Ford, Detroit Edison, Xtreme Power To Build One Of Michigan’s Largest Solar Energy Systems

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• Ford, Detroit Edison and Xtreme Power are teaming up to establish one of Michigan’s largest solar power generation systems and electric vehicle charging stations at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich.
• Ford will work with Detroit Edison to install a 500-kilowatt solar photovoltaic panel system at Michigan Assembly.  The system will be integrated with a 750-kw energy storage facility that can store two million watt-hours of energy using batteries – enough to power 100 average Michigan homes for a year
• Renewable energy generated by the solar energy system will help power production of Ford’s new Focus and Focus Electric cars as well as its next-generation hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles
• Michigan Assembly solar energy systems are projected to save an estimated $160,000 per year in energy costs

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 12, 2010 – Ford Motor Company is teaming with Detroit Edison, Xtreme Power and the state of Michigan to establish one of the largest solar power generation systems in the state at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant.

 

The renewable energy captured by the project’s primary solar energy system will help power the production of fuel-efficient small cars, including Ford’s all-new Focus and Focus Electric going into production in 2011, and a next-generation hybrid vehicle and a plug-in hybrid vehicle coming in 2012. A secondary, smaller solar energy system will be integrated at a later date to power lighting systems at Michigan Assembly.

 

The combined systems are expected to give Michigan Assembly the largest solar power array in Michigan and save an estimated $160,000 per year in energy costs. Installation of the system begins later this year.

 

“With this solar energy system, we will be able to gain vital understanding about the integration of renewable power, smart-grid technologies and energy storage at an industrial facility,” said Jim Tetreault, Ford vice president, North America Manufacturing. “This project is a part of the transformation of Michigan Assembly from a large SUV factory to a modern, flexible, and sustainable small car plant.”

 

SolarCurrents and the future of sustainability in Michigan
Ford will work with Detroit Edison to install a 500-kilowatt solar photovoltaic panel system at Michigan Assembly. The system will be integrated with a 750-kw energy storage facility that can store two million watt-hours of energy using batteries – enough to power 100 average Michigan homes for a year. Xtreme Power of Austin, Texas, is supplying its Dynamic Power Resource on-site energy storage and power management system.

 

The solar energy installation is part of Detroit Edison’s pilot SolarCurrents program that calls for photovoltaic systems to be installed on customer rooftops or property over the next five years to generate 15 megawatts of electricity throughout Southeast Michigan.

 

The Michigan Assembly project is made possible by a $3 million investment by Detroit Edison’sSolarCurrents program, a $2 million grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission in support of the state’s smart-grid initiative, and approximately $800,000 from Ford.

 

“Our partnership with Ford is just the latest example of how our companies have worked together to power the economic engine of Southeast Michigan,” said Trevor Lauer, Detroit Edison vice president, Marketing & Renewables. “Building solar energy systems on the scale we’re pursuing will increase demand for these technologies, and we’re working with the governor’s office and various economic development organizations to attract renewable energy manufacturers and green jobs to Michigan.”

A model for sustainable energy use
Michigan Assembly will operate on a blend of renewable and conventional electricity. The renewable energy collected by the solar system will go directly into the energy-efficient microgrid to help provide power to the plant. When the plant is inactive, such as holidays, the collected solar energy will go into the energy storage system for later use, providing power during periods of insufficient or inconsistent sunlight.

 

Michigan Assembly’s energy storage system will be able to recharge from the grid during off-peak hours when energy is available at a lower cost. This in turn will provide inexpensive power during peak operating hours when the cost per kilowatt-hour is higher, and reduce peak demand on the grid.

 

“We share a commitment with Ford to fostering an environmentally sustainable model of energy use in the U.S., and this joint project is indicative of just how far we’ve come,” said Carlos Coe, CEO, Xtreme Power. “We are proud to work together to help transform vehicle manufacturing into a sustainable process powered by clean, renewable energy.”

Solar Power to be used for electric vehicle battery charging
Ford also will install 10 electric vehicle-charging stations at Michigan Assembly to demonstrate advanced battery charging technologies using renewable energy and other smart-grid advances. The stations will be used to recharge electric switcher trucks that transport parts between adjacent facilities. Xtreme Power will provide an active power management system on the charging stations. Ford also will demonstrate the possibility for using electrified vehicle batteries as stationary power storage devices after their useful life as vehicle power sources is over.

