CLOSER TO THE EDGE
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Thu, Sep 24, 2009
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
© All photos by Harvey Schwartz
CLOSER TO THE EDGE
A brand new model, the Ford Edge 'Sport' arrives as the first factory-customized
crossover, with class-exclusive 22-inch wheels, an eight-piece body kit for a
sportier look, and a tuned independent suspension for better performance on the
road.
With the auto industry in a steep downturn in vehicle sales because of the
recession, the only bright spot is the decline in gas prices back into the low
$2 per gallon range.
The lower gas prices from the $4.50+ per gallon range to the low $2.00 range has
helped with crossover sales across the segment.
Just like the Ford Explorer was the sales leader in sport utility sales in the
1990s through the early 2000's, the Ford Edge crossover has taken over the sales
lead in the growing crossover segment with its bold good looks, unibody
construction, sedan-like ride, versatility, and higher-than-SUV gas mileage
specs.
The 2009 Ford Edge lives up to Ford's commitment to deliver more vehicles
customers want to buy, and the big story for 2009 is the new Edge Sport model,
aimed at customers who want a sportier look, edgier handling, and a more
personalized vehicle.
The new Edge Sport rolls on available 22-inch polished aluminum wheels or the
standard 20-inch premium painted wheels with branded hubs, both mounting
40-series Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires to complete the look. This marks the first
time a 22-inch wheel-and-tire combination has been offered on any crossover.
The Edge Sport's 22-inch wheel/tire handling package elevates the already sporty
Edge to a new level of handling and control. It feels at home on a road course
or twisty mountain road, but still delivers a ride agreeable for even a daily
driver.
To get the most out of the wheel/tires handling package, Ford has revised its
fully independent suspension with performance tuned shocks, springs, thicker
anti-roll bars, and steering components to deliver stunning handling not found
on any other crossover vehicle. Noise, vibration and harshness have been
canceled out with the use of front and rear isolated subframes.
The Ford Edge 'Sport' also shows its personality with an eight-piece,
factory-installed body kit that includes a unique front air dam, side skirts,
lower door caps and a rear skirt, all finished in body color, instead of the
dark lower finish on other Edge models.
The front air dam comes with integrated fog lamps and a lower grille insert.
Giving the Sport model an even more menacing look are smoked front and rear lamp
lenses and three-inch wide dual exhaust tips.
The sport model is available in four exterior colors: Black, Redfire, Brilliant
Silver and a limited-run Sport Blue, that covered my test vehicle.
On the road you can really feel the difference with better road-holding
capability, better traction, quicker acceleration with the wider tires and
sport-tuned suspension, plus a better feel for the road with the performance
steering gear.
The latest version of SYNC which adds 911 Assist-with no monthly fees-to the
industry-first system of voice-activated control and connectivity for mobile
phones and MP3 players is just the first of many cutting-edge features in the
'cockpit'
Also available is the next generation navigation system with SIRIUS Travel Link,
which gives drivers and passengers access to up-to-the-minute information and
entertainment including coast-to-coast coverage of real-time traffic and weather
reports; fuel options from more than 120,000 stations sorted by price and
distance; major league pro and college sports as well as movie listing from more
than 4,500 theaters.
Other new features include a new in-cabin ambient lighting package and such
customer-friendly standard features as passenger grab handles and a cargo
management system with four hooks, two tie-downs, a cargo net and a universal
garage door opener.
Edge's optional panoramic Vista Roof opens up a whole world of possibilities.
The large glass moon roof provides a grand view of the sky and a sense of
freedom that accentuates Edge's sporty nature. The roof features a large
27.3-inch by 29.4-inch forward panel that offers tilt and slide opening, and a
15.75-inch by 31.3-inch fixed rear glass panel. The oversized front panel
provides open-air touring. Close the forward roof and the enormous skylights
allow natural light to flood the cabin while protecting the cabin from the
elements. Twin-power-operated cloth shades can be closed simultaneously to block
100% of ultra-violet rays.
