Ford Fusion (Americas): Difference between revisions

Ford Fusion
Overview
Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Production	August 1, 2005–present[1]
Assembly	Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size
Body style	4-door sedan
Platform	Ford CD3 platform
Related	Lincoln MKZ Lincoln Zephyr Mercury Milan
Chronology
Predecessor	Ford Mondeo (Latin America)

The Ford Fusion, code named CD338 for the first generation (2006–12), is a mid-size car produced by the Ford Motor Company since the 2006 model year. The 2010 model was awarded the Motor Trend Car of the Year^[2] and its hybrid version won the 2010 North American Car of the Year Award.^[3] The Fusion is manufactured at Ford's Hermosillo Stamping & Assembly plant in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, where the similar and now discontinued Mercury Milan and the Lincoln MKZ were also built.^[4] All three cars utilize the CD3 platform. Production on the first Fusions began on August 1, 2005.^[1] The Fusion replaced the Mondeo for the Latin American markets—except in Argentina (where the current European Mondeo is available) and in the United States and Canada (where it superseded the then mid-size Taurus). By United States Environmental Protection Agency size category,^[5] the Fusion is positioned between the compact Ford Focus and full-size Ford Taurus.

However, in the Middle East it is sold alongside the Mondeo. Versions sold there are available only with the 2.5-litre engine. The V6 engine is not available in that region, unlike in the United States, Canada and Latin America.^[6] The same is true in South Korea, where only the 2.5-liter engines (including those for the hybrid model) are available as of the 2012 model year.

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 retro V10-powered rear-wheel-drive concept car called the Ford 427, unveiled in 2003 at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The look has since been used on most of Ford's product line. The 2013 Ford Fusion model (revealed at the North American International Auto Show in January 2012) has five bars in the front grille.

First generation (2006–2012)

2006–2009
Overview
Production	2005–2009
Model years	2006–2009
Powertrain
Engine	2.3 L Duratec 23 I4 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6
Transmission	5-speed Mazda G5M manual (I4) 5-speed Mazda FNR5 automatic (I4) 6-speed Aisin TF-80 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	107.4 in (2,728 mm)
Length	190.2 in (4,831 mm)
Width	72.2 in (1,834 mm)[7]
Height	57.2 in (1,453 mm)
Curb weight	3,280 lbs.[7]

At its launch, the Fusion was available in S, SE, and SEL trims. The base engine was the 160 hp (119 kW) Mazda-designed 2.3 L Duratec 23 I4, paired with either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. SE and SEL models were available with a 221 hp (165 kW) 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 and a 6-speed automatic.^[7]

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).

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".^[8] In January 2007, the company launched a new campaign for the Fusion titled "Fusion Challenge" (later renamed "Ford Challenge"). The American Ford Fusion emerged the winner over the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord based on the attributes of styling, handling, and “fun to drive” in head-to-head comparison tests with the Japanese sedans performed by subscribers of Car and Driver and Road and Track magazines in the Washington D.C. and Los Angeles regions.

For 2007, all-wheel drive became available on V6 models. Sirius Satellite Radio is available as an option on the SE and SEL models. The front passenger fold-flat seat was introduced and became standard on the Fusion SEL and SE models. Also, 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.

For the 2008 model year, ABS became a standard feature, as did a 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.

For 2009, electronic stability control was added as an option. A new appearance package with blue trim became available, and revisions were made to the exterior color palette as well.

In Mexico the Fusion was offered in two trim levels in 2006: SE and SEL, with automatic transmission only. For the 2007 model year, the S trim was introduced and a manual transmission was newly available for the S and SE trim levels. These two trims had standard 16-inch alloy wheels, while the SEL trim had 17-inch alloy wheels standard. The 2008 model year added Ford's Ford SYNC to the SEL trim. The manual transmission was discontinued after 2008 in Mexico due to poor sales. The 2009 model year was a very short one in Mexico because the 2010 Fusion arrived in dealerships by late February 2009.

