Feast your eyes on the
new Ford Edge ST, the sharpest version of Dearborn's midsize crossover yet.
It's like the existing Edge Sport, only more so.
Under the hood sits the same 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6
as the Edge Sport, but instead of 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, the
Edge ST offers up 335 hp and 380 lb-ft. That puts it closer, in terms of
output, to the Focus RS than to the Focus ST. The engine's also mated to an
eight-speed automatic transmission (instead of the old six-speed slushbox),
with standard all-wheel drive – but while the steering wheel has paddle
shifters, sadly a manual is not available.
It's the most powerful engine that Ford's ever
fitted in this model – edging out, so to speak, the larger 3.5-liter
atmospheric V6 with its 280 hp and 315 lb-ft. And according to the
manufacturer, it's the most powerful V6 offered in its class. The Blue Oval
automaker isn't saying what it'll do, but the Edge Sport could dispatch 0-96 km/h times in about 5.7 seconds and run the quarter-mile in 14.3, and you can expect
to see the new Edge ST better those numbers.
What we do know is that the Edge has been tightened
up all around in ST spec: the suspension, throttle response, shift patterns,
engine braking, exhaust note, and styling have all been sharpened. There's a
more aggressive-looking aero pack, dual exhaust tips, and 21-inch wheels, and
there'll be an upgraded performance brake package offered as well – a good idea
considering the levels of inertia involved in a performance SUV.
Along with the new ST model, Ford has upgraded the
rest of the Edge lineup for 2019 with more safety systems, infotainment
options, and powertrain equipment. Even the base 2.0-liter EcoBoost four now
offers five more horsepower while returning better fuel economy, thanks in no
small part to that eight-speed automatic.
Expect to see the sharpened Edge on show in Detroit
starting next week, in all specifications – including the new ST and the premium Titanium model (in deep red).