Edge's 3.5 liter V6 engine generates 265 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque
and features smooth operation at high rpms and up to 90 percent of the torque at
low rpms. A 10.3:1 compression ratio and close-coupled catalysts help it meet
stringent ultra-low emission vehicle II regulations.
The 6-speed automatic transmission delivers good fuel economy and performance.
Short first and second gears provide impressive launch and acceleration, while
the tall overdrive gears deliver seven percent better fuel economy than a
four-speed automatic.
Edge's optional intelligent all-wheel-drive system was tuned with an emphasis on
performance while offering confident all-weather driving. By constantly
monitoring and predicting traction, the system delivers torque to all four
wheels, even before the wheels begin to slip. An active on-demand coupler can
deliver the precise amount of torque to the rear wheels. Paired with the
optional AdvanceTrac traction control, intelligent AWD can transfer torque front
to rear and side to side.
Edge's modern design flows into the interior, evident in the instrument panel
and distinctive center stack. Optional leather seating surfaces feature contrast
stitching inspired by the fashion industry.
Edge is designed to fit the customer's need for style as well as cargo space and
adaptability. The large center console uses a removable divider and tray to
organize the space both vertically and horizontally for secure storage of
everything from a laptop computer to coins and MP3 players. The Edge has four
power points, three within the driver's reach, along with a MP3 audio jack.
Small slots molded into the side of the console keep phone and MP3 cords neat
and organized. The console lid has a ticket slip, two penholders and a tissue
holder.
Edge comfortably seats five, offering available six-way power, heated,
adjustable front seats and adult headroom and legroom for the second row. The
reclining 60/40-split second-row seats fold to provide a level load floor for
carrying equipment in the large cargo area. The Edge can transport items as long
as 8-feet with the available fold-flat front passenger seat. Each rear seat can
be folded manually using an industry-first single-hand release or automatically
with an optional EasyFold electro-mechanical remote release accessible from the
cargo area.
The nicely loaded Edge Sport model Test Car came equipped with a veritable
laundry list of usual and not so usual features including among others; the
requisite keyless entry system and the very helpful reverse sensing system.
Standard safety systems include 5-3-point safety belts with front load limiters/pretensioners,
adjustable head restraints, child safety locks, LATCH system, tire pressure
monitoring system, front/side airbags up front, front/rear crush zones, steel
beams in each door, and a full safety canopy for the front and second-row
outboard seats.
The new 2009 Ford Edge with the Sport package gives Ford a solid contender in
the mid-size crossover segment, with head-turning bold looks, giant wheels/tires
plus a sport-tuned suspension that really separates the men from the boys.
© Words and pictures by Harvey Schwartz
SUMMARY JUDGMENT
The crossover for those who want more sport in their sport utility vehicle.
For more information about Ford products, go to
www.fordvehicles.com
More photos from Harvey Schwartz can be found at
www.autofotos.com
SPECIFICATIONS
Name:
2009 Ford Edge 'Sport'
Price:
$33,755.00, $35,140.00 as tested
Fuel economy:
FWD-17 mpg/city, 24 mpg/highway, AWD-15 mpg/city, 22 mpg/highway
Engine:
3.5 liter DOHC 24-valve, all-aluminum V6
Horsepower:
265 hp at 6,250 rpm
Torque:
250 lb.ft. at 4,500 rpm
Drive configuration
Front engine/front wheel drive, optional AWD
Transmission:
6-speed automatic
Front suspension:
Sport-tuned independent MacPherson struts with L-shaped lower control arms, coil
springs, monotube gas-charged shocks, stabilizer bar, isolated subframe
Rear suspension:
Sport-tuned independent with trailing blades, integrated knuckle, lateral links,
coil springs, monotube gas-charged shocks, stabilizer bar, isolated subframe
Wheels/tires:
22X9 machine polished aluminum wheels, 265/40R22 all-season radial tires
Brakes:
Front-power-assisted 12in. vented discs with dual-piston calipers
Rear-11.8 in. solid discs with single-piston calipers, ABS standard
Total length:
185.7 in.
Total width:
75 in.
Total height:
67 in.
Base curb weight:
FWD-4,078/AWD-4,288 lbs.