 

“Ford is strongly committed to its sustainability strategy to support positive social change and reduce the environmental impact of its products and facilities,” said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “Michigan Assembly is the latest Ford manufacturing facility to utilize renewable power for production.”

 

Ford’s Dagenham Diesel Centre in the United Kingdom was the first automotive plant in the world to obtain all of its electrical power needs from on-site wind turbines. In addition, Ford’s Bridgend Engine Plant in Wales was the first site retrofitted with one of the largest integrated, grid-connected solar photovoltaic installations at a car manufacturing plant in Europe.

 

Since 2008, Ford has sourced renewable electricity to cover the full electric power demand at its manufacturing plant in Cologne, Germany. Through this initiative, the company is reducing its CO2 emissions 190,000 tons per year. Renewable or green power supplies 3 percent of Ford’s energy needs worldwide.

2011 Ford F-150 Transmission Features Faster, Smoother Shifting, Better Fuel Economy

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• A six-speed automatic transmission is now standard for each of the four new engines for the 2011 Ford F-150. Ford is the only manufacturer to offer a six-speed automatic transmission as standard throughout the lineup
• The revamped 6R80 transmission provides smoother operation and better fuel economy. SelectShift Automatic™ capability, progressive range select and manual mode are added, allowing customers the convenience of an automatic transmission for routine operation combined with the ability to select and lock gears
• Optimized wider ratio span allows a lower final drive ratio with outstanding off-the-line performance and improved fuel economy; new one-way clutch added for smoother 1-2 and 2-1 shifts

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 11, 2010 – A familiar transmission – with several improvements – will manage the power produced by the all-new engine lineup of the 2011 Ford F-150. The diverse group of engines, which ranges from a 3.7-liter V6 with advanced valvetrain timing to a 6.2-liter V8, will be mated to the 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission.

 

This tried-and-true gearbox has been upgraded to bring available customer conveniences such as SelectShift capability with progressive range select and manual mode to the F-150 for the first time. Ford is the only manufacturer to offer a six-speed automatic transmission as standard throughout its full-size pickup lineup.

 

In every case the transmission has been optimized to each new engine. Available at launch are the 3.7-liter Ti-VCT (twin independent variable camshaft timing) V6, the 5.0-liter V8 and the 6.2-liter V8. An EcoBoost™ engine specially tuned for truck application joins the F-150 lineup after launch.

 

“The F-150 has a diverse set of customers, so we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach when matching the transmission to the engine,” said Bryant Grytzelius, 6R80 transmission engineering manager. “With the 3.7-liter engine, for example, that particular transmission has fewer clutch plates compared with the other engines. Everything is sized accordingly for optimum driveability, performance and fuel economy.”

 

SelectShift, progressive range select and manual mode added for 2011
Convenience and control are balanced by the 6R80’s SelectShift Automatic capability, which automatically shifts during routine operation and also allows complete manual control. Included are progressive range select and manual functions.

 

With progressive range select, a toggle on the shift lever allows the customer to reduce the range of available gears while in Drive. When the customer “taps” down into range select mode, the new available 4.2-inch LCD screen shows the available gears and highlights the current gear state. This feature allows the driver to limit use of upper gears when heavily loaded or while towing on grades.

 

For full manual function, customers also can pull the shift lever into “M” for manual mode and use the same toggle switch to select the gear desired. The display will show the selected gear, and the control system will lock the torque converter and hold that gear for a full manual transmission feel.

 

The 6R80’s tow/haul mode has been recalibrated to provide better control when hauling a heavy load or towing a trailer, especially when going down grades. The improved system, now integrated into the powertrain control module, uses an array of sophisticated electronic sensors to better predict the driver’s need for a downshift to provide engine braking and enhanced control.

 

A further refinement for 2011 is the addition of a one-way clutch, which allows for smoother 1-2 and 2-1 shifts, faster downshifts and helps improve fuel economy.

 

Balancing fuel economy and performance; robust testing
The 6R80’s gear ratios, span and shift schedule have been optimized for better off-the-line performance and improved fuel economy. The double-overdrive gear also provides better fuel economy.

