2011 Ford Edge - 2010 Chicago Auto Show

What is it?
2011 Ford Edge

What's special about it?
Of Ford's three unveilings at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, only the 2011 Ford Edge will make much of an impact on the company's bottom line.

Not to totally dis the Shelby GT500 and Transit Connect Electric too much, but midsize crossovers are big business, being the de facto mainstream family car of choice for many. Like the face-lifted 2010 Ford Fusion — which serves as the other prong of Ford's family-vehicle strategy — the 2011 Ford Edge gets enough changes to qualify the new model as something a bit more than just a nip-and-tuck job.

The 2011 Ford Edge starts with a choice of three engines in place of the current low-grade, 3.5-liter V6. The one that will make most of the headlines is the turbocharged, direct-injection 2.0-liter inline-4 that Ford files under its EcoBoost brand. Ford isn't giving out any details about this engine, however, as it won't come on stream until the end of this year, six months after the 2011 Edge goes on sale. The most the company will allow is that the EcoBoost engine will be the fuel-economy leader in the segment and that it will be bolted, like the other Edge engine options, to a six-speed automatic transmission. If, as Ford claims, the EcoBoost returns 15 percent higher fuel-efficiency than the current 3.5-liter V6, that would give it something on the order of 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

It's interesting that Ford refers to the forthcoming 2011 version of the current 3.5-liter V6 as the base motor for the vehicle, even though it's gone high-tech with more power and variable valve timing. The new 3.5-liter V6 makes 285 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 20 hp and 3 lb-ft compared to the current version. For its Edge Sport model, Ford is raiding the Mustang's parts bin for a 3.7-liter V6 rated at 305 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. This Mustang V6 also serves as the sole choice for buyers of the Lincoln MKX.

It wouldn't be a face-lift, though, if the new vehicle didn't have a, um, face-lift. And the 2011 Edge has that. New front-end styling mimics the Fusion's big-grille theme but it's, well, bigger. It amounts to a whole lot of chrome. In fact, most panels on the 2011 are different but other than that nose, the vehicle retains the same, basic plump appearance. For 2011, Ford will no longer allow buyers to have 17-inch wheels, because they look so puny on this thing. Instead, buyers will have a choice of 18s and 20s.

Or if you want ridiculously big wheels, you could always opt for the Sport model, which carries distinctly aftermarket-looking two-tone 22-inchers. The Sport also gets its shiny nose covered in "Tuxedo Black," which we suppose is sporty, if looking like a bulldog with an extra-large nose can be considered sporty. Oh, and Sport models get shift paddles for the six-speed automatic, too.

Of greater significance to most buyers is the fact that Ford has acknowledged how poor the braking performance of the current Edge is (something we complained about from the first time we drove one). Ford says it's remedied this shortcoming using pieces from the parts bins for the Flex and Taurus. Specifically, the Edge gets bigger rear brake rotors, different pads, a revised brake booster and a revised pedal ratio. The company claims these changes, along with better tires, will improve brake feel as well as reduce braking distances.

The Edge's rear suspension is also revised to be more like that of the Flex and Taurus — probably a good thing. Ford has also retuned the suspension for a more "engaging" driving experience.

Like the recently unveiled upgraded MKX, the 2011 Ford Edge gets an all-new interior treatment that promises better-quality materials, more acoustic insulation and an all-around classier vibe than the current vehicle's austere interior. Of course, the Edge gets Ford's new MyFord Touch information and entertainment control system, which incorporates reconfigurable screens in the gauge cluster and a big touchscreen in the center console. These are operated by two five-way controllers mounted on the spokes of the steering wheel.

Inside Line says: We're concerned that the Edge's grille might eventually consume the entire vehicle. Otherwise, the changes for 2011 seem pretty good. — Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit