Autoblog

Ford Fusion wins Motor Trend Car of the Year award

John Neff — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:29:00 EST

2010 Ford Fusion Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

For the first time ever, Motor Trend announced the winner of its annual Car of the Year award this afternoon live via webcast. Though the field of 23 contenders was highly competitive this year (follow the jump for a complete list), we guessed immediately that the winner was a Ford as soon as the webcast came online. How'd we know? The fact they were broadcasting the announcement from Ford World Headquarters in Detroit was a not-so-subtle clue. The Fusion, Taurus and Mustang were all in the running, but it was Ford's redesigned mid-size sedan, the Fusion, that took home the coveted Golden Calipers.

In retrospect, the choice is a solid one and not all that surprising. The Fusion was extensively reworked for the 2010 model year and features a new exterior design, new models and new powertrains. Ford offers a four-cylinder model, two strong V6 options and a full-on parallel hybrid variant, which means buyers should have no trouble finding a Fusion that fits their needs. And indeed they have, as the Fusion has already broken its own yearly sales record - with two months left to go.

Like MT, we're big fans of the Fusion here at Autoblog, and even have high hopes that one day it could be the domestic car that knocks the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord from atop their perches as the best selling cars in the States. That said, this Ford still has a long way to go. Toyota has sold nearly twice as many Camry models as the Fusion so far this year, and the Accord and Nissan Altima are still flashing their taillights at Ford's CoTY winner. It's not just demand, as Ford doesn't even have the production capacity at the moment to match Camry sales, and it doesn't help that the Mercury Milan siphons off a few potential Fusion customers, as well.

Nevertheless, this is less about what the Fusion could be in the future than what it is today: the 2010 Motor Trend Car of the Year. Congrats to Ford and the Fusion team.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion SE 6MT

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading Ford Fusion wins Motor Trend Car of the Year award

Ford Fusion wins Motor Trend Car of the Year award originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Fusion breaks into Top 10 best-selling vehicles amid best year ever

Chris Shunk — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Ford

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Click above for a high-res gallery

There was a time when Ford vehicles absolutely dominated the list of the top 10 vehicles sold in the U.S. The F-Series was always number one, followed by stalwarts like the Taurus, Explorer, Ranger and even the Focus (or Escort before that). 2001 was a long time ago, though, and the past eight years haven't exactly been stellar for the Blue Oval. The tide may be changing for 2009, though, as the Dearborn, MI-based automaker has seen its market share rise steadily in a down auto market.

Ford's biggest success may be the 2010 Fusion, as the sharply redesigned sedan now delivers best-in-class fuel economy, an impressive hybrid option, a Sport model and all the features and amenities necessary to compete against the best vehicles in the segment. Customers have taken notice of the new Fusion, and Ford's payoff is that Fusion sales are the best they've ever been. In fact, Ford has already eclipsed the model's all-time best sales year of 2007 by nearly 2,000 units. The Fusion is selling so well in this dismal car market that it has now made its way into the top 10 vehicles sold in the U.S. Ford can also take pride in the fact that the Fusion is the best-selling domestic car (not including trucks) in the U.S.

While the Fusion has finally hit its stride after five years on the market, Ford's mid-size sedan has a long way to go before catching the Japanese bogeys. The Toyota Camry has nearly doubled the Fusion's year-to-date sales of 151,000 units, and the Honda Accord isn't too far behind. Even the Nissan Altima is ahead of the Fusion by nearly 18,000 units.

While the Fusion still has a ways to go before it can look down upon the likes of Camry and Accord, we're thinking cracking the Top 10 is still worth a Dos Equis or two. Hit the jump to read over the Ford press release, which is rightfully chock full of bragging.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Fusion breaks into Top 10 best-selling vehicles amid best year ever

Ford Fusion breaks into Top 10 best-selling vehicles amid best year ever originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Inside Line presides over the battle of the fuel sippers

Chris Shunk — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Videos, Ford, Honda, Mini, Toyota, Volkswagen, Diesel

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Fuel efficiency has finally moved to the forefront of many consumers' minds after 2008's record fuel price spike and demand is higher than ever for miser-mobiles. Several vehicles have benefited from the green car movement, and the Inside Line crew corralled three hybrids, a diesel and a supersized go-kart in the ultimate test of fuel economy prowess.

