Ford Edge and Fusion to get SVT treatment?
Ford spokespeople let it slip that the company is considering SVT variants of its new Edge crossover and Fusion sedan (pictured). The move would support Mark Field's statements last month that SVT is alive and well, and not on its deathbed as previously rumored. As it stands, the Mustang and an unidentified truck will get SVT upgrades, and the consolidation of SVT and Ford Racing, as well as the recent successes of the latter, will no doubt build excitement for the new vehicles.
[Source: Ward's AutoWorld]
(Thanks to Omar for the tip)
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Gunnar Heinrich 7:14AM (5/22/2006)
Why not? For needs to spice things up a bit in the lineup. Toyota most certainly has done so with the latest Camry. To Ford's credit, the new Fusion is a sign that the Blue Oval has come a very long way from the days of the Taurus.
http://www.automobilesdeluxe.blogspot.com
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Mike S. 8:43AM (5/22/2006)
http://www.autoblog.com/2005/03/28/svt-could-add-focus-fusion-to-line-up/
Talks of SVT tuned Fusions have been in the air for a while. ;)
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Steve 9:39AM (5/22/2006)
Fusion SVT = MazadaSpeed6??
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Paul 10:06AM (5/22/2006)
I find the mention of an SVT truck the most interesting here... can anyone say Lightning?
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Steve Kohl 11:11AM (5/22/2006)
I have an SVT Focus. This was to be a special, limited production vehicle until Ford was once again in financial trouble and they nearly doubled original production plans and of course any Ford dealer can now become an SVT authorized dealer. They also pimped out the limited production colors to all Ford vehicles. Kind of loses it's shine quickly. This is not my only Ford vehicle I have purchased, but SVT or not, I will not be buying another Ford. What a crappy and poorly ran company. They deserve everything they are getting right now.
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doug 11:28AM (5/22/2006)
Unless it has a manual tranny - don't bother Ford.
To differentiate it from the Mazdaspeed6, a nice 6spd 280hp 3.5L V6 would be great - with awd for $28,000+. Totally doable.
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Lee Gibson 12:39PM (5/22/2006)
Steve, I don't quite understand.
You're upset that your Ford Focus isn't exclusive enough? I've got news for you, buddy. Anybody can order a Big Mac too...
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mk 12:55PM (5/22/2006)
SVT AWD Turbo Ford Fusion??? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
In coordination with the article that claims they are chasing Subaru at providing more AWD vehicles, they are losing on both counts.
The Mazda6 platform at current doesn't compare well on AWD Turbo performance to the Legacy GT and Spec B, or Outback XT (Freestyle... nah.) Let alone the smaller Focus line or Escape comparing to the WRX, STI, or Forester XT. ALL AWD Turbos, with manual transmissions available.
The Subaru makes less rated horsepower than MS6, but does not suffer from the HUGE heat-soak problem that Mazda created with a shrouded Top-mounted intercooler. Subaru has a trademark hoodscoop, and no such trouble.
I'd love to see Ford/Mazda try to get thier Faux-wheel-drive to try and compete with Subaru's AWD systems, that are 50:50 biased, and longitudinally mounted.
Oh... and are offered with a Manual Transmission, not just an Automatic (at least not in the Sedan. The Wagon is unfortunately Auto-only after 2005. And the Legacy GT is base priced around 28k.
When has ford offered any sort of attractive wagon? Or a manual transmission with the more powerful engine and premium trim in ANY car?
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Steve 1:01PM (5/22/2006)
Didn't Ford claim to design the new 3.5L v6 to be able to accomodate direct injection and turbocharging technologies in the future? Sounds like a good project for the SVT boys to incorporate them for a 300+ horsepower AWD sedan. With a 6-speed manual, I hope. Listening Ford?
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Calvin 4:50PM (5/22/2006)
I watch the cool Fusion commercials on TV with the young, hip crowd in clubs, and then I look at the Fusion. Doesn't add up.
They better have one of these fast, and make sure it's hip. And also make sure the Focus is not missing in action.
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PJ 8:54PM (5/22/2006)
A Fusion with Mazdaspeed 6 underpinnings would be nice. The 3-door, 225-horsepower, 6-speed Focus ST sold in Europe would be even nicer. Like GM, Ford has a wealth of products in the European and Australian markets that would suit American performance buyers very nicely indeed. I won't pretend to understand the complexities of adapting these cars to meet American legal standards, but it seems like a lot of niche-market opportunities are being missed.
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chewy 12:09AM (5/23/2006)
Interesting, what kind of powertrain for the Fusion. I know that the 3.5 will get to the Fusion sooner or later. But above that, I am not sure. I guess the Mazda 6 eninge is the only option, but I can't imagine that engine going into the Fusion.
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MikeW 9:04AM (5/23/2006)
I would rather have turn signals on the back of the Fusion.
that car wins the award for 50 year retro tail lights.
One dual filament bulb for tail/brake/turn
Yeah Ford has a 'real' commitment to safety.
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Steve Kohl 1:29PM (5/30/2006)
I just heard that the SVT division of Ford had quietly folded and Ford will no longer be using that monicker anymore.
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