2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid to wave NASCAR's green flag this weekend
Click above to enlarge the 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid pace car
For the first time ever, a NASCAR Sprint Cup event will be paced by a hybrid, Ford's fresh-faced 2010 Fusion Hybrid to be exact. The race is scheduled to take place this Sunday at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. The box-stock Fusion hybrid will be able to travel on electricity alone for up to 47 miles per hour, which isn't quite fast enough to kick off the race, so this one will be burning some gas. One thing that the hybrid can do that the Sprint Cup cars only wish they could is travel up to 700 miles per tank of fuel. Anyway, the leafy-camouflaged hybrid will lead the race cars to the green flag (waved by none other than Mark Fields) to kick things off, after which a 2010 Ford Fusion Sport will pick up the mantle as pace car for the rest of the event.
Both the 2010 Fusion hybrid and Fusion Sport will see their formal debut at the LA Auto Show on the 19th. Both models are new for '10, with the hybrid posting a rumored best-in-class fuel mileage of at least 38 mpg in the city, while its Sport sibling gets Ford's new 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 263 hp and 249 lb-ft of torque. Best of all, every Fusion model will come standard with a six-speed automatic.
Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion
[Source: Ford]
PRESS RELEASE:
2010 Ford fusion hybird to pace ford 400 field; FIRST ever HYBRID PACE CAR IN NASCAR SPRINT CUP
DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 9, 2008 – NASCAR Sprint Cup officials will leave it to a green car to lead the field to the green flag next Sunday at the season-ending Ford 400 – marking a NASCAR Sprint Cup first.
The all-new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, featuring the debut of Ford's next-generation hybrid system, along with the all-new Fusion Sport will pace the Ford 400, which concludes Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
"Miami is an international city with a flair for what's new," said Homestead-Miami Speedway President Curtis Gray. "And with the evolution of Ford Championship Weekend into one of the highest-profile events in sports, the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami is the perfect spot for a historical racing first-the Fusion Hybrid Pace Car."
The Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Fusion Sport will both be in NASCAR-inspired camouflage for the race. Miami-area race fans and the national television audience on ABC will be the first to see the cars, since they won't be officially unveiled until the Los Angeles International Auto Show three days later. They will be available in dealer showrooms in the spring of 2009.
After the Fusion Hybrid leads the field to the green flag, the 263-horsepower Fusion Sport will be the pace car for the remainder of the Ford 400.
"The new Ford Fusion ups the ante in the mid-size sedan segment with outstanding fuel economy but retains what made it standout from the competition from the beginning – the fun-to-drive factor," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas, who will wave the green flag at the start of Sunday's Ford 400. "The Fusion Hybrid pacing the Ford 400 showcases exactly what our customers want, fuel economy and fun – and we're pleased to be able to offer racing fans a glimpse of what's to come at Sunday's race."
The new product teases are welcome news to Ford NASCAR star Carl Edwards, a winner of eight NASCAR Sprint Cup wins this year and currently second in the championship standings.
"It's really appropriate that Ford is bringing the 2010 Fusion Hybrid to pace the Ford 400," he said. "The Fusion already gets great fuel mileage. And I sure know that my NASCAR Fusion gets great fuel mileage after the way we recently won the Texas race. But for Ford to come out with a hybrid version of the Fusion, that's best-in-class in terms of fuel economy, is really cool."
"It makes a great car even better," Edwards continued. "I just hope that I can be on the pole next week at Homestead, so I can be running up right behind it at the start of the race."
More than 700 Miles of City Driving
The Ford Fusion Hybrid can operate in electric mode at speeds up to 47 mph with a range of more than 700 miles of city driving on a single tank of gas. A smaller, lighter high-volt battery has greater charge capacity and range than Ford's current generation battery, as found in the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid, which is the most fuel-efficient SUV on the planet.
"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."
The more efficient next-generation hybrid system delivers a more seamless driving experience and is expected to achieve class-leading fuel economy, besting the Toyota Camry hybrid by at least five mpg in city driving.
The 2010 Fusion Hybrid has already been recognized for its significance in advancing "green" technology and improving environmental performance by the Green Car Journal. The Fusion Hybrid has been named one of Green Car Journal's Top 5 for 2009, being a finalist for the magazine's top award, Green Car of the Year, which is scheduled to beannounced at the L.A. Auto Show.
The Innovation of SmartGauge with EcoGuide
Pushing a vehicle to the limit takes on a new meaning in the new 2010 Ford Fusion, thanks to Ford's SmartGauge with EcoGuide – an innovative new instrument cluster that provides real-time information to help drivers maximize fuel efficiency.
The instrument cluster's unique design uses two, high-resolution, full-color liquid crystal display (LCD) screens on either side of the analog speedometer that can be configured to show different levels of information, including fuel and battery power levels, average and instant miles-per-gallon.
"SmartGauge with EcoGuide gives the customer real-world feedback to make the most of their hybrids," said Portalatin. "Unique to Ford and Mercury hybrid sedans, this instrument cluster acts as a good 'coach,' engaging drivers real-time to help them achieve maximum fuel economy."
Long-term fuel efficiency can be displayed in two ways – either as a traditional chart or using an innovative display that shows "efficiency leaves," which is an animation of growing green leaves on vines projected on the right side of the cluster. The more efficient a customer is, the more lush and bountiful the leaves become, creating a visual reward for the driver's efforts.
The "efficiency leaves" were the inspiration for the Fusion Hybrid Pace Car's camouflage design, which showcases green leaves growing from the front grille down the length of vehicle.
EPA-Smart Way Cars
The 2009 Ford Fusion is among the vehicles that have received SmartWay certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a partner of NASCAR. The SmartWay designation is earned by vehicles meeting EPA-set Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gas Scores.