Engines

• 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6, 221 hp (165 kW) and 205 lb⋅ft (278 N⋅m)
• 2.3 L Duratec 23 I4 160 hp (119 kW) and 156 lb⋅ft (212 N⋅m)

Crash testing

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

• Frontal Driver (2006, 07, 08 early release):^[9][10][11]
• Frontal Driver (2008 later release, 09-present):^[12][13]
• Frontal Passenger (2006, 07, 08 early release):^[9][10][11]
• Frontal Passenger (2008 later release, 09-present):^[12][13]

• Side Driver (no side airbag, 2006 only):^[9]
• Side Driver (side airbag):
• Side Rear Passenger (no side airbag, 2006 only):^[9]
• Side Rear Passenger (side airbag):

• Rollover FWD:
• Rollover AWD:

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

• Frontal Offset (2006, 07 early release):^[14] Acceptable
• Frontal Offset (2007 later release, 08-present):^[15] Good

• Side Impact (no side airbag, 2006 only):^[16] Poor
• Side Impact (side airbag 2006, 07 early release):^[17] Acceptable
• Side Impact (2007 later release, 08-present):^[18] Good

• Roof Strength (2006–10 mfg before May 2010):^[19] Acceptable
• Roof Strength (2010 mfg after April 2010–present): Good

Although the frontal offset test for 2007 (later release) to present model is rated good overall by IIHS, injury measures from head/neck and right leg/foot is rated acceptable.^[14]

2010 Revison

2010–2012
Overview
Production	2009–mid or late 2012
Model years	2010–2012
Body and chassis
Related	Ford Edge Mazda6 Mazda CX-9
Powertrain
Engine	2.5 L Duratec 25 I4 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 3.5 L Duratec 35 V6
Transmission	6-speed Mazda G6M manual (I4) 6-speed Ford 6F35 automatic (I4 & 3.0L V6) 6-speed Aisin TF-80 automatic (3.5L V6) Continuous variable transmission (hybrid)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	107.4 in (2,728 mm)
Length	190.6 in (4,841 mm)
Width	72.2 in (1,834 mm)
Height	56.9 in (1,445 mm)

For the 2010 model year, Ford significantly updated the Fusion,^[20] along with the Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ,^[21] with new front and rear end fascia designs^[22][23] and interior and powertrain revisions. Powertrain options are similar to those that debuted on the 2009 Ford Escape, including the new 2.5 L I4 and 3.0 L PIP Duratec series V6 engine coupled to Ford's new 6F35 six-speed transmission.^[24] The 3.0 L Duratec now provides 240 hp (179 kW) with E85 fuel capability, while the I4 provides 175 hp (130 kW). The 3.5 L Duratec 35 producing 263 hp (196 kW) is standard in the Fusion Sport. The I4 and 3.0 L V6 engines include adaptive knock control and aggressive deceleration fuel cutoff features to improve fuel economy.^[25] Interior redesigns include a new optional 8" screen navigation control system, a new center console design, and Ford's new trademark "Ice Blue" illumination for the controls and gauges that is shared with the current Ford Focus and Ford F-150.

In July 2007, Motor Trend reported that Ford's Special Vehicle Team tuner group planned to release a Fusion GT in late 2009 or early 2010. Its 3.5-liter Eco-Boost V-6 would make about 340 horsepower.^[26] No such vehicle has been announced by Ford to date.

The refreshed version comes in 4 trim levels: S, SE, SEL and Sport. In Mexico, the S trim now comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers, unlike the American and Canadian models that come with 16-inch alloy wheels. The SYNC system is not available in this trim. The SE trim now has two engine choices. A 4-cylinder and a V6 are available, and come standard with 17-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers, fog lights, and colored keyed mirrors. A sunroof is also an available option in the SE trim. The SEL trim comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, the SYNC system, and is also available in 4- and 6-cylinder engines. Leather upholstery is standard. A sunroof is also available in the SEL trim. The Sport trim adds spoilers, side skirts and comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels.

Hybrid electric version

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is a gasoline-electric hybrid powered version of the mid-size Fusion sedan launched to the U.S. market in March 2009, with an initial sale price of US$27,270.^[27] EPA ratings for the Ford Fusion Hybrid are 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. In city driving a full tank delivers 700 miles.^[28] In April 2009 editors of Kelley Blue Book named the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid to its 2009 list of "Top 10 Green Cars".^[29]

The Fusion Hybrid qualified for a hybrid tax credit of US$3,400 prior to March 31, 2009. The credit dropped to US$ 1,700 if purchased by September 30, 2009, and to US$850 if purchased by March 31, 2010. This credit phased out on April 1, 2010.^[30]

This model gets better EPA-estimated fuel economy than the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Nissan Altima Hybrid, and the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, viewed as its competitors in the mid-size sedan segment.

