2011 Ford Edge Officially Has Top Fuel Economy and Best-In-Class Power

DEARBORN, Mich., July 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

• 2011 Ford Edge SEL and Limited (front-wheel drive) are EPA-estimated at unsurpassed 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway

• Outstanding fuel economy is combined with best-in-class power. The standard 3.5-liter V6 produces 285 horsepower, tops among standard V6 competitors and 20 more horsepower than the outgoing Edge

The 2011 Ford Edge now will officially offer the best fuel economy with the most power along with class-exclusive technology, dynamic design and improved craftsmanship.

The 2011 Ford Edge SEL and Limited, which account for about 80 percent of all Edge sales, are now EPA-estimated at 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (front-wheel drive), which is unsurpassed in each category. The new Edge is now 1 mpg better city and 2 mpg better highway – with even greater power. The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 285 horsepower, best-in-class among V6 competitors and 20 more horsepower than the outgoing Edge.

"Providing class-leading fuel economy and power are two of many examples of the improved attributes customers will find in the 2011 Edge," said Elaine Bannon, Edge chief engineer. "The new Edge demonstrates how a refresh at Ford is much more than just a few tweaks. It's reworking all the elements, adding more content and improving the look and feel of the vehicle."

"The 2011 Ford Edge will deliver V6 horsepower and fuel economy the competition simply can't beat," said Amy Marentic, group marketing manager, Ford cars and CUVs. "With up to a 4 mpg advantage over the competition, Edge will give customers the best of both worlds by delivering an engaging, fun-to-drive experience without sacrificing fuel economy. Edge will deliver all this while continuing to provide customers bold, distinctive styling and revolutionary technology highlighted by the industry-first MyFord Touch™ system."

How 2011 Edge earned fuel economy leadership

Advanced engine technology, clever control strategies and a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission combine to create a powertrain that efficiently produces increased levels of power and performance with improved fuel economy. Next-generation tires are key as well.

Engineers and designers examined all aspects of the popular midsize crossover and optimized them piece by piece, system by system. This intensive approach to detail has paid dividends.

Ford improved in fuel economy more than any major automaker between 2004 and 2009, according to the EPA. The government agency rates Ford's combined car and truck fuel economy improvement at nearly 20 percent, almost double the next closest competitor.

"The key to the performance gains and fuel economy with the 2011 Ford Edge is that we don't look at power and fuel economy as being mutually exclusive," said Mazen Hammoud, Edge Powertrain Calibrations manager. "Instead, we focus on optimizing every component, every system and every control in the powertrain for greater overall efficiency, enabling increased power and better performance."

Here's a quick look at some of the key reasons why the 2011 Edge delivers class-leading power and fuel economy:

• Advanced technology: New for 2011 is twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT), which allows on-the-fly adjustment to the engine's airflow for maximum efficiency. This leads to better fuel economy – approximately a 3 to 4 percent improvement from this strategy alone.
• New engine hardware: The 3.5-liter V6 for 2011 Edge adds piston-cooling jets and polished valvetrain buckets and combines them with an improved intake manifold and cylinder head with increased port flow to optimize the system as a whole. The piston-cooling jets spray oil on the underside of the pistons and enable faster oil warm-up and a higher compression ratio. The polished valvetrain buckets reduce friction, which in turn aids fuel economy and also improves durability (wear) of the cam and bucket tappet. The improved intake manifold and cylinder head optimizes engine airflow.
• Lower idle speed: Engine idle speed was reduced from 620 to 600 rpm to save fuel.
• Aerodynamic optimizations: Underbody shielding and tire spoilers were added to help create a more efficient aerodynamic shape. Also, the grille openings were optimized to reduce excess airflow to the engine compartment, thus reducing drag.
• Fuel shutoff: The 2011 Edge employs an aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff control system, which shuts off the engine when the customer doesn't command engine torque – such as decelerating at freeway speeds.
• Battery management system: The new Edge also uses smart charging. Normally the alternator continuously charges the battery, which wastes energy. Smart charging increases the alternator output when braking or decelerating, converting the vehicle's motion energy into electric energy without using additional fuel. The recovered energy then goes to recharge the battery so that it can be used later.
• Electrical load shedding: This new feature shuts off devices if they are left on with the key in the accessory position. This saves battery life and keeps the battery from going dead, aiding reliable starts.
• Reliable starts: The one-touch starting in the 2011 Edge enables starts of around seven-tenths of a second with precise fuel delivery for maximum fuel economy and minimal emissions.
• New tires: Both the 2011 Edge SEL and Edge Limited add next-generation 18-inch tires. Just as the new powertrain produces increased power and better fuel economy, the new tires have been engineered to provide better performance and grip while also increasing fuel economy through improved construction and compound.

"The 2011 Ford Edge adds more power and performance with better fuel economy for a better customer experience," said Bannon.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 176,000 employees and about 80 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010, and, until its sale, Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company