The Toyota Prius, Mini Cooper, Honda Insight, Ford Fusion and VW Jetta TDI were assembled to compete for the best fuel economy in city, highway and back road driving. IL also measured the cost to fuel each vehicle and the amount of CO₂ each emitted during the test. The five vehicles were prepped to do battle, but ultimately it wasn't much of a fight.

The Toyota Prius won every conceivable category by a significant margin with amazingly similar fuel economy between 47 and 48 mpg in all driving tests. The Prius also took on all comers in regards to carbon emissions as the symbol of green motoring spewed .08 fewer pounds of pollutants during the test than the second place Honda Insight. Hit the jump to watch the video.

[Source: Inside Line]

VIDEO: Inside Line presides over the battle of the fuel sippers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Fusion Hybrid the most patented car in history?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Technology, Ford

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Click above for a high-res image gallery

More technology than ever before is being added to modern automobiles, and much of this whiz-bang tech has been created to cut down on fuel consumption and reduce emissions. This being the case, it's not particularly surprising to hear that the new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid holds the title of The Most Patented Car in History. So says Christine Wren, director of business development for The Patent Board, a firm that tracks and analyzes patents across 17 industries globally:

Ford's patented technologies are closer to the cutting edge than its competitors. Ford's overall patent portfolio plays a significant role in serving as a foundation for other technology innovation as shown by receiving 20 percent more citations than the average portfolio in this industry.

Just how many patents are we talking about? According to the Blue Oval, there are 119 total patents and patent applications for the 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid alone, including patents related to Ford's proprietary hybrid technology, SmartGuage with EcoGuide, Blind Spot Information System and EasyFuel Capless Fuel-Filler System. Want to know more? Make the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

[Source: Ford]

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Ford Fusion Hybrid the most patented car in history? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Ford Fusion SE 6MT proves that sometimes less is more

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedan, Ford, Reviews

2010 Ford Fusion SE 6MT - Click above for high-res image gallery

What we have here is a rare breed. A mid-size sedan from a domestic automaker equipped with a manually actuated clutch. In fact, the 2010 Ford Fusion (and its rebadged brother, the Mercury Milan) are the last examples offered with Detroit Three nameplates. The Fusion's competition from Chrysler and General Motors are only available with automatic gearboxes, and while the import brands all offer the option to shift-it-yourself, few are actually purchased by stick-averse Americans.

So when Ford released its powertrain combinations for the 2010 Fusion, we were surprised to find that not only was a manual available on S and SE four-cylinder models, but the Blue Oval also upgraded ye olde five-speed cog-swapper to a six-speed unit. As fans of the three-pedal arrangement, we promptly requested a manual Fusion to see how it stacks up to the high expectations set by the V6-powered 2010 Fusion Sport we've already reviewed.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion SE 6MT

Continue reading Review: 2010 Ford Fusion SE 6MT proves that sometimes less is more

Review: 2010 Ford Fusion SE 6MT proves that sometimes less is more originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ford speaks Fusion in new ad campaign

John Neff — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Ford

2010 Ford Fusion - Click above to watch videos after the jump

Despite the recession, tumbling auto sales and an uncertain future, good cars are still being made. The 2010 Ford Fusion is one example. The Fusion Sport just spent a week in the Autoblog Garage and we're in the midst of reviewing the rest of the lineup, as well.

Whether it's from a domestic or import, good product needs to be talked about during these troubled times, because it's one thing that can get people back into show rooms and buying again. Ford has launched a new ad campaign to get people talking about the 2010 Fusion that kicks off with three commercials you may or may not have seen on TV yet. The "We Speak" commercials are fairly simple in execution, show a lot of the car and two out of the three spots hit home the message that the Fusion is the most fuel efficient mid-size vehicle sold in the U.S. You may say yay or nay on how effective the commercials will be, but we're talking about them, right? Follow the jump to view all three for yourself and let us know what you have to say in the comments.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ford speaks Fusion in new ad campaign

VIDEO: Ford speaks Fusion in new ad campaign originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mullaly rings man who chooses Ford Fusion Hybrid over Toyota Prius

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:18:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Ford

When applicants were first being interviewed to replace Bill Ford as the top man in the Blue Oval Office, we wonder what exactly the process included. It turns out that in addition to being a pretty good salesman, Alan Mulally is also adept at making house calls. The FoMoCo CEO personally phoned Michael Snapper, a lawyer hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to thank him for purchasing a Ford Fusion Hybrid over a Toyota Prius.