 

The 6R80 has been tested to 150,000 equivalent miles in testing cycles that reflect the most extreme-use customer, and the box itself is rated up to 7,000 rpm. The fluid is filled for life.

 

“The increased capability and functionality of the transmission, backed by exhaustive testing, will help ensure this next F-150 will deliver everything our customers need and more,” Grytzelius said.

2011 Ford Escape Brochure

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Here is the 2011 Ford Escape & Escape Hybrid Brochure

 

 

Download the 2011 Ford Escape & Escape Hybrid Brochure (PDF)

2011 Ford Explorer Goes Green with More Recycled, Renewable Materials and Increased Fuel Efficiency

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• The 2011 Ford Explorer is 85 percent recyclable. The reinvented SUV leverages Ford’s industry-leading use of bio foam and recycled fabric in its interior, as well as recycled steel in select exterior parts
• Ford is reducing its use of virgin steel by an estimated 119 tons a year by making Explorer’s noise-dampening fender baffles from the steel left over from stamping out the door openings of F-150 body sides
• 2011 Ford Explorer, the new fuel economy class leader in the midsize SUV segment, uses Ford’s latest high-tech powertrains and mechanical enhancements to achieve fuel economy improvements of more than 30 percent without sacrificing performance

 

 

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 5, 2010 – The all-new Ford Explorer is more than just the new fuel economy class leader in the midsize SUV segment. The reinvented Explorer, which arrives later this year, also sets a new benchmark for sustainability in the SUV segment due to an increased use of renewable and recycled content, such as parts made from steel left over from F-150 production.

 

The new Explorer also leverages Ford’s industry-leading use of bio foam and recycled fabric in its interior. These and other eco-improvements help make Explorer 85 percent recyclable.

 

“Ford has made tremendous strides, not only in improving fuel economy in the new Explorer, but also in using more environmentally friendly materials,” said Jim Holland, chief nameplate engineer. “By offering better fuel efficiency in an overall greener package, we’re offering our SUV customers an appealing and sustainable product.”

 

Explorer’s eco-advantage
Ford is minimizing waste by making Explorer’s noise-dampening fender baffles, which fit between the vehicle’s outer shell and its inner structure, from steel left over after stamping the door openings out of F-150 body sides. The reuse allows Ford to reduce its use of virgin steel by an estimated 119 tons for one year of production. Using less virgin steel also reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 119 tons – about the same amount emitted by a midsize car driving the circumference of the earth 14 times.

 

The Explorer interior also incorporates sustainable materials to lessen its environmental impact. Explorer uses 25 percent recycled fiber in its interior fabrics, including seat upholstery, bolster and carpeting. The use of recycled fiber instead of virgin fiber results in an estimated 20 percent reduction in energy consumption, 17 percent waste elimination and 14 percent reduction in CO2 emissions for the Explorer’s seating materials.

 

The new Explorer is the latest Ford vehicle to feature 40 percent soy polyurethane foam in seat cushions and seatbacks. Ford remains committed to using the bio-based material in nearly 100 percent of its North American vehicle lineup by the end of the year.

 

Soy foam has helped Ford reduce its annual petroleum oil usage by more than 10,500 barrels, and is up to 24 percent more renewable than petroleum-based foam. The use of soy foam also has helped Ford reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 11 million pounds – the annual equivalent of 965 typical American households.

 

“By increasing the use of recycled or renewable content in our vehicles whenever possible, Ford is helping reduce waste to landfills by millions of pounds – and the new Explorer is no exception,” said Amy Marentic, group marketing manager, Ford Motor Company. “We believe customers will value these green features, as they help the environment without sacrificing the Explorer’s capability, utility and safety.”

 

Class-leading fuel efficiency
Fuel efficiency also plays a role in making the new Explorer a more sustainable SUV. The new Explorer excels at eco-friendly driving with two new fuel-efficient engines. The new engines include a responsive, fuel-efficient V6 and a turbocharged, direct-injection 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost™ engine. The EcoBoost engine delivers more than 30 percent better fuel economy than the current V6-powered Explorer, without sacrificing capability and performance.

