Ford Unveils Redesigned Edge Crossover

Ford Motor Co.'s 8-year-old Edge small crossover gets its first top-to-bottom makeover when the 2015 model debuts this autumn.

The revamped Edge will debut in Europe and South America by the end of next year. The Detroit Free Press says Ford also will offer a three-row version of the Edge in China.

Ford will roll out diesel options and right-hand-drive models for overseas sale. But it intends to supply all markets from its Canadian factory in Oakville, Ontario.

The new Edge modifies the prior model's MacPherson front suspension and adds an all-new integral-link independent rear suspension system with coil springs and 23-mm antiroll bar.

Ford says the Edge's new body structure is 26% stiffer to bending forces and 16% stiffer to twisting forces.

North American versions of the new Edge will be available with a choice of three engines. A carryover 3.5-liter normally aspirated V-6 will be joined by two all-new powerplants: a twin-scroll-turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-banger rated at 245 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque and a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 expected to make 300 hp.

Among the features of the new 2.0-liter engine are a lighter engine block and pistons, aluminum balance shaft, redesigned integral exhaust manifold and high-pressure direct-injection fuel system. The compression ratio has been increased to 9.7:1 from 9.3:1 for the previous-generation engine.

All three engines will be equipped with an automatic stop-start system and mated to Ford's paddle-shifter-controlled 6-speed automatic transmission. Fulltime all-wheel-drive is optional.

The Edge will debut the company's new adaptive steering system, which continually varies the steering ratio as vehicle speed changes. The car also will introduce Ford's new knee airbag system that fits into the passenger glove box door.

Optional features include active grille shutters, adaptive cruise control with collision warning and automatic braking, automatic park assist, heated/cooled front seats and heated rear seats, side parking sensors, lane-keeping and cross-traffic alert, blind-spot detection and inflatable rear shoulder belts.

A backup camera is standard; a 180 front camera is optional. Ford says the Edge's exterior bodywork includes special ducting to create an aerodynamic "air curtain" along the sides of the vehicle.