Our story begins
When the all-new Ford Edge took on the warm Arizona desert, no journalist sitting inside the vehicle asked, “Are we there yet?”
Why? Because Edge is as urban, trendy and beautiful as it is capable of getting you to the edge of civilization, media were more inclined to enjoy the adventure. Stops included the Usry National Park, just 45 minutes away from the hot charcoal asphalt of Phoenix, Arizona. Not surprisingly, when Edge arrives at an otherwise desolate desert, the vehicle – packed with Ford’s innovative technologies – looks right at home loaded with:
- Ten airbags
- Twelve ultrasonic sensors
- 315 hp
- Four cameras
- A 2.7-liter EcoBoost® engine
One open desert road
As media departed, downtown Scottsdale became nothing but a vision in the rearview mirror. Despite two turbochargers and the 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine, sport-tuned suspension and steering, media had to stick to a painful 66 miles-per-hour posted speed limit – but who knows what happens in the middle of the desert?
As the Edge caravan entered historic Tonto National Forest, almost 3 million acres of Saguaro cactus-studded forest and the fifth largest forest in the United States, drivers were able to add their names to the list of more than 5.8 million park visitors annually.
Shoulders composed of dirt, no curbs and only a single yellow line in the middle of the road told drivers what was next. Tonto provided dynamic, winding roads for media as they experienced the precise, confident and fun-driving dynamics of the all-new Edge. The benefits of an all-new platform and body structure were evident with each turn and dip in the road. An all-new multilink rear suspension kept Edge planted and the drivers confident to take on the next turn with ease, as did the improved steering and precision.
With Lane Keeping System, the Edge stayed centered in the road. And when it was time to change lanes, the available Blind Spot Information System indicator shone yellow to alert drivers to objects in their blind spot.
Edge also excelled at delivering power precisely where and how it was needed. It’s one thing to offer a lot of power but it’s quite another feat to know where to send it and when. The Edge isn’t a tire-smoking hot rod, but it uses power wisely through the Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive, an available option on some Edge models.
Another bonus
Even from the center of bustling Scottsdale, the solitude of the desert can be experienced inside the all-new Edge, which creates a dynamic sanctuary with new levels of interior quietness. An acoustic windshield and side glass, a 360-degree hood seal and even new wheel liners were designed to minimize road and wind noise. If there’s a way for noise to get into the cabin, it’s been addressed and sealed in the 2015 Edge.
This dynamic sanctuary also kept the harsh desert environment out while inviting the scenic serenity in through a panoramic vista roof and fixed rear skylight. The Titanium interior is available in three colors – Ebony, Ceramic and Cognac – while the Sport model offers Ebony leather with suede inserts that provide grip and elegance.
Our story ends…for now
As the city limit came back into view, reminders of civilization emerged, including finding a parking spot in Scottsdale’s crowded shopping district. With Enhanced Active Park Assist, the Edge took care of that, too, backing with ease into a spot. After buying treasures from the Scottsdale Arts Festival, hands-free power liftgate made for easy loading into the back of the vehicle.
Who knew Edge would get along so well in the deserts of Arizona and city streets of Scottsdale, taking on any challenge the road sent its way? For being an Edge, it sure is well-rounded.
To see real-time images from the media drive, search Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #FordEdge.