(Dearborn, Michigan) -Ford and Lincoln nameplates will be on two new crossover vehicles in 2006. The Lincoln Aviator will be reborn from a traditional sport utility vehicle into a redesigned crossover. Recently, Ford unveiled the first look at the Ford version to be called the Edge.
The Ford Edge crossover utility vehicle (CUV) is expected to be one of the stars of the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. Edge's bold, American design will turn heads in the CUV market - the fastest-growing vehicle segment - in a year that CUV sales are expected to surpass traditional SUVs.

"Much like Fusion has done for the mid-size sedan, the new Ford Edge will inject a healthy dose of American design and personality into the hot crossover market," says Peter Horbury, Ford's executive director of North America Design.

Crossovers combine the functionality of traditional sports utility vehicles with a car-based architecture.

Edge is powered by Ford's new 3.5-liter V-6 engine and new 6-speed automatic transmission - which help deliver a dynamic driving character and impressive fuel economy. Edge goes on sale in fourth quarter 2006.

In current trends hold, consumer interest in the Edge should be high. Currently, the number of crossover vehicle sales is nearing the number of traditional SUV sales. The Edge joins such current Ford CUVs as the Freestyle. Also in 2006, the all-new Lincoln Aviator will join Ford's stable of CUVs as a 2007 model.

When the Edge and Aviator vehicles hit the market next year, they will be equipped with Ford Motor Company's newest 6-speed, front-wheel-drive automatic transaxle - the 6F.

Jointly developed with General Motors and built at Ford's Van Dyke Plant in Sterling Heights, Mich., the 6F will represent Ford's fourth 6-speed automatic transmission application, which the automaker says further establishes it as a leader in fuel-efficient, advanced automatic transmissions.

6-speed automatics, such as the 6F, deliver up to four percent improvements in fuel economy compared to traditional four-speed automatics while delivering improved performance.

The 6F was designed to cover a wide range of variants. It can handle up to 300 horsepower and 280 ft.-lb. of torque, making it compatible with many different engines.

The Edge will make its debut at the North American International Auto Show, which is open to the public from January 14 - 22, 2006.

Courtesy:
http://www.blueovalnews.com/index.ph...articleid=38&s=&

 

These vehicles will be built with pride (and a little relief) in Oakville by Mike (PMHVPS) and friends.

Hopefully we will be able to keep them busy working every week.

 

Steve, when will these vehicles hit showroom floors?

 

Here is some info on the new 3.5

http://www.muscularmustangs.com/2005...7newengine.php

a bit more info - http://www.blueovalnews.com/2005/pro...ew35.09nov.htm

 

I think it looks great. when are they on sale in Canada?

 

There are no official introduction dates as of yet.

We have had more info on the Aviator. It was shown as a concept at last year's Toronto Auto Show. Ford has said it will be available for the normal 2007 intro around October 2006.

Presumably the Edge would be similar timing.

Perhaps Mike (PMHVPS) will have some inside information!

 

your car was on dream car garage wasnt it!

 

Yes sir, that's my baby!

That footage was shot at Mosport.
I think it was during Mustangs at Mosport three years ago.

A few people have mentioned seeing it before, but last night was the first time I saw it.

She really is one of the first of the Fox Mustangs with a late 1978 production date. Fun car to drive, but axle hop like you wouldn't believe!

 

From what the rumor mill says,(and believe me, there are many) we will limp along in the first quarter of 06 building the minivans nobody wants. OAP paint will switch to the Truck plant paint shop, and that will be the start of OAC Flex. There will be test builds during this time with production starting in the Spring. We will be building CUV's (SUV's in disguise) when we should be building smaller, environmental friendly, alternative powered vehicles. Instead of leading, we will be following.........again. I just hope that they fly.
Mike.

 

My understanding of the marketing plan is that the Edge will be the new "people mover" eventually replacing the Freestar.

With the 3.5L V6 and the 6 speed transmission, it will be much more fuel efficient than the Freestar and the SUVs. It will be a smaller vehicle overall, being off the same platform as the Fusion, but still able to carry 7 passengers comfortably.
Ford is gambling that the Edge will lead the way in the new previous mini-van buyer market that has outgrown the "soccor mom" image.

The hybrids would come later, presumably after Fusion Hybrid.

The Edge is not intended to be a SUV.
It is intended to be the leader in the changing "people mover" segment.
Hopefully the gamble pays off!