The ongoing Chicago Auto Show is an event for automakers to show off their newest rides. Concept vehicles and production vehicles have already been unveiled at the said motor show and that includes Dearborn automaker Ford's customized Ford Edge Sport.

The unveiling of the said vehicle marks the first time that the public will see juts how much Ford has revised the crossover vehicle. The mid-size crossover will be made available to consumers for the 2009 model year.

John Felice, general manager of Ford Division, had this to say: "The new Ford Edge Sport is designed to instantly appeal to crossover customers who want a sportier custom look and feel. This specialty design reflects the growing popularity of personalization and more customers' interest in industry shows like the annual Hot Import Nights around the country and the Specialty Equipment Market Association Show in Las Vegas."

The addition of the Sport trim to the midsize crossover lineup means that there will be a wider choice for vehicle shoppers especially those looking at Ford dealerships. Apart from the new Sport trim level, the Ford Edge comes in the SE, SEL, and Limited versions.

Last year, Ford reported that they have delivered 130,125 units of the Ford Edge to consumers across the United States. That sales figure makes the Ford Edge crossover one of the best selling vehicles in its class. The addition of features to make the Edge sportier is expected to draw in consumers into Ford dealerships in the country.

The sportier Edge is offered with 22-inch polished aluminum wheels as optional equipment. Its standard wheel is a 20-inch premium painted wheels. The availability of the 22-inch wheels for the Ford Edge Sport is the first of its kind for a crossover. And since Ford is trying to catch up with Japanese automakers in terms of reliability, the vehicle's reliability can be expected to be very competitive to European vehicles which come with their own Volkswagen paper repair manual.

The unveiling of the sporty Edge though signifies something according to Mark Fields, president for The Americas at Ford. "While custom-made to appeal to customers, Edge Sport is smart business," said Fields. "The aftermarket industry has grown to a $40 billion annual business, and crossovers are the fastest-growing vehicle segment in the U.S. We want customers who crave something special to know that Ford can customize their Edge – right at the factory."