Edge Guide

Ford Edge with New EcoBoost 2.0L Engine Delivers EPA-Rated 30 MPG Highway, Great Performance • The popular Ford Edge crossover with EcoBoost® power is EPA-rated at an economical 30 mpg highway and 21 mpg city • Ford Edge with EcoBoost is now the 13th Ford model/powertrain combination to deliver an EPA fuel economy rating of 30 mpg or more • EcoBoost, combining smaller engines and turbocharging, is a global Ford engine technology that gives customers the power they want and the fuel efficiency they need • EcoBoost vehicles have been successful at attracting new customers to the Blue Oval brand, leading the Ford product portfolio in conquest sales Ford Edge Ecoboost Performance – The Ford Edge crossover, the latest vehicle to receive the company’s EcoBoost® 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, is now certified by the EPA to deliver 30 mpg highway. This complements the best-in-class Edge V6 fuel economy to give utility customers expanded fuel efficient choices. “Fuel efficiency is important to our customers,” said Amy Marentic, group marketing manager, Large Cars and Crossovers. “Adding the EcoBoost engine to the new Ford Edge crossover makes for 13 vehicles delivering 30 mpg or more in the Ford showroom.” The Ford Edge delivers 30 mpg on the highway, besting all SUVs its size or larger, in addition to cars such as the Honda Civic Si and the Saab 9-3 automatic. The only competitive utilities offering higher highway fuel economy than Edge with EcoBoost are a few smaller-size vehicles such as the Ford Escape Hybrid. Combining gasoline direct injection and turbocharging with smaller overall displacement, this advanced new EcoBoost engine delivers the power of a normally aspirated V6, yet delivers four-cylinder fuel efficiency. EcoBoost has been successful at attracting new, more upscale customers to the Ford showroom. Taurus SHO and Flex with EcoBoost lead the Ford lineup for car and utility conquesting. More than half of all Taurus SHO buyers are new to the Ford brand, and more than 62 percent of Flex with EcoBoost buyers had not previously considered a Ford product. With popular F-150 pickup trucks now offering an EcoBoost option, sales of Ford vehicles with this advanced technology have crested 70,000 units and the F-150 EcoBoost now accounts for 41 percent of total F-150 sales, making it the top-selling full-sized V6 pickup truck on the market. EcoBoost is a global Ford engine to provide affordable fuel efficiency for millions of drivers, while delivering the power they desire. By the end of 2011, Ford will have built nearly 180,000 EcoBoost-powered vehicles in North America. EcoBoost will be offered in 90 percent of Ford vehicles by 2013. Ford holds more than 125 patents on its EcoBoost engine technology. 13 at 30 or more Adding a fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine to the popular Edge crossover means the Ford showroom now offers customers a choice among 13 model/powertrain variations that deliver an EPA fuel economy rating of 30 mpg or more. These Ford offerings are listed here with their respective city/highway EPA-rated fuel economy estimates: Edge with EcoBoost: 21 mpg/30 mpg Escape Hybrid FWD: 34 mpg/31 mpg Escape Hybrid AWD: 30 mpg/27 mpg Fiesta five-speed manual: 29 mpg/37 mpg Fiesta automatic: 29 mpg/38 mpg Fiesta SFE automatic: 29 mpg/40 mpg Focus five-speed manual: 26 mpg/36 mpg Focus automatic: 28 mpg/38 mpg Focus SFE automatic: 28 mpg/40 mpg Fusion 2.5-liter automatic: 23 mpg/33 mpg Fusion Hybrid: 41 mpg/36 mpg Mustang 3.7-liter Coupe automatic: 19 mpg/31 mpg Mustang 3.7-liter Convertible automatic: 19 mpg/30 mpg Edge fuel-saving technologies Building on Edge V6 best-in-class highway fuel economy, the EcoBoost powertrain makes Edge an even more economical proposition. This advanced EcoBoost four-cylinder engine provides the optimum balance between fuel efficiency and responsive power, delivering 240 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a generous 270 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm. Edge with EcoBoost delivers comparable fuel economy to Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain, yet offers utility shoppers a responsive choice as Edge provides a 58 horsepower advantage over these compact General Motors offerings. The Edge with EcoBoost combination of superior fuel efficiency and ample responsiveness is enabled by direct gasoline injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT). Efficiency is further enhanced through employment of low-friction 5W-GF5 motor oil, a variable-displacement air conditioning compressor and a unique 6F35 six-speed automatic transmission optimized for fuel efficiency through employment of active transmission warm-up to help reduce internal friction as the powertrain approaches normal operating temperature. Edge with EcoBoost also introduces category-exclusive active grille shutters. These variable grille slats close as vehicle speed increases to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

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Ford Edge with New EcoBoost 2.0L Engine Delivers EPA-Rated 30 MPG Highway, Great Performance • The popular Ford Edge crossover with EcoBoost® power is EPA-rated at an economical 30 mpg highway and 21 mpg city • Ford Edge with EcoBoost is now the 13th Ford model/powertrain combination to deliver an EPA fuel economy rating of 30 mpg or more • EcoBoost, combining smaller engines and turbocharging, is a global Ford engine technology that gives customers the power they want and the fuel efficiency they need • EcoBoost vehicles have been successful at attracting new customers to the Blue Oval brand, leading the Ford product portfolio in conquest sales Ford Edge Forum – The Ford Edge crossover, the latest vehicle to receive the company’s EcoBoost® 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, is now certified by the EPA to deliver 30 mpg highway. This complements the best-in-class Edge V6 fuel economy to give utility customers expanded fuel efficient choices. “Fuel efficiency is important to our customers,” said Amy Marentic, group marketing manager, Large Cars and Crossovers. “Adding the EcoBoost engine to the new Ford Edge crossover makes for 13 vehicles delivering 30 mpg or more in the Ford showroom.” The Ford Edge delivers 30 mpg on the highway, besting all SUVs its size or larger, in addition to cars such as the Honda Civic Si and the Saab 9-3 automatic. The only competitive utilities offering higher highway fuel economy than Edge with EcoBoost are a few smaller-size vehicles such as the Ford Escape Hybrid. Combining gasoline direct injection and turbocharging with smaller overall displacement, this advanced new EcoBoost engine delivers the power of a normally aspirated V6, yet delivers four-cylinder fuel efficiency. EcoBoost has been successful at attracting new, more upscale customers to the Ford showroom. Taurus SHO and Flex with EcoBoost lead the Ford lineup for car and utility conquesting. More than half of all Taurus SHO buyers are new to the Ford brand, and more than 62 percent of Flex with EcoBoost buyers had not previously considered a Ford product. With popular F-150 pickup trucks now offering an EcoBoost option, sales of Ford vehicles with this advanced technology have crested 70,000 units and the F-150 EcoBoost now accounts for 41 percent of total F-150 sales, making it the top-selling full-sized V6 pickup truck on the market. EcoBoost is a global Ford engine to provide affordable fuel efficiency for millions of drivers, while delivering the power they desire. By the end of 2011, Ford will have built nearly 180,000 EcoBoost-powered vehicles in North America. EcoBoost will be offered in 90 percent of Ford vehicles by 2013. Ford holds more than 125 patents on its EcoBoost engine technology. 13 at 30 or more Adding a fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine to the popular Edge crossover means the Ford showroom now offers customers a choice among 13 model/powertrain variations that deliver an EPA fuel economy rating of 30 mpg or more. These Ford offerings are listed here with their respective city/highway EPA-rated fuel economy estimates: Edge with EcoBoost: 21 mpg/30 mpg Escape Hybrid FWD: 34 mpg/31 mpg Escape Hybrid AWD: 30 mpg/27 mpg Fiesta five-speed manual: 29 mpg/37 mpg Fiesta automatic: 29 mpg/38 mpg Fiesta SFE automatic: 29 mpg/40 mpg Focus five-speed manual: 29 mpg/37 mpg Focus automatic: 28 mpg/38 mpg Focus SFE automatic: 28 mpg/40 mpg Fusion 2.5-liter automatic: 23 mpg/33 mpg Fusion Hybrid: 41 mpg/36 mpg Mustang 3.7-liter Coupe automatic: 19 mpg/31 mpg Mustang 3.7-liter Convertible automatic: 19 mpg/30 mpg Edge fuel-saving technologies Building on Edge V6 best-in-class highway fuel economy, the EcoBoost powertrain makes Edge an even more economical proposition. This advanced EcoBoost four-cylinder engine provides the optimum balance between fuel efficiency and responsive power, delivering 240 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a generous 270 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm. Edge with EcoBoost delivers comparable fuel economy to Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain, yet offers utility shoppers a responsive choice as Edge provides a 58 horsepower advantage over these compact General Motors offerings. The Edge with EcoBoost combination of superior fuel efficiency and ample responsiveness is enabled by direct gasoline injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT). Efficiency is further enhanced through employment of low-friction 5W-GF5 motor oil, a variable-displacement air conditioning compressor and a unique 6F35 six-speed automatic transmission optimized for fuel efficiency through employment of active transmission warm-up to help reduce internal friction as the powertrain approaches normal operating temperature. Edge with EcoBoost also introduces category-exclusive active grille shutters. These variable grille slats close as vehicle speed increases to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. Production location The 2012 Edge with EcoBoost is produced at the Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada.

