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Don't expect an SVT Fusion any time soon
Fans of the Ford SVT Contour (don't be ashamed - they're monsters on an autocross course) will have to hold onto their rides a while longer, as Ford is stating that an SVT version of the new Fusion may still be a few years out. The strategy here is to wait for Fusion sales to cool down before unleashing a hot-rod model, but in today's marketplace with fast-shifting demand we've got to question this approach. Then again, the car seems good enough to maintain its momentum even without a "halo" model, and those looking for go-fast goodies can likely depend on the aftermarket to come through, given the thorough treatment of the Fusion at last week's SEMA show. Make no mistake, though - we still want to see more factory tuner models in the showroom right now, especially in the often-boring midsize sedan class.
Related Fusion posts:
2006 Ford Fusion SEL V6: In the Autoblog Garage Day
1
2006 Ford Fusion SEL V6: In the Autoblog Garage Day
2-3
Real pics of Ford's tuner Fusions for SEMA
More pics of Ford Fusion tuner vehicles set for
SEMA
Euro In-Fusion by Street Scene [SEMA]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Peter W. 10:26PM (12/18/2005)
Hmmm... rampant speculation time...
So, should Ford release an SVT version, would it be powered by a tuned version of the anticipated 3.5 litre v6, Mazda's 270 HP turbo 2.3, or would they go so far as to make a performance hybrid version (3.0 litre or 3.5 litre with electric motor a-la accord hybrid)?
The 3.5 v6 would help show off the new motor, but if it was only offered in the SVT all those people who think that bigger engines are absolutely necessary for "highway safety" will get in a huff...
The Mazda Motor would be lighter, but I'm not sure if Ford's relationship with mazda is that good or how many people would be able to resist going "we HAVE a mazdaspeed6 already!"
Having a performance hybrid Fusion would be really cool, if it was an SVT it would probably get more recognition than the Accord hybrid, which no-one really thinks of as "sporty". Unfortunately, I think Ford is scared of putting hybrids into cars when there are so many SUV's begging to be made more efficient
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Hank 10:26PM (12/18/2005)
Why should anyone be ashamed? Is that a prejudice coming through? I never wore out so many tires so fast as when I owned one; it cut the corners like a knife. What a blast, and the Fusion would be a great SVT car, I'm sure.
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JayP 10:26PM (12/18/2005)
I can understand Ford's position- creating a performance model as sales slow. But we want our hotrods NOW!
DC seems to be able to create SRT models along side the standard vehicles. Why not Ford?
In other news- I found a nice looking Contour SVT cheap at the local Ford dealer.
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Chad 10:26PM (12/18/2005)
My '98 SVT Contour with 115k miles has been a great car. I bought it new, and it has been dependable and a blast to drive. Unfortunately, the SVTC was a victim of poor marketing, and the fact that the general public (read:ignorant) couldn't see paying a $3k premium for one. Oh, and the resale value SUCKS, but it has seemed to level out in the past few years. The last years of production seemed to be plauged with cost cutting and quality problems though. The '98, '98.5 and '99 seemed to be the best models.
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Phil L. 10:26PM (12/18/2005)
If they're pushing off a Fusion SVT, how about at least offering an honest I-prefer-three-pedals manual transmission with the V6...
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n8 10:26PM (12/18/2005)
I think Ford's thinking is ass-backwards. When sales dip, sure it would be nice to get a boost from a performance model and corrosponding halo, but wouldn't it better to get the boost and the halo to begin with? By all accounts, the Fusion is a fine car and is selling well. But it's in a niche, and that niche is not performance. Why not change the perception of the Fusion right out of the gate? They tried to do that a bit by having the tuner cars at SEMA, but why pitch what you can't sell? They ought to have an SVT version as soon as they can, even if it's only a couple hundred units to broaden the appeal and increase the perception that the Fusion is a nice, small family car, but is also fun to drive and can be tricked out for more performance.
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sr20de 10:26PM (12/18/2005)
Don't expect me to add Ford to my shopping list, any time soon, either. Thanks Ford!
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brian 10:26PM (12/18/2005)
As a Ford fan, who already has a 2005 Mustang, and wanted to get a daily driver -- it pains me to say it, but Ford has lost a sale. While I love the Fusion, I want the best performance for my money and with no SVT in the lineup, I have to somewhere else.
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Garris 10:26PM (12/18/2005)
I still think my '98 Contour SVT was the best all around car I've ever owned, and I say that driving a BMW 330i right now. One of the reasons I drive a 330i is that FORD DIDN'T HAVE AN SVT CONTOUR REPLACEMENT WHEN I WAS READY TO SELL!!!
Headlines like this drive me nuts. When is Ford going to learn? If someone is going to shell out 4-5 grand more for the performance version of a model, are they more likely to do it when the model is new and hot, or when it's got several years on a design? Sigh... Ford should be redesigning the entire Fusion "a few years off," not introducing tarted up variants.
DC has the right idea with the SRT and AMG approach... Have 'em available at launch. Ford is just sooo lost.
Interestingly, BMW still is doing staggered rollouts on the M-line, which I think it going to be a mistake soon. The M3 is still about 2 years out. That gives the MB AMG's and Audi S's and RS's a looong time on the market to rack up sales!
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Robert Aitchison 10:26PM (12/18/2005)
Personally I'd rather see a SVT Freestyle (waits for hell to freeze over), but that's because I could never own anything as impractical and boring as a sedan.
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Garris 10:26PM (12/18/2005)
And the Freestyle isn't boring??
And when did sedans become impractical?
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Mark Weber 10:26PM (12/18/2005)
Gee, I wish Ford would offer some performance models - in the Focus and in the Fusion, which are naturals. Even if it isn't as "extreme" as an SVT, it would be nice to have a model a little more oriented towards enthusiast drivers. Both Chevy and DMC are doing their part - Chevy has SS trim lines in Cobalt, Malibu, and Impala model lines (and the Cobalt SS without the supercharger seems to hit a sweet spot), and DMC has the SRT4, will have the Caliber R/T, and has the whole Hemi thing in their 300/Magnum/Charger models.
I agree that rather than resting on initial market acceptance, they need a "halo" model.
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Stephen J 10:26PM (12/18/2005)
If an SVT Fusion is years out, then WHAT IS SVT DOING in the meantime? Development work on the Shelby Mustang Cobra is done, the Lightning replacement is was supposedly canceled... Is the Sport Trac Adrenalin all they have coming?
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KT 10:26PM (12/18/2005)
Look for an "ST" version next year maybe mid-model year (like the ST Focus).
I think they want to make sure the first year or so of the model is launched successfully.
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