2010 Ford Fusion + hybrid version unveiled

[TraumaRN]

2010 Ford Fusion

[Source: Ford]

PRESS RELEASE:

NEW 2010 FORD FUSION, FUSION HYBRID OFFER LEADING FUEL EFFICIENCY, SMART NEW TECHNOLOGIES

? For the 2010 model year, the new Ford Fusion lineup expands to include an all-new hybrid model that offers class-leading fuel economy, besting the Toyota Camry hybrid by at least 5 mpg in the city; innovative new SmartGauge? with EcoGuide coaches hybrid drivers to maximize fuel efficiency

? Fusion will offer three fuel-efficient gasoline engine options ? the Duratec 2.5-liter I-4 and enhanced 3.0-liter V-6 and 3.5-liter V-6 Duratec engines. Fusions equipped with the 2.5-liter I-4 engine are expected to deliver at least 3 mpg better on the highway than the Honda Accord and 2 mpg better than the Toyota Camry. The 3.5-liter V-6 powers the all-new Fusion Sport model

? Class-exclusive features, including Ford SYNC?, SIRUIS® TravelLink?, BLIS? (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross Traffic Alert and Sony-branded audio set Fusion apart from other mid-size sedans

? The 2010 Ford Fusion will be available in dealer showrooms in spring 2009

As if that doesnt sound interesting enough...here are some of the specs according to Ford on the what the hybrid version entails.

The overall system upgrade allows the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids to operate longer at higher speeds in electric mode. The hybrid vehicles can operate up to 47 mph in pure electric mode, approximately twice as fast as some competitors. Plus, the city driving range on a single tank of gas is expected to be more than 700 miles.

The next-generation hybrid system features:
? New 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (155 horsepower/136 lb.-ft. of torque) running the proven Atkinson cycle mated to an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission or e-CVT.
? Intake Variable Cam Timing (iVCT), which allows the vehicle to more seamlessly transition from gas to electric mode and vice-versa. The spark and cam timing are varied according to the engine load to optimize efficiency and emissions.
? Enhanced electronic throttle control reduces airflow on shutdowns, reducing fueling needs on restarts.
? Wide-band lambda sensor analyzes the air-fuel ratio and adjusts the lean/rich mixture accordingly to keep the system in balance and to minimize emissions.
? A new smaller, lighter nickel-metal hydride battery has been optimized to produce 20 percent more power. Improved chemistry allows the battery to be run at a higher temperature and it is cooled using cabin air.
? An added variable voltage converter boosts the voltage to the traction battery to operate the motor and generator more efficiently.
? A new high-efficiency converter provides 14 percent increased output to accommodate a wider array of vehicle features.
? Smarter climate control system monitors cabin temperature and only runs the gas engine as needed to heat the cabin; it also includes an electric air conditioning compressor to further minimize engine use.
? The regenerative brake system captures the energy normally lost through friction in braking and stores it. Nearly 94 percent energy recovery is achieved by first delivering full regenerative braking followed by friction brakes during city driving.
? A simulator brake actuation system dictates brake actuation and delivers improved brake pedal feel compared to the previous generation braking system.

"Because our hybrid can run at a much higher speed in electric mode, you can do so much more in city-driving situations," said Gil Portalatin, Hybrid Applications Manager. "Under the right conditions, you can drive in your neighborhood or mall parking lots without using a drop of gasoline."

Now for my opinion. I like the styling, especially the front end. Some might call it gaudy but I like it because it makes it hard to miss when you would be on the road. I like the interior as well, finally looks like Ford is trying to make the interior more on par with some imports. And I really like what the hybrid has to offer. Looking at it from my commute to work, I'd barely be using gasoline...except for the 8 miles I'm on the freeway...the other 8 miles to work is stop n go city driving. Plus I like the blind spot awareness. Thats nifty.

Anyways what does everyone else think??

 

[SearchMaster]

I don't like the 3-bar grille (never have) but otherwise it's a fine looking car. With GM and Chrysler in the shitter, I really hope Ford can pull through.

 

[Strk]

I've liked the Fusion/Milan since they came out. I didn't see a rear profile of the car though, so I'm curious if it still has the chrome around the tail lights.

 

[TraumaRN]

I saw a couple of the rear profile shots and didnt see any chrome...maybe on the Sport edition they'll have the chrome

 

[Throckmorton]

Sweet car.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

That is such a gorgeous car to me.

 

[BlackTigers]

The only thing I dislike is that grill.

Everything else on that car is sweet.

Edit: whoa, seriously digging the instrument cluster.

 

[vi edit]

Is this based off the same platform as the new Mazda6? Definitely a nice refresh for a car that already was pretty decent. The ambient lighting while sort of gimmicky is a nice touch that may help set it apart from the other mid-sizers.

