![]() ![]() ![]() Speaking of torque, all 270lb-ft come to the boil at 1750RPM and stay strong to 4,500RPM while the 3.5L V6 peaks at 4,000. The K03 is good for 16psi of boost which yields 240HP, 270lb-ft of torque and a “claimed” 30MPG on the highway.The observant in the crowd will note that while this is a 45HP decrease from the 3.5L V6, there is an extra 17lb-ft of torque-on tap. Ford started out with a 2.0L four cylinder aluminum block, added twin cams with independent variable valve timing, bolted on a Borg Warner (KKK) K03 turbocharger and lathered on the direct-injection sauce. No, this isn’t the fire-breathing 3.5L twin-turbo monster that Ford is jamming under as many hoods as possible, this is the engine that puts the “eco” in EcoBoost. Aside from the revised MyFord Touch system, the reason we’re looking at the Edge is the new EcoBoost engine. Yes the system is painfully slow at times, but I’d rather have a sluggish system that did everything MyFord Touch does than a snappy system that only covered the basics.Īh, the section you’ve all be waiting for. Despite the sloth, my opinion is that MyFord Touch is one of the best systems on the market (after iDrive) in terms of functionality, aesthetics and ease of use. The downside? You won’t get the snazzy 4.2-inch LCDs on either side of the speedometer. By doing so you can still get the backup camera and the voice activated SYNC system which work flawlessly. If slow interfaces bother you, just buy an Edge SEL, select every option except the Ford MyTouch system and you’ll essentially have a Limited without MyFord Touch. The system is still dreadfully slow when compared to iDrive, UConnect 8.4 and Cadillac’s new CUE system. That’s not to say MyFord Touch is now perfect. During a previous week with the 2011 system, we experienced frequent freezing, random crashes, periodic reboots and the ever-so-popular “ blue screen of death.” The 2012 version performed reliably. The 2012 Edge benefits from major software update designed to make the system more responsive and easier to use. No system since iDrive has received as much bad press mixed with forum fan-boy rave reviews as MyFord Touch. Like the Android vs iPhone debate, infotainment systems spark fierce controversy. Thanks to the generous, corn-fed proportions, the cargo capacity of the Edge is a large 32 cubic feet expanding to 69 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Strangely, the only real problem I have with the Edge’s interior is that it’s nice enough that I see little reason (aside from some real-wood) to upgrade to the Lincoln MKX. While this is no doubt a good direction for the brand, if you’re looking for a cheap, rough-and-tumble CUV replacement for your old Bronco II, this isn’t it. The Edge seems to represent Ford’s continuing march toward premium interiors at premium price points. Even the Limited’s faux-wood trim is plausible in terms of realistic texture and tasteful distribution. Regardless of trim level, the Edge’s parts quality and fit-and-finish are easily the best in its class. If these goodies don’t piqué your interest, the Edge SEL crosses the infotainment upgrades off the equipment list for $31,400 and the base Edge SE EcoBoost starts at $28,845 with cloth seats and manual HVAC knobs. Starting at $34,940 and bringing standard goodies like dual-zone climate control, leather, 10-way power seats, an up-level Sony audio system and Ford’s MyFord Touch infotainment system, the Limited sits at the top of the Edge food chain. Our Edge tester was a “Limited” trim model. That being said, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is still more visually exciting. While some were offended by the large expanses of chrome-effect plastic, I think a bold front end is exactly what Ford needs to differentiate the Edge from the plethora of me-too CUVs on the road. To that end, the formerly demure three-bar “Gillette” grill has been replaced with an Audi-esque billy-the-big-mouth-bass affair covered in all the chrome bling you could wish for. While the proportions remain the same-a wide stance, slab sides, stubby schnozz and a raked windshield-Ford seems to have ditched their attempt at styling the Edge to look smaller. In order to keep things fresh, Ford face-lifted the Edge for 2011. In 2007 Ford sold over 130,000 Edge CUVs, but sales slid slowly as the financial meltdown and high gasoline costs put shopper on notice. No, this isn’t the 3.5L fire-breathing twin-turbo you’ve heard about before, this is the all-new 2.0L engine that puts the Eco in EcoBoost. While the last energy crisis caused entire vehicles to downsize, the response to the latest energy “crisis” (and government pressure) has been to downsize engines while leaving the rest of the vehicle intact. Nobody had heard of a “ cute ute.” Of course, gasoline was also under a buck a gallon. Once upon a time, in a country known as America, SUVs roamed the land with large-displacement inline 6s, optional V8s, and locking axles. ![]()
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