To put this into perspective, could you imagine getting a personal call from Honda's Takeo Fukui, personally thanking you for purchasing a Honda over a Harley? Or from Steve Jobs, congratulating you for choosing an iPod in lieu of a Zune? Ridiculous, no?

If this seems like nothing more than a publicity stunt, well, it's exactly that. Regardless, Ford is a company that can use all the positive pub it can get right now, and a phone call from the very top of the company symbolically sets an example that customer service is among the highest of priorities for the automaker - from the top down.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

[Source: Detroit News]

Mullaly rings man who chooses Ford Fusion Hybrid over Toyota Prius originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Ford Fusion hybrid earns full $3,400 federal tax credit

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Ford

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

In the market for a fuel-sipping mid-size sedan? Now, and for a limited time only, buyers of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid will be eligible for the $3,400 federal tax credit for hybrid vehicles. Late last year, Ford hit the magic 60,000 limit on individual hybrid sales that's been imposed by the Feds, so the tax credit for all of the Blue Oval's hybrid machines will be halved beginning on April 1st. Beginning in October, the credit will again be cut in half to $850 and the entire amount will be gone starting January 1st of 2010.

Tax credit or not, the 2010 Fusion Hybrid's EPA rating of 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway bests the Toyota Camry Hybrid by a whopping eight mpg in the city and two mpg on the highway. For what it's worth, hybrid tax credits for Toyota (and Honda, for that matter) have already expired.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Continue reading 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid earns full $3,400 federal tax credit

2010 Ford Fusion hybrid earns full $3,400 federal tax credit originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Ford Fusion 4-banger scores best-in-class 23/34 mpg!

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:04:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Ford

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Ford Fusion

When we drove the thoroughly refreshed Fusion out in California after the LA Auto Show, it proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable ride. It now turns out that the Fusion is not only fun to drive, but also fuel efficient in forms other than the new Fusion Hybrid. The EPA has just finished crunching the numbers on fuel consumption for the four-cylinder Fusion and Mercury Milan, and the results are good. Very good. The 2.5L four-cylinder with new six-speed automatic is rated at 23 mpg city and 34 mpg on the highway. By comparison, the 2009 2.3L Fusion was rated at just 20/28 mpg.

Those numbers are good enough to beat out every other four-cylinder mid-size sedan sold in the U.S. Compared to offerings from Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Chevrolet and Hyundai, it beats the the Altima's 23 mpg city mileage and the Malibu's 33 mpg highway number.

Related:

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion SEL

Continue reading 2010 Ford Fusion 4-banger scores best-in-class 23/34 mpg!

2010 Ford Fusion 4-banger scores best-in-class 23/34 mpg! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Fusion rumored to get 2.0-liter EcoBoost four in 2010

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Ford

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

We've known for almost a year that Ford's EcoBoost line of turbocharged engines would proliferate through the Blue Oval's lineup, beginning with the 3.5-liter V6 and then moving downward in displacement to include turbocharged 2.0- and 1.4-liter inline fours. When the wraps came off the 2010 Ford Fusion in LA, we were disappointed that Ford hadn't announced the availability of the 2.0-liter turbo, with horsepower and torque output similar to the blown four-pot offered by GM (260 hp, 260 lb-ft). We would've been happy to see the turbo'd 1.4-liter that our own John McElroy had the chance to sample in May, but alas, nothing.

Now, the Detroit News reports that a four-cylinder EcoBoost is likely to be available in the Fusion sometime in 2010, but Ford spokesperson Said Deep says it's too early to speculate on displacements. Offering the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine in both the Fusion and possibly the next evolution of the Explorer would do wonders for Ford's CAFE ratings, but according to our own sources, don't expect the new mill to make it to market until 2011.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

[Source: Detroit News]

Ford Fusion rumored to get 2.0-liter EcoBoost four in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport/SEL

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Ford, First Drive

2010 Ford Fusion SEL - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last month at the LA Auto Show, Ford finally took the wraps off its refreshed 2010 Fusion and this week we returned to LA to actually drive it. For a car meant to compete in the heart of the highest volume segment in the U.S. market, Ford chose a rather surprising way to show it off. This is after all a segment long dominated by cars that typically have more in common with a Kenmore refrigerator than a Corvette.