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2011 Lincoln MKX Video: Touch me all over

Surfs up with Ford's custom Edge Ford Edge Forum - Las Vegas might be the better part of a day's drive from the beaches of Southern California, but that's not stopping Ford and K-Daddyz Kustomz from putting together a rather surf-oriented 2011 Ford Edge for the annual SEMA aftermarket industry show. The modified 2011 Edge is "ready to cruise the coast," Ford says. Its most obvious beach-oriented item is its paint scheme, an airbrushed and pinstriped setup that goes along with its roof-mounted custom surfboard and surfboard rack. READ MORE HERE

id agency creates dark-themed Lincoln MKX for SEMA 2010 Ford Edge Forum - The id agency represents many unique companies, ranging from automakers, to aftermarket auto parts suppliers, to Monster Energy, and the firm has decided to pull from its wide client base to create this dark-themed MKX. The inspiration for this crossover, says the id agency, was a mix of fashion meets function with this unique Lincoln MKX. To create this custom ride, clients such as Falken Tire, HRE Wheels, Brembo and Alpine electronics came together. READ MORE HERE

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Unless they changed the supplier or came up with a new design to solve the problem.

Why would you call him a resident dirt bag?

Ford engineer’s work on Edge helped her maintain grip Ford Edge Forum - For eight months in 2006, Elaine Bannon and her husband, Chuck Bannon — both Ford engineers — kept a secret at work. He was losing his ability to move and was going to die from Lou Gehrig’s disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Meanwhile, Elaine Bannon was embarking on the biggest challenge of her career as chief engineer of the Ford Edge and the Lincoln MKX crossovers. Chuck Bannon tried to keep his life as normal as possible, until he fell down some stairs at work, forcing the couple to tell some coworkers and Ford. “I was just dumbfounded,” said Rich Kreder, vehicle engineering manager for Ford Edge. “People who didn’t know her probably didn’t know something was wrong.” A month after the Bannons disclosed the illness, Ford launched the all-new Edge. The vehicle was a success — more than 400,000 have been sold in the U.S. — and a redesigned version is due in showrooms in September. Elaine Bannon, whose husband died in April 2009, remains the chief engineer on the new models — a testament to her resilience. Every day, workers across the country like Bannon try to balance work and caring for an aging or sick relative. It’s something employers will be confronting even more as America’s population ages. In Bannon’s case, she said the Edge project helped give her life a sense of balance during an incredibly difficult, emotional period. “It was keeping me mentally healthy,” she said. “And I do think that what we did with these products is something special … and it comes from personal relationships and I think it comes in part from what I went through.” READ MORE HERE

First Drive: 2011 Ford Edge Sharpened Tech Claws More Than Scratch The Surface Ford Edge Forum - If you checked Ford's bloodstream right now, you'd probably find trace amounts of Ritalin floating along with the 5w-30. The company is an absolute blur of product development – churning out new models (Fiesta), entirely reworking staples (Focus) and honing beloved and established products (Mustang), into cars that can swing well above their intended weight class. The Blue Oval isn't sitting around waiting for the competition to guilt it into making its vehicles better. Instead, the company is constantly improving what needs attention, even in the case of the Edge – a crossover that's had no problem establishing itself as a market force to be reckoned with. Just recently, Ford announced that 400,000 Edge crossovers have found homes in the U.S. since late 2006, making it king of the high-riding crowd in the process. Ford credits much of that success on the Edge's styling, which the rest of this crowd just can't seem to match. There's no mistaking this five-door with anything in its segment (MKX aside), and that won't change anytime soon. For 2011, Ford has given the Edge a detailed once-over, plopped a few new engine options under the hood and given the interior the kind of remake that doesn't typically pop up mid-cycle. If the rest of the segment was hoping to catch up, it can keep dreaming. When we say that styling is as important to the Edge DNA as the wheels the crossover rolls on, we aren't exaggerating. Ford's researchers say the number one reason buyers choose the vehicle over its competitors is not because of its efficient V6 or the impressive onboard tech. Nope. The number one reason buyers take home an Edge is because of its duds. And who can blame them? The crossover segment is a mire of vapid design that's more likely to induce rigor mortis than to tickle your pulse. If you absolutely have to drive something that can fit the family and gives a commanding driving position, why not go with a vehicle that stands out from the rest of the mall crowd? READ MORE HERE

