[Seminole]

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/2...ybrid-100-mpg/

Your eyes do not deceive you – the sleek, pretty, low-slung sedan you see above is indeed the 2013 Ford Fusion. But don't think that the 2013 Fusion is all beauty and no brains. Ford is preparing the new Fusion, as well as its Hybrid and Energi fuel-mizing siblings, to be the most fuel-efficient, best-driving, tech-packed range of sedans in the mid-size segment.

Thanks to vehicles like the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima, we've seen that mid-size sedans don't necessarily have to be conservatively styled three-box appliances, and this new Fusion is certainly a looker. Combining elements of the Ford Evos concept, not to mention a front fascia that's decidedly Aston Martin-esque in approach, the Fusion has a wide, flat stance with strong character lines down the side that wrap around to a sleek rear end. Clearly the design builds upon the Kinetic language of the European Mondeo rather than the Fusion we've lived with in North America since 2010.

The standard Fusion – available in S, SE and Titanium trims – will be available with three engines. The base mill is a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four with 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque, mated solely to a six-speed automatic transmission. We're sure it's a fine powerplant, but our interest is more settled on the next two: a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four with 179 hp and 172 lb-ft, and the range-topping 2.0-liter EcoBoost four with 237 hp and 250 lb-ft. Both engines can be had with the same six-speed automatic, though the smaller 1.6-liter engine can be mated to a six-speed manual box. Front-wheel drive is standard across the board, but top-of-the-line Fusions with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine can be had with all-wheel drive.

Like many other automakers, Ford is ditching a V6 for an all-four-cylinder lineup. That's par for the course these days, and with the Fusion weighing in at just over 3,300 pounds (loaded, AWD Fusions will likely weigh as much as 3,600 pounds), fuel economy is expected to be best-in-class. Ford hasn't released complete – or official – economy numbers, but Fusions equipped with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine (complete with start/stop technology) are expected to achieve 26/37 miles per gallon city/highway, while front-wheel-drive, 2.0-liter-equipped cars should net around 23/33 mpg.

But if fuel economy is your thing, Ford has two even more efficient examples of the 2013 Fusion. Their names? Hybrid and Energi.
The good news is, aside from some different wheel options and badging and trim changes, the Hybrid and Energi models are just as sleek and sophisticated as the rest of the 2013 Fusion lineup. The Hybrid will launch with the rest of the Fusion range in the fall of 2012, while the Energi will arrive a little later.

In the Hybrid (above), power comes from a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-four – downsized from the 2.5-liter unit in the current Fusion Hybrid. Total output is estimated at 185 hp and 130 lb-ft, running to the front wheels via an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. The Hybrid runs on 17-inch wheels wrapped in low-rolling-resistance tires, and Ford expects the car to achieve up to 47 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway. That not only bests the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid, but also gets dangerously close to Prius territory. Ford says that the Fusion Hybrid will be able to operate at speeds up to 62 mph without spinning the engine (think: highway coasting).

The Fusion Energi (above) uses that same powerplant at its core, but with a plug-in hybrid system that allows for short amounts of pure electric driving. As of this writing, there's still a lot of unknown factors about the Fusion Energi – pure electric range, charging time, etc. – but Ford expects the Energi to achieve up to 100 mpge (miles per gallon equivalent), which is 8 MPGe better than the Chevrolet Volt. The Fusion Energi should have a cruising range of about 500 miles.

No matter what powertrain, the 2013 Fusion's interior is sure to impress. While not as stylish as say the Sonata or Optima, the Ford's cabin is still comfortable and elegant, combining high amounts of soft-touch materials with plenty of sound-deadening and nicely grained plastics. We had the opportunity to sit in an early pre-production Fusion, and even then, things felt spacious and comfortable, though that swooping roofline leaves a bit to be desired in the way of rear headroom.

As for technology, Ford will be packing the 2013 Fusion full of the latest gadgets. Naturally, the second-generation MyFord Touch infotainment system will be available, as will driver aids like adaptive cruise control, a lane-keeping system with drowsy driving detection, blind-spot monitoring, hill start assist and active park assist.

Pricing information for the 2013 Fusion will be revealed closer to the car's on-sale date this fall. Look for the new Fusion to show up elsewhere in the world as the Mondeo, which will be introduced later in 2012. For now, scroll down to read the full details about the 2013 Fusion in Ford's press release, and stay tuned to our Detroit Auto Show coverage for live impressions direct from Cobo Hall.

