The all-new midsize crossover features enhanced engine options, redesigned exterior and interior and 20 new technologies, including a handful making their debuts on the Edge. It's also slightly larger than the model it replaces with more interior space, but retains its familiar four-door, five-seat configuration and silhouette.
DEARBORN, MI- Technology sets the 2015 Edge apart from its predecessor and the competition, according to Ford Motor Co.
The all-new midsize crossover features enhanced engine options, redesigned exterior and interior and 20 new technologies, including a handful making their Ford debuts.
"The all-new Edge is a showcase of Ford's smartest technologies," said Executive Vice President and President of The Americas Joe Hinrichs during a media event Tuesday before the vehicle's unveiling Tuesday night in Dearborn, Mich. "The best of everything we have brought to the market today."
The 2015 Edge will be the newest global utility vehicle for the Dearborn-based automaker. It will start being sold in the U.S. early next year, followed by international markets, including South America, China and Europe – where it will be the "flagship utility" for the brand.
"Edge slowly but surely has become a global vehicle for us," said Jim Farley, Ford vice president of Global Marketing, Sales and Service.
Eventually, Edge will be sold in more than 100 markets worldwide.
Adaptive Steering changes the ratio between the driver's actions at the steering wheel -- the number of turns -- and how much the front wheels turn. In traditional vehicles, this is a fixed steering ratio. With Fordâs new Adaptive Steering, the steering ratio continually changes with vehicle speed, optimizing the steering response in all conditions.New technologies on the vehicle include a new sportier steering system, 180-degree front camera, enhanced park assist with perpendicular and parallel parking with pull-out aide, side park sensors and two new engine options.
New engines, architecture
The vehicle will come standard with a new twin-scroll 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with optional start-stop. An enhanced 3.5-liter V6 will be optional. A Sport version of the vehicle will be exclusively available with a 2.7-liter EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6 expected to deliver more than 300 horsepower. All will be equipped with dual output exhaust and a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
J.D. Shanahan, chief program engineer, said Ford expects standard engine to be about 60 percent of U.S. sales, followed by the 3.5-liter at 30 percent and Sport at 10 percent.
"They're moving the Edge to the future," he said. "It's about taking the Ford driving DNA to the next level and applying it into the Edge platform."
Shanahan said the engines are expected to perform better than the current options, but Ford is not announcing exact performance specifications until closer to the launch of the vehicle.
The 2015 Edge is now based on the same global platform as the award-winning Ford Fusion that debuted in North America in 2012.
Raj Nair, vice president of global product , said the platform, referred as CD, was designed to provide the best handling for sedans and crossovers.
"The all-new Edge is really an exciting milestone for us," he said. "It represents another important step forward in our One Ford plan."
Ford unveils the Edge concept Nov. 20 at the 2013 LA Auto Show. In North America, Edge is consistently the top-selling vehicle in its segment, posting near record sales in 2013. Edge is also sold in Russia, select markets in South America, as well as Eastern Asia, including China.
Edge also represents the first Ford vehicle to feature standard EcoBoost engine in the U.S.
Exterior enhancements
The 2015 Edge is slightly larger than the model it replaces with more interior space, but retains its familiar four-door, five-seat configuration and silhouette.
Moray Callum, Ford design chief, said designers looked to enhance the vehicle's exterior design, but add Ford's new global DNA to the crossover.
"There's a trend toward more sleeker, more athletic design," This inspired us to envision Edge as the runner as opposed to Edge the boxer."
Its exterior design characteristics are also similar to the Edge Concept, which Ford unveiled at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show in November.
The vehicle also features a new grille similar to some of its global models, new headlights and LED tail lamps, and active grille shutters to help improve fuel economy.
Sport, luxury models
The 2015 Edge will be available in four trim levels: SE, SEL, Sport and – for the first time – a top-of-the-line Titanium series to meet market demand for more premium offerings.
2015 Ford Edge Sport and Titanium "We really intend to reignite the U.S. customers 'excitement around Edge with the premiumness of this product and the technology features – especially the design," Farley said.
The Titanium trim level has been very success for Ford – particularly in the Fusion, Escape and Flex.
The Sport model will feature the new EcoBoost engine, standard 21-inch wheels and a host of sport-tuned features.
According to Ford, the 2.7-liter EcoBoost uses the same compacted graphite iron in its cylinder block as is used in the 6.7-liter Power Stroke. The advanced cylinder block allows for a remarkably stiff and compact design that returns exceptionally refined noise, vibration and harshness control.
Production
The all-new Edge will be built at Ford's Oakville Assembly Complex, near Toronto, where Ford invested $700 million to produce the new vehicle.
The 3.5-liter 24-valve Ti-VCT and 2.7-liter EcoBoost 24-valve V6 engines will be produced at Ford's Lima Engine Plant in Ohio. The twin-scroll 2.0-liter EcoBoost 16-valve DOHC I-4 will be produced in Valencia, Spain.
Ford did not announce pricing for the 2015 Edge. The 2014 model starts at roughly $28,000.
Check back to MLive for more details.
Michael Wayland covers the automotive industry for MLive. Email him at MWayland@mlive.com & follow him on Twitter @MikeWayland or Google+.