07 Ford Edge Concept Ford Drives on Edge of Technology Curve by Casey Williams (7/07) www.car-data.com At the North American International Auto Show, General Motors introduced the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid concept. Any way you look at it, the Volt is a radical step into the future, but one that is still based in the present. On January 23, at the Washington auto show, Ford showed the nation’s elite that it isn’t standing dead presidents on their edge while GM takes over the market. It unveiled the world’s first drivable fuel cell plug-in hybrid vehicle.

Said Gerhard Schmidt, V.P. of research and advanced engineering for Ford, “This vehicle offers Ford the ultimate in flexibility in researching advanced propulsion technology. We could take the fuel cell power system out and replace it with a down-sized diesel, gasoline engine or any other powertrain connected to a small electric generator to make electricity like the fuel cell does now.”

As demonstrated in the Ford Edge concept, a 336-volt lithium-ion battery pack powers the plug-in hybrid. It can drive the first 25 miles solely on electricity, but after that, the hydrogen fuel cell begins charging the batteries to extend range to 225 miles. Ford claims that drivers who travel less than 50 miles each day will experience 80 mpg. Like pure electric cars, plug-in hybrids are charged at home.

Even without an exotic hydrogen/electric propulsion system, the 2007 Ford Edge is a great crossover utility vehicle (CUV). Based on the responsive Mazda 6 platform that also underpins the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln MKZ sedans, the Edge drives like the tall car it is. Power comes from a 265-horsepower 3.5-litre V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission delivering plenty of energy to scoot down the freeway. Fuel economy of 17/24 mpg (with optional all-wheel-drive) is frugal when compared to truck-based SUVs.

Nothing will ever shock the automotive world like the original Taurus, but the Edge shines with a very modern design that is anything but boring. Up front is Ford’s corporate three-bar chrome grille with foot-sized blue oval logo. Clear-lens headlamps that step into the fender look upscale and give the front character. From there, the body sweeps back into a tall wagon profile that ends in large wrap-around taillamps. The design is not shocking, but at the same time, it takes a big step into the next decade.

Take an easy step into the tall seats to experience a starship command post. Loaded with a tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated leather seats, automatic climate control, in-dash navigation, audiophile CD sound system, and what must be the world’s largest retractable sunroof, the Edge provides comfort and entertainment. Five people have no trouble fitting inside the fresh-looking cabin. As with the outside, the interior’s style is modern in form and materials without being over the top. Very nice.

Ford needs the Edge to halt its slide in the marketplace, as the days of the Taurus and Explorer topping the best-seller list have come and gone. Even if the Edge doesn’t succeed in stopping ever-tougher competitors, everybody in Dearborn, MI should be proud of what they accomplished. The Edge looks, feels, and rides great while delivering a fresh take on versatile transportation. Base prices for the SEL AWD models start at 30,720, but our loaded test vehicle came to $36,165. Competitors include the Nissan Murano, Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Chrysler Pacifica.