2011 Ford Edge Sport Gets Mustang Engine; 22" Wheels • 2011 Ford Edge features four new wheel designs, including 18- and 20-inch wheels for Edge SEL and Edge Limited, and the class-exclusive 22-inch wheels that highlight the 2011 Ford Edge Sport • New 18- and 20-inch wheels are one-half inch wider than the outgoing wheels, which helps improve handling • The high-tech exterior appearance cues found on the wheels complement the class-exclusive features found in the interior of the 2011 Ford Edge, led by the arrival of available MyFord Touch™ driver connect technology • The new Ford Edge arrives in dealer showrooms later this summer Ford Edge Forum – Aside from the Ford Edge Sport receiving the Mustang's 3.7L engine, the Edge will receive alll-new wheels giving the popular midsize crossover’s new, bolder exterior look. Like Edge itself, the new wheel choices are more engaging and expressive. Straight intersections are replaced by flowing, harmonious lines that convey a greater sense of style. “We made a conscious effort to give the wheels a more fluid, more organic look,” said Hak Soo Ha, exterior design manager of the 2011 Ford Edge. “We wanted a look that conveys more of a handcrafted, premium treatment to give the new Edge an unmistakable appearance.” The new wheels also give a hint to the cutting-edge, class-exclusive features found inside. Available MyFord Touch driver connect technology highlights the list of 11 class-exclusive features found on the 2011 Ford Edge. “The Edge customer values and appreciates style and technology. Both are key reasons for purchasing an Edge today,” said Brett Burin, Edge marketing manager. “Our wheels have to reflect those customer desires.” Aftermarket-type wheels with factory engineering The new 18- and 20-inch wheels are a half-inch wider than the outgoing models. This added width helps improve handling and creates a more connected feel for the driver. Each series – SE, SEL, Limited and Sport – has a unique wheel. Both the SEL and Limited offer an optional chrome-clad wheel for those desiring a brighter or larger wheel option. “The majority of our customers choose to upgrade to either the brighter wheel on the SEL or the larger 20-inch wheel on the Limited, so it’s important we continue to provide those options,” said Burin. Form and function working in harmony is a key component of the new wheel lineup as well. Experienced designers and engineers worked closely with state-of-the-art computer tools to optimize form, fit and function to deliver world-class weight-efficient designs that exceed strict Ford requirements – higher than the industry standard – in terms of structural integrity, corrosion performance and other attributes. This ensures the new Edge wheels have higher standards than typically found in the aftermarket. “Not only will Edge wheels have a stylish appeal, the surface will not degrade as quickly, which will keep them looking new much longer than what is typically available in the aftermarket,” said Rich Kreder, vehicle engineering manager. Class-exclusive 22-inch wheels for Edge Sport a standout Large wheels have been the signature of Edge Sport since its debut as a 2009 model year product. New for 2011 are class-exclusive 22-inch forged aluminum wheels that are standard and used only on Edge Sport. Forged aluminum wheels are often the top choice in the aftermarket because of their premium quality and ability to combine high strength and light weight in one package. “You can’t just throw 22-inch wheels on any vehicle; they have to be carefully matched for the ride and handling our customers demand,” Kreder said. “The specially tuned suspension has been carefully engineered to deliver a more connected feel between the driver and the road, and the 22-inch wheels provide a more direct input response to Edge Sport.” Complementing the new wheels is a sport-tuned suspension with revised front strut tuning, rear spring rates and rear jounce bumper, which helps stiffen the suspension for a flatter, sportier ride. Key to the suspension tuning is the addition of high-flow shocks. These shocks allow tuning for both handling and ride without compromise to either. “Drivers will feel a firmer connection to the road when going around a corner, and less jarring when hitting a pothole, for example,” said Kreder. “It’s allowed us to make Edge Sport much more comfortable without losing any handling.” The tires were designed and engineered specifically for Edge Sport and deliver similar grip levels as those found in a Mustang GT tire combined with all-season performance. The wheels feature a polished finish with painted Tuxedo Black spoke accents. Ford also match-mounts the tires, a step not taken by all manufacturers. This means wheels are precisely aligned with the tires, and wheel-tire assemblies are centered on precision-machined hub pilots. The wheel/tire/hub assemblies roll truer, which helps eliminate noise and vibration while improving ride comfort. Here’s a closer look at the new wheels for the 2011 Edge: 18-inch painted aluminum * Standard on SEL * Embraces elements of Ford kinetic design * Conveys sense of movement and energy even when the vehicle is at rest 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum * Standard on Limited; available on SEL * Subtle rise and fall of shapes conveys dynamic feel * Shapes optimized for metallic look 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum * Available on Limited * Variety of shapes and curves pushes design * Design helps wheel play off light for unique appearance while in motion 22-inch polished aluminum * Standard on Edge Sport * Polished and painted finish * Tuxedo Black spoke accents “Edge customers tell us that styling and technology are key drivers for them, so everything we added for the 2011 Edge had to touch those points,” said Burin. “The new wheel lineup is one of several examples that deliver on those attributes, and something customers will notice immediately.”

