LA 2008: Redesigned 2010 Ford Fusion
by Sam Abuelsamid on Nov 19th 2008 at 12:01AM 
Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Ford Fusion
At the preview for the 2010 Ford Fusion, Frank Davis, Executive Director of North American Product Programs described Ford's goal as combingin best-in-class fuel economy with a much bolder appearance. The mid-size C/D segment in which the Fusion competes is the second largest in the U.S. market, accounting for 2.1 million vehicles last year including the best-selling Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, and Ford wants a bigger piece of it. The updated 2010 Fusion is technically a mid-cycle refresh, but it's much more than your typical face-lift. Three years after the Fusion and its Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ siblings debuted, Ford has given them a major stylistic overhaul fore and aft of the doors and inside the cabin. Its powertrains have also gone through a modernization program, which we already told you about a couple of weeks ago, so we'll skip over that here except to remind you that the 2010 Fusion can be had with a new hybrid drivetrain and a 3.5L V6 Sport model. Find out about the rest of what's new after the jump.
Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport
Fusion chief engineer JD Shanahan told Autoblog that the mid-size segment is the most cross-shopped in the auto industry. If buyers are willing to at least check out competing cars, then that leaves an opening to win them over, as well. In order to do that, Shanahan had to convince Ford executives to make more than the usual investment in these 2010 models. Shanahan told us that Fusion buyers want styling, a fun to drive experience and lots of powertrain choices. The most obvious change wrought on the new 2010 Fusion is front and center. This was the first car from Ford to get the now ubiquitous three-bar grille, and now it gets the most prominent rendition of this trademark styling cue yet.
2010 Ford Fusion Sport 3.5L V6
Chief designer Darrell Beahmer describes the new Fusion as also having "more road presence" thanks to its oversized three-bar grille that's now integrated with the horizontal headlamps. The hood also has its own more subtle rendition of a "power dome" like the new 2010 Mustang. In this case, the profile of the dome runs from the base of the A-pillars around the front and echos the shape of the grille. In the lower fascia, the Fusion becomes the first North American Ford to pick up some hints of the popular kinetic design language from Europe. The two extra bars below the bumper of the current model have been discarded in favor of a trapezoidal opening and fog-lamp pockets that are look similar to ones found on the Euro Focus and Mondeo. The Sport model also gets a pair of extra inlet ports at both ends of the lower trapezoidal air intake.
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - front
The Fusion's tail-lamps have also been reshaped at the opposite end of the car. The reflectors have a molded in honeycomb shape that echoes the molding in the fog-lamp pockets up front. The rear vertical face of the trunk lid also has some new contouring, while the rear bumper has significantly reduced offset relative to the trunk lid, which cleans up the appearance of the rear end nicely. A piece of trim along the top of the license plate pocket is also body colored on all but the hybrid model, which is trimmed in chrome. Aside from the badging on the lower part of the front doors, that strip of chrome is the only element that visually distinguishes the hybrid from gas-powered Fusions.
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - rear
Beahmer explained that Ford spoke wiht drivers who told them that they prefer to keep visual differences on the hybrid to a minimum. This strategy differs from most other manufacturers who assume hybrid buyers like to stand out. That may be part of the reason for the success of the Toyota Prius, and also why Honda is introducing two new dedicated hybrids in 2009, the Insight and CR-Z. Ford has followed the same pattern with the Escape Hybrid and Mariner Hybrid and sold every single one it could build. But since production of the 2010 Fusion Hybrid and Milan Hybrid will be limited to 25,000 units annually, the lack of differentiation probably won't hurt sales.
The only thing that doesn't change for 2010 is the body work in the middle of the car, but everything inside is new. The seats have been redesigned to be more comfortable and are now made with soy-foam cushions. We'll reserve judgement on them until we can drive the car, but they certainly seemed firm and well shaped during our brief chance to sit in them.
The 2010 Fusion's dashboard is all-new with a center cluster that contains an optional and extremely large 8-inch LCD navigation screen. The trim panel on the center stack has been designed with openings for all the switch-gear and knobs to poke through from behind, which gives them a cleaner look than before. On the Fusion Sport, that same panel and other contrasting trim pieces get a colored, rubberized finish, while other models get a metallic finish. The storage bin in the center of the dashboard above the stack has also been retained from the previous model. Like in the new 2010 Mustang, all major interior surfaces of the Fusion and its siblings are now covered in a soft touch plastic, which gives a decidedly more upscale impression than before.
For audio-philes there will be an optional Sony stereo system with 5.1 channel surround sound, 390 watts and 12 speakers. Ford is also continuing to enhance its telematics system by adding a 911 assist system, automatic accident reporting and vehicle health reports. When a cell phone is paired with the SYNC system, the car will automatically call 911 if an accident occurs that causes the airbags to deploy. The 2010 Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ also get electronic stability control as standard equipment and blind spot warning with cross traffic alert as an option.