2011 Engines

• 2.5 L 0–60, 8.0 secondsDuratec 25 I4 175 hp (130 kW), 172 lb⋅ft (233 N⋅m). torque;^[31] 23 mpg city/33 mpg highway/26 mpg combined (automatic); 22/30/25 (selectshift, SE/SEL trims); 22/32/25 (manual, S trim); 22/29/24 (manual, SE trim)^[32]
• 3.0 L 0–60, 7.4 secondsDuratec 30 V6 240 hp (179 kW), 223 lb⋅ft (302 N⋅m). torque; 20/28/23 FWD; 18/26/20 AWD, gasoline/E85 flex fuel
• 3.5 L 0–60, 6.5 secondsDuratec 35 V6 263 hp (196 kW), 249 lb⋅ft (338 N⋅m). torque (Fusion Sport); 18/27/21 FWD; 17/24/19 AWD
• 2.5 L 0–60, 7.8 secondsDuratec 25 I4 156 hp (116 kW), 136 lb⋅ft (184 N⋅m). torque for hybrids;^[33] 41/36/39

Safety Ratings

The Ford Fusion line-up was included in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2010 "Top Safety Picks" rating for the mid-size category.^[34][35] Due to the fact that Ford recently modified and strengthened the roof structure of the Flex, Fusion, and MKT vehicles, these 2010 ratings apply only to Lincoln MKZs, Mercury Milan and Fusions built after April 2010.^[34]

Safety Concerns

In June 2010, it is reported that National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was investigating into floormat-related unintended acceleration in 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. According to NHTSA's estimate, as many as 249,301 cars could be affected.^[36]

On May 28, 2010, the NHTSA issued a statement that the stacking of all-weather floor mats from any manufacturer on top of the factory floor mat could cause accelerator entrapment. In their press release they stated the following: "NHTSA is urging drivers of 2010 Fusions to make sure they do not stack the rubber “All Weather” floor mat on top of the secured carpeted floor mat. Further, drivers are reminded to ensure that any driver-side floor mats (whether they are the carpeted floor mat or all weather floor mat) are properly installed and restrained by the retention hooks on the floorboard. Depending on vehicle and floor mat design, it is possible for unsecured floor mats to interfere with accelerator or brake pedals in a wide range of vehicles. Therefore, NHTSA reminds all drivers of all makes and models to check the driver-side floor mats for secure installation and to follow all manufacturer instructions for installing the mats."^[37]

Second generation (2013-)

Second generation
Overview
Also called	Ford Mondeo (Europe)
Production	Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. Flat Rock, Michigan, USA.
Model years	2013–
Designer	Ford of Europe
Body and chassis
Related	Ford Mondeo
Powertrain
Engine	1.6 L EcoBoost I4 2.0 L EcoBoost I4 2.5 L Duratec I4
Transmission	6-speed manual (1.6 EcoBoost only) 6-speed 6F automatic (all engines)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	112.2 in (2,850 mm)
Length	191.7 in (4,869 mm)
Width	72.9 in (1,852 mm)
Height	58.1 in (1,476 mm)
Curb weight	3,323–3,427 lbs. / 1,507–1554 kg

An all-new model year 2013 Ford Fusion is the next step on the Ford Global-Car strategy, started with the Focus and then the extension of Fiesta production into North America, both in 2012.

Like the Focus/Fiesta, the base car for the global model has been developed by Ford of Europe. Lead designer Chris Hamilton was based in Detroit for the design and global launch phase,^[38] with co-design support from Ford studios in Germany and England. Ford of Europe led the project as the new model is based on the global concepts of Kinetic Design from the previous generation Ford Mondeo, and developed in the Ford Evos concept which was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The new model Fusion was unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. The new car has a 122 mm (4.8 in) bigger wheelbase, is 28 mm (1.1 in) longer 18 mm (0.7 in) wider and 31 mm (1.2 in) taller than the outgoing model, based on the Mazda-derived CD3 platform. The car will be built on a platform that is reportedly 10 per cent stronger than the CD3 and the Mondeo's EUCD platform. At front are MacPherson struts while at rear is all-new multi-link rear suspension. Ford claims the car has been conceived as a driver’s car. Despite larger exterior dimensions, some aspects of the interior have shrunk, including the trunk, which has fallen from 467 L (16.5 cu ft) to 453 L (16.0 cu ft).

