Ford Fusion (Americas)

Infobox Automobile


name = Ford Fusion
manufacturer = Ford Motor Company
class = Mid-size
production = 2006—present
assembly = Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
predecessor = Ford Mondeo (In Mexico and Latin America)
Ford Taurus (midsize, United States & Canada)
body_style = 4-door sedan
related = Ford Edge
Lincoln MKX
Lincoln MKZ
Lincoln Zephyr
Mazda6
Mazda CX-9
Mercury Milan
wheelbase = 107.4 in (2728 mm)
length = 190.2 in (4831 mm)
width = 72.2 in (1834 mm)
height = 57.2 in (1453 mm)
layout = Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
platform = Ford CD3 platform
engine = 2.3 L "Duratec 23" I4
3.0 L "Duratec 30" V6
transmission=6-speed Aisin TF-80 automatic (V6)
5-speed Mazda G5M manual (I4)
5-speed Mazda FNR5 automatic (I4)

The North American Ford Fusion (code name "CD338") is a mid-size car produced by the Ford Motor Company since the 2006 model year.

The Fusion is manufactured at Ford's Hermosillo Stamping & Assembly plant in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, where the similar Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ are also built. All three cars are based on the same platform and were launched simultaneously into the market (the MKZ as the "Zephyr").

Production on the first Fusions began on August 1, 2005. The Fusion replaced the Mondeo for the Latin American markets—except in Argentina, where the current European Mondeo is available, in Mexico, where it is still due for release and in the United States and Canada, it superseded the mid-size Taurus, which was being phased out. It is similar in size to its most direct competitors, the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Hyundai Sonata. By EPA size category,cite web|url=http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymanu.htm|title=EPA FuelEconomy.com|accessdate=2007-11-18] the Fusion is positioned between the compact Ford Focus and full-size Ford Taurus (formerly Five Hundred).

The Fusion was the first production car to feature the "new face of Ford" three-bar grille, which (along with two matching bars below the bumper/fascia forming a five-bar design) was first seen on a concept car called the Ford 427, unveiled in 2003 at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

Ford's early advertising campaign for the Fusion in the United States was entitled "Life in Drive", while in Canada it was "Create a Reaction". [ [http://www.createareaction.ca/app/fo/cars/fusion.do Ford Fusion Cars: Ford Canada ] ] In January 2007, the company launched a new campaign for the Fusion titled "Fusion Challenge" (later renamed "Ford Challenge").

Overview

With its launch, the Fusion debuted Ford's new three-bar grille design, which is expected to become the company's trademark look for the rest of the decade. Production volume is projected at 160,000-200,000 per year. U.S. sales totaled 142,502 in calendar-year 2006 and 149,552 (221,159 including its siblings) in 2007.

"Car and Driver" notes that the car is actually similar in size to the first generation Ford Taurus, rather than the Ford Tempo or Ford Contour, which occupied the small mid-size slot during those years – an example of car size inflation since the 1980s.Fact|date=April 2008

Changes to the CD3 platform from the Mazda6 include stretching it by 30 mm (1.2 in) in width and 55 mm (2.2 in) in length, strengthening it, and modifying the suspension for a more compliant ride. Like the Mazda, the Fusion uses the Mazda-designed 2.3 L "Duratec 23" I4 and 3.0 L "Duratec 30" V6. All wheel drive is offered for V6 models in 2007.

The Fusion shares some interior parts with the otherwise unrelated Mk III Ford Mondeo, such as part of the console and the seats. Both automatic and manual transmissions are available (the latter only with the I4 engine).

Background on name choice

The Fusion was originally to be called the "Futura", which was last used in North America as the name of a two-door version of the Fairmont. Ford, however, lost a trademark lawsuit to the Pep Boys auto parts store, which has a line of tires under the Futura brand. American trademark law generally considers a name abandoned if the owner does not use it for three calendar years and the long history of the name in the Ford line did not impress the court.

