Previews new look and platform
Ford Inside News
November 20, 2013
By: Austin Rutherford
Seven years ago next month, Ford launched the all-new Edge to near instant success. When Ford gave it a facelift for model year 2011, they expanded sales outside of the original Americas and Middle East markets into China. Now, with the second generation, the Ford mission is to expand the model into nearly all significant global markets. The Ford Edge Concept previews that future with a near-production look.
The next generation Edge will ride on a version of the new Fusion/Mondeo platform specifically called CD4.2. It will be the first vehicle on this sub-platform of CD4 with the Lincoln MkX and Ford S-Max following it. Insiders have pointed out that the next Edge will carry an all-EcoBoost I-4 engine lineup, except for an alleged performance model.
Though no powertrain specifics were given, the concept gives a technological preview for future vehicles including autonomous driving technology in addition to the next Edge's styling.
Exterior
The Edge Concept's overall shape is very much like the current model with the wide stance and large grill. As seen in the leaked picture earlier this year of the production model, the concept has dropped the think three-bar grill for a more refined two-bar grill. Behind the grill, the gas-saving grill shutters have been integrated into the design. When they flip up at the speed where they need to, they can be clearly seen doing so. The headlights and bigger than the current model and hold similar styling to the EcoSport's.
Moving to the side of the vehicle, the concept has taken a much stronger character line that the door handles have been integrated into. We would personally like to see those door handles stay for production, but that is likely wishful thinking. The window glass house now will have a swoop upward near the D-pillar a la BMW.
Out back, the tailgate features more glass than the current vehicle. Surprisingly, the concept has a full-length rear taillight, which makes you wonder about how it will be differentiated from the next MkX. Below that, the design is rather clean all the way to the integrated dual tailpipes.
Interior
The Edge Concept's interior is basically a tech store. Up front, MyFord Touch takes up the center console and features the return to knobs and buttons except for the touch screen. The driver's information center features the usual Ford screen as well. The rear seat looks like an Apple Store thanks to two iPads and an a iPad Mini for the rear passenger's pleasure. Typical of modern concepts, the roof is one sheet of glass. We are positive the Edge will have some form of the Vista Roof when production starts.
The interior also features gracious amounts of the ambient lighting from the center stack to the door panels.
Driving Technology
The Edge concept previews two technological features that will be seen on future Ford's as autonomous driving comes closer to reality. First, self-parking technology. With this system, one will not even have to be in the car to park it. After pushing a button inside the vehicle, using the key fob outside the vehicle, you will be able to park the vehicle in even the tightest of spots. The system will also work in reverse allowing the vehicle to pull out before the driver and/or passengers enter the vehicle.
As building blocks to fully automated driving, the Edge Concept features Active Park Assist, Lane-Keeping System, collision warning system, and blind spot monitoring. These features will now work with one another in what Ford hopes will lead to automated driving.
The Edge is an important vehicle for Ford and they will be going all-in with the next generation. With production being added in Russia and supposedly Spain and sales starting in Europe and Australia, expect the Edge's global sales to increase significantly.
Ford Inside News
November 20, 2013
By: Austin Rutherford
Seven years ago next month, Ford launched the all-new Edge to near instant success. When Ford gave it a facelift for model year 2011, they expanded sales outside of the original Americas and Middle East markets into China. Now, with the second generation, the Ford mission is to expand the model into nearly all significant global markets. The Ford Edge Concept previews that future with a near-production look.
The next generation Edge will ride on a version of the new Fusion/Mondeo platform specifically called CD4.2. It will be the first vehicle on this sub-platform of CD4 with the Lincoln MkX and Ford S-Max following it. Insiders have pointed out that the next Edge will carry an all-EcoBoost I-4 engine lineup, except for an alleged performance model.
Though no powertrain specifics were given, the concept gives a technological preview for future vehicles including autonomous driving technology in addition to the next Edge's styling.
Exterior
The Edge Concept's overall shape is very much like the current model with the wide stance and large grill. As seen in the leaked picture earlier this year of the production model, the concept has dropped the think three-bar grill for a more refined two-bar grill. Behind the grill, the gas-saving grill shutters have been integrated into the design. When they flip up at the speed where they need to, they can be clearly seen doing so. The headlights and bigger than the current model and hold similar styling to the EcoSport's.
Moving to the side of the vehicle, the concept has taken a much stronger character line that the door handles have been integrated into. We would personally like to see those door handles stay for production, but that is likely wishful thinking. The window glass house now will have a swoop upward near the D-pillar a la BMW.
Out back, the tailgate features more glass than the current vehicle. Surprisingly, the concept has a full-length rear taillight, which makes you wonder about how it will be differentiated from the next MkX. Below that, the design is rather clean all the way to the integrated dual tailpipes.
Interior
The Edge Concept's interior is basically a tech store. Up front, MyFord Touch takes up the center console and features the return to knobs and buttons except for the touch screen. The driver's information center features the usual Ford screen as well. The rear seat looks like an Apple Store thanks to two iPads and an a iPad Mini for the rear passenger's pleasure. Typical of modern concepts, the roof is one sheet of glass. We are positive the Edge will have some form of the Vista Roof when production starts.
The interior also features gracious amounts of the ambient lighting from the center stack to the door panels.
Driving Technology
The Edge concept previews two technological features that will be seen on future Ford's as autonomous driving comes closer to reality. First, self-parking technology. With this system, one will not even have to be in the car to park it. After pushing a button inside the vehicle, using the key fob outside the vehicle, you will be able to park the vehicle in even the tightest of spots. The system will also work in reverse allowing the vehicle to pull out before the driver and/or passengers enter the vehicle.
As building blocks to fully automated driving, the Edge Concept features Active Park Assist, Lane-Keeping System, collision warning system, and blind spot monitoring. These features will now work with one another in what Ford hopes will lead to automated driving.
The Edge is an important vehicle for Ford and they will be going all-in with the next generation. With production being added in Russia and supposedly Spain and sales starting in Europe and Australia, expect the Edge's global sales to increase significantly.