 

“When we asked Explorer customers what they wanted from the 2011 vehicle, they asked for the freedom and empowerment Explorer has always delivered, with improved performance and significantly increased fuel economy,” Marentic said. “And that’s exactly what they will get with the 2011 Explorer.”

Ford Researchers Advancing Crash Avoidance Capability With Wireless Technology

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• Ford researchers are advancing vehicle safety with the development of new crash avoidance systems that use wireless vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications to detect and respond to imminent collisions
• Ford’s research into wireless “active safety” applications includes its vehicle-to-infrastructure Smart Intersection project
• Ford is conducting cooperative vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure research with industry and government partners to increase road safety and traffic efficiency
• Globally harmonized standards are needed to enable global deployment of reliable and cost- effective vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure technology

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Aug. 2, 2010 – Ford Motor Company’s researchers are developing advanced crash avoidance systems that use wireless and GPS technologies to help vehicles communicate with each other in traffic and help drivers avoid or mitigate accidents.

 

Ford’s Automatic Braking Intersection Collision Avoidance System (ABICAS), which is under development, uses radio-based wireless sensors, GPS and navigation information to detect the relative location of other radio-equipped test vehicles. The system is being designed to warn drivers of imminent side-impact collisions and automatically activate the brakes if necessary to avoid or minimize the damage caused by such collisions.

 

ABICAS is enabled by wireless vehicle-to-vehicle communications, and works in conjunction with radar- and camera-based driver assist features, such as adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support, which are available on many Ford vehicles.

 

While radar and camera sensors can detect other vehicles ahead and behind a vehicle, radio-based wireless sensors give vehicles a 360-degree “view.” Information from these various sensors is combined with engineering algorithms to ensure the validity of an imminent collision before automatically activating the vehicle’s brakes – all of which happens in a split second.

 

When a vehicle is equipped with a dedicated short-range wireless radio, it can communicate with similarly equipped vehicles, and use the shared information in concert with its safety systems.

 

“By leveraging wireless technology, Ford is developing tomorrow’s crash avoidance systems today,” said Jim Vondale, director, Ford Automotive Safety Office. “Thanks to research projects like ABICAS, tomorrow’s vehicles will one day be able to talk to each other to avoid accidents.”      

The smart way to cross intersections
Ford’s vehicle-to-vehicle research builds on knowledge gained from its Smart Intersection project, focused on wireless communications between vehicles and intersection infrastructure. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 40 percent of all traffic accidents occur in intersections where side-impact collisions are most common.

 

The Smart Intersection project communicates with test vehicles to warn drivers of potential collisions, such as when a vehicle is about to run through a red light. The intersection is outfitted with technology that monitors traffic signal status, GPS data and digital maps to assess potential hazards, and then transmits warning information to other specially equipped vehicles.

 

Once the information is received by the vehicle, its collision avoidance system can be designed to determine whether the car can safely cross the intersection or if it needs to stop before entering the intersection. If the system determines the need to stop and senses that the driver is not decelerating quickly enough, it issues visual and audible warnings to the driver.

 

“For vehicle-to-vehicle communications to be effective, common standards will need to be established for all automakers to follow,” said Mike Shulman, technical leader, Ford Active Safety Research and Advanced Engineering. “Our research is helping to identify the types of warnings that drivers find to be effective and easier to understand.”

 

Going wireless in Europe
In Germany, Ford is collaborating on a wireless research project with other automakers and the government in an effort to address congestion-related traffic safety issues. The Safe and Intelligent Mobility—Test Field Germany research project, which runs through 2012, is a 400-vehicle field-test to evaluate feasibility and scalability of wireless systems in the real world.

 

For the project, 100 drivers actively collect data by completing driving tasks and 300 drivers passively collect data by driving wherever they would normally go. This project is taking into consideration hazard and collision warnings, the delivery of real-time traffic information such as congestions, construction areas, detour routes, and Internet-enabled location-based services.

 

“Deployment of reliable and effective wireless systems can enhance vehicle safety, reduce traffic accidents and ease congestion,” said Christian Ress, Ford connectivity technical expert, Telematics Research and Advanced Engineering Europe. “We will bring these systems to market when they have been fully assessed for feasibility, robustness and practicality.”