The Futura name was originally introduced as a Lincoln concept car in 1955. The Lincoln Futura later was converted to the Batmobile for the television series Batman (1966-1968). In 1961, it was the designation of an upper trim level on Falcons and Fairlanes until 1983 in North America, and was also used by Ford Australia as a trim line for the Falcon until the release of FG (MY 2009). Pep Boys does not operate in Australia, thus there was no conflict of trademark in that country.

Another choice of name was "Falcon", but that would have caused much confusion with the long-running Australian Ford Falcon (which somewhat resembles the Fusion, especially from the rear.) Still, that didn't prevent Ford from duplicating the name of the European Fusion, a supermini based on the Ford Fiesta. Another name considered was Torino", a popular muscle car and a peer of the also-recently-revived Dodge Charger.

Racing

NASCAR

The Fusion also became the new decal set for Ford automobiles in NASCAR beginning in 2006, replacing the Taurus.cite web|url=http://www.fordracing.com/news/detail/?article=28461 Fordracing.com|title=Ford Racing: Ford Unveils New Face For The Chase|accessdate=2007-11-18] This marked the first time since the Torino in 1968 that Ford introduced a new model that went racing in NASCAR at the same time as its launch. It debuted at the 2006 Daytona 500 and won its first race a week later in California when Matt Kenseth took the checkered flag.

Land speed record success

Ford Motor Company announced its attempt to use a fuel cell version of the Fusion, Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999, to set a land speed record on Aug. 10-17 during Bonneville Speed Week in 2007.cite web|url=http://media.ford.com/newsroom/feature_display.cfm?release=25641|title=Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 Racer To Attempt Speed Record For Fuel Cell-Powered Vehicle|accessdate=2007-11-18] The Fusion 999 project was born in early 2006 when Ford fuel cell engineering manager Mujeeb Ijaz approached Roush Racing about doing a project to demonstrate the performance potential of a fuel cell-powered vehicle. The team from Roush, led by Rick Darling, worked with a team of Ford engineers and technicians led by Matt Zuehlk to come up with a vehicle design that could meet the goal of exceeding 200 mph on the Bonneville salt flats fueled only by hydrogen.Cite web|url=http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/07/17/video-fords-hydrogen-fusion-999-hits-the-track-for-the-first-t/|title=AutblogGreen: Ford's Hydrogen Fusion 999 Hits The Track For The First Time|accessdate=2007-11-18] On August 15, 2007, the vehicle set the fastest fuel cell ground vehicle speed record of 207.297mph. The car was driven by retired Ford engineer Rick Byrnes, a long time Bonneville racer.cite web|url=http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/08/16/ford-hydrogen-fusion-999-runs-207-3-mph-at-bonneville/|title=AutoblogGreen: Ford Hydrogen Fusion 999 runs 207.3 MPH at Bonneville|accessdate=2007-11-18]

Awards and consumer response

According to Ford, consumer response to the Fusion has exceeded their expectations, [cite news|last=Reuters|title=GM U.S. Sales Fell 10.3% in Dec.|publisher=Fox News|date=2006-01-05|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,180599,00.html|accessdate =2007-11-18] with 30,000 sold during the first quarter of 2006. The Fusion was nominated for the "North American Car of the Year" award for 2006. In July 2006, Strategic Vision gave the Fusion its Total Quality Award as the best-quality midsize sedan on the American market.cite web|url=http://www.strategicvision.com/auto_tqa_winners.php?year=2006|title=Strategic Vision: The 2006 Total Quality Award Winners|accessdate=2007-11-18]

