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Artificial Intelligence AWD Now Available For 2019 Ford Edge

Technology is getting more complex at a fast-track pace, be it the world of smartphones, medical equipment, or the automotive industry. Ford, for example, would like us to know that the all-wheel-drive system in the Edge now features “a form of artificial intelligence that can calculate quicker than the human brain.”
2019 Ford Edge ST 34 photos
Photo: Ford
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As long as the AWD doesn’t go all HAL 9000 from 2001: A Space Odyssey on us, you could say the Ford is investing where it counts considering that crossovers and SUVs are in demand. The question is, how does artificial intelligence help in this application?

The element upon which the system relies is something called fuzzy logic, referring to the software algorithm that processes just about everything in regard to traction. Dozens of high-tech sensors tell the disconnecting mechanism when to go two- or all-wheel drive, determining in 10 milliseconds if the vehicle needs to switch between the two modes.

Up to 100 percent of the torque can be sent from the front to the rear wheels, even in the case of the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6-powered Edge ST. “There are similar systems out there, but none quite like this,” explains Scott Beiring, Ford driveline applications supervisor. “The fact that we’re able to switch seamlessly and without any input from the driver, that’s the real magic.”

The switch from Intelligent AWD to artificial intelligence-driven all-wheel drive helps the Edge in terms of fuel economy as well. The EPA-estimated ratings are 23 mpg combined, with the FWD-only configuration capable of 25 miles per gallon on the combined cycle.

When equipped with the EcoBoost V6, the Ford Performance-developed sport utility vehicle is much obliged to return 21 miles per gallon (19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway). Regardless of engine option, the Edge makes use of an eight-speed automatic transmission with active warm-up.

Arriving in U.S. showrooms this month, the 2019 Ford Edge doesn’t have a price for the time being. The 2018 starts at $29,315, and from what we’ve heard through the grapevine, the ST could retail from $43,350 including destination.
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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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