 

[TraumaRN]

So little more info about the car....

Official Ford Site


Very flash heavy so you are warned.

5 models variants

S(entry level) $19,270
SE $20,545
SEL $23,945
Sport edition $25,825
Hybrid $27,270

That Hybrid is pricey but comes fairly loaded. It doesnt have the Nav system, heat seats or moonroof. Otherwise fully loaded.

 

[evident]

as most of you know i am a big honda fanboy, but i am really impressed w/ the new fusion.

 

[ViviTheMage]

absolutely ugly front....otherwise nice car.

I like the prius' navigation console, shows a lot of pretty graphs....but the prius is very ugly too.

 

[CptCrunch]

hybrid is a bit expensive, if they could bring it down to the price of the camry hybrid, granted only 1100 less, it might be more competitive for those who look solely on cost and not features. Other than that, these cars look very promising, and they will be out soon. Way to go ford!

 

[desy]

Ah still has the high rear deck lid and the weird triangle ' although improved' tailights
I could live with the styling of this one I really didn't care for the current model look

 

[CrackRabbit]

NM

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: vi edit
Is this based off the same platform as the new Mazda6? Definitely a nice refresh for a car that already was pretty decent. The ambient lighting while sort of gimmicky is a nice touch that may help set it apart from the other mid-sizers.

no, this is a mid-cycle refresh. so its the old stretched mazda6 platform. which isn't a bad platform, dynamically.

Originally posted by: desy
Ah still has the high rear deck lid and the weird triangle ' although improved' tailights
I could live with the styling of this one I really didn't care for the current model look

high deck lid gives it a ginormous trunk (one thing ford did very well with the original and second taurus and cost them with the third version).

 

[Pandaren]

Looks good except for that grille. It's better than the new Mazda3 grille, and the Acura TL grille, but that's not saying much.

Also looks like the move to Electric Power Steering pays off in terms of fuel economy. I know many people hate the feel of EPS though.

 

[sindows]

Don't know if anyone has mentioned it but this thing does 39MPG which IMO is extremely impressive.

 

[PingSpike]

Is the 39 combined? Probably is I would think. That is pretty good.

The Escape hybrid was always pretty cool I thought too...~30 combined out of a small SUV isn't anything to scoff at...from fuel economy.gov its almost a 50% improvement in fuel economy over the regular version.

Its kind of a shame about the price premium for the hybrids in both cases. Its hard for me to justify that especially with current gas prices. In the past I was more of a chevy man, but these days I feel like of the big 3 Ford seems to have done the most to improve its offerings across the lineup. I like the AWD car offerings and the focus seems to have improved. They need a cheapass subcompact mileage getter though, because at my core I'm a cheapass...return of the Festiva?

 

[TraumaRN]

Originally posted by: PingSpike
Is the 39 combined? Probably is I would think. That is pretty good.

The Escape hybrid was always pretty cool I thought too...~30 combined out of a small SUV isn't anything to scoff at...from fuel economy.gov its almost a 50% improvement in fuel economy over the regular version.

Its kind of a shame about the price premium for the hybrids in both cases. Its hard for me to justify that especially with current gas prices. In the past I was more of a chevy man, but these days I feel like of the big 3 Ford seems to have done the most to improve its offerings across the lineup. I like the AWD car offerings and the focus seems to have improved. They need a cheapass subcompact mileage getter though, because at my core I'm a cheapass...return of the Festiva?

In 2011 the fiesta comes back to the US based on the European model tho

 

[MBrown]

I like it.

 

[cheesehead]

Hmm.

IIRC, it actually has slightly better (estimated) fuel economy than the Toyota. Of course, real world results may vary, but it's nice to see that Ford's trying hard to go for the greenie market.

On the other hand, the current Toyota is an overall much nicer car than the current Fusion. I guess it's a question of "wait and see".

 

[foghorn67]

Originally posted by: Cheesehead
Hmm.

IIRC, it actually has slightly better (estimated) fuel economy than the Toyota. Of course, real world results may vary, but it's nice to see that Ford's trying hard to go for the greenie market.

On the other hand, the current Toyota is an overall much nicer car than the current Fusion. I guess it's a question of "wait and see".

woah, buddy. Hold your horsies. There is no love for the new cheap Camry interior.

 

[radioouman]

I like it. I'm glad to see that Ford is producing some winners.

 

[PricklyPete]

Not sold on the looks...but Ford has put out a competitive product in every other way. Add to this there steady improvements in quality (recently "backed" by the Consumer Reports results), Ford really is headed in the right direction. Oh yeah...and Sync is awesome.