LexFather

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/0...-dubs/













Ford has been desperately short of hit products in recent years, one of the exceptions being the Edge. With that in mind, Ford is keen on capitalizing on that popularity in much the same way as they have with the Mustang: variants. Ford is adding the Edge Sport to the roster, which incorporates a package of visual enhancements that don't really do too much to improve the sport factor. It does, however, look pretty cool and it gives Dearborn the opportunity to cash in on some of the potential profit margin that presently goes straight to dealers and third-party tuners.

Edge Sport gets the big-wheel look, with painted 20-inchers coming as standard equipment and polished 22" units being an extra-cost option. The obligatory body kit includes sill extensions and lower valences front and rear. The headlights and taillights also get a factory dress-up via smoked gray lenses. Inside, the seat materials are upgraded. One odd note centers around the trim adorning the vents in the instrument panel. The ones in the center stack have chrome trim while those at the outer ends of the dash have a matte grey finish. The bodywork of the Edge Sport will be available in blue, red, silver or black. The look is clean and attractive, and the blue photo car's visual accoutrements remind us of of the Mercury Milan VOGA that was shown in Miami back in '06. That's no bad thing, though we'd love to see this exact car with an EcoBoost V6 underhood, to give that "Sport" moniker some real teeth. The Ford press release is pasted after the jump.

farquad

that doesn't look half bad

BLK98GS3

I agree. The car isn't that bad looking.

JonSC4

iTrader: (2)

Big wheels will save Ford!

Stage3

iTrader: (3)

Looks awesome!

97-SC300

iTrader: (17)

what is the advantage of such large wheels? I can only think of downsides.... tire cost, worse fuel economy, slower pickup,etc...

RI-Lex

iTrader: (4)

doesn't look bad at all, I don't think it will help sales though.

tuan92129

outrageous tire replacement COST for an econobox car

dunnojack

i never understood.

bigger tires should be cheaper. it has less rubber.

wouldn't that be great if that were really the case?

-J-P-L-

The 2009 Edge AWD Sport starts at $35,605. Econobox???

That makes the Lexus ES, IS, & RX econoboxes.

I'd like to know how much money you make to consider $35K an economy car.

-J-P-L-

No, a lot of their great new product will.

LexBob2

The Edge is selling well for Ford.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

you need to check out an Edge. you might be surprised. great ride, nice interior, SUPER quiet, good looking. and 'sync' blows away the lexus audio/av/nav.

i think the Edge looks WAY better than the new RX - i'm sad to say, as i've loved the RX until this new one.

LexFather

I think what he is trying to say is while the MSRP of the Edge is high, they don't sell for that price and people might not be prepared to spend that much money for 22" replacement tires.

Its not just the Edge, its amazing the conversations I have with people who are not gear nuts who bish about tire prices. Then you realize their Altima, Accord, etc has 17" and 18" wheels etc.

People like the looks of big wheels but totally forget they are not priced like the 15 and 16" wheels they have ridden on for years.

CDNROCKIES

Just my opinion, but I think the OEM MKX wheels look way better than these.