Car Design News: Ford Edge Concept

Page 1: Summary
Page 2: Chassis
Page 3: Powertrain
Page 4: Exterior / Interior
Page 5: Specifications

Chassis: Edge delivers engaging driving experience

Edge precise, liner steering and sport-tuned four-wheel independent suspension deliver engaging driving dynamics
Intelligent all-wheel drive improves driving performance and all-weather traction
Optional AdvancTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC) provides an additional level of safety with enhanced performance

Ford Edge delivers an engaging driving experience. Its crisp, precise steering connects the driver to the road and Edge sport-tuned suspension limits body roll during cornering. It all adds up to a comfortable, confident ride.

"We tuned Edge with a linear steering feel with just the right amount of driver feedback for a more confident driving experience," says Jim Baumbick, Edge chief engineer. "Edge is intuitive and easy to drive."

Edge front suspension features MacPherson struts with rear-facing L arms, stamped-steel clamshell-design lower control arms, cast-iron knuckles and a stabilizer bar. The isolated perimeter subframe is firmly attached in six locations for added strength and stiffness and uses hydro-bushings specifically tuned to isolate brake and road vibrations.

The four-link independent rear suspension uses stamped steel control blades for improved suspension tuning. The vertically oriented shocks are mounted outboard and behind the wheel center for improved ride and handling.

Edge comes standard with four-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes. Large 296- by 28-millimeter front discs (all-wheel-drive models get 320- by 28-millimeter discs) and 302- by 28-millimeter rear discs provide impressive stopping power.

Edge offers four wheel options: two standard 17-inch w heels with P235/65R17 all-season tires and two available 18-inch (painted aluminum or aluminum with chrome) with P245/60R18 all-season tires.

Intelligent All-Wheel Drive Improves Driving Performance, All-Weather Capability

Edge available intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system was tuned with an emphasis toward driving performance while offering confident all-weather driving. Using a preemptive slip strategy, the system continuously monitors vehicle speed, throttle input and steering angle to seamlessly deliver torque to the appropriate wheel even before wheel slippage occurs. The system also helps eliminate torque steer and helps balance the vehicle when cornering.

Intelligent AWD uses an active on-demand coupler to allocate a precise amount of torque from front to rear, up to 100 percent to either axle. When paired with available Advance Tracstability control, the systems work in harmony to transfer torque front-to-rear as well as side-to-side.

Ford-exclusive Technology Provides Increased Performance and Enhanced Safety

Edge is available with Ford AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC), the industryonly electronic stability control system that uses a gyroscopic sensor to monitor both yaw and roll motions.

Most systems use a sensor to control yaw only. Ford RSC gyroscopic roll rate sensor accurately measures the vehicle roll angle. If the roll rate sensor detects a significant roll angle, the system applies additional countermeasures such as applying brakes to one or more wheels or reducing engine power to enhance vehicle rollover resistance. Without roll angle information, the vehicle side-slip calculations are less accurate.

"Competitor yaw control-only systems try to calculate both yaw and roll control based on yaw rate, lateral acceleration and steering rate," says Keith Mattson, RSC specialist. "Without RSC roll rate sensor and roll angle estimation, they lack the accuracy of RSC and are susceptible to false interventions."

Strong Foundation Contributes to Both Safety and Driving Dynamics

Edge is built on a solid unibody foundation fortified with a stamped-steel ladder frame. Bumper-to-bumper flow-through side rails as well as structural shotgun and A-pillars help move energy away from occupants in the event of a collision. Extensive use of high-strength steel creates a strong, solid body structure and reinforced greenhouse to improve safety performance in a variety of situations. Side-impact intrusion beams and energy-absorbing door trim help add to side-impact performance.

Comprehensive Safety Package

Edge incorporates a number of highly advanced safety technologies, all part of Ford Personal Safety System The Personal Safety Systemincludes standard driver and front passenger dual-stage air bags, energy-absorbing steering column and three-point safety belts at all seating positions, with front-seat pretensioners and retractors. The system uses advanced restraint system logic that bases the air bag output level on occupant size, safety-belt usage, driver seat position and severity of impact.

Available seat-deployed side air bags offer torso protection, and a side-curtain air bag provides enhanced head protection coverage over the length of the window glass area for both front- and second-row occupants from A-pillar to C-pillar.

Edge two-row side air curtains also feature "roll-fold" technology a Ford Motor Company exclusive. If an occupant is resting their head against a window, the air bag is designed to slide between the glass and occupant as it inflates. Typical side air curtains unfold like an accordion, using the occupant's head to keep the bag between the glass and the body. Edge roll-fold helps keep the air curtain against the glass, even when the occupant is out of position.

Edge comes with standard adjustable head restraints and height-adjustable safety belts for front passengers and child safety locks for the rear doors. Ford standard Beltminder uses a flashing icon on the instrument panel and an audio tone to subtly remind occupants to buckle up.

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