New Ford Fusion Brings More Technology, Expected Triple Crown of Best-in-Class Gas, Hybrid, Plug-In Efficiency

• New Ford Fusion is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, each with expected top fuel economy, underscoring Ford's commitment to give customers the power of choice

• With seven must-have technologies, including a Lane Keeping System, adaptive cruise control, active park assist and MyFord Touch®, the all-new Ford Fusion shows how Ford is delivering features customers truly want and value

• Customers can choose from Fusion's widest-ever portfolio of fuel-efficient powertrain options including EcoBoost™, hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines; automatic and manual transmission offerings and auto start-stop technology

• Revealed in North America as the midsize Fusion sedan, this all-new car signals the next-generation Ford Mondeo for world markets

DETROIT, Jan. 9, 2012 – Ford's all-new Fusion brings alive the next generation of more expressive vehicles from Ford and is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions – each expected to deliver top fuel economy and an engaging driving experience.

Featuring a sleek silhouette and fresh face, the all-new Fusion is the latest in a series of vehicles from Ford – following the 2011 Fiesta subcompact and 2012 Focus small cars – developed to satisfy customers everywhere looking for leading fuel efficiency, helpful technologies and game-changing looks.

"Our vision for Fusion was clear – deliver the very best of what 'One Ford' stands for," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product Development. "We brought our global teams together around a blank slate with the charge to develop a midsize car with ground- breaking design and jaw-dropping fuel economy – one that featured technologies to help make our customers safer and better drivers. This car is the result."

Fusion is revealed in North America in S, SE and range-topping Titanium series and points to the next Ford Mondeo for world markets.

For more information on the importance of the midsize car market, please follow this link:

Triple-crown fuel efficiency

New Fusion is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy across customers' choice of gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid sub-segments, delivering on Ford's commitment to be the fuel-efficiency leader – or among the leaders – with each new model brought to market.

Fusion brings the broadest selection of fuel-efficient powertrains in the midsize car segment. It offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid alternatives, a pair of EcoBoost™ four-cylinder engines, a normally aspirated four-cylinder engine, an automatic start stop system to shut off the engine at stationary idle, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive applications, and a choice between automatic and manually shifted six-speed transmissions.

The 1.6-liter EcoBoost is expected to deliver best-in-class four-cylinder non-hybrid fuel efficiency of 26 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine – paired with a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission, available 19-inch wheels and tires and all-wheel drive with the ability to send additional torque to the rear – is the Fusion performance option.

The Fusion Hybrid – 2010 North American Car of the Year – continues to innovate and evolve with all-new lithium-ion batteries that save weight and generate more power than previous nickel-metal hydride batteries, while raising maximum speed under electric-only power from 47 mph to 62 mph.

Fusion Hybrid also features an all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine, significantly downsized from the previous 2.5-liter unit while maintaining performance standards. This innovative powertrain is anticipated to deliver best-in-class fuel economy of 47 mpg in city driving and 44 mpg on the highway.

Fusion Hybrid fuel economy stands to outperform the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid by 4 mpg city and 5 mpg highway and the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid by 12 mpg and 4 mpg, respectively.

Topping the fuel-efficiency ladder is the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, aiming to be the most fuel-efficient midsize car in the world. Arriving this fall, Fusion Energi is anticipated to deliver more than 100 MPGe, a mile per gallon equivalency metric for electrified vehicles. This is 8 MPGe more than the Chevrolet Volt and 13 MPGe more than the projected efficiency of the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid model.

The next-generation Fusion 1.6-liter is the first automatic-transmission Ford product offered with an automatic start-stop system. It shuts off engine power smoothly when the car is stopped and seamlessly restarts as the driver releases the brake pedal, helping Fusion to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by approximately 3.5 percent.

Fusion looks out for you

The all-new Fusion offers an unprecedented portfolio of driver assistance and convenience technologies based on sensors, cameras and radar that enable the car to see and respond.

Fusion can help drivers maintain proper lane position, adjust vehicle speed to changing traffic conditions, identify suitable parking spaces and help park, even aiding drivers backing out of parking space where visibility is obstructed. Specific technologies include:

• Lane Keeping System: This class-exclusive technology consists of three elements to help a driver maintain proper lane position. Using a small, forward-facing camera behind the inside rearview mirror, the system "looks" down the road, monitoring lane lines to determine that the car is on course. The system will alert a driver if drowsiness or erratic lane-keeping is detected. The second element warns a driver with a steering wheel vibration if the Fusion drifts too close to lane markings. Finally, lane keeping aid will actually apply pressure on the steering to help bring the car back into proper lane position

• Adaptive cruise control: Using forward-looking radar, this system "looks" down the road when activated, slowing the Fusion when slower traffic is detected ahead. Adaptive cruise control enables collision warning with brake support to help slow the car if the potential of a crash is detected

• Active park assist: Employing sensors, this technology can identify a suitable parallel parking space, calculate the trajectory and steer the car to properly position it within the spot. All a driver need do is operate accelerator and brake pedals

• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert: Sensors in both Fusion rear quarter-panels are able to detect traffic in a driver's blind spot, providing both audible and visual warnings if traffic – unseen by the driver – is detected. BLIS technology enables cross-traffic alert, warning the driver of oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space with obstructed views, such as between two large vans

The power of voice

The all-new Fusion offers the latest iteration of Ford's award-winning, industry-exclusive SYNC® communications and entertainment system, which enables voice-activated communication through a driver's mobile phone and interaction with the car's audio system.