Finally, the battery for the hybrid model is mounted in the trunk up against the back seat. That means there's no fold down seat in the rear, but the new smaller battery pack also means that almost no space is lost compared to the conventional model. One other change to the hybrid is a knee airbag under the steering column to compensate for the additional weight of the car.
Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport
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
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 19, 2008 – Ford's new 2010 Fusion is set to shake up the cut-throat mid-size sedan segment when it goes on sale early next year, bringing an all-new hybrid that will deliver the best fuel economy of any sedan in America, class-exclusive technologies including a blind spot detection and warning system and Ford SYNC™, plus the kind of proven quality and reliability that has been recognized by the top consumer groups and magazines.
"With the new Ford Fusion, we are offering consumers more choice, even better fuel economy and the leading quality and reliability that they have come to expect," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Global Product Development. "But that isn't all – we weren't satisfied with just matching the competition in the segment, we wanted to give consumers even more by delivering engaging driving dynamics and technologies that make the in-car experience more comfortable and connected."
Designed to stand out
Ford's attention to detail with the freshened Fusion begins with a new design that gives the car a sportier look and improved aerodynamics. The car's newly designed front end, including headlamps, grille and larger fog-lamp area, further enhance the sporty nature of the 2010 Fusion. Aerodynamic enhancements and new underbody shields further boost Fusion's fuel economy.
Overall, the wider, sportier look aims to make Fusion even more appealing to customers eager for a fun-to-drive mid-size sedan.
With all models, the interior design team created a more contemporary, technical look with metallic new finishes on the instrument panel that carries through on the center console, doors and steering wheel. A new shifter has been added, increasing the Fusion's sportiness and comfort.
The seats received a makeover, as well. The seat contour has been revised, with more side support and overall a softer seat with smoother bolsters and more-textural inserts. The seats also feature contrasting stitching and tipped leather inserts to give the Fusion even more attitude, befitting this mid-size sedan.
The gauge cluster has been designed with 3-D elements to create a jewel-like appearance, similar to a fine watch. Drivers will be greeted by a new "welcome" sequence that makes the Fusion seem as if it's coming to life. Gauge needles sweep back and forth as the lighting and new chimes come on. The ambient lighting system offers the option of illuminating the front and rear footwells and front cup holders.
Fuel-efficient powertrain lineup
Both the inline four-cylinder and V-6 engines are upgraded for both improved fuel economy and power. Fusions equipped with Ford's new 2.5-liter I-4 engine are expected to deliver at least a 5 mpg improvement versus the 2009 model on the highway, resulting in fuel economy that is at least 3 mpg better than the Honda Accord and 2 mpg better than the Toyota Camry.
The 2.5-liter I-4 engine horsepower and torque also have been improved from the car's outgoing 2.3-liter 4-cylinger engine, jumping to 175 hp and 172 ft.-lbs. of torque from the previous 160 hp and 156 ft-lbs. As a result, 0-60 performance improves by more than a second, now topping Camry and Accord.
The 2010 Fusion features an all six-speed transmission lineup, including for the new 2.5-liter I-4 engine, which is available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The previous 2.3-liter I-4 in the Fusion was available with only a five-speed transmission.
The additional gear on the I-4 provides better drivability and performance as well as fuel savings, said Matt Hettenhouse, Powertrain Team Leader for the Fusion. "The gear ratios and the overall span of the transmissions allow us to have a more-efficient shift schedule," he said.
The first gear can be made a little deeper, which provides smoother acceleration. At the top end, a higher gear allows the engine to run slower in highway conditions, which also aids fuel economy.
Ford's proven Duratec 30 3.0-liter V-6 engine also improved on the 2010 model, delivering highway fuel economy gains of at least 1 mpg city and 2 mpg highway. Horsepower in the 3.0-liter V-6 also increased to 240 hp and 222 ft.,-lbs, up from 221 hp and 205 ft.-lbs. in the previous version. The 3.0-liter engine is now Flex Fuel-capable and can run on E-85 ethanol, which delivers even more horsepower – up to 250hp.
Front-wheel drive and on-demand all-wheel drive are available with models with a 3.0-liter engine and with the new Fusion Sport 3.5-liter engine.
The Fusion Sport 3.5-liter V-6 has 263 horsepower, a six-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift. The versatility in the powertrain systems creates a wide range of options for customers designed to fit every need.
The 2010 Fusion now comes equipped with Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system on 2.5- and 3.0-liter models, improving the driving dynamics of the vehicle while delivering greater fuel savings because the steering system is operated by the electrical system rather than the engine. Additionally, EPAS provides customers with improved steering feel and reduced low-speed efforts that when coupled with a nearly 1 foot smaller turning circle for 2010 makes parking a cinch.
