“We made a conscious effort to give the wheels a more fluid, more organic look,” said Hak Soo Ha, exterior design manager of the 2011 Ford Edge, in a release. “We wanted a look that conveys more of a handcrafted, premium treatment to give the new Edge an unmistakable appearance.”
Taken separately, the new 18- and 20-inch wheels are a half-inch wider than the ones on the outgoing models, which helps improve handling. According to Ford, each series – SE, SEL, Limited and Sport – has a unique wheel. Both the SEL and Limited offer an optional chrome-clad wheel.
New for 2011 are class-exclusive 22-inch forged aluminum wheels that are standard and used only on Edge Sport. Complementing the new wheels is a sport-tuned suspension with revised front strut tuning, rear spring rates and rear jounce bumper, which helps stiffen the suspension for a sportier ride.
The tires were designed and engineered specifically for Edge Sport and deliver similar grip levels as those found in a Mustang GT tire combined with all-season performance. The wheels feature a polished finish with painted Tuxedo Black spoke accents.
Ford also match-mounts the tires, which means the wheels are precisely aligned with the tires, and wheel-tire assemblies are centered on precision-machined hub pilots. The wheel/tire/hub assemblies roll truer, which helps eliminate noise and vibration while improving ride comfort.
“Edge customers tell us that styling and technology are key drivers for them, so everything we added for the 2011 Edge had to touch those points,” said Brett Burin, Edge marketing manager. “The new wheel lineup is one of several examples that deliver on those attributes, and something customers will notice immediately.”
Google News