An article reflecting on the retirement of the Taurus however noted that whatever its faults, Ford did sell a large volume of them, and at the time production ended, the Taurus was still outselling the smaller Fusion and larger Ford Five Hundred combined, thanks to Taurus' large fleet sales. For the 2007 model year, approximately 77% of Fusion sales were retail (as opposed to fleet). [cite news|title=2007 - MY Registrations|url=http://www.automotive-fleet.com/Statistics/StatsViewer.aspx?file=http%3a%2f%2fwww.automotive-fleet.com%2ffc_resources%2fstats%2fAFFB-cht-car-LT-reg.pdf&channel=Vehicle-Research |publisher=Automotive Fleet|date=March 2008|accessdate=2008-07-16] This sales mix has contributed, in part, to the Fusion's relatively high residual value compared to the Taurus. [cite news|last=Thomas|first =Mike|title =Ford, Lincoln and Mercury See Rising Resale Values|publisher=Ford Media|date=2006-01-08|url=http://media.ford.com/newsroom/feature_display.cfm?release=22327|accessdate=2007-11-18]

Ford also sells the Fusion in Mexico and Brazil. In Brazil, it has often topped the charts as the country's best selling car.Fact|date=September 2008

Reviews

* In a December 2005 test, "Car and Driver" ranked the Fusion just below the first-place Honda Accord, edging out the Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata by only a few points. "The Verdict: Not your father's Taurus" [cite news|last=Bedard|first=Patrick|url=http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/10245/comparison-test-review-2006-ford-fusion-sel-v-6-vs-2006-honda-accord-ex-v-6-vs-2006-hyundai-sonata-lx-v-6-vs-2006-toyota-camry-xle-v-6.html |title=Comparison Test Review: 2006 Ford Fusion SEL V-6 vs. 2006 Honda Accord EX V-6 vs. 2006 Hyundai Sonata LX V-6 vs. 2006 Toyota Camry XLE V-6|publisher=Car and Driver|date=December 2005|accessdate=2007-11-18]

* Consumer Reports has also given positive reviews to the Fusion, as it had to the previous Taurus. The magazine said it was "unexpectedly impressed" with its handling and ride, which it said was comparable to European models. In addition, "CR" pointed out that in its yearly car survey, where readers reply to questions about their cars, the Fusion stood out as having high reliability levels--an exceptional result for a first-year car.

*Ford Fusion ranked highest among midsize cars in the JD Power APEAL study for 2006.

*In December 2006, Ford contracted with "Car and Driver" to conduct a "ride and drive" event in which approximately 600 of the magazine's subscribers evaluated an all-wheel drive Fusion variant against the front-wheel drive Honda Accord and the front-wheel drive Toyota Camry. The testing was conducted on tracks set up at a parking lot at FedEx Field outside Washington, D.C. Testers remarked on each vehicle's driving dynamics, styling, room, and perceived quality. The overwhelming response was largely in favor of the Fusion, particularly in driving dynamics and styling. A second such event was held in the Los Angeles area in January 2007, sponsored by "Road and Track" magazine. Ford used the test results and videos from these events in a marketing campaign called "Fusion Challenge" and later renamed "Ford Challenge". Predictably, the TV, and print advertisements pitted the Fusion directly against the Camry and Accord.

Features and model information

New features for 2007

For 2007, all-wheel drive became available on V6 models. Sirius Satellite Radio is available as an option on the SE and SEL models.

As well, the Fusion now has front-seat side airbags and a side air curtain as standard features, as well as an anti-theft perimeter alarm. (All were previously available as cost options.)

Also added is an auxiliary audio input jack for audio transmission from a portable audio player along with some equipment modifications. A DVD-based navigation system also became available.

New features for 2008

For the 2008 model year, Ford continues to refine the Fusion's options. ABS is now a standard feature, as is tire pressure monitoring system. New optional features include rear parking assist, Ford's "Sync" multimedia and communication system, and ambient interior lighting. The DVD navigation was replaced with a new generation system featuring voice commands, and for the first time navigation is available also with manual transmission. Finally, 2 packages were added to the options list: Sport Appearance Package and Moon and Tune package. The latter makes the Audiophile 8-speaker audio system available on the SE trim line. Several colors were deleted and some others added.

New features for 2009

For 2009, the Fusion adds available electronic stability control. A new appearance package with blue trim is available. There have also been several color changes. 2009 will be a short year for the Fusion, being produced from June 2 until early November, as Job1 for the 2010 Fusion is currently scheduled for December 23, 2008, according to Ford dealers.