Fusion also offers the latest version of MyFord Touch®, allowing a driver to interact with vehicle systems through voice control, a touch screen tap or a conventional button.

Both SYNC and MyFord Touch – powered by SYNC – help reduce the potential for driver distraction through voice-controlled functionality, allowing drivers to keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Different, by design

"The previous Fusion was an easy purchase for a customer to rationalize," said Chris Hamilton, chief exterior designer for the next-generation model. "Our design goal for the new car was to give the mainstream sedan buyer a top-drawer visual experience, adding some emotional appeal to an already sensible choice."

These five elements provided direction for the design team behind the all-new Fusion:

• Silhouette innovation: Fusion's sleek profile sets it apart from the powertrain/cabin/trunk "three-box" designs synonymous with midsize sedans

• Perceived efficiency: Fusion character lines sweeping to the rear and thin roof pillars suggest the car is nimble and light on its feet

• Refined surface language: Fusion demonstrates that a tasteful, well-executed design does not require add-ons or visual clutter

• Technical graphics: Fusion's functional design elements such as headlamps, LED taillamps and polished exhaust tips communicate enhanced technological capability

• New face: Fusion signals the next evolution in Ford global design language for midsize cars and smaller

Inside, the new Fusion offers a sporty, driver-oriented environment with next-generation seating that brings expanded functionality. A higher center console supports the driver-centric theme and yields clever storage for items a driver wants to keep handy.

Additional passenger space was designed-in by moving the instrument panel toward the windshield, contributing to the cabin's airy, open environment. Thinner, lighter frames support comfortable next-generation seats trimmed with fabric using recycled sustainable yarns.

Craftsmanship plus dynamics equals feel

Fusion design delivers on the promise of high visual quality, with improved materials, elevated levels of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Interior surfaces are softer to the touch and interior and exterior gaps are minimized, while extra care has been taken to upholster or cover each edge and every surface a customer can touch. When the trunk lid is opened, for example, a spring-loaded cover automatically conceals the trunk latch hardware.

"The holistic goal of our craftsmanship process is to see that Fusion not only delivers a superior visual experience but also feels like quality to the customer," said Adrian Whittle, Fusion chief engineer.

Key contributors to how the Fusion feels are the ride and handling components that maximize vehicle dynamics.

"This really is a driver's car," said John Jraiche, program manager. "Fusion is even more fun to drive with specially tuned electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), a MacPherson strut front suspension and an all-new premium-level multilink rear suspension – comparable to Audi and BMW configurations."

Careful tuning by Ford's vehicle handling and ride team has yielded a Fusion with a dynamic character that will please a well-seasoned enthusiast while increasing the confidence level of less-experienced drivers.

Fusion interior quiet reaches a new level with acoustic underbody shields and weight-saving sound-absorption material; both minimize road and powertrain noise while boosting aerodynamic efficiency to help save fuel. The all-new model adds content such as a full-perimeter hood seal to be among the midsize sedan segment leaders in giving drivers a quiet ride.

Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi models also are equipped with active noise control. This feature uses the audio system to mitigate extraneous road noise while enhancing powertrain sounds.

Strength and safety

Fusion is designed with customer safety in mind. Engineers increased its body strength by 10 percent, using more high-strength steels such as boron, and added dual first-row knee airbags and adaptive front airbags that vent and tether to conform to a specific occupant's size, position and seatbelt usage.

The Fusion safety team targeted top-of-the-line ratings in each public domain safety benchmark, including National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ratings, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick and top ratings in world markets where the car will be sold.

The most prominent example is Fusion's front-end architecture, as the same car must face simultaneous – and seemingly conflictive – standards across regions. The car's front end is equipped to meet head-on and offset barrier standards for North America while still conforming to European standards for pedestrian protection – thanks to hours of computer modeling and 180 validating crash tests.

Fusion will be produced at Ford's Hermosillo, Mexico, manufacturing facility, soon adding production at AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The car will appear in Ford showrooms in North America and South America later this year. Mondeo will be introduced next year in Asia and Europe.

[hks786]

Looks really good. The front is basically Aston Martin and rear is Jaguar XF but it's still nice. The current model (Mondeo over here) is nice but I dont like the rear end much or the wheel arches. This new model looks a lot sleeker. Inside is an improvement too.

[KingOfJericho]

Looks very Mondeo-esque. Finally! It really does look WAY too much like an Aston. Don't get me wrong, it's cool as shit but you could put that nose on a Kia and I would say the same thing. The rear also has the lights off a Maserati Granturismo. None of this is bad.

