Remember when vehicles came with only one powertrain option? Ah, those were simpler times. But there’s something to be said about having options, too. After all, variety is the spice of life.

The 2011 Ford Edge, which launches this summer, showcases Ford’s impressive drive to bring new powertrain options to the customer. Both the Edge 3.5-liter V-6 and Edge Sport 3.7-liter V-6 use advanced engine valvetrain technology (Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing, or Ti-VCT) and clever control strategies to increase horsepower and torque to best-in-class levels. This beats competitors such as the BMW X5, Lexus RX350 and Audi Q5, all while delivering unsurpassed fuel economy.

The 3.5-liter V-6 produces 285 horsepower and 253 ft.-lb. of torque while the 3.7-liter V-6 delivers 305 horsepower and 280 ft.-lb. of torque – all on regular fuel. Edge’s unsurpassed fuel economy is not at the expense of power and performance. For example, the 3.5-liter V-6 with Ti-VCT technology delivers highway fuel economy that is 15 percent better than the Nissan Murano but produces 20 horsepower more.

Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The SelectShift Automatic™ transmission is standard on the 2011 Edge SEL and Limited series, with class-exclusive paddle activation of the SelectShift standard on the 2011 Edge Sport.

In addition, the arrival of the new 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine in the months ahead will give customers yet more choice and will deliver class-leading fuel economy with impressive power and torque. All of this will be mated to a six-speed transmission that will help channel the impressive performance from the new EcoBoost engine. Since the launch of Edge in 2006, fuel economy performance has been drastically improved. With the introduction of the 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4, fuel economy on the 2011 Edge will be 30 percent better than it was in 2006.

In Saskatchewan the Edge is a solid performer. All the standard features combine well with an available AWD system, helping out on icy roads or wet highways. With an Edge in the family, my wife and I have found ourselves driving on gravel. In Saskatchewan? Go figure. One of the features that gives some piece of mind is simple, but smart. On the bottom 8″ (or so) the Ford Edge is wrapped in a black textured plastic, including a lip shooting out about a half inch on the sides. The lip deflects and stones or debris and the plastic absorbs any road rash. When you’re in town and the vehicle is shined up it looks as good as the day you picked it up here at Capital Ford.

With the new MyFord touch systems and the refined features of the new 2011 Edge, we’re sure to see an increase in demand from one of our best sellers. What do you think of the new look of the Ford Edge?

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