Ignore the trippy camo for a minute and you can just make out the face-lifted 2011 Ford Edge.
Due around this time next year, the second-generation Edge looks as though it's sticking with Ford's "bold" theme a little longer. This prototype features a thicker two-bar grille up front and projector headlights that make it look like the love-child of a Taurus X and 5-Series BMW. The front bumper also has a sportier look that will fit in nicely among Ford's latest designs like the 2010 Fusion.
The clear-lens look of the rear lamps will survive the transition to the updated model, although the pattern is slightly different. A big dual exhaust sticking out behind the rear bumper screams "EcoBoost" and we expect some variation of the new 3.5-liter twin turbo V6 in this version of the Edge. Also look for the possibility of a new four-cylinder powerplant as Ford looks to improve its fleet average in the face of tougher federal CAFÉ requirements.
autoboy16 says:
05:22 PM, 06/ 3/09
I wonder if better brakes are also a part of this package? The Edge is pretty solid, but interior fit and finish, brakes, and fuel mileage were some big flaws of the edge. I hope this does the brand well!
hondacura4 says:
06:40 PM, 06/ 3/09
A 4cyl version? Isnt the Edge seriously heavy?
empowah says:
06:59 PM, 06/ 3/09
It's about one passenger heavier than the Venza, which is available with a four-cylinder.
Nice to see Ford updating the Edge, as opposed to letting it rot. It's a solid vehicle that only needs a few detail improvements.
rick8365 says:
07:13 PM, 06/ 3/09
Great point, Empowah - I'm a long time FOMOCO fan that has been frustrated numerous times by that very thing....them letting good models rot into irrelevance.
mj85 says:
09:46 PM, 06/ 3/09
How about some better brakes and a diet, please? The Edge is a fatty. It really is. I mean, how in the hell does it weigh as much as it does? It's really not that big.
redgeminipa says:
04:22 AM, 06/ 4/09
Oh boy! New headlights, taillights, dash and engine! It's a TOTALLY NEW FORD .... AGAIN!
At least that's how Ford will try to pass it off... as usual.
dpodloch says:
04:50 AM, 06/ 4/09
Nice! They are offering pretty good size rims so at least there will be some sense of responsiveness in the steering. Its pretty nice to see Ford's putting good effort into their cars these days.
rsrtampaa3 says:
06:18 AM, 06/ 4/09
The new Fusion is a looker and I never thought I would say that about it. I saw (in person) the new Taurus on Alligator Alley in FL doing hot weather testing and it is also a looker. Fords new design direction is right on the money and Im happy to see it. I do hope they improve the interior on the Edge, its really cheap on the current model.
brn says:
08:27 AM, 06/ 4/09
autoboy,
First, the brakes weren't as bad as Edmunds makes them out to be. I've yet to meet an Edge owner that's noticed.
Second, the brakes were revised in the second model year. Yea, I guess that means Ford thought there was something to it, but they took care of it.
Third, the mpg is as good as its competition and doesn't require premium fuel like the Murano.
I'm not saying run out and buy one, but your concerns about "big flaws" are overstated.
As far as fit-n-finish goes, I don't know where you get that, but your experience may be different than mine.
brn says:
08:29 AM, 06/ 4/09
hondaacura, if it's an Ecotech 4-cyl, it should do just fine. If it's the standard 2.5L, I'd be concerned too. The Edge is pudgy.
atenza94546 says:
09:22 AM, 06/ 4/09
Inline 4 is totally possible. The Toyota Highlander can have it or even Mazda has it. It can be a EcoBoost Turbo 2.5 Inline 4 or even drop the Escape Hybrids units to make it work.
torque1788 says:
03:06 PM, 06/ 4/09
Ford is doing a great job with their new vehicles...the motors are solid and the cars look amazing...and they just keep improving...theres a reason ford didnt need a bailout...as for a four cylinder in the edge i think it would be a good idea especially if its an ecoboost motor
hondacura4 says:
07:24 PM, 06/ 4/09
"hondaacura, if it's an Ecotech 4-cyl, it should do just fine. If it's the standard 2.5L, I'd be concerned too. The Edge is pudgy."
BRN, Ecotecs are GM engines.....not Ford.