Among NASCAR's vehicle partners, a variety of makes and models have received the EPA SmartWay designation, providing drivers with a range of options whether they're looking for a compact car, mid-size sedan or sport utility vehicle.
Consumers visiting the Ford displays at Homestead will see a variety of these EPA SmartWay vehicles, including the 2009 Fusion, 2009 Taurus and the 2009 Focus.
Fusion in NASCAR
Ford has sponsored a racing version of the Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series since 2006. It has captured 22 series wins since its debut, including 10 this season.
The 2010 model NASCAR Fusion will make its competition debut at the 2009 Daytona 500 in February and will be unveiled to consumers during Ford Championship Weekend.
The Fusion made its debut as a pace car in the series on Oct. 9, 2005, at Kansas Speedway. It also paced the field prior to that season's Ford Championship Weekend.
Ford has 591 wins overall in NASCAR's top division. Seven different drivers have captured eight Cup championships, and Ford has won 15 manufacturers' championships.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Big Rocket 3:36PM (11/10/2008)
When the grille is body colored, as in the NASCAR pace car version, it's actually quite attractive. I just can't stand the acres of chrome in the street version.
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Torrent 4:46PM (11/10/2008)
I did this a long time ago... Like.. when the image first surfaced...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3014/2986472541_31b752f146.jpg?v=0
Todd 3:39PM (11/10/2008)
Too bad they will never use the NASCAR race car development as a platform to improve hybrid efficiency ( racing's actual purpose ) and abandon their 1950s era engines.
Oh well. Keep telling yourself Eisenhower is still the president and gasoline is 5 cents a gallon...that's cool.
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Richard 3:46PM (11/10/2008)
yeah like they will have the most fuel effiecent mid-size sedan on the market.
your an idiot
The Luigiian 4:05PM (11/10/2008)
Ford's 3.5 Duratec was not developed during the Eisenhower administration. Nor is it technologically backward. And the Fusion Hybrid is one of the most technologically modern vehicles currently being developed. Sure, in fuel economy it may not match the next-gen Prius (that hasn't even been revealed yet), but you show me a Prius with a 3.5 liter V6 that can do 45 mph running on electric alone with 263 hp. Simply put, it can't be done.
Great post by the way.
The Luigiian 4:12PM (11/10/2008)
By the way, I know that the 3.5 V6 and the hybrid 2.5 are different engines and different hp numbers. I was trying to state that the Fusion can be a great many different cars to many different people (sporty or fuel-efficient or economical--take your pick), and therefore is a more versatile platform than the Prius, which makes do with just its small four-banger and offers no choice for power.
Wayne 4:58PM (11/10/2008)
You can't call someone an idiot when you can't spell "you're" correctly.
bduddy 6:12PM (11/11/2008)
Wow, 4 completely missed points in a row. What this guy was saying, I think, is that NASCAR should be used to "improve the breed" like it (and all racing) formerly was, instead of showcasing mostly outdated technology. I agree wholeheartedly.
dkw 3:44PM (11/10/2008)
"Best of all, every Fusion model will come standard with a six-speed automatic."
Does this mean no more manual transmission Fusions??
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Jim 4:08PM (11/10/2008)
There will be a 6-speed manual available, but AFAIK only with the 2.5 liter.
dkw 4:16PM (11/10/2008)
@Jim
Thanks.
Phil 3:55PM (11/10/2008)
"Best of all, every Fusion model will come standard with a six-speed automatic."
FALSE
A 6 speed MANUAL is standard on all I4 models
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Joey Mazz 5:24PM (11/10/2008)
I personally really like the new Fusion design. I drove a 2.3 automatic version while on business in Portland, and overall I liked the car, but felt it was a bit underpowered and had fairly bland styling. The 2.5 gas or 2.5 hybrid versions should be much better in those regards.
Put me down for a 2.5 with a 6speed stick.
Epyx 3:52PM (11/10/2008)
38 MPG in the City and it does not look like a Prius. Not that the Prius is ugly, just all other Hybrids mimic it, nice to see something that looks like a regular car (and bigger in size) get good MPG. Sweet, good job Ford. Keep the new hybrids coming.
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Joe 3:54PM (11/10/2008)
"NASCAR's green flag "
not so good design
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FordTruckin 3:55PM (11/10/2008)
dkw:
No, it does not mean no more manual for the Fusions.
From the 2010 Order Guide:
-base transmission (4/6 cyl) is a 6sp MTX
-Auto Transmission (4/6 cyl) is also 6 gears. By "every Fusion" I think they meant that they were dropping the old 5sp auto/man in the 4cyl version
Hybrid Fusion - AISIN Powersplit E-CVT transmission
Also, not 100% if its standard for all 6sp V6 autos or certain models, but they will have "SelectShift" on them. (not for 4cyl from what I can tell) I think it most likely will be an option, with the PRNDL being standard.
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dkw 4:03PM (11/10/2008)
@FordTruckin
Thanks for that info. Good to know.
Jim 4:10PM (11/10/2008)
R U SRS? A manual with the V6?
Hamud 5:39PM (11/10/2008)
So the 3.0 and 3.5 V6 will be available with 6 speed MT?? What about the AWD, on both V6s?
FordTruckin 5:50PM (11/10/2008)
6 gears for all Fusions for 2010 apparently, with exception to the CVT Hybrid.
If the Select-Shift is not an optional add on, then I would assume the V6 Fusion S/SE/SEL would get PRNDL, and the Sport would get the Manu-matic. But as far as I know, it's an option.
Looks like Ford listened to current Fusion owners (like myself) and improved it a lot. Most gripes about the V-6 was no manual and only a 5sp with the 4. Looks like they're starting to head in the right direction.
I have a 2010 Fusion order guide and it has a LOT of nice new features that put it a step above the others in its class.