Meanwhile in Detroit
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The Edge has been offered with a single 3.5-liter V6 and automatic transmission across the entire range since launch. For 2011, Ford has made significant changes to the outgoing model’s 3.5-liter V6 for increased power and efficiency, added a 3.7-liter V6 for the Edge Sport and added an optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder which will make it’s North American debut in the Edge.The outgoing 3.5-liter V6 was good for 265 horsepower, 16 city, and 24 highway mpg in front-wheel drive trim. For 2011, the new 3.5-liter V6 will make use of the addition of Ti-VCT technology and improvements to the engine’s internal components which result in a net output of 285 hp. Despite the increased power, Ford says this V6 will return 27 mpg on the highway – a 3 mpg gain over the previous model with the same displacement. Ford says this new engine will be unsurpassed in fuel economy, and beat many models in power, too. For example, the Nissan Murano receives 15 percent less fuel economy, despite having 20 fewer horsepower.The Edge Sport will enjoy, for the first time, an engine worthy of its name. The new 3.7-liter ti-VCT V6 is essentially the same V6 found in the new 2011 Mustang, and in the Edge it is good for 305 hp and 280 ft.-lb of torque. Like the new 3.5-liter V6, the 3.7-liter V6 will be mounted to a six-speed automatic transmission, but unlike the standard Edge, the Sport gains class-exclusive paddle activation of the SelectShift transmission. Ford says that it tuned this system to offer maximum driver control, removing the forced redline shifting found in most manually shiftable automatic transmissions.Arguably the most important engine change for the Edge, the new 2.0-liter I4 EcoBoost engine will provide the Edge with a much more fuel efficient option – raising fuel economy by 30 percent over the original drivetrain found in the Edge at launch. Although unofficial at this point, we expect final fuel economy to be between 20 and 21 mpg city, and 31 highway. Power for this fairly diminutive powerplant is expected to be in the realm of 230 hp, and 240 lb-ft of torque.