 

Global harmonization
Ford is working closely with governments, standards organizations and other global automakers to develop harmonized global standards to support and accelerate the deployment of this technology. Ford and other global vehicle manufacturers need harmonized standards in order to support their global vehicle platforms and to develop reliable, cost-effective wireless systems. 

 

“We must develop these standards now while the technology is being researched and developed or we will end up with a variety of standards and vehicles that cannot talk to each other from region to region,” Vondale said. “Failure to develop standards would delay deployment, decrease reliability and unnecessarily increase costs.”

All-New 2011 Ford Explorer Offers Surprising Level of Convenience, Connectivity Technologies

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• The new Ford Explorer offers customers an array of convenience technologies to tailor their SUV experience to their individual wants and needs
• Technologies such as MyFord Touch™ driver connect technology and Ford SYNC® communications and entertainment integration add convenience while helping keep customers engaged and focused on driving
• Explorer offers a Sony® Audio System with HD Radio™, media hub with two USB ports, an SD card reader and RCA video input jacks accessible through an 8-inch LCD screen with intuitive five-way controls mounted on the steering wheel
• 2011 Explorer will be available in base, XLT and Limited trim series with multiple package offerings, such as adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support, BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert and active park assist

 

DEARBORN, Mich., July 26, 2010 – The all-new Ford Explorer will offer SUV customers a broad range of trim levels and customer convenience and connectivity technologies that will raise the eyebrows among even luxury SUV owners.  

 

“Today’s SUV customers really aren’t interested in compromising,” said Amy Marentic, group marketing manager. “They want luxury, convenience and technology with their all-road capability. Until now, they had to choose a luxury SUV to get the features they want – a feature level that this all-new, industry-leading Explorer now exceeds.”  

 

The new Explorer challenges the SUV status quo by offering luxury levels of convenience, connectivity and technology. From the highly equipped base model that includes MyFord driver connect technology through the volume-series XLT to the luxurious Limited series, Explorer provides SUV buyers unexpected technologies and conveniences normally found in premium SUVs.  

 

Blind spot monitoring, which looks out for the driver when backing from a parking spot with limited visibility, adaptive cruise control that safely monitors vehicles ahead, and active park assist that aids in finding and executing a parallel parking maneuver all represent technologies a buyer might expect to find when shopping premium SUVs. The all-new Explorer offers these and more.  

 

Base is the new well-equipped

The base Explorer delivers a strong package of customer convenience and technology features, with the following items as standard equipment:  

• Hill start assist
• Dual chrome exhaust tips
• Projector-style headlamps
• Power remote sideview mirror
• LED taillamps
• Air filtration system
• Media hub, including an auxiliary input jack
• Four 12-volt power points
• Second- and third-row dome/map lights
• Tilt/telescoping steering column
• Steering wheel-mounted five-way and secondary audio controls
• Cruise control
• Power windows with one-touch driver’s down
• Single CD/MP3-capable six-speaker audio system
• MyKey™ owner control feature
• Keyless entry remote

 

The base Explorer features cloth seats with first-row adjustable buckets, a 60/40 split fold-flat bench seat in the second row, and a 50/50 third-row split folding bench.  

 

XLT volume series adds tasteful touches

The all-new 2011 Explorer XLT offers all the base model equipment with a higher level of harmonizing chrome and satin-finish accent trim, 18-inch aluminum wheels, unique cloth seating, leather covering for steering wheel and shift knob, SelectShift Automatic™ transmission, SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad, fog lamps, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio (including a prepaid six-month subscription in 48 contiguous states), perimeter alarm and reverse sensing system.  

 

Customers specifying Explorer XLT models are offered broader option choices, including the following packages:  

• Driver Connection Package includes MyFord Touch driver connect technology with two driver-configurable LCD cluster screens, an 8-inch color touch screen in the center stack, expanded media hub with USB ports, an SD card reader and RCA video input jacks, Ford SYNC and electrochromic interior rearview mirror
• Comfort Package includes leather-trimmed, heated seats with 10-way power adjustment for driver and six-way power adjustment for first-row passenger. Also includes four-way first-row head restraints

 

A premium audio system with eight speakers, rear view camera and dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control is also available.  