Ford Edge Sport gets Mustang engine * With a new 3.7-liter Ti-VCT (twin independent variable camshaft timing) V6 producing 305 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2011 Ford Edge Sport has best-in-class performance with outstanding fuel economy of 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway (front-wheel drive) * The class-leading power is flowed through a six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission and accessed by new unique treatment of paddle shifters. The paddle shifters now can operate while the vehicle is in Drive, allowing a true manual experience when upshifting or downshifting * New class-exclusive standard 22-inch wheels are the key elements of a refreshed, bolder exterior; special sport-tuned suspension complements new wheels and adds higher level of handling and ride * Industry-first MyFord Touch™ with SYNC is standard, opening a new era of driver connectivity through the use of intuitive voice commands, 8-inch touch screen in the center stack and two driver-configurable 4.2-inch LCD screens in the instrument cluster FACT SHEET: 2011 FORD EDGE SPORT Ford Edge Forum – The 2011 Ford Edge Sport is both edgier and sportier than the original version launched in 2009. Customers opting for the popular midsize crossover’s performance version will enjoy a more engaging driving experience, a bolder appearance and industry-first driver connect technology. “The 2011 Ford Edge Sport is bolder, more powerful and has more customer-focused technology than ever before,” said Elaine Bannon, chief engineer. “Edge customers value style and technology. The 2011 Edge Sport delivers the ultimate in both, now with class-leading performance.” Bannon has been the chief engineer for Edge, which debuted in December of 2006 as a 2007 model year product, from the start. Edge Sport joined the lineup two years later, and the new version best expresses the vision of combining the signature elements of Edge with even greater engineering know-how. “With the larger wheels, unique exterior cues and added performance, Edge Sport is the type of vehicle you usually could only find at aftermarket exhibition shows like SEMA. The Sport is certainly a vehicle an aftermarket developer might create starting with a base Edge for the enthusiast/performance customer,” said Bannon. “The difference for the Edge Sport is that all the performance attributes are precisely engineered and matched by Ford, as are all the exterior and interior design cues and materials, to create the ultimate Edge experience directly from the factory.” More power and better fuel economy Class-leading power is delivered by a new 3.7-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine that produces 305 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. This improved power – 40 more horsepower over the outgoing Edge Sport – is not at the expense of fuel economy, either. The 2011 Edge Sport fuel economy remains 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. Advanced technology and clever control strategies help the 2011 Edge Sport produce power efficiently. Ti-VCT, for example, enables precise and variable control of the intake and exhaust camshafts to optimize performance and fuel economy. The new engine is mated to a six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission with upgraded, class-exclusive paddle shift activation inspired by sports cars. “For 2011, the paddle shift activation for the Edge Sport is ‘live in drive,’ which means the customer doesn’t have to shift to ‘M’ or manual mode,” said Rich Kreder, vehicle engineering manager. “Instead, while in Drive, the driver can pull the ‘+’ paddle on the right side of the steering wheel or ‘-’ paddle on the left side of the steering wheel to go up or down gears. It’s a much more engaging and intuitive experience.” This execution, available on the 2011 Edge Sport only, allows the driver to shift gears quickly while keeping both hands on the steering wheel. The transmission reverts to automatic mode and upshifts or downshifts as needed when driven at a steady speed. Class-exclusive 22-inch wheels highlight exterior differentiation Large wheels have been the signature of Edge Sport since its debut as a 2009 model year product. New for 2011 are class-exclusive 22-inch forged aluminum wheels that are standard. Forged aluminum wheels are often the top choice in the aftermarket because of their premium quality and ability to combine high strength and light weight in one package. Experienced designers and engineers worked closely with state-of-the-art computer tools to optimize form, fit and function to deliver world-class weight-efficient designs that exceed Ford’s strict requirements – higher than the industry standard – in terms of structural integrity, corrosion performance and other attributes. This ensures the new Ford wheels have higher standards than typically found in the aftermarket. Complementing the new wheels is a sport-tuned suspension with revised front strut tuning, rear spring rates and rear jounce bumper, which helps stiffen the suspension for a flatter, sportier ride. Key to the suspension tuning is the addition of high-flow shocks. These shocks allow tuning for both handling and ride without compromise to either. “Drivers will feel a firmer connection to the road when going around a corner and less jarring when hitting a pothole, for example,” said Kreder. “It’s allowed us to make Edge Sport much more comfortable without losing any handling.” The tires were designed and engineered specifically for Edge Sport and deliver similar grip levels as those found in a Mustang GT tire combined with all-season performance. The wheels feature a polished finish with painted Tuxedo Black spoke accents that complement Edge Sport’s other dynamic exterior styling cues, including the painted Tuxedo Black grille, smoked headlamp and taillamp treatment, body-color rocker moldings, 4-inch oval chrome exhaust tips, body-color door cladding and revised body-color lower front and rear fascias. Key interior highlights are aluminum pedal covers, liquid silver smoke appliqués that are echoed in the silver smoke metallic leather seat inserts with contrast stitching and 10-way heated power driver seat with power lumbar and memory settings. MyFord Touch ushers in new era of interaction The industry-first MyFord Touch driver connect technology powered by SYNC® provides a smarter, safer, simpler way to connect drivers with in-car technologies and their digital lives. It replaces traditional vehicle buttons, knobs and gauges with clear, crisp LCD screens and five-way controls like those found on cell phones and MP3 players and also uses intuitive voice commands. Standard on the 2011 Edge Sport, MyFord Touch displays information using two 4.2-inch full-color LCD screens flanking an analog speedometer and an 8-inch touch-screen LCD at the top of the center stack. A five-way switch on each side of the steering wheel controls the information displayed on the corresponding instrument panel screens. The screens can be personalized to display information relevant to each individual driver. Sony sound system, unique finish panel standard The MyFord touch with Sony Audio System finish panel is fully integrated. The panel is completely flat (except for the center knob), so the touch cells are executed as circular “landing zones” for the finger. The touch cells create a miniature, undetectable electric field. A finger breaks the field and causes the cell to go on or off like a traditional switch. This means there is no true button to push – a touch of the finger does the job. Illumination and an audible “beep” confirm activation. The touch cells can control items such as volume, radio seek, radio station tuning, CD track seek, defrosters and air conditioning. Included in the climate controls is the new MyTemp feature, which allows a customer to program and set the desired interior temperature like a radio preset. Consistent with other Sony products, the audio portion of the control panel is divided into “Source” and “Sound” sections, allowing customers to select the input (AM/FM radio, HD Radio™ broadcasts, satellite radio, CD, personal devices) and tune the sound with bass, treble, fade and balance inputs on the screen. The heart of the Sony Audio System is its extraordinary sound quality. Comprised of 12 high-quality speakers and a Class D all-digital amplifier, the Sony system has the ability to pump out 390 watts of continuous power (RMS). Further, Dolby Pro Logic® II technology creates true virtual 5.1 channel surround sound throughout the car for a unique listening experience. Like the song? You can tag it Also new on the 2011 Ford Edge Sport is the world’s first use of iTunes® Tagging in an available factory-installed HD Radio receiver. iTunes Tagging provides customers with the ability to “capture” a song they hear on the HD Radio receiver for later purchase from iTunes. With a simple push of a “TAG” button on the MyFord touch-screen display, the song information will be stored in the radio’s memory. Once a song is tagged and customers dock their iPod to the SYNC system, the tagged song information will transfer to that iPod. Up to 100 tags on SYNC can be stored until the iPod is connected. When the iPod is then synced to iTunes, a playlist of tagged songs will appear. Customers then can preview, and if they desire, purchase and download tagged songs from the iTunes Store. One significant benefit of HD Radio technology is that the sound quality of the broadcast is dramatically better because of the digital transmission – FM sounds like a CD and AM sounds like today’s FM broadcasts. Unlike analog broadcasts, digital broadcasts aren’t susceptible to interference, fadeout and other issues. “The goal with the 2011 Edge was to raise the level of all the attributes to world-class status, and with that in mind we needed to improve the Edge Sport that much more,” Bannon said. “With class-leading performance, head-turning styling inside and out and industry-exclusive technologies, we want to provide customers a vehicle that truly delivers the ultimate Edge experience.”

2011 Edge to lead class in mileage Ford projects that its 2011 Ford Edge midsize crossover will get 18 m.p.g. in the city and 27 m.p.g. on the highway, which the company said matches or beats any V6 competitor in its class. The projected fuel efficiency is for the Edge's 3.5-liter V6 engine, which produces 285 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. Comparable versions of the 2010 Toyota Venza get 19 city and 26 highway m.p.g., while the Honda Crosstour gets 18 city/27 highway m.p.g., the Nissan Murano gets 18 city/23 highway m.p.g. and the six-cylinder Chevrolet Equinox gets 17 m.p.g. in the city, 25 m.p.g. on the highway. Free Press