We kicked off the festivities with a mileage challenge through downtown Beverly Hills and Hollywood in the Fusion Hybrid, but then things got really interesting. The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord have seemingly been the top selling cars in America since they supplanted the Model T early in the last century. After a similar number of decades of soulless, unattractive and unreliable alternatives, U.S. automakers have been battling back in recent years with mixed success. Since the Fusion debuted in 2006, it has earned a reputation of being among the most fun to drive offerings in the segment, as well as having quality on par with the Japanese brands. For 2010, the crew in Dearborn have focused on enhancing what was already good and getting best in class in efficiency with more style. Read on to find out if they succeeded.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion SEL

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport/SEL

First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport/SEL originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Dec 2008 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford releases pricing for all five 2010 Fusion models

John Neff — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Ford

Fusion S: $19,270 (2.5L 4, six-speed manual)

The dust has hardly settled from Ford's big showing at the 2008 LA Auto Show, and already it's making news again with the new 2010 Fusion. Today Ford launched a minisite to promote the redesigned mid-size sedan, and contained therein is pricing for all five models. Everything begins with the base Fusion S model that starts at $19,270 and comes with the new 2.5L four-cylinder and a six-speed manual. The range tops out at the Fusion Hybrid, which starts at $27,270. That's a little more than the Toyota Camry Hybrid, which begins at $26,150, but as AutoblogGreen points out, the Fusion Hybrid comes with Ford's new EcoAssist gauge cluster that may be worth the extra money to buyers. We've also learned that the Fusion Hybrid's fuel economy in the city will be 39 mpg, which is 6 mpg better than the Camry Hybrid, so you will be getting more for your money.

Fusion SE: $20,545 (2.5L 4, six-speed manual)

Fusion SEL: $23,975 (2.5L 4, six-speed auto)

Fusion Sport: $25,825 (3.5L V6, six-speed auto with SelectShift)

Fusion Hybrid: $27,270 (2.5L Atkinson, E-CVT transmission

[Source: Ford]

Ford releases pricing for all five 2010 Fusion models originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid to wave NASCAR's green flag this weekend

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Ford

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]

Continue reading 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid to wave NASCAR's green flag this weekend

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid to wave NASCAR's green flag this weekend originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 2010 Ford Fusion on the road

John Neff — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 19:14:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Ford

Click above to view gallery of 2010 Ford Fusion spy shots, or click here to view video after the jump

Ford has already released an official image of the 2010 Fusion's new front end, as well as unveiled the heavily revised engine lineup for its mid-size sedan that now includes a new 2.5L I4, revised 3.0L Flex-Fuel V6, new 3.5L V6 and hybrid powertrain good for 38 mpg in the city. Reactions are split to the Fusion's new face, but we haven't seen official shots from any other angle and certainly have yet to view full-motion video of the final version.

Sharp-eyed Autoblog reader Jamieson, however, caught a Fusion prototype on the road this weekend and had the sense to whip out a recording device. After the jump you'll find the short video of Jamieson passing the Fusion prototype that shows the sedan's rear end and profile nicely, as well as the already seen front fascia. He also took pics, which we've added to our gallery of 2010 Ford Fusion spy shots below.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion - spy shots

Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 Ford Fusion on the road

VIDEO: 2010 Ford Fusion on the road originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Nov 2008 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Ford Fusion revealed with new face, new engines and new six-speed transmission

John Neff — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:22:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Ford

Click above image to enlarge

We love mid-size sedans if for no other reason than buyers benefit from the incredibly high level of competition between each player in the segment, and Ford's just-revealed 2010 Fusion appears ready to compete. We only have one image, but it shows the Fusion's new face with an even bigger three-bar grille, nicely contoured hood, angry-eye headlights and a sharply redesigned lower bumper. There's also a new engine lineup with three mills to choose from. The first is an all-new Duratec 2.5L four-cylinder with 174 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque (up 14 hp/16 lb-ft from prior 2.3L). The second is a reworked version of the current 3.0L V6 with 19 more horsepower for a total of 240 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque. And finally Ford will be offering the Fusion with its new 3.5L V6 for 2010, which will make a class competitive 263 hp and 249 lb-ft of torque. The best part? All three engines will be paired with Ford's 6F35 six-speed automatic transmission.