In addition to improvements in the 2010 Fusion's steering, handling and improved brake pedal feel, the Fusion team also took a look at how to improve the comfort of the car, including reducing wind noise and road noise.
Hood insulators, inner and outer dash absorbers, new carpet and glass, revised sealing baffles, additional sound deadening in the trunk, new interior material and new headliner material are among the improvements made.
Improved body and door sealing also contribute to Fusion's best-in-class standing in wind noise. Overall, the reduction in wind noise and road noise puts Fusion near some of the best luxury cars in terms of quietness and best-in-class speech intelligibility. Wind noise, for example, is 3 sones better than Camry and Accord. Models with the I-4 engine are class leaders in wind noise and road noise.
All-new hybrid model
For the 2010 model year, the Ford Fusion adds an all-new hybrid model. The Fusion and Mercury Milan Hybrids join the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids, doubling both the size and volume of Ford's hybrid lineup.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 6)
accord745 12:09AM (11/19/2008)
the chrome-coloured "eyebrows" look quirky
Reply
arturo 12:13AM (11/19/2008)
When I see the mustang, F150, Fusion interior. I see that ford is really improving its brand prestige and its becoming more competitive as well.
Andrew 3:24AM (11/19/2008)
All I have to say is GOOD JOB Ford!!
It has been a long time since I was impressed by a mid-sized Ford. This is easily a class leading vehicle.
Fresh modern style inside and out without getting too hung up on lame styling like we see on the focus.
Very cool!!
geo.stewart 7:47AM (11/19/2008)
much improved looks by a slight tweaking. incorporates some of the design language of the Mondeo to sate our tastes until the two models are merged.
still will wait to see the 'daytime' version of the IP/ gauge cluster to see if it is improved. Did they get rid of the Tonka gauges?
But excellent job so far Ford!
Myk 1:41PM (11/19/2008)
I dont see Camry cues in that front design AT ALL.
naggs 9:42PM (11/20/2008)
i bet the 2.5 liter 4 cyl would be fun with the 6 speed manual
pheer6224 12:11AM (11/19/2008)
JUST GIVE IS THE DAMNED MONDEO ALREADY!
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Anthony 1:57AM (11/19/2008)
100%
Who are these focus groups that constantly take input from? Clearly we are not the people that consult for opinion.
There would be alot better cars on the road if they just listened to Enthusiast more.
tito 2:08AM (11/19/2008)
exactly, they a have a great product on the Mondeo, it´s qualified as the best sedan in its class in europe, i mean, they have a winner, why always settling with being mediocre or a little bit above average in america? those coloured plasticky interiors will look soooo lame in five years and so cheap, and those taillights, ugh.
Ok the front looks better, but yes, now the Fusion looks like the old Milan, wich was the best of the three, and now the Milan looks like the old Fusion. But overall, they are nice cars, at least they don´t look so bad.
The quality on these cars is quite good, so why not focus on doing something better-looking on the outside, it´s not that hard. I happen to know somebody that works with some of the providers from Ford´s plant in Hermosillo and she told me that they had around three sketches or prototypes, and the ones that they chose for production were the tamest ones. Now i see what she was talking about.
Good product is gonna save them from a crisis, not gov money.
Tony2X 3:29AM (11/19/2008)
Whilst I'd love to see the Mondeo reach US shores the cost of federalising over the cost of a mid-life freshen up of the Fusion doesn't make sense, especially when Ford is crying out for some government cash to keep it afloat.
The Fusion is based on the outgoing Mazda 6 platform and still remains in my view competitive, the styling changes inside and out have a reasonable degree of Mondeo in them so I think with the resources at their fingertips, they have done a bang up job.
European cars don't always work well when bought to the US, do we not forget that the first gen Mondeo spawned the Countour & Mystique. :)
akboss 8:20AM (11/19/2008)
The facelift on the Fusion ruins everything I liked about the car. Even now the front grille is a bit brash and tinsely for me, but with this new one? Most home outfitting stores don't have as much mirror in a warehouse as this does on its front grille - so cheap and cheesy. Anybody who thinks this is 'classy' seriously needs to consider jumping off a bridge. More to the point, the current Mondeo sold in Europe is a tasteful car and would serve our market just fine. In response to the Contour, that car was an athlete stuck with an ugly face - the SVT powertrain was a gem.
Jared 10:21AM (11/19/2008)
I agree COMPLETELY. Give us the Mondeo for goodness sakes. The Mondeo is far more attractive.
