2013 Ford Fusion

[nester7929]

From Jalopnik:

http://jalopnik.com/5874135/2013-for...de-and-say-hot

2013 Ford Fusion: Open Wide And Say Hot

Taking a page from Ragu, Ford is giving buyers of the 2013 Ford Fusion more choices than they can probably comprehend. Five different powerplants (three gas, hybrid, plugin-hybrid), two transmissions, and FWD/AWD options. They call it the "power of choice" and we agree it makes Ford the most "pro-choice" automaker.

The old Ford Fusion on its Mazda-shared platform is gone. In its place is the "global" platform that underpins the European Ford Mondeo — a car we've been harassing Ford to bring for years.

Ford's scrapped the Gillette close-shave grille for a muscular, kinetic, slightly pissed Euro-style derived from the Ford Evos but without the magical doors and wagon shape.

Also gone is the line-topping V6, kicked out in the company's naturally-aspirated six-cylinder putsch. This missing engine choice gives Ford some breathing room for the Taurus, which offers the EcoBoost V6 and will have to somehow remain a viable alternative to the better-looking, surely cheaper Fusion.

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The trio of gasoline engines start with the baseline carry-over 2.5-liter four-cylinder (170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque) attached to a six-speed automatic. A fine engine for a rental car. The two EcoBoost options make buyers choose between what they value more: power or efficiency?

If the choice is efficiency a buyer can opt for the 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder (179 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque), which promises the best fuel economy of any non-hybrid mid-size car with a projected 26 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. It's more than adequate power for a midsize and more proof that hybrids aren't the only way to achieve economy. It's also the only trim available with a six-speed manual transmission.

The power-hungry desperate housewife can opt for the 2.0-liter EcoBoost (237 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque) in either FWD or AWD configuration. Ford appears to be dropping the "Sport" moniker from the AWD fusion and replacing it with the line-topping "Titanium" trim borrowed from the Mondeo. This will be available only with the SelectShift six-speed automatic they keep pretending is a manual.

This makes sense as the Fusion Sport wasn't actually sporty, although we doubt the Fusion Titanium's body will be made from actual titanium. All Fusions share the same suspension, which offers MacPherson struts up front and an independent multi-link setup out back.

Tired of drive-train choices yet? No? Ok, there's also the return of the Fusion Hybrid, which ditches the 2.5-liter engine for a smaller 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder. This should offer 47 mph in the city and 44 mpg highway. That city number is within a single mile of the Prius.

The final choice is the Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, which Ford is calling the most fuel-efficient mid-size car in the world. It's expected to produce more than 100 MPGe, better than the Chevy Volt and, possibly, the Prius plug-in. More on that here.

Ford will also jam the Fusion with every bit of technology they can muster (lane guidance, SYNC with voice, blind-spot detection, active park assist, MyFord Touch) and airbags everywhere you can imagine.

The car will be built in both Mexico and, eventually, Michigan. In a wonderful reversal of fortunes, Americans will get the car later this year and Asia/Europe will have to wait until 2013.

We haven't driven the car yet, but on specs and looks alone the Fusion trumps most of the competition. And specs are how people who wake up one morning and decide they want a mid-size sedan — the world's dullest car class — make their decisions

[TJ91]

I have an 07 ford fusion and absolutely love the car! This is a great redesign, as long as they build it as well as they did the 07, this will be a hit!

[Stew]

Love it's aggressiveness! looks like a Aston on the outside,

[rez333]

Looks like a Mazda6, and NOT an Aston to me. The problem with the Mazda 6 and this car, is that they appear to be trying to look like a Rapide but more boring and toned down. There's nothing worse than looking like a boring version of a hot car. I felt the Jaguars looked horrible for the same reason.

[matt55]

Looks good

[cab2g]

Originally Posted by nester7929

From Jalopnik:

http://jalopnik.com/5874135/2013-for...de-and-say-hot
We haven't driven the car yet, but on specs and looks alone the Fusion trumps most of the competition. And specs are how people who wake up one morning and decide they want a mid-size sedan — the world's dullest car class — make their decisions

I have to agree with the last line there... The Fusion looks very nice, but mid-sized cars are for people who want something that does doesn't stand out. I am glad they're making that class more attractive though because if I were to get a daily driver, it'd probably be a midsize. I'd probably try to find a wagon though, but those are hard to find from the big 3...

[King Sun]

wow this car looks amazing better than anything else in its market

[TheCaptain]

I think the front looks good. Side profile is good too. And you come around to the rear end and bam! Fiesta!

[King Sun]

I wonder if someone would be crazy enough to stuff a 5.0 in this...

[Overflow]

[drummer5679]

finally automakers are learning that while people say they want the meat they always go for the eyecandy first.

[Blue Maro Demon]

Originally Posted by drummer5679

finally automakers are learning that while people say they want the meat they always go for the eyecandy first.

Yeah and the ONE that has the most eyecandy appeal will get more sales. And the one that can combine fuel economy, great driving & handling dynamics along with great design & sex appeal from an interior & exterior stand point=the total winner.

[Mr Twisty]

I almost didn't click the link, just because it was Jalopnik, but I did. There in the top right corner was an article bashing auto makers, (GM the hardest) for not building cars similar to their concept cars. This, after they bashed the Camaro after it's Indy unveil.... a car that was VERY true to the concept.

You still suck, Jalopnik.... Man up, make up your mind and stick to your opinion for a change. Wishy washier than a frikkin Maytag

[IBM]

1. How the hell does the current Fusion evolve into this??? It looks exactly like the new taurus in the front..

2. I think it looks awful.