The 2013 Fusion will be available in S, SE, and Titanium trim levels at launch. In an effort to offer its customers a "Power of Choice," Ford has assembled five different powertrains for the new model, including two hybrid variants. All available engines are now four-cylinder offerings, dropping the previous model's 3.0L V6 as the top tier engine choice, as part of Ford's push to phase out the aging Duratec 30; and the Sport package's 3.5L V6 as a performance option. Engine options available at launch are identical to those of the redesigned Escape CUV:

• Duratec 2.5 I4- This will be offered as the standard engine, producing 170 bhp (127 kW; 172 PS) and 170 lb⋅ft (230 N⋅m). of torque; a 5 horsepower decrease from the outgoing model. The engine will be mated to a FWD 6F automatic transaxle.

• EcoBoost 1.6L I4- Ford will target this engine towards customers who want a power and fuel efficiency boost over the base engine, without paying the "hybrid premium." Projected output is at 179 bhp (133 kW; 181 PS) and 172 lb⋅ft (233 N⋅m). of torque – a small increase from the base engine. However, highway fuel economy is estimated at 37 mpg, making it best-in-class for non-hybrid midsize sedans. A 6-speed manual transmission will be offered, along side the 6F automatic. An auto start-stop system will be offered for the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine non-hybrid version, at a price of US$295.^[39]

• EcoBoost 2.0L I4- This engine replaces the now obsolete Duratec 30 V6, producing similar power, more torque, and better fuel economy. Output is projected to be the same as the Escape at 237 bhp (177 kW; 240 PS) and 250 lb⋅ft (340 N⋅m). of torque through a 6F35 transmission with SelectShift capability. Steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters will be offered on the Titanium trim, while a sequential shift lever is expected on S and SE trims. AWD is an exclusive option to this engine choice.

• Duratec 20 I4 (Hybrid)- Out goes the previous 2.5L hybrid engine in favor of the smaller and more efficient Duratec 20, which features TiVCT, and direct injection. The 2.0L engine will be modified to run in an Atkinson Cycle fashion, coupled to an electric motor through a CVT. This powertrain will be available as a standard hybrid, or as a plug-in model, dubbed the Fusion Energi. The new hybrid system is projected to be as efficient as a Toyota Prius in standard hybrid form, and more efficient than a Chevrolet Volt in plug-in form.

In Europe and the Rest of the World on launch in Fall 2013, the engine range will be similar, but only the 2.5 will be available in North America. In the Rest of the World, there will be added a three-cyclinder 123bhp Ecoboost, claimed to produce just 125g/km of CO2 emissions. In 2014/2015 a plug-in hybrid badged as an Energi will be added, and powered by a lithium-ion battery pack and 185bhp Atkinson cycle 2.0-litre petrol engine.^[38]

The 2013 Fusion will included driver assistance and technologies based on sensors, cameras and radar that enable the car to see and respond. Fusion can help drivers maintain proper lane position (Lane Keeping System); adjust vehicle speed to changing traffic conditions through adaptive cruise control; active park assist to help identify suitable parking spaces and help park; and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert, which consists of sensors in both rear quarter-panels that are able to detect traffic in a driver’s blind spot, providing both audible and visual warnings if traffic unseen by the driver is detected. BLIS technology enables cross-traffic alert, even aiding drivers backing out of parking space where visibility is obstructed.^[40][41]

The new 2013 line-up also includes a next-generation hybrid version, and a plug-in hybrid version, the Ford Fusion Energi. The Ford Fusion will become the first production sedan to offer these three options. Sales of the gasoline-powered and hybrid version are scheduled to begin in the U.S. by the third quarter of 2012.^[42] Sales in Europe and Asia, as Ford Mondeo, are expected to begin in 2013.^[43] Fusion Energi sales in the U.S. are scheduled to begin by early 2013.^[42] Like the previous generation Fusion, the final assembly will be at Ford's Hermosillo, Mexico Stamping & Assembly facility, alongside the redesigned Lincoln MKZ. Plans for production of the vehicle in Flat Rock, MI have been proposed for US market vehicles later in its product cycle.^[40] The Duratec 2.5, and EcoBoost 1.6 and 2.0 will be sourced from Chihuahua, Mexico, Bridgend, U.K., and Valencia, Spain, respectively.