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2011 Ford Edge Debuts 2.0L Turbo Eco Boost • Ford’s EcoBoost™ engine technology, featuring turbocharging with direct injection, will migrate to the popular Ford Edge crossover • The 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 will deliver class-leading power and torque for a four-cylinder engine and best-in-class fuel economy with improvements of at least 10 percent versus comparable V-6 engines * The Ford Edge with EcoBoost will have a 2.0-liter I-4 engine with a single turbocharger as well as a host of clever control strategies to maximize horsepower, torque and fuel economy • By 2013, 90 percent of Ford’s vehicles in North America will be available with EcoBoost, with I-4 engines making up 66 percent of the EcoBoost lineup Ford Edge Forum – Ford’s groundbreaking EcoBoost engine technology, which customers have embraced since its introduction a year ago, will soon be available on the Ford Edge. Powered by a 2.0-liter I-4 engine with direct fuel injection and a single turbocharger, the Ford Edge with EcoBoost will deliver the same performance feel as a current V-6 while delivering best-in-class fuel economy. “Customers have embraced EcoBoost technology because of its ability to deliver power and performance with uncompromised fuel economy,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of global product development. “We’re committed to delivering this technology to multiple vehicles so that more and more customers can take advantage of EcoBoost’s unique, no-compromise combination of power, performance and fuel economy. The EcoBoost strategy works in any gasoline engine, so it’s only natural to now add a four-cylinder EcoBoost engine to complement our EcoBoost V-6 lineup, which is delivering outstanding results and customer satisfaction.” With Edge’s 2.0-liter EcoBoost, the fuel economy benefits will be at least 10 percent better than a comparable V-6 but with class-leading power and torque for an I-4. Since being introduced in 2009 on four vehicles – the Ford Taurus SHO (standard) and Lincoln MKS full-size sedans and the Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT crossovers – EcoBoost engines have been embraced by customers. The Ford Taurus SHO has a conquest rate of 45 percent, and since launch, in terms of volume, 48 percent of Lincoln MKT sales are with the EcoBoost option. Altogether, nearly 6,000 EcoBoost-equipped vehicles have been sold since introduction. “EcoBoost technology is helping bring in a new customer to Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealer showrooms,” said Amy Marentic, Ford group marketing manager. “This customer is younger, more affluent, and more often trades in competitive products.” The addition of an I-4 EcoBoost to Ford’s lineup is a strong answer to consumer demand for engines of this size, which began in 2008. Approximately one-third of Ford’s U.S. engine volume is I-4 as customers focus more on fuel economy and lower emissions. EcoBoost engines help deliver performance on both fronts, cutting CO2 emissions by up to 15 percent compared with larger-displacement engines with similar power. Overall, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine is about 55 pounds lighter than a comparable normally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 engine. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 also will benefit from a six-speed transmission specially calibrated to take advantage of the EcoBoost. The gearbox features a new torque converter for improved driving feel, silky smooth shifts and excellent fuel economy. Engineers also installed revised gear ratios for a balanced driving feel in all situations. The new ratios complement the revised torque converter. First global EcoBoost solution The 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 is the first engine in the EcoBoost lineup to go truly global. Already announced is the 2.0-liter EcoBoost in the S-MAX and Galaxy, two people-moving products on sale in Europe. In addition, the same engine will join the powertrain lineup for the 2011 Ford Falcon on sale in Australia. Later in the year, the second application for North America will be announced, demonstrating how this technology is quickly migrating around the world as customers look for the perfect balance of horsepower with fuel economy. Building on proven strategies with new solutions The 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine employs many of the basic principles of Ford’s original 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engines, starting with turbocharging and direct fuel injection. The turbocharger increases airflow in the engine to boost power and direct injection helps enable more efficient fuel burn for better fuel economy. Just like the first-generation EcoBoost engines, the EcoBoost I-4 will spool up quickly to maximum torque and maintain it across a broad range – estimated from 2,000 rpm to 5,500 rpm, according to preliminary Ford data. The turbocharger recovers energy from the exhaust that otherwise would be wasted and puts it back in the engine to gain efficiency. Simply, the turbocharging system puts more air into the engine, creating more power. A compressor increases or boosts the pressure of the air entering the engine. An air-to-air intercooler reduces the air temperature before it enters the engine. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine also adds Ti-VCT (Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing) technology to the recipe for success. This strategy, because of its efficiency, is incorporated into several normally aspirated (non-boosted) engine programs that debut this year, including the Ford Edge, Ford Mustang and Lincoln MKX. A closer look at Ti-VCT technology What it is: Ti-VCT technology creates precise, variable timing control of both the intake and exhaust camshafts, which control the valve opening and closing events. Each of the two camshafts is controlled independently. Ti-VCT uses the intake camshaft phasing to advance the intake valve opening and closing events and the exhaust camshaft phasing to retard the exhaust valve events from their base “engine off” positions. How it helps: The ability to vary the overlap between the intake and exhaust valves helps eliminate compromises in the two processes: fresh charge induction and exhaust gas discharge. The result is greater efficiency through reduced gas exchange pumping work, which leads to better fuel economy – approximately a 3 to 4 percent improvement from this strategy alone compared with non-VCT engines. Another benefit of Ti-VCT technology is a broadened torque curve. Because the Ti-VCT strategy allows the intake valve to be advanced, instant power is delivered when the customer demands it at low speeds. At high speeds, the intake cam is retarded and higher airflows are available, which results in approximately a 10 percent power improvement over non-VCT engines. Re-engineering the combustion system The combustion system has been completely redesigned and re-engineered to take advantage of the EcoBoost system’s increased performance. The high-pressure fuel pump operates up to 2,200 psi – more than 50 times the norm seen in a conventional I-4 engine. The high-pressure pump is a cam-driven mechanical pump with a single piston and an electronic valve that controls how much fuel is routed into the fuel rail to the injectors. As demands on the turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine are increased, the control system responds to maintain optimal combustion, timing and injection duration. On each stroke, six individual jets on each fuel injector spray fuel directly into the combustion chamber, mixing with the incoming air. By bringing the fuel injector right into the combustion chamber, there’s no delay from the time the fuel is injected to when it’s used by the engine. The fuel injectors are located on the side of the combustion chamber. When the fuel is injected into the cylinder, it evaporates and cools the air that’s been inducted into the cylinder. “Another benefit of our direct-injection method is that it cools the air right where you’re going to burn it,” said Olaf Kunde, powertrain systems manager. “This action both improves the breathing of the engine and minimizes knocking.” The improved charge cooling allows the direct-injected turbocharged engine to run a higher compression ratio than was possible on port fuel-injected boosted engines. That higher compression ratio equates to improved fuel economy across the operating range of the engine. The direct injection of fuel into the cylinder also helps provide a well-mixed air-fuel charge, increasing engine efficiency. Direct injection provides several benefits in terms of fuel burn and lower emissions. “Because the fuel is directly introduced into the combustion chamber, you don’t get fuel wetting the combustion wall like with port fuel injection, you don’t saturate the ports and you don’t get droplets that might recombine and add to saturation,” said Kunde. “By injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber and under high pressure, the fuel can be directed to exactly where we want it to be for a given combustion cycle.” The spray pattern for the fuel was optimized after extensive computer modeling work, with the angle of how the fuel is sprayed key to the process. “The better combustion process is a big advantage of direct injection,” said Kunde. “In a port fuel system, at key off it’s possible to have fuel on the walls of the intake port, which migrates to the top of the valve and puddles. So when you key on, you get that emissions spike. Direct injection is much cleaner from that standpoint. This same feature also greatly reduces the evaporative emissions from the vehicle.” Turbo lag virtually eliminated The turbocharger operation paired with the direct-injection system helps to virtually eliminate turbo lag. The turbocharger spins at up to 200,000 rpm and is designed for a life cycle of 150,000 miles or 10 years. “Our testing is far, far more harsh than could be achieved in the real world,” said Kunde. “In an extreme situation, a customer might be able to hit peak power for about 10 seconds – probably not even that much. We test at peak power for hundreds of hours to ensure we can reach our durability and reliability goals.” The turbocharger is about the size of a grapefruit, helping to provide a big performance advantage to customers. Kunde describes the torque response in terms of linear acceleration – power whenever the customer wants it. “You get peak torque across a very wide engine speed range,” he said. “It’s available when you pull away from a stoplight or pass someone on a secondary road at a comparatively low speed. You don’t need to wind up the engine to get performance out of it. It’s there all the time.” Turbocharger “whoosh” is mitigated by electronically controlled anti-surge valves that proactively relieve the boost in the intake, which can range up to 13 psi. Careful software calibrations manage the pressures in the intake manifold. “We control the boost to make sure that customers don’t recognize when the boost is building,” said Kunde. “As the turbocharger spools up, the electronic control system takes over. Our active wastegate control, along with the throttle, controls the boost and torque levels very precisely, and the customer perceives a continuous delivery of torque.” Extensive durability tests ensure the 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 will excel in all conditions. Start-up tests, with a wide variety of fuels, were made in conditions ranging from minus 40 degrees to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. “The direct-injection fuel system allows us some real opportunities in terms of optimizing cold start for both emissions and robustness,” said Kunde. “We have multiple injections for each combustion event, and we can essentially tune where those injections should take place to deliver the strongest start possible with the lowest emissions, which is great news for customers.” Need more Ford Eco Boost info.? Check out the Ford Eco Boost Forum.

