle more efficiently while maneuvering a curve
• Inflatable rear safety belts: An advanced restraint system that combines attributes of safety belt and airbag technologies. It is designed to reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear seat passengers in frontal crashes by distributing crash force energy across five times more of an occupant's torso than a traditional safety belt. Inflatable belts are available for second-row outboard seating positions

Higher standards for quality and craftsmanship
The 2015 Edge will be available in four trim levels. These include SE, SEL, Sport and – for the first time – a top-of-the-line Titanium series to meet market demand for more premium offerings.

"We really focused on meeting the highest craftsmanship standards in developing the all-new Edge," said Kim Cape, marketing manager, Ford Large Cars and Utilities. "The idea was to create not just a high-quality exterior and interior, but to give the customer a holistic, premium experience.

"The Titanium trim level has been a real success story for Ford – particularly in products such as Fusion, Escape and Flex. Our customers are telling us, 'We are interested in technology and a premium look and feel.' Titanium delivers that."

Overall, the 2015 Edge represents a significant move forward in both material and visual quality. Throughout the vehicle, seams are tighter and more consistent, and the design has been executed in a way that reduces visual cutlines. The team worked out the smallest of details, such as rethinking how the front doors meet the instrument panel, simplifying merging points and reducing potential alignment issues.
The dashboard and center console have also been carefully designed and shaped to look like one thin, streamlined piece. A central 8-inch LCD touch screen supporting SYNC with MyFord Touch is now available on even more models.

Storage areas have been improved throughout the cabin, with a covered media bin on top of the center stack; an open, pass-through-type storage area beneath the climate controls; an open storage area on the instrument panel, below and to the left of the steering wheel; and large pockets on each door.

Thanks in part to smart design work and next-generation seats that are thinner and more supportive, the interior of the new Edge is larger and more spacious. Adding further to the feeling of openness, Edge will continue to offer one of the largest sunroofs in the business – Ford's Panoramic Vista Roof, measuring 47.7 inches front to back.

Legroom in the first and second row of the new Edge has increased by 1.9 inches and 1.0 inch, respectively. Headroom increases by 1.0 inch throughout. Cargo capacity increases, with 39.2 cubic feet of space behind the second row of seats – 7.0 cubic feet more than the previous model. With the second row folded, space has increased by 4.5 cubic feet, to 73.4 cubic feet.

The new Edge is slightly longer and taller than its predecessor, and the wheelbase increases by 1.0 inch, to 112.2 inches.

Quieter than ever
The all-new Edge is not only more luxurious and comfortable, but also quieter.

In wind tunnel tests, Edge proved to be more than 1 sone quieter than its predecessor (a sone is a unit used to measure how loud a sound is perceived). This enhanced quietness is due to better sealing of the body, sound insulation improvements, and powertrains that are better isolated from the cabin and operate in a quieter manner. Acoustic windshield glass is standard on every model. Select Titanium models are even quieter, incorporating acoustic glass on driver and passenger side doors.

The twin-scroll 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, for example, has reduced vibration levels when idling compared to the previous version, and is 2 decibels quieter. In moments of heavy acceleration, the revamped engine emits a quieter, more refined sound. This is due to multiple changes including an acoustic wrap to the intake manifold, upgraded heat shield that provides additional sound management and modified oil pump.
Edge Sport will be equipped with Active Noise Cancellation technology from Ford to manage and enhance the sound of its powerful 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine. Using three microphones strategically placed throughout the cabin, the system is able to generate opposing sound waves directed through the audio system, enhancing overall cabin ambience.

Even the tires have been selected to deliver a better on-road experience. The 20-inch tires available on Sport and Titanium trim levels are a full 2 decibels quieter – reducing unpleasant road noises often associated with larger wheels.

Built to be the best
The all-new Edge will be built at Ford's Oakville Assembly Complex, near Toronto, where a $700 million (U.S.) renovation has delivered significant improvements to the facility.

In preparation for 2015 Edge production, the plant has been fitted with more than 250 new, more advanced robots to improve the build quality and repeatability performance of the equipment. Many of these robots have been installed to work to the most demanding levels of precision – with duties that require thousandths of an inch accuracy to ensure repeatable, high- quality assembly.

"Some unique technologies have come into the plant, all of it designed to bring a higher level of quality at a rate that is capable of being repeated," said William Cowell, Oakville Assembly plant manager. "The higher level of complexity in the build process means employees are interfacing with more advanced systems and technology that can significantly improve quality in ways that our customers will be able to see and feel."

By Brandon Turkus