The six-speed automatic will do its share in improving performance and reducing fuel consumption and emissions too, and will do so,
partially at least, by lowering the final drive ratio to 0.74:1. Takeoff is enhanced due to a low 4.48:1 first gear ratio, and thanks to having four cogs in between first and sixth, intervals on the way up through the gears should be smooth and quick, optimizing the engine's power band at all times.
To put all this into a quantifiable perspective, the six-speed is expected to reduce fuel consumption by about seven percent, or in dollars and cents, about $3.50 for every 20-gallon fill.
Samardzich promises the new six-speed will deliver minimized shift hunting and optimized engine speed, while gear whine is said to be dramatically reduced resulting in "superior NVH characteristics".
The electronically shift controlled transmission also features a variable displacement pump, which matches the amount of fluid that gets pushed through the transmission to driver demand, making it more efficient.
Ford also promises great towing characteristics, a regular request from its customer base.
The
transmission was designed to be capable of 300-hp and 250 lb-ft of torque in its current configuration, but Samardzich promises it can be bolstered to handle more if necessary.
So, in effect, the unveiling of Ford's new Edge is in fact a debut of three new blue-oval models, the CUV in question, the sophisticated new 3.5-litre V6, and an all-new state-of-the-art six-speed automatic transmission. To say this is a big day for Ford is an understatement, and depending on how the Edge is received, might spark the turnaround it's been looking for.
Look for the new vertically stacked headlight clusters and three-ribbed chrome grille design language to appear on more Ford cars, crossover, SUVs, pickup trucks, and probably even the Freestar minivan in the near future, a move that in one fell swoop could revitalize interest in the brand and result in much higher revenues. Could profitability be that far away? Again, there are other factors that Ford is plagued with that will stand in the way of a complete turnaround, but it starts with delivering the right product to willing buyers, and so far it seems the Dearborn-based company is on track.
While there is much more to the new Edge than what has been covered in this news story, look to a future preview for a more detailed account with all of the specifications and even more photos in the near future.
 |
| Samardzich promises the new six-speed will deliver minimized shift hunting and optimized engine speed, while gear whine is said to be dramatically reduced resulting in "superior NVH characteristics". (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
To put all this into a quantifiable perspective, the six-speed is expected to reduce fuel consumption by about seven percent, or in dollars and cents, about $3.50 for every 20-gallon fill.
Samardzich promises the new six-speed will deliver minimized shift hunting and optimized engine speed, while gear whine is said to be dramatically reduced resulting in "superior NVH characteristics".
The electronically shift controlled transmission also features a variable displacement pump, which matches the amount of fluid that gets pushed through the transmission to driver demand, making it more efficient.
Ford also promises great towing characteristics, a regular request from its customer base.
The
 |
| To say this is a big day for Ford is an understatement, and depending on how the Edge is received, might spark the turnaround it's been looking for. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
So, in effect, the unveiling of Ford's new Edge is in fact a debut of three new blue-oval models, the CUV in question, the sophisticated new 3.5-litre V6, and an all-new state-of-the-art six-speed automatic transmission. To say this is a big day for Ford is an understatement, and depending on how the Edge is received, might spark the turnaround it's been looking for.
Look for the new vertically stacked headlight clusters and three-ribbed chrome grille design language to appear on more Ford cars, crossover, SUVs, pickup trucks, and probably even the Freestar minivan in the near future, a move that in one fell swoop could revitalize interest in the brand and result in much higher revenues. Could profitability be that far away? Again, there are other factors that Ford is plagued with that will stand in the way of a complete turnaround, but it starts with delivering the right product to willing buyers, and so far it seems the Dearborn-based company is on track.
While there is much more to the new Edge than what has been covered in this news story, look to a future preview for a more detailed account with all of the specifications and even more photos in the near future.
Article Gallery