During a meeting with Ford dealers last week, it was revealed that the 2009 Fusion would benefit from the same 170 hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder found in the new Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner. The upgraded mill, which boasts an extra 10 hp over the outgoing engine and variable valve timing, will be mated to Ford's six-speed automatic transmission and should return a few miles-per-gallon more than its predecessor. There's also talk that the new Fusion could get an upgraded version of the 3.0-liter V6, along with a new front fascia and a revised interior. Ford spokesperson, Jim Cain, wouldn't confirm or deny the planned upgrades, but it's likely we'll get a formal announcement in the next few months before the revamped Fusion goes on sale later this year.
[Source: Detroit News]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Igor Holas @ Apr 21st 2008 10:11AM
Detnews go their model years mixed up - the Fusion will get a redesign (and new engines) for the 2010 model year - not 2009 - 2009 is a carryover model year.
Igor
Brandon @ Apr 21st 2008 10:46AM
And where did you get this information from ?
C.W. @ Apr 21st 2008 11:06AM
wrong igor. you will see the new fusion late 2008 as a 2009 model. this is what the dealer body was told.
this is also what the press was told.
psarhjinian @ Apr 21st 2008 10:20AM
What this car needs is stability control. It's the only feature it lacks next to it's competition. A nicer interior wouldn't hurt; or Ford could just scrap the Milan, make the Fusion SEL's interior the base version and the Milan's the new SEL.
It's a good car that handles well and is fairly fun to drive. Next to the Mazda6, it's probably the most entertaining midsizer from behind the wheel, and it hits most of the ergonomic targets as well. Why it doesn't sell better is really a bit of a mystery.
Igor Holas @ Apr 21st 2008 10:50AM
Traction control is standard for 2009 V6 models, and Stability control is optional for all 2009 models.
Igor
scooter @ Apr 21st 2008 1:24PM
Rear head restraints are also a glaring omission. And get rid of that cheesy "FUSION" badge in the middle of the dash on the two lower trim levels. Otherwise, nice car.
That One Person @ Apr 21st 2008 3:17PM
Scooter...the Fusion DOES have rear head restraints...always had them. You are thinking of the Focus (which needs them badly).
John R @ Apr 21st 2008 5:09PM
I would guess the reason the fusion doesn't sell any better is because of the Mazda 6, for all the things you mentioned the fusion needed.
Both the 6 and the fusion can be had for roughly the same price, but which would you rather have?
The 6 handles better, looks sexier, has the better interior, is available with the 6-speed, and the autobox has a manual mode.
I realize not every consumer is an enthusiats, but I think most can see which car is more fun.
The Luigiian @ Apr 21st 2008 9:14PM
At John R:
I think it's because the Mazda 6 is made by a company known for decent reliability and safety, whereas Ford is known for Pintos and Explorers.
The vast majority of consumers will never know the Fusion is basically a 6 underneath the skin.
I've never driven a 6 or Fusion, but I do know they're on the same basic platform.
LMBVette @ Apr 22nd 2008 2:19PM
I drove an Aura XR back-to-back on the same track as a Fusion SEL (whatever the top package name is). I ragged on both cars pretty hard.
There was a point on the track where you essentially perform an emergency lane change. The Aura snicked through quite nicely, when I went through with the Fusion it felt like the rear end came out. I actually got a little white-knuckled through there.
My dad drove the same two cars and had the same experience.
My impressions, the Fusion needs some more work in the handling department, and stability control isn't necessarily the best solution.
sw @ Apr 21st 2008 10:41AM
Just give it the 3.5 already
sw @ Apr 21st 2008 11:10AM
So what? are you trying to say the 3.5 will be available?
Igor Holas @ Apr 21st 2008 10:53AM
Blueovalforums.com and internal sources - trust me, my info is correct.
Igor
lm4life @ Apr 21st 2008 10:59AM
We just got the order guides for the 09's. It lists the same 2.3 I4 You may want to contact your source and tell him he was VERY WRONG!!!
tankd0g @ Apr 21st 2008 11:01AM
So basically they took a Mazda6 and made is softer and portlier, now they are taking it back towards where it came from. I'll still take the Mazda.
Igor Holas @ Apr 21st 2008 11:11AM
umm .. 2009 Fusion is practically in production as we speak with very minor changes - Traction control and ESP were added, etc. the car that will come online in December is 2010. PS have you seen this article from AN?:
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080218/ANA06/802180379/1200&template=printart
My info is correct.
Igor
C.W. @ Apr 21st 2008 11:08AM
the re-fresh late this year is rather extensive. then late 09 they will be showing the 2010 which is a complete redesign.
compy386 @ Apr 21st 2008 11:27AM
Are you saying that the 2009 Fusion will be extensively refreshed and the 2010 Fusion will be a complete redesign? Sounds like an awful lot of work to do 1 refresh and 1 redesign a year apart.
SAA @ Apr 21st 2008 8:57PM
C.W. and all others here.... Igor is right. 09 Job 1 is next month same car plus ESP and new colors. 2010 is new style inside and out 170hp+ I4 6 Speed and 240hp+ V6.... job one for the 2010 is set for 2008 year end. 09 is a very short MY..... Buy the way I have been reading these blogs for a long time and work for a Ford dealer and Igor is always right.... Most of the time he knows things before I do and I get the inside info kinda early.... Igor keep you inside loop!!
Steve
yacoub @ Apr 21st 2008 11:23AM
lol @ 170hp. More boring domestic products. Sadly with the weak dollar we're going to see less of the more interesting imports (c.f. VW's new Sirocco not coming here as one recent example and the less engine/drivetrain combinations available for the US market for 2009 Audis as another.)