 

Explorer XLT also offers a dual-panel moonroof, power-operated liftgate, BLIS with cross-traffic alert, inflatable second-row seat belts for outboard seating positions, 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, and premium paint colors – White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat and Red Candy Tinted Clearcoat – as stand-alone options.  

 

Range-topping Limited adds more luxury

SUV buyers seeking luxury with their capability will be impressed with the generous levels of convenience and connectivity technologies offered in the all-new Explorer Limited. From remote start through a 10-way leather-trimmed driver’s seat to adjustable pedals with memory settings, Limited takes Explorer luxury to a higher level.  

 

Visual distinction is assured with a unique body-color grille, body-color PowerFold® sideview mirrors with memory functionality, and 20-inch painted aluminum wheels.  

 

Explorer Limited includes all of the feature content offered in the XLT, plus:  

• Ambient lighting
• Adjustable pedals with memory
• Cargo net
• Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control
• Leather-trimmed, heated seats
• 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar and recline
• Six-way power first-row passenger seat with lumbar and recline
• Second-row 60/40 split bench seat with armrest and dual cupholders
• Electrochromic interior rearview mirror
• Sony® Audio System with high-definition radio and 12 speakers
• Rear view camera
• Remote start
• 110-volt outlet
•  SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system
• Intelligent Access with push-button start
• Universal garage door opener

 

The most luxurious Explorer model also comes standard with MyFord Touchdriver connect technology. This includes a pair of cluster-mounted driver-configurable displays, an 8-inch LCD color touch screen in the center stack with compass and temperature display, media hub with a pair of USB ports, and an SD card reader and RCA video input jacks. Explorer Limited offers five-way supplemental controls on the steering wheel.  

 

The all-new Explorer Limited can be further enhanced with a pair of series-specific option packages that add even more luxury, convenience and safety:  

• Limited Package 1adds the voice-activated Navigation System, a single CD/MP3 player, SD card for map and point-of-interest storage, and integrated SIRIUS Travel Link™. Also included are perforated leather-trimmed seats with heating and cooling functionality for driver and first-row passenger, PowerFoldthird-row seating, a 10-way power adjustable first-row passenger seat with power lumbar and a power-assisted liftgate
• Limited Package 2provides active park assist, adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support, rain-sensing wipers, BLIS with cross-traffic alert and HID headlamps

 

Explorer Limited also offers second-row captain ’s chairs and a second-row console for SUV buyers placing a higher priority on rear seat luxury and seating comfort.  

 

“All these features help the all-new Ford Explorer challenge the notion of what SUVs can offer customers,” Marentic said. “This level of luxury, capability, convenience and connectivity, combined with jaw-dropping fuel efficiency, is the kind of leadership today’s SUV customers need and appreciate, coming from a nameplate they know and trust – Ford Explorer.”

2011 Ford Edge Officially Has Top Fuel Economy and Best-In-Class Power

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• 2011 Ford Edge SEL and Limited (front-wheel drive) are EPA-estimated at unsurpassed 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway
• Outstanding fuel economy is combined with best-in-class power. The standard 3.5-liter V6 produces 285 horsepower, tops among standard V6 competitors and 20 more horsepower than the outgoing Edge

 

DEARBORN, Mich., July 14, 2010 – The 2011 Ford Edge now will officially offer the best fuel economy with the most power along with class-exclusive technology, dynamic design and improved craftsmanship.

 

The 2011 Ford Edge SEL and Limited, which account for about 80 percent of all Edge sales, are now EPA-estimated at 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (front-wheel drive), which is unsurpassed in each category. The new Edge is now 1 mpg better city and 2 mpg better highway – with even greater power. The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 285 horsepower, best-in-class among V6 competitors and 20 more horsepower than the outgoing Edge.

 

“Providing class-leading fuel economy and power are two of many examples of the improved attributes customers will find in the 2011 Edge,” said Elaine Bannon, Edge chief engineer. “The new Edge demonstrates how a refresh at Ford is much more than just a few tweaks. It’s reworking all the elements, adding more content and improving the look and feel of the vehicle.”

 

2011 Ford Edge vs. the Competition (all models FWD)*

	City	Highway	Combined
2011 Ford Edge SEL and Limited	19	27	22
Toyota Venza	19	26	22
Honda Crosstour	18	27	21
Nissan Murano	18	23	20
Chevrolet Equinox	17	25	20
2010 Ford Edge SEL and Limited	18	25	20

*All numbers EPA-estimated, V6 engines. Best-in-class numbers in bold

 

“The 2011 Ford Edge will deliver V6 horsepower and fuel economy the competition simply can’t beat,” said Amy Marentic, group marketing manager, Ford cars and CUVs. “With up to a 4 mpg advantage over the competition, Edge will give customers the best of both worlds by delivering an engaging, fun-to-drive experience without sacrificing fuel economy. Edge will deliver all this while continuing to provide customers bold, distinctive styling and revolutionary technology highlighted by the industry-first MyFord Touch™ system.”

 

How 2011 Edge earned fuel economy leadership
Advanced engine technology, clever control strategies and a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission combine to create a powertrain that efficiently produces increased levels of power and performance with improved fuel economy. Next-generation tires are key as well.

 

Engineers and designers examined all aspects of the popular midsize crossover and optimized them piece by piece, system by system. This intensive approach to detail has paid dividends.

 

Ford improved in fuel economy more than any major automaker between 2004 and 2009, according to the EPA. The government agency rates Ford’s combined car and truck fuel economy improvement at nearly 20 percent, almost double the next closest competitor.

 

“The key to the performance gains and fuel economy with the 2011 Ford Edge is that we don’t look at power and fuel economy as being mutually exclusive,” said Mazen Hammoud, Edge Powertrain Calibrations manager. “Instead, we focus on optimizing every component, every system and every control in the powertrain for greater overall efficiency, enabling increased power and better performance.”
Here’s a quick look at some of the key reasons why the 2011 Edge delivers class-leading power and fuel economy:

• Advanced technology: New for 2011 is twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT), which allows on-the-fly adjustment to the engine’s airflow for maximum efficiency. This leads to better fuel economy – approximately a 3 to 4 percent improvement from this strategy alone.
• New engine hardware: The 3.5-liter V6 for 2011 Edge adds piston-cooling jets and polished valvetrain buckets and combines them with an improved intake manifold and cylinder head with increased port flow to optimize the system as a whole. The piston-cooling jets spray oil on the underside of the pistons and enable faster oil warm-up and a higher compression ratio. The polished valvetrain buckets reduce friction, which in turn aids fuel economy and also improves durability (wear) of the cam and bucket tappet. The improved intake manifold and cylinder head optimizes engine airflow.
• Lower idle speed: Engine idle speed was reduced from 620 to 600 rpm to save fuel.
• Aerodynamic optimizations: Underbody shielding and tire spoilers were added to help create a more efficient aerodynamic shape. Also, the grille openings were optimized to reduce excess airflow to the engine compartment, thus reducing drag.
• Fuel shutoff: The 2011 Edge employs an aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff control system, which shuts off the engine when the customer doesn’t command engine torque – such as decelerating at freeway speeds.
• Battery management system: The new Edge also uses smart charging. Normally the alternator continuously charges the battery, which wastes energy. Smart charging increases the alternator output when braking or decelerating, converting the vehicle’s motion energy into electric energy without using additional fuel. The recovered energy then goes to recharge the battery so that it can be used later.
• Electrical load shedding: This new feature shuts off devices if they are left on with the key in the accessory position. This saves battery life and keeps the battery from going dead, aiding reliable starts.
• Reliable starts: The one-touch starting in the 2011 Edge enables starts of around seven-tenths of a second with precise fuel delivery for maximum fuel economy and minimal emissions.
• New tires: Both the 2011 Edge SEL and Edge Limited add next-generation 18-inch tires. Just as the new powertrain produces increased power and better fuel economy, the new tires have been engineered to provide better performance and grip while also increasing fuel economy through improved construction and compound.

“The 2011 Ford Edge adds more power and performance with better fuel economy for a better customer experience,” said Bannon.

 

2011 Ford Edge Fact Sheet (PDF)

2011 Ford Edge Brochure

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Here is the 2011 Ford Edge Brochure

 

 

Download the 2011 Ford Edge Brochure (PDF)