2008 Los Angeles Auto Show: 2010 Ford Fusion

What is it?
2010 Ford Fusion

What's special about it?
We don't want to alarm anyone, but it seems to us that one of the few bright spots in Ford's car lineup is in serious danger.

Despite being built in Mexico and being based on a Japanese-engineered platform (Mazda 6), the Ford Fusion has been a success for Ford. So it was with slightly moist eyes that we first surveyed the 2010 Fusion, unveiled at the Los Angeles auto show.

The whole front end of the Asian-American Fusion is in real danger of being consumed by the characteristic three-bar chrome grille, which has grown to alarming dimensions. Already it threatens to overtake the once hopeful-looking headlights. By the time the 2010 model goes on sale in the spring of 2009, there's no telling how far it will have progressed.

Ford says the new look with a "powerfully domed hood" and "larger foglamp area" will further enhance the sporty nature of the 2010 Fusion. OK. We'll buy that.

Beyond the critical foglamp area/sporty index, the new Fusion has a more powerful lineup of inline-4 and V6 engines to bolster its sporty credibility. Two of the motors for 2010, the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder and the 3.0-liter V6, are nearly identical to the engines introduced for the 2009 Ford Escape SUV. The DOHC 2.5-liter engine makes 175 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. These figures represent meaningful improvements over the former 2.3-liter four-banger. Ford claims the revised Fusion should accelerate to 60 mph more than a second quicker than the outgoing model.

Thanks in part to the available six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission that replace the old five-speeds, the 2010 Fusion with the 2.5-liter should deliver a 5-mpg improvement on the 2009's highway figure of 28 mpg (automatic) and 29 mpg (manual).

As in the Escape, the familiar 3.0-liter Duratec V6 gets a significant power boost thanks to new cylinder heads, new intake, variable cam timing and a higher compression ratio. The engine now makes 240 hp and 222 lb-ft compared to 221 hp and 205 lb-ft. Run the 3.0-liter on E85 ethanol (a new capability for the 2010 model) and it delivers up to 250 hp. Ford says that the 3.0-liter V6 picks up at least 1 mpg in the city and 2 on the highway — figure about 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway for the new car.

The Blue Oval boys snatch the 3.5-liter V6 from the Lincoln MKZ for use in a new Fusion Sport model. This engine makes 263 hp and 249 lb-ft on regular gas. Like the cars with the 3.0-liter V6, the Sport comes with a six-speed automatic with manual shift capability. Either V6 model can be optioned with an all-wheel-drive system, while the four-cylinder model makes do with front-wheel drive. The Sport also carries standard 18-inch wheels and a sport-tuned suspension.

All Fusions get an updated interior with a new gauge package, seats and what Ford describes as a "more technical look." The company further claims that it has recalibrated the suspensions of all Fusions for improved steering, handling and ride quality — which seems like a good idea.

The Fusion will be available with all manner of electronic goodies, too. Rearview camera? Check. Blind Spot Information System? Check. Sync with automated 911 emergency assist and automated diagnostic checks? Check and check. Ambient lighting system with the potential to make your cupholders glow purple? Uh, check.

Inside Line says: The Fusion is not all-new but the significant powertrain improvements make the 2010 model more than just a face-lift. — Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit