The latest concept from Ford unveiled at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show showcases a plethora of driver assist and semi automated features while foreshadowing the styling cues of the second gen Ford Edge
Edgier Ford Edge Concept
The Ford Edge came to market in the late fall of 2006 as a 2007 model. Since that time, it received a mild exterior and interior facelift for the 2011 model year but has remained basically unchanged since then.
With increased sales as well as competition in the mid-size crossover utility segment as well as the fact that eight years in the auto business is an eternity, Ford's entry is overdue for an extreme makeover.
It looks as though the powers-that-be in Dearborn also feel this way, as evidenced by the company's lone reveal at the 2013 LA Auto Show.
Exterior
Outside and from the front, the Copper Flame Edge Concept presents itself as a mini-me version of the larger Ford Explorer. A three-bar version of Ford's signature trapezoidal grille is flanked by narrow LED headlights, while below and split by a narrow body-colored bumper band is an aggressive lower air intake.
Its Explorer-esque looks continue along the sides until reaching the C-pillar. Here, things morph into an anglicized version of the company's kinetic design, where a pair of narrow horizontal taillamps, connected by a narrow "racetrack" light band, tie the newest Edge to the latest generation models of the Fiesta, Focus and Fusion sedans as well as the smaller Escape SUV.
Interior
The interior of this concept also appears to be close to production-ready. In particular, the dash, center stack and instrument pod all appear to be the next logical step in Ford's progression as a manufacturer that produces world-class interiors.
Soft black leather-covered dash and upper surfaces contrast nicely with white leather seats and lower trim pieces.
Additional interior elements include:
• Leather-wrapped and hand-stitched instrument panel
• 10-inch touch screen center display with MyFord Touch
• Dynamic center stack with premium mechanical switchgear
• Unique gear shifter
• Bright work on the armrest, door-release bezel and air registers
• Floating binnacle top
• Unique steering wheel
• Scuff plate with bright silver finish, matte black paint and LED-lit “Edge”
Technology
In addition to being more than a styling exercise, the Edge Concept also features a number of sensor-based technologies that "hint at a future offering even more intelligent and capable vehicles from Ford."
These include:
• Fully assisted parking aid: a prototype technology that lets customers park their vehicles at the touch of a button, or even by remote control
• Advanced obstacle avoidance systems: the vehicle is able to issue warnings if it detects slow-moving or stationary obstacles in the same lane ahead. If the driver fails to steer or brake following the warnings, the system will automatically steer and brake the vehicle to avoid a collision.
• Adaptive steering: this technology controls the relationship between how much the driver turns the wheel and how much the road wheels turn. This means that low-speed steering – such as pulling into or out of a parking space – requires much less turning of the wheel.
Under the hood
Although Ford will only state that the Edge Concept is equipped with a next-generation EcoBoost engine, we know it's equipped with start-stop technology as well as a "new high-tech application of Active Grille Shutters."
While they automatically open and close to maintain engine operating temperature and maximize aerodynamic efficiency, their operation on the concept is unique:
When activated, a panel slips down from above, and then two more move into place, appearing as if they radiate from the Ford oval. The brighter finish gives a stunning contrast to the black background.
In addition, air curtains are located on the lower part of the front fascia and, combined with ducting, are designed to channel air from the front of the vehicle out through the front wheel wells and down the vehicle's sides.