2011 FORD EDGE BLENDS TECHNOLOGY, DESIGN AND CLASS-LEADING POWERTRAINS IN REVAMPED PACKAGE click here for more images. • Dramatic freshening of the 2011 Ford Edge and Edge Sport includes extensive exterior redesign, improved materials and craftsmanship on the interior, class-exclusive technology and new powertrains • With available MyFord Touch™ driver connect technology, the 2011 Ford Edge crossover wraps an engaging package with superior craftsmanship, capability and performance • Ford’s advanced engine valvetrain technology – Ti-VCT (Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing) – helps Edge achieve best-in-class power and torque for an uncompromised driving experience * All-new powertrain lineup includes North America’s first application of Ford’s global 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine, delivering class-leading fuel economy, plus the new 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V-6 with unsurpassed fuel economy and 3.7-liter Ti-VCT V-6 for Edge Sport Ford Edge Forum – Style and technology – the hallmarks of Ford Edge since it took the midsize crossover segment by storm starting in 2006 – come together in an all-new way, offering customers even more of what they love for the 2011 model year. “Customers told us how much they like Edge’s design and dynamic driving quality,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “We listened and made sure the new 2011 Edge delivers that and more – including fuel economy leadership, unexpected levels of quietness, a strong new design with quality materials, and MyFord Touch driver connect technology that will change how people experience their vehicles.” Customers made the Ford Edge the No. 1-selling vehicle in its segment in its first full year on the market, and more than 330,000 have been sold since its launch in late 2006. The 2011 Ford Edge now aims to redefine the segment with a wide-ranging scope of improvements. “The new Edge demonstrates how a refresh at Ford has become more than just a few design and interior tweaks,” explains Elaine Bannon, chief engineer. “We have taken every element of the Edge and completely reworked it, including three new powertrains, two new transmissions, a bold new exterior design and a completely new interior. If you add in our industry-exclusive MyFord Touch system, you have a vehicle that will continue to stand out above all the competition on the road.” Improved power; expected to be a fuel economy leader In addition to delivering customer-focused technology, the new Edge also showcases Ford’s impressive drive to bring new powertrain options to the customer. Both the Edge 3.5-liter V-6 and Edge Sport 3.7-liter V-6 use advanced engine valvetrain technology (Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing, or Ti-VCT) and clever control strategies to increase horsepower and torque to best-in-class levels. This beats competitors such as the BMW X5, Lexus RX350 and Audi Q5, all while delivering unsurpassed fuel economy of 27 mpg (3.5-liter V-6 highway). The 3.5-liter V-6 produces 285 horsepower and 253 ft.-lb. of torque while the 3.7-liter V-6 delivers 305 horsepower and 280 ft.-lb. of torque – all on regular fuel. Edge’s unsurpassed fuel economy is not at the expense of power and performance. For example, the 3.5-liter V-6 with Ti-VCT technology delivers highway fuel economy that is 15 percent better than the Nissan Murano but produces 20 horsepower more. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The SelectShift Automatic™ transmission is standard on the 2011 Edge SEL and Limited series, with class-exclusive paddle activation of the SelectShift standard on the 2011 Edge Sport. In addition, the arrival of the new 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine in the months ahead will give customers still more choice and will deliver class-leading fuel economy with impressive power and torque. The new EcoBoost I-4 will be mated to a six-speed transmission that will help channel the impressive performance from the new EcoBoost engine. With the introduction of the 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4, fuel economy on the new Edge will be 30 percent better than it was in 2006. Plus, Ford’s newest EcoBoost engine will deliver on the promise of 15 percent fuel economy improvements versus the Edge’s current 3.5-liter V-6 engine while offering the performance feel of a six-cylinder. In all, the Edge will go from one engine and one transmission to three powertrains – all delivering what’s expected to be class-leading or unsurpassed fuel economy and class-leading power and torque for a real win-win for the customer. A more connected driving experience New 18-inch tires, standard on the Edge SEL and Edge Limited, and new wheels that are one-half inch wider than the outgoing product provide a more engaging steering feel. Twenty-inch tires with new wider wheels are optional on the Edge Limited while the Edge Sport has class-exclusive 22-inch wheels standard. Complementing the new tire and wheel lineup is a retuned suspension. Shocks, springs and stabilizer bars were adjusted to tighten handling. The shocks now feature a high-flow piston, which allows engineers to tune for both road loads and driving dynamics, without compromising ride for handling or vice versa. The result is a flatter response through turns and over hills while still providing a comfortable ride. New four-wheel disc brakes provide enhanced stopping power. Key brake system upgrades include steel pistons, larger rear rotors, revised brake friction materials, revised brake booster gain and revised pedal ratios, all of which enable more initial bite and a firmer, more confident feel when customers press on the brake pedal. The 2011 Edge offers several new brake-related features: Hill Start Assist, which reduces rollback on hills; Trailer Sway Control, which provides greater towing stability when equipped for trailer tow; Hydraulic Brake Assist, which provides greater braking force in emergency stops; and available segment-first Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support, which helps reduce speed and automatically pre-charges brakes and engages an electronic brake assist system to help drivers stop more quickly when the system detects a collision is imminent. New subframe mounts enhance drivability, help reduce road noise The original Edge set numerous benchmarks in overall quietness, and that tradition continues as the 2011 Ford Edge has better wind noise than many premium vehicles such as the Lexus RX350, Audi Q5 and Acura MDX. Both the front and rear subframe mounts have been upgraded, adding to the increased tunability of the suspension and improving NVH (noise, vibration, harshness). The larger rear subframe bushing’s rubber volume was increased by more than 500 percent compared with the outgoing bushings, improving the isolation between the subframe and the body, which in turn helps decrease road noise. Both road noise and wind noise are significantly decreased in the 2011 Edge because of improvements found throughout the interior and exterior, including powertrain. Here’s a look at some of the other actions: • Sound pack and acoustic glass: A more absorptive sound pack is found throughout the interior, which reduces high-frequency noise more effectively than material that acts merely as a barrier. The result is an improved articulation index, which measures how easy it is to hear and understand someone in the vehicle. The 2011 Edge also features an acoustic headliner, and the microphone for the SYNC® system has been relocated so it is closer to the driver for improved voice recognition. The windshield also is thicker and now acoustic-laminated on all Edge models. Finally, baked-on expandable foam baffles in the fenders and D-pillars help seal out unwanted road noise. • Powertrain NVH improvements: Three main actions