Ford hasn't revealed fuel economy numbers yet, but says the four-cylinder's fuel economy will go up a full 10% and the sixes between 4-6% thanks in large part to the new tranny. This will also be the year Ford introduces the Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid, which will feature the previously announced SmartGauge and can travel up to 47 mph in all-electric mode with a range of more than 700 miles. Unfortunately, it appears that the 2010 Fusion won't be available with any turbocharged, direct-inject EcoBoost powertrains, but the new engines and transmission, along with the nose job, are a big step forward for Ford's already competitive Fusion.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2010 Ford Fusion revealed with new face, new engines and new six-speed transmission

2010 Ford Fusion revealed with new face, new engines and new six-speed transmission originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2010 Ford Fusion snapped!

John Neff — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Ford

Click above for high-res gallery of 2010 Ford Fusion spy shots

Our spy photographers have caught the 2010 Ford Fusion wearing nothing but an ugly paint job, which means we get a crystal clear view at what Ford has in store for its midsize sedan. While things between the wheel wells appear to carryover, the front end is getting big a big makeover. The Fusion's new face features a larger three-bar chrome grille and a complete re-sculpting of its lower air intake. Gone are the two chrome bars in the lower grille and the fog lights that flanked them. In their place is a more traditional central lower air intake and new, larger foglamps the mimic the shape of the new headlights. The Fusion's new mug definitely appears more aggressive than the non-threatening visage worn by the current model, and we like it. The sedan's rear taillights are also being changed, though they're covered too well in these spy shots to see what those changes are.

The Fusion is a solid seller for Ford, which no doubt hopes the sedan will grow in popularity even more with a new front clip. We can't wait to see this thing badged as the Fusion GT with a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 under its new hood. Check out all the new spy shots in our gallery below and let us know what you think of the partial redesign in the comments.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion - spy shots

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: 2010 Ford Fusion snapped! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford working on high-performance Fusion GT, EcoBoost 'Stang on hold

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Ford

"The poor man's Audi S4." That's what Motor Trend is tentatively dubbing the Ford Fusion GT, an EcoBoost-powered, SVT-massaged version of the automaker's staid sedan. According to the buff book, Ford will equip the Fusion GT with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, producing around 340 hp, still short of the engines 415 hp capabilities. Instead of trying to shovel that much grunt through the front wheels, Ford will tap Haldex to supply a part-time all-wheel-drive system to aid grip and limit torque steer, and it's possible that a paddle-shifted six-speed auto 'box could be part of the package.

The Fusion GT would be the fourth model to benefit from Ford's line of EcoBoost engines, which currently power the Lincoln MKS, Ford Flex and forthcoming Lincoln MKR. Four-cylinder versions are in the pipeline and are expected to power the entry-level Fusion in 2010, along with a high-performance version of the Focus and another version of the Edge crossover. EcoBoosted sixes are also rumored to be motivating Ford's downsized F100 pickup, but according to MT, a blown V6 for the next Mustang is on hold.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Ford working on high-performance Fusion GT, EcoBoost 'Stang on hold originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2010 Ford Fusion features Super Sized screen

John Neff — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:53:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Ford

Click above for high-res gallery of 2010 Ford Fusion spy shots

It's so great watching TV now on a giant flat screen that hangs from my living room wall that I can't imagine how we survived with 27-inch tube TVs just a few short years ago. Perhaps the same will be said about the 2010 Ford Fusion, the most recent spy shots of which show its interior completely uncovered and a truly giant touch screen positioned dead center in the center stack. We thought the touch screen in the Jaguar XF and new Lincoln MKS were big (both Ford products, btw), but this puts them to shame. Other interior changes are minor but important as Ford has apparently chosen to leave the overall dash design the same and focused instead on stuffing the Fusion with cool high-tech content. There are new gauges and new vents directly above the big flat screen, while the analog clock has been ditched entirely. All HVAC controls have now been moved below the screen and should be easy to adjust with one hand on the shifter. But seriously, isn't that a HUGE screen to be in a moderately priced family sedan. Considering the overwhelming success Ford has had selling the Focus by touting its high-tech superiority courtesy of SYNC, we imagine its strategy for the Fusion is to go one step further and offer customers a touchscreen they can't get anywhere else. Here's hoping it's not a $2,500 option. Click the gallery below for another angle and more spy shots of the 2010 Ford Fusion.

UPDATE: Shunk believes the screen to be the 8.5-inch unit that will be used on the 2009 Ford F-150, which the company has already said will be its range-topping nav screen. But since the interior of the Fusion is much smaller than Ford's full-size truck, the screen appears to be much bigger.

Gallery: Ford Fusion redesign - spy pics

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: 2010 Ford Fusion features Super Sized screen originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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