The Ford Edge crossover utility vehicle is expected to be one of the stars of the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. Edge's bold, American design will turn heads in the CUV market - the fastest-growing vehicle segment - in a year that CUV sales are expected to surpass traditional SUVs. "Much like Fusion has done for the mid-size sedan, the new Ford Edge will inject a healthy dose of American design and personality into the hot crossover market," says Peter Horbury, Ford's executive director of North America Design. Edge is powered by Ford's new 3.5-liter V-6 engine and new 6-speed automatic transmission - which help deliver a dynamic driving character and impressive fuel economy. Edge goes on sale in fourth quarter 2006. (12/07/05)

http://www.autodeadline.com/detail?s...82598&mime=JPG

Basically a raised version of the Fusion. I like it. Looks like the powertrain will be very competitive with the imports.

 

I think it looks fine for a SUV . . .

 

So where is this truck going to be positioned?? Above the Escape??

 

I'd guess so.

Compact CUV: Escape, RAV4, CRV, Tucson

Midsize CUV: Edge, Highlander, Pilot, Murano, Santa Fe

Midsize SUV: Explorer, Pathfinder, 4Runner

Fullsize SUV: Expedition, Armada, Sequoia

 

Ummm, what about the Freestyle? Won't the two cars be targeted towards the same market??

 

Damn, forgot all about the Freestyle.

I tend to think of the Freestyle as a fullsize CUV. Kind of like the 500/Avalon/Azera of CUVs.

The Freestyle needs the 3.5L V6 badly though. The current 3.0L is anemic for a vehicle of that size (200 inches). I'm sure that they'll put the 3.5 V6 in there as soon as this engine goes into production.

 

I would put the Pilot in the SUV category.
And change the compact CUV to Compact SUV... They aren't really crossover vehicles.
(The Pacifica... new Highlander etc is/will be crossover vehicles)

 

The way I see it:

If it's car-based it's a CUV.

If it's truck-based it's a SUV.

 

I dont understand the fascination with the American auto makers in brining out all these ridiculous models that dont sell well. They should focus on making their current lineup better rather than have 30 different crap models.

 

Is this the new design look from Ford??? Somewhat following the trends of Cadillac in a constant similar design cue, especially the front end. The only company I can see that can pull this off is Audi......Other than that nothing good to say about Ford, but "Good-Luck!"