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New Ford Edge Crossover Ups Standard Safety Equipment

New Blue-Oval Crossover Strives for Competitive "Edge" Over Competition

Ford Motor Company, hoping to increase its crossover sales leadership by adding its new midsize Edge to a family which now includes Escape and Freestyle in the compact and full-size segments respectively, plans on making the decision to choose one of its blue-oval products much easier.

Tapping into a family demographic that ranks safety higher on its collective priority list than any other attribute, Ford plans to launch its new Edge with a bevy of safety features as standard equipment. The Canadian-built crossover, together with its Lincoln MKX platform-mate, will come out of the box with Fords impressive AdvanceTrac engine- and ABS-managed traction control system, as well as Roll Stability Control, an advanced yaw control system that reduces the chance that the vehicle will be forced into an

Ford wants to make no mistakes when launching its new Edge crossover later this year, and plans to include a full load of safety features standard. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

uncontrolled spin.

Ford was the first automaker to announce that its anti-roll electronic stability control system would become standard across its entire lineup of crossovers and SUVs with each all-new vehicle or upgraded replacement model. Therefore, expect the same treatment with the upcoming Escape, expected as a 2008 model, and other future vehicles. The Freestyle already gets the same set of standard anti-roll safety features as the Edge, components already offered on the new 2006 Explorer, plus will come standard with the completely revised 2007 Explorer Sport Trac and all-new 2007 Expedition.

Its Fusion-derived architecture and numerous standard active safety features should make for a stable high-speed commuter. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

Also standard on the Edge, Ford will add seat-mounted side thorax air-bags and its Safety Canopy air curtain system with rollover detection, for an extra measure of protection. These last features follow up a trend in new Ford vehicles, at least among more expensive midsize models, started when the automaker announced that each new 2007 Fusion will come equipped with side thorax airbags and side curtain airbags as standard equipment, beginning this summer.

"These changes are sure signs that Ford is on offense and fighting back," commented Cisco Codina, Group Vice President, North America Marketing, Sales and Service.

The new Edge will also arrive with Fords Personal Safety System standard, which incorporates dual-stage driver and front-passenger

A full set of standard airbags - front, side and side-curtain - plus front driver and passenger seat positioning sensors, seatbelt pretensioners and more, give the Edge and edge. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

airbags, a driver seat position sensor, passenger seat occupant classification sensor, and load-limiting safety belts with retractors and pretensioners. Additionally, the new crossover adds an energy-absorbing steering wheel and knee bolster for the driver, plus an energy-absorbing glove box for the passenger.

As important for maintaining a safe driving environment, however, is an agile suspension, critical for avoiding potential accidents in the first place. The Edge, based on the competent Fusion, should be up to the task.

"Edges confident handling helps drivers avoid accidents, especially when paired with the industry-exclusive AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC)," stated Stephen Kozak, Ford Safety chief engineer.
Confidence-inspiring handling will be necessary to underpin a major breakthrough in Ford powertrain development, the introduction of the

The Edges shifter connects through to a new six-speed automatic transmission and Fords equally new 265 hp 3.5L V6, while the audio system sports an auxiliary audio jack for iPods. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

automakers first 3.5-liter, DOHC, four-valve per cylinder V6 engine. Recently upgraded by 15 horsepower since its initial introduction late last year, the 265-horsepower engine connects through to an advanced six-speed automatic transmission developed in-house specifically for the 3.5-liter engine application. The new transmission optimizes acceleration due to shorter gear intervals, allowing the engines rev range to remain in its "sweet spot" for maximum power, while reducing fuel consumption thanks to a tall final gear ratio. Ford also claims its new powertrain exhibits extremely low NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) levels. Also, the new drivetrain and chassis architecture has been configured to accept Fords full-hybrid system, so expect a gasoline-electric version in the near future.

A few extra touches available immedately at launch, some of which should really please family members include an auxiliary audio jack for iPods and other music players, ample storage in the center console for a compact laptop, a massive glass Vista Roof, plus a flat-folding front passenger

The new Edge, sporting an optional Vista Roof, couldnt arrive at Ford dealerships any sooner. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

seat for increased cargo capacity.

"Edge underscores the bold, North American design direction for all Ford vehicles going forward," said Mark Fields, executive vice president, Ford Motor Company, and president, The Americas. "Edge also is packed with Ford innovation - from its panoramic glass roof and laptop-friendly center console to fuel-saving engine and advanced safety features. We expect Edge to make waves in the hot crossover market this year just like the Fusion did for midsize cars last year."

It should be noted that while Ford is a leader in safety innovation, the Edge isnt the only entry-level crossover-SUV to get a full load of safety equipment in standard trim, Hyundais upcoming 2007 Santa Fe will also be similarly equipped when it arrives later this year, and other new models from rival manufacturers are stepping up to the plate after coming to grips with the realization that safety is the key selling point in this class.

The new Edge rolls off the Oakville, Ontario assembly line later this year, offering unique styling and a full load of family friendly features, standard. Like the Fusion and Freestyle, the Edge could very well be a turnaround vehicle for Ford, and it couldnt arrive any sooner.

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