[kyleb350]

[NewNole2001]

Man, I drive a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and have a 328i convertible that I'm taking PCD on Feb 10, but I'd be lying if I said that Fusion doesn't intrigue me.

If I had some extra money lying around, I'd order one as a city car and knock my e93 lease down to 10k miles/year since I haven't signed on it yet. Oh well..

[Silver-Bolt]

Looks Good. Noe bring out the SVT version.

[Bunkei]

No stick on the 2.0t ecoboost?? Boo!! Ford is definitely serious about taking it to the Camcords. The overall package is definitely more appealing than the new '12 Camry (such bizarre styling!!) and is up there with the Kia Optima/Hyundai Sonata; just with a better and more sophisticated hybrid system.

If the new Atkinson-cycle four cylinder delivers on the 47/44 mpg claims, then it would definitely rain on just about every other mainstream sedan's hybrids' parade. Hard to believe such high numbers with a healthy 185 hp. We'll see soon enough...

[ragingclue]

Originally Posted by Bunkei

If the new Atkinson-cycle four cylinder delivers on the 47/44 mpg claims, then it would definitely rain on just about every other mainstream sedan's hybrids' parade. Hard to believe such high numbers with a healthy 185 hp. We'll see soon enough...

Yeah but the current Fusion hybrid is also a class leader in balance between economy and HP, isn't it? Aren't they just raising their own bar?

[NewNole2001]

Originally Posted by ragingclue

Yeah but the current Fusion hybrid is also a class leader in balance between economy and HP, isn't it? Aren't they just raising their own bar?

Yeah, the 0-60 is around 9 seconds. I did a 0-100 run once when the car was newer and it was around 23 seconds, which I figured was not too bad for a car that can carry four people comfortably and get 40-45 mpg in the city if you know what you're doing.

There is definitely an art to driving a hybrid for best gas mileage.. and I have yet to fully grasp that art after 32 months I just got 44.5 mpg on a 5 mile drive, but barely eeked out 31 on the drive from my house to that restaurant because the engine refused to shut down while it warmed up the emissions system.

Yeah yeah yeah, "eeked" out 31 mpg on a 5 mile city drive with 20 stoplights (I got stopped about 10 of them...........)

Oh yeah, the auto stop/start feature of the new F30 is going to save as much gas as any Hybrid system (electric/hydraulic/concentrated unicorn farts) will save if you drive in the city a lot.

[immiketoo]

I like the direction Ford is heading...

[MisterSkiMask]

I like it, Ford is stepping it up everywhere.

[Sylon]

I like the looks, especially the Aston front end. But the engine choices are a disappointment. With an aggressive look like that, its almost criminal to give it such weak engines. I hope they make a performance version somehow.

[NewNole2001]

Originally Posted by Sylon

I like the looks, especially the Aston front end. But the engine choices are a disappointment. With an aggressive look like that, its almost criminal to give it such weak engines. I hope they make a performance version somehow.

I disagree, but only b/c of the target market. It's a mass market mid-sized sedan, and they're offering an engine choice with 237 HP. The market their going for is going to be more interested in better gas mileage than 0-60 times.

/IMHO

[kyleb350]

Originally Posted by Sylon

I like the looks, especially the Aston front end. But the engine choices are a disappointment. With an aggressive look like that, its almost criminal to give it such weak engines. I hope they make a performance version somehow.

The only option, it seems, would be the 3.5L Ecoboost engine (w/ AWD).

[ragingclue]

Originally Posted by NewNole2001

I disagree, but only b/c of the target market. It's a mass market mid-sized sedan, and they're offering an engine choice with 237 HP. The market their going for is going to be more interested in better gas mileage than 0-60 times.

/IMHO

Yeah I don't think we'd see a huge market for a hopped up FWD based midsize sedan, which is also available as a hybrid.

237 HP is plenty in this car IMO. Sure competitors may offer more power, but they also prove that putting that much power in a car like this is a moot point. Now, if they provided a tricked out AWD system, significant rework of the suspension and brakes, and a more performance-friendly transmission, I might consider it. However, that is quite a bit of work, and I'm pretty sure people would start balking at the price at that point. Doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me.

[Q4P]

Not bad... not feeling the gauges or steering wheel which still stink of Ford but otherwise; it is certainly a step in the right direction. Ford is the only American manufacturer doing their thing.

[Jadar]

Originally Posted by immiketoo

I like the direction Ford is heading...

+1. Proud to work for FoMoCo.

[ken1137]

Ford is making huge improvements, but this is still a Ford sedan. I personally would only buy a Mustang or Truck from Ford, too bad an F150 wont fit in my garage.

[infinitekidM2C]

not bad; wish the grill was cleaner though

[TimZ]

Wow this actually looks really good and sounds promising with engine choices

[just4kickz]

like

[TonyMeister]

Not the most imaginative design, but looks great.