2010 refresh and hybrid electric versions

Ford plans to significantly update the Fusion, along with the Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ, in late 2008 [cite news|url=http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2008-05-11-ford-mark-fields_N.htm|title=Ford rolls on its 'Way Forward' turnaround|publisher=USA Today|date=2008-05-12|accessdate=2008-05-12] with new front and rear end fascia designs, [ [http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=124063#6 Edmunds.com] Spy Photos: 2010 Ford Fusion - 23 December 2007] [ [http://www.leftlanenews.com/ford-fusion-future.html LeftLaneNews.com] Spied: 2010 Ford Fusion gets beefier grille - 29 January 2008] and interior and powertrain updates for the 2010 model year. Powertrain options will be similar to those debuting on the 2009 Ford Escape, including the new 2.5L I4 and 3.0L PIP Duratec series V6 engine coupled to Ford's new 6F35 six-speed transmissions. [cite news|url=http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080421/AUTO01/804210337/1148/rss25|title=Ford adds power to Fusion|publisher=Detroit News|date=2008-04-21|accessdate=2008-05-12]

In July 2007, "Motor Trend" reported that Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) tuner group planned to release Fusion GT in late 2009 or early 2010. Its 3.5-liter Eco-Boost V-6 will make about 340 horsepower. [ [http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/ford-working-on-high-performance-fusion-gt-ecoboost-stang-on-h/ Ford working on high-performance Fusion GT, EcoBoost 'Stang on hold] ]

A hybrid electric version of the Fusion was announced at the 2005 NAIAS, along with the public introduction of the original 2006 Fusion. It is scheduled to be introduced in early 2009 for the 2010 model year. [cite news|url=http://info.detnews.com/autosinsider/sneakpeek/index.cfm?id=26578|title=Ford Fusion hybrid to hit auto show circuit soon|publisher=DetroitNews.com|date=2007-08-15|accessdate=2007-11-18] [cite news|url=http://www.caranddriver.com/carnews/13741/spied-2009-ford-fusion.html?al=99|title=Spied: 2009 Ford Fusion - Car News|publisher=Car and Driver|date=August 2007|accessdate=2007-11-18|last=Gluckman|first=David] It will use Ford's GenII hybrid design, which will eventually replace the layout in the current Ford Escape Hybrid.

Engines (2006-2008)

* 3.0 L "Duratec 30" V6, 221 hp (165 kW) and 205 ft·lbf (278 N·m)
* 2.3 L "Duratec 23" I4 160 hp and 156 ft·lbf

2008 Specifications

*Passenger Volume 100 ft3 (4D) - 2,830 liters
*Luggage Volume 16 ft3 (4D) - 453 liters
*Fuel Type: Regular (87 Octane) Gasoline

EPA fuel economy

*2.3L 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual:
**MPG (city) convert|20|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|1|abbr=on
**MPG (highway) convert|29|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|1|abbr=on
**MPG (combined) convert|23|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|1|abbr=on

*2.3L 4-cylinder, 5-speed Automatic
**MPG (city) convert|20|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|1|abbr=on
**MPG (highway) convert|28|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|1|abbr=on
**MPG (combined) convert|23|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|1|abbr=on

*3.0L V6, 6-speed automatic:
**MPG (city) convert|18|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|1|abbr=on
**MPG (highway) convert|26|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|1|abbr=on
**MPG (combined) convert|21|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|1|abbr=on

References

External links

* [http://www.fordvehicles.com/cars/fusion/ Official site]
* [http://www.ford.com/en/default.htm Ford Motor Company]
* [http://www.fusiondrivers.com Ford Fusion News, Forums & Fansite]
* [http://www.fordfusion.net Ford Fusion Forum & Specification]
* [http://www.fordfusionclub.com Ford Fusion Club & Forums]
* [http://www.mlav.com/car/fusion Ford Fusion Photos & Info]