Background on name choice

The Fusion was originally to be called the Futura, which was last used in North America as a name applied to the Fairmont model line ("Fairmont Futura"). Ford, however, lost a trademark lawsuit to the Pep Boys auto parts store, which has a line of tires under the Futura brand.^[44] 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).^[45] In 1961, it was first used as the designation of an upper trim level on Falcons which continued through 1970, and then on a 2-door coupe and eventually also 4-door versions of the Ford Fairmont from 1978 to 1983. The name 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.

Racing

NASCAR

The Fusion also became the new body style for Ford automobiles in NASCAR beginning in 2006, replacing the Taurus.^[46] 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. For safety reasons, the Car of tomorrow became the car style for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series from the 2008 season,^[47] but Ford continued to use the Fusion name. Kenseth took his #17 Fusion to victory lane in a rain-shortened Daytona 500 in 2009 and did so again (as a rain-deleyed race) in 2012. On February 20, 2011, the #21 Motorcraft Ford Fusion driven by 20-year-old Trevor Bayne won the Daytona 500, echoing the NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductee, David Pearson, when he won it in a similarly decorated Mercury in 1976. The #21 car is owned by the legendary Wood Brothers.

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.^[48] 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 (320 km/h) on the Bonneville salt flats fueled only by hydrogen.^[49] On August 15, 2007, the vehicle set the fastest fuel cell ground vehicle speed record of 207.297 mph (333.612 km/h). The car was driven by retired Ford engineer Rick Byrnes, a long time Bonneville racer.^[50]

Consumer response

According to Ford, consumer response to the 2006 Fusion had exceeded their expectations,^[51] with 30,000 sold during the first quarter of 2006. By October 2009, the Fusion became one of the top ten best-selling cars in the U.S. for the first time, as well as the best-selling car by a domestic automaker.^[52]

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).^[53] This sales mix has contributed, in part, to the Fusion's relatively high residual value compared to the Taurus.^[54]

Ford also sells the Fusion in Mexico and Brazil. In Brazil, it became the highest-selling car in its class in 2008.^[55]

Awards

• In July 2006, Strategic Vision gave the Fusion its Total Quality Award as the best-quality midsize sedan on the American market.^[56]

• In March 2006 the International Carwash Association named the Fusion America's "Most Washable Car."^[57]

• In November 2009, the 2010 Ford Fusion line-up was selected as the 2010 Motor Trend Car of the Year, beating a field of nearly two dozen contenders.^[58]

• In December 2009 Car and Driver magazine listed the 2010 Fusion Hybrid as one of the "10 Best Cars". The piece stated that the Fusion Hybrid was the most advanced of all the cars they tested.^[59]

• In January 2010 the Fusion Hybrid won the 2010 North American Car of the Year Award at the Detroit Auto Show,^[60] and was named "Best of 2010" by Cars.com.^[61]

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"^[62]

• Consumer Reports has also given positive reviews to the Fusion, as it had to the previous Taurus. It rated the Fusion Hybrid the top domestic sedan for 2010.^[63] In 2009, the magazine's automotive editor, Rik Paul, said, "The Ford cars outscored Honda's Accord and Toyota's Camry, the two top-selling cars in America, 'which many people view as the paradigms of reliability'," referring to the Fusion and Mercury Milan.^[64]

• Ford Fusion ranked highest among midsize cars in the JD Power APEAL study for 2006.^[65]

• In the January 2009 issue, Motor Trend rated the Fusion Hybrid ahead of the Toyota Camry Hybrid.^[66] and in the February 2009 issue rated the Fusion Hybrid ahead of the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Nissan Altima Hybrid, and the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid.^[67]

Yearly American sales

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ford Fusion (Americas).

• Official site
• 2010 Ford Fusion Sport review at About.com