contribute to a quieter 2011 Edge from a powertrain NVH perspective. One is the more robust engine cover. The intake and exhaust systems have been completely retuned for a crisper note corresponding to Ford powertrain DNA. Finally, a “tighter” torque converter reduces engine rpm on launch and tip-in events, reducing engine noise. • Aerodynamic improvements: Both the lowered front fascia and new underbody shields contribute to improved wind noise. Bold, flowing design makes Edge the can’t-miss crossover The bolder, more seamlessly flowing exterior design freshening is mirrored by a complementary interior, characterized by increased craftsmanship, improved materials and overall better execution. Improved fit-and-finish, softer touchpoints, and flexibility in terms of stowage in the cabin and throughout mark the 2011 Ford Edge. “To me, craftsmanship isn’t just fit-and-finish,” said Bannon. “It’s also the layout and the ergonomic experience. It’s where we put the material – the stitching, the cutlines – and all the attention to detail to give the customer a great experience.” Increased presence is announced through a bolder grille and a chin spoiler that appears more crafted. The A-pillar flows into the hood, which adds subtle undulations to create a heightened sculptural quality. The wrapping lines emphasize both the front end and the new wheel lineup. 2011 Edge Sport adds more power, distinctive look The 2011 Edge Sport is powered by a 3.7-liter Ti-VCT V-6 engine that produces 305 horsepower and is similar to the one added to the 2011 Ford Mustang. The 2011 Edge Sport includes all of the content found on Edge SEL as well as a specially tuned suspension, paddle shift transmission and its own unique style. The Edge Sport’s class-exclusive 22-inch polished aluminum wheels have distinctive Tuxedo Black spoke accents. Other unique styling cues include a Tuxedo Black grille, smoked headlamp and taillamp treatment, body-color rocker moldings, oval chrome exhaust tips, body-color door cladding and revised body-color lower front and rear fascias. Key interior differentiators are liquid silver smoke appliqués that are echoed in the silver smoke metallic leather seat inserts, aluminum pedals and class-exclusive paddle shifters, which activate the six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission to give customers the option of a fun-to-shift manual experience. In SelectShift mode, the transmission doesn’t second-guess the driver, offering total control over gear selection and performance feel. Upshifts, for instance, are not commanded at redline, and downshifts are allowed at the lowest gear possible as defined by the engine speed. When the system is in manual mode, engine speed matching provides faster and smoother downshifts, and customers get the gear they request within the limits of the rev limiter. When a lower gear is selected while descending a long downhill grade, the 2011 Ford Edge Sport in SelectShift mode will hold that gear until the driver manually upshifts or returns to the fully automatic setting. To ensure safe shifting, the transmission will downshift to the lowest acceptable gear, based on a calculated maximum speed. That means if a vehicle were traveling at highway speeds, the driver could not downshift to first gear in SelectShift mode. “The 2011 Ford Edge Sport, with its exceptional powertrain, specially tuned suspension and unique style, offers a driving experience not seen in other crossovers, and really appeals to the driving enthusiast,” said Bannon. “Like the rest of the 2011 Ford Edge lineup, it perfectly blends technology and style.” MyFord Touch ushers in new era of interaction The industry-first MyFord Touch driver connect technology provides a smarter, safer, simpler way to connect drivers with in-car technologies and their digital lives. It replaces traditional vehicle buttons, knobs and gauges with clear, crisp LCD screens and five-way controls like those found on cell phones and MP3 players. Standard on the 2011 Edge Limited and 2011 Edge Sport, the MyFord Touch system displays information using two 4.2-inch full-color LCD screens flanking an analog speedometer and an 8-inch touch-screen LCD at the top of the center stack. A five-way switch on each side of the steering wheel crossbar controls the information displayed on the corresponding instrument panel screens. The screens can be personalized to display information relevant to each individual driver using a simple button click, voice command or touch-screen tap. The steering wheel has all the necessary functions available in a very compact area, right where the driver’s hand falls as he or she grabs the wheel. The five-way buttons feel familiar to anyone who has used a mobile phone or MP3 player. Like the song? You can tag it Also new on the 2011 Ford Edge is the world’s first use of iTunes® Tagging in an available factory-installed HD Radio™ receiver. iTunes Tagging provides customers with the ability to “capture” a song they hear on the HD Radio receiver for later purchase from iTunes. With a simple push of a “TAG” button on the MyFord touch-screen display, the song information will be stored in the radio’s memory. Once a song is tagged and customers dock their iPod to the SYNC system, the tagged song information will transfer to that iPod. Up to 100 tags on SYNC can be stored until the iPod is connected. When the iPod is then synced to iTunes, a playlist of tagged songs will appear. Customers then can preview, and if they desire, purchase and download tagged songs from the iTunes Store. One significant benefit of HD Radio technology is that the sound quality of the broadcast is dramatically better because of the digital transmission – FM sounds like a CD and AM sounds like today’s FM broadcasts. Unlike analog broadcasts, digital broadcasts aren’t susceptible to interference, fadeout and other issues. 2011 Ford Edge brimming with standard and class-exclusive technologies MyFord driver connect technology headlines the list of 12 class-exclusive standard and available features and technologies for the 2011 Ford Edge, joining SYNC; Easy Fuel® (standard); SecuriCode keyless entry keypad; Blind Spot Mirrors (standard); MyKey™ (standard); AdvanceTrac® with RSC (Roll Stability Control™, standard); Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support; Cross Traffic Alert; and 22-inch wheels and paddle activation on the 2011 Edge Sport. Here’s a closer look at some of the technologies: • Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support allows the driver to set the vehicle’s speed and maintain it without using the accelerator pedal, and warns the driver of a potential collision risk. It also helps reduce speed and automatically pre-charges brakes and engages an electronic brake assist system to help drivers stop more quickly when the system detects a collision is imminent. • Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert is a feature that can help detect vehicles in blind spots during normal driving and traffic approaching from the sides when reversing out of parking spots. • MyKey is designed to allow parents to encourage teenagers to drive safely and more fuel efficiently, and increase seat belt usage. The standard MyKey feature allows owners to designate keys that can limit the vehicle’s top speed and audio volume. • Easy Fuel Capless Fuel-Filler System is a standard Ford-exclusive feature that uses an integrated spring-loaded flapper door to eliminate the need for a fuel tank screw cap. “You can jump in the 2011 Ford Edge and bring your technology – your lifestyle – with you and have everything at your fingertips,” said Bannon. “The 2011 Ford Edge gives you all the capability and flexibility you want along with great style.” The 2011 Ford Edge will be built at Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada, and will be available in dealers this summer.

