| Ford Fusion | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Production | 2006—present |
| Assembly | Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico |
| Predecessor | Ford Mondeo (In Mexico and Latin America) Ford Contour (in USA) |
| Class | Mid-size |
| Body style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive |
| Platform | Ford CD3 platform |
| Engine(s) | 2.3 L Duratec 23 I4 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 |
| Transmission(s) | 6-speed Aisin automatic (V6) 5-speed Mazda manual (I4) 5-speed Mazda automatic (I4) |
| Wheelbase | 107.4 in (2728 mm) |
| Length | 190.2 in (4831 mm) |
| Width | 72.2 in (1834 mm) |
| Height | 57.2 in (1453 mm) |
| Related | Ford Edge Lincoln MKX Lincoln MKZ Lincoln Zephyr Mazda6 Mazda CX-9 Mercury Milan Ford Mondeo |
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 Mexican and Latin American markets—except in Argentina, where the current European Mondeo is available—but in the United States and Canada, it filled the gap since the discontinuation of the Ford Contour in 2000. It is larger than the defunct Contour, closer to the size of the original 1986 Ford Taurus, an example of the increase in size of cars since the 1980s. It is similar in size to its most direct competitors, the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Hyundai Sonata.
At launch, the Fusion fit into a line of sedans by Ford (smallest to largest) and EPA size category:[1]
- Ford Focus (compact)
- Ford Fusion (midsize)
- Ford Taurus (fullsize)
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". 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 in 2006 totaled 142,502.
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.
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 is actually still used by Ford Australia as a trim line for the Falcon. 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. 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 body shape for Ford automobiles in NASCAR beginning in 2006, replacing the Ford Taurus.[2] This is the first time that Ford has introduced a new model that went racing in NASCAR at the same time as its launch since the aerodynamically slick Ford Torino in 1968. It debuted at the 2006 Daytona 500, and won its first race a week later in California.
Land speed record success
Ford Motor Company announced its attempt to use a fuel cell version of Ford Fusion, Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999, to set land speed record in Aug. 10-17 during Bonneville Speed Week in 2007.[3] 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 200mph on the Bonneville salt flats fueled only by hydrogen.[4] On 2007-8-15, the vehicle set the fastest fuel cell ground vehicle speed record of 207.297mph.[5]
Awards and consumer response
According to Ford, consumer response to the Fusion has exceeded their expectations,[6] 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.[7]
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. In the first half of 2006, approximately 81% of Fusion sales were retail (as opposed to fleet).[8] This sales mix has contributed, in part, to the Fusion's relatively high residual value compared to the Taurus.[9]
Reviews
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- 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"[10]
- 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 another Hachette Filipacchi magazine, Road and Track. 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.
[edit] 2009 Refresh & Hybrid versions
Ford will be updating the 2009 Fusion significantly with a new front end design, most likely sticking to a 3-bar chrome grill with a more striking theme. It is most likely that the 3.5L Duratec 35 will replace the Duratec 30 as the default engine, making over 260hp compared to the current 221hp. Ford's anticipated "Eco-Boost" 4 and 6 cylinder engines could also be an option on powertrains. The vehicle is also most likely going to feature switch gear from its more recently refreshed stablemates, the Focus and Escape; such as the HVAC controls and stereo functions. (source FoMoCo news.com)
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 2008 as a 2009 model year.[11][12]
Future coupe version
According to Motor Trend magazine (September 2006 issue), Ford may offer a 2-door coupe model of the Fusion sedan.[13] A coupe based on the midsize sedan would join the ranks of similar sedan/coupe body style combinations, such as those seen in the Honda Accord coupe, Toyota Camry Solara coupe, Nissan Altima coupe, and Pontiac G6 coupe.
Engines
- 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
Future engine possibilities
- 3.5 L Duratec 35 V6, 263+ hp
(196 kW) and 250 ft•lbf (338 Nm)
- Twin Force turbocharged 4 cylinder engine making at least 200 hp
EPA fuel economy
- Passenger Volume 100 ft3 (4D)
- Luggage Volume 16 ft3 (4D)
- Fuel Type: Regular Gasoline
- 2.3L 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual:
- MPG (city) 23
- MPG (highway) 31
- MPG (combined) 26
- Average User MPG 28.9
- 2.3L 4-cylinder, 5-speed Automatic
- MPG (city) 24
- MPG (highway) 32
- MPG (combined) 27
- 3.0L V6, 6-speed automatic:
- MPG (city) 21
- MPG (highway) 29
- MPG (combined) 25
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