DEARBORN, MI – When the all-new 2007 Ford Edge and Lincoln Aviator crossover utility vehicles hit the market they will be equipped with Ford Motor Company's newest six-speed, front-wheel-drive automatic transaxle – the 6F. Jointly developed with General Motors and built at Ford's Van Dyke Plant in Sterling Heights, Mich., the 6F will represent Ford's fourth six-speed automatic transmission application. Six-speed automatics, such as the 6F, deliver up to 4 percent improvement in fuel economy compared to traditional four-speed automatics while delivering improved performance. With the introduction of the Ford Edge and Lincoln Aviator, Ford Motor Co. will have 26 models with six-speed automatics in its showrooms. Co-development with GM resulted in a common approach to design and manufacturing engineering. Common suppliers provided the majority of parts to help lower costs, but both companies utilized unique controls and calibrations to tailor the shift feel of the transmission to fit their respective brand characteristics. In addition to trim-ming costs, the collaboration also is credited with shaving about one year off development time. The 6F was designed to cover a wide range of variants. It can handle up to 300 horsepower and 280 ft.-lb. of torque, making it compatible with many different engines.