Ford to show of 2.0L EcoBoost in 2011 Edge Ford Edge Forum - Next week, Ford Motor Co. will unveil the 2011 Ford Edge at the Chicago Auto Show -- its latest product freshening and the first to feature a new, four-cylinder version of its fuel-saving EcoBoost engine. The latest version of Ford's popular midsize crossover also will be the first to feature the company's new MyFord Touch system, which replaces most of the traditional analog gauges, switches and knobs with full-color computer screens and touch-sensitive buttons. The body of the Edge is new from the windshield forward, but the biggest change is under the hood. In addition to the current 3.5-liter V-6, the 2011 model will offer a 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost that delivers the same power as a 3.0-liter V-6 with significantly better fuel economy, according to sources familiar with Ford's plans. Click here to read more.

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2011 Lincoln MKX spied without disguise FORD EDGE FORUM - For most of 2009, we’ve seen heavily camouflaged prototypes of an updated Lincoln MKX testing across the nation. Just today, we’ve snagged a 2011 MKX with most of the camouflage removed. The most obvious change to the MKX is the switch to Lincoln’s signature, double-wing grill. Past that we can see a restyled hood and fenders along with much sleeker headlights. The lower fascia has also been moderately redesigned. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

NEW FORD SYNC APPLICATION - TRAFFIC, DIRECTIONS AND INFORMATION - READY FOR FREE DOWNLOAD SUMMARY: • Current owners of early-launched 2010 vehicles equipped with Ford SYNC now can visit www.syncmyride.com and download and install the latest application – Traffic, Directions and Information (TDI) – at home for no additional cost • SYNC TDI connects a customer’s Bluetooth-enabled cell phone to Ford’s Service Delivery Network voice portal delivering turn-by-turn driving directions, real-time traffic, business searches and favorite news, sports and weather – all through simple voice commands • Eligible customers can download this latest SYNC application similar to the way they would download a song from an online media store such as Apple’s iTunes • TDI will be available on all 2010 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with SYNC, including the all-new Ford Taurus, which arrives in dealerships this summer • SYNC, when available as an option, retains its retail price of $395, and includes a GPS receiver new for the 2010 model year; TDI services come with no monthly subscription fees for the first three years of vehicle ownership CONTEXT / BACKGROUND: FORD SYNC FORUM - Consumers continue to be fascinated with upgradeable, take-it-with-you technology. It started with Portable Navigation Devices (PNDs), which showed incredible promise due to their affordability and convenience. But then came the PC-like Smartphone, which bundled cell phone, Internet, navigation and other must-have data services, and consumers fell in love all over again. But despite their affordability, popularity of PNDs is decreasing. According to iSuppli Corporation, a market research and consulting firm specializing in electronic value chains, PND’s share of device shipments will decline to 30 percent by 2011 from about 50 percent in 2007. Meanwhile, navigation-enabled mobile devices such as Smartphones will grow to account for 36 percent of total navigation system shipments by 2011. But even Smartphones don’t offer customers in-vehicle integration and control of navigation capabilities. That’s where Ford steps in. The latest Ford SYNC application, Traffic, Directions and Information (TDI), ties together the advantages of both technologies, brings in even more options, and offers it in an affordable, widely available package. SYNC TDI leverages a customer’s existing mobile phone; includes an integrated GPS receiver to connect customers to real-time turn-by-turn driving directions, traffic reports and business searches; offers extra features and applications such as favorite news, sports and weather; and provides seamless voice-control of all these functions while in the vehicle – at no subscription cost for the first three years of vehicle ownership. DETAILS: Current owners of early-launched 2010 Ford Mustang, Fusion, Fusion Hybrid, Lincoln MKZ, and Mercury Milan and Milan Hybrid vehicles equipped with Ford SYNC® now can visit www.syncmyride.com and download the latest application – Traffic, Directions and Information – at no cost. Eligible vehicles must be equipped with SYNC, but not equipped with Ford’s voice-activated navigation system. These vehicles are outfitted with the supporting GPS receiver needed to run SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information. The SYNC application is an industry standout, where most add-on applications or services for consumer electronics, such as iPhones, have a fee attached. Easy Downloading Eligible vehicle owners can download the free software from www.syncmyride.com to a USB drive and then upload the application to their vehicle via the SYNC system’s USB port in their car. Customers also can have the application installed at their local Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership. The online download can be found in the Update & Customize section on www.syncmyride.com and is simple to complete, just like grabbing a online song for your digital music player. Once the software is downloaded to the USB drive, in-car installation takes about 10 minutes. The vehicle must be running to begin, and users will receive two completion messages – one approximately 60 seconds into the process and another 5-10 minutes later – for proper installation. Once the upload is complete, customers must reinsert their USB drive back into their computer to report successful installation on www.syncmyride.com , and then log back into their SYNC account to activate the application. A Voice Command Away Ford has partnered with Microsoft and other recognized companies – INRIX, TeleNav, TellMe, M/A-COM and Airbiquity – to enable the new Traffic, Directions and Information voice-activated services to seamlessly connect to real-time data via a customer’s Bluetooth-enabled phone – no integrated touch-screen navigation system or unsightly suction-cupped PND required. The simple voice command, “Services” gets the driver started, with the MicroSoft TellMe voice portal interpreting this request and ready to route it to the appropriate network partner. Users who say “Traffic,” for example, literally can receive personalized traffic reports based on best-in-class content from INRIX, a company that gathers real-time speeds, directions and locations from nearly 1 million commercial trucks and cars driving America’s roadways. In a text message sent to the user’s phone and broadcast over the vehicle’s audio system in real-time, drivers get the location and severity of accidents or new road construction causing areas of heavy congestion. Drivers requesting directions can use a variety of search criteria including a 14-million-plus business directory to find their destination, be it a favorite coffee shop or the location of a business meeting. Drivers can say “Search near me” or the name of the business and then say “Connect me,” “directions” or “text me the info.” If a user answers “directions,” a turn-by-turn route is downloaded from partner Telenav and is spoken to the user over the vehicle’s audio system and displayed on the central information display near the radio. All directions incorporate real-time traffic information therefore always providing the best route to the driver. With this new SYNC application, drivers can also personalize and categorize their favorite media topics, such as sports, weather and news using voice commands or through www.syncmyride.com. Users, for example, can personalize: • Sports reports featuring scores and highlights for any professional or college team • Current weather conditions and forecasts based on city, state or zip code • News of all types – entertainment, business, top stories and technology The new capabilities are in addition to SYNC applications that 2010 vehicle owners already have been enjoying including hands-free, voice-activated cell phone and digital media player integration as well as the security and convenience applications 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report. Service Delivery Network SYNC TDI is built on the Ford Service Delivery Network, a plug-and-play architecture that gives customers the ability to use a mobile device they are comfortable with – in this case a simple Bluetooth-enabled cell phone – to access best-in-class offerings from the mobile electronics industry. This network also gives Ford the power to mirror successful online digital stores, delivering value-add SYNC applications and updates through friendly and familiar software delivery methods – something no other automaker can claim. More importantly, the network makes these applications and services available to a wider range of customers and products. Customers that purchase more entry-level vehicles like the Ford Focus, where a navigation systems is not an available option, can now enjoy integrated capabilities such as turn-by-turn navigation through the affordable SYNC system. The concept of building a flexible, upgradeable service delivery network that takes the latest and greatest from the electronics world and appropriately applies it to the car has made SYNC a technological differentiator for Ford – and a market success. There are now 1 million SYNC-equipped Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles on the road. The upcoming full launch of SYNC TDI on nearly all 2010 model year Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles will build on that momentum, with internal studies showing that roughly 1 in 5 non-Ford owners saying they would be much more likely to consider a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury product because of the breadth of features offered with this latest SYNC application. And Ford’s aggressive plan to further expand SYNC’s capabilities, as well as the way drivers interface with their vehicles, will continue to parallel the fast-paced world of consumer electronics. Need help with your Ford SYNC? Check out the FordSyncForum.com

Last week we showed you photos of the 2011 Lincoln MKX. This week we’ve got the first ever photos of it’s chassis-mate, the 2011 Ford Edge! The Ford Edge first hit the U.S. market in late 2006 as a 2007 model, with the changes for 2011 model year being the ‘ute’s first major upgrade. It’s seems like the Edge may be getting a tougher look for ‘11 model year. Underneath the camouflage, we can see two bars running across the grill that look more truck-like than the current model. There might be a third bar buried under there as well. New projector headlights and a lower fascia that resembles the 2010 Fusion Sport are also visible. CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE.

Ford to put Ecoboost to wide use Turbo-injection system to be in 90% of models by 2013 Ford Motor Co. revealed wide-ranging new plans Thursday for an engine technology it will use to improve fuel economy across its model line. The engines will be available in 90% of Ford's models by 2013, when the company expects to build 700,000 of the engines annually in the United States and 1.3 million around the world, said Barb Samardzich, company vice president for powertrains. Ford calls the system Ecoboost. It combines turbocharging with direct injection of gasoline to allow Ford to replace larger engines like V8s with smaller, more fuel-efficient engines like V6s. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.

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