SilverAero 12:14AM (11/19/2008)
Not too bad. I see the sport version seems to be adapting some of the cues from the "kinetic" side of the family in the shape of those triangular intakes in the lower grill.
Interior design is just ok, those seats and pieces of blue trim remind me of the Viggen.
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BoxerFanatic 12:15AM (11/19/2008)
The front end is not bad. Blacked out, body colored, or mesh-grille replacement would help the grille thing.
But the headlights are very cool. Like the Milan tail lights better, though...
No 6-speed MANUAL on the 3.5 Sport is a deal-breaker, though, and FWD is, mostly, too. AWD, 6MT, in the 3.5 Sport might have been really attractive.
I guess we'll see what the Lincoln MKZ looks like with the split hawk-like grille...
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AZZO45b 1:05AM (11/19/2008)
Who except a street tuner is going to spend the extra greenbacks to make that oversized chrome monstrosity (the grill) "body color" or "black it out" ?
You like the headlights? How do you notice them next to the cartoon proportioned grill?? Do headlights really sell a car for you???
The Acura front end refresh designs have been generally panned despite work-around solutions for them... why does Ford get a pass (if it also has to be fixed after the sale)???
A car either makes a GOOD, strong statement or it does NOT. Compared to other European stuff from Ford... this Fusion does NOT. JMO!
Tim 1:16AM (11/19/2008)
Problem is the front of the Milan looks like the old Fusion.
The Fusion now looks more like the Milan in the front. While the rear looks like a focus. Too bad.
The new Fusion front end with the new Milan Rear would have been perfect
Oh well.
Torrent 2:00AM (11/19/2008)
I've heard like 30 minutes ago on GMI that this is the MKZ.
http://www.autocosmos.com.mx/contenidos/Galeria_General/normal/923259.jpg
That is one sexy looking sedan if it is in fact the real MKZ.
BoxerFanatic 2:11AM (11/19/2008)
Azzo...
Calm down. I just thought the headlights were well designed. Just making a comment.
Objectively, the Fusion's headlights look better than the Milans, or the Mazda 6 in the US. They look almost more like the 6 from the rest of the world. I can say that I like something, even if it is just a headlight.
I was just saying that if too much grille is the only thing deterring someone from this car, an aftermarket alternative would probably fix that one problem nicely, and generally make for a decent looking moderate sedan.
The Acura TL and TSX updates have been ugly cars front to back, and I have panned them for it, myself. The only real visual problem on the new Fusion is the grille, and perhaps the dowdy tail lights. That is why I mentioned the Lincoln... Maybe it will have all the visual cues right...
But to be brutally honest, this car, in Mazda, Mercury, Ford, or Lincoln, doesn't hold a candle to my current car, in terms of real performance under the sheet metal, and my car is a 2005 model. I wouldn't trade it for one of these. But I can see how a less particular person might like the new fusion, especially over the previous one.
I used to buy Fords, but now a different blue oval gets my money. Ford lost it when they went almost all FWD, and the RWD cars retain live axles, and Ford/L/M, and now even Mazda have started taking manual transmissions away from the upper option packages with the more powerful engines.
But heaven forbid I actually make a comment about liking the look of the headlights, or talk about changing something about the grille...
happy_penguin 2:48AM (11/19/2008)
"Torrent @ Nov 19th 2008 2:00AM
I've heard like 30 minutes ago on GMI that this is the MKZ.
http://www.autocosmos.com.mx/contenidos/Galeria_General/normal/923259.jpg
That is one sexy looking sedan if it is in fact the real MKZ."
Oh
Hell
YES!
AZZO45b 10:55AM (11/19/2008)
Boxer I'm extremely calm... I just look at the overall car & evaluate it... sorry I don't isolate small details. Nicely designed headlamps & other details get canceled out larger goofy design elements.
I'm sure the aftermarket might offer a solution, but as I said most buyers are NOT going to update/ fix their Fusion. I also hinted that with all the choices of car brands & models out there.. most buyers are going to purchase the car they don't have to "update" to fix a styling flaw.
I mentioned Acura because those front (& rear) refresh designs have been panned by AB posts. Aftermarket "fixes" also exist for the Acura. If Acura goofed then so did Ford. Yet, it seems Ford is getting "Atta-Boys" for good effort (because they went from a C- to a B with the new Fusion). All new Fords need to be sure fire "A's" to save them. Making excuses for them & not judging them equally has gotten them playing catch up.
You also help prove my points above... you have bought another blue oval brand... a 2005 model & these 2010 models don't even compete with that! The Honda Civic acts as a "grocery getter" for most who buy it... BUT its overall package (including the VTEC motor) is strong enough to attract the enthusiast & tuner crowds as well.
I'll pass on the Fusion & wait for the European based Focus RS & see if it lives up to the preview images.