What is it?
2013 Ford Fusion
What's special about it?
This is the midsize family sedan that Ford thinks can win back the hearts of American car buyers the same way the Taurus did years ago. The 2013 Ford Fusion not only has dramatic new styling, it has a wide-ranging lineup that now includes three different gas engines, a gas-electric hybrid and a plug-in hybrid.
For starters, there's the same 2.5-liter, 170-horsepower four-cylinder used in the current Fusion. No big news there, but then it gets interesting. There's a new 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that Ford says will make the Fusion the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid sedan in its class. It will deliver around 179 hp and 26 city/37 highway mpg, or at least that's what Ford says.
Then there's the new 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder, which will be the "performance" option. It's expected to deliver 237 hp and 250 pound-feet of torque. Not bad, especially when you consider that it will come with a standard six-speed, paddle-shifted automatic along with optional 19-inch wheels and tires and a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system.
For the eco-minded, Ford is doubling down on not one, but two hybrids. The standard Fusion Hybrid will pair a 2.0-liter, Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder with an electric motor powered by a new lithium-ion battery pack. Ford says the combination will result in EPA numbers of 47 city and 44 highway mpg, both of which top the latest Camry Hybrid.
If that's not enough, there's the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid. Ford says the Fusion Energi will deliver more than 100 MPGe, an efficiency standard applied specifically for electric vehicles. For comparison, the Chevrolet Volt is rated at 92 MPGe, while the Prius plug-in hybrid is expected to arrive with a rating of 87 MPGe according to Ford.
All Fusions will ride on a new front-wheel-drive platform that uses a MacPherson strut front suspension and an independent multilink rear. Electric steering will come standard on all models, while the hybrid Fusions will also get acoustic underbody panels to reduce road noise and improve efficiency. The overall size is up slightly over the current Fusion, as the new version is an inch longer overall, has a nearly 5-inch-longer wheelbase and is slightly wider.
In terms of technology, the Fusion will introduce a new Lane Keeping system that does the pesky work of keeping the car going straight. A combination of an audible warning and even a slight nudge of the steering wheel will tell drivers when they're slacking in the steering department. The new system will be paired with adaptive cruise control, parking assist and blind spot detection to effectively make the Fusion almost idiot-proof. Almost.
Expect to see the full lineup of Ford Fusions in dealers by the end of the year.
Inside Line says: This is the kind of all-out blitz Ford needed in order to seriously take on the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. If it delivers on the mileage and power numbers, this Fusion could quickly become a best-seller. — Ed Hellwig, Editor, Inside Line
Add A Comment »
easym1 says:
03:14 PM, 02/20/2012
Nice looking car...I wish that Toyota and Honda starts designing beautiful cars.
chrisa222 says:
12:53 PM, 01/25/2012
The styling is a huge improvement...as are the hybrid options. But while the base motor is OK, the performance option is only 237/250? That is weak. That is a big downer from the 3.5L top engine currently..and, if memory serves, is even less power than the smaller, volume-seller V6. This isn't good enough Ford!! Looks like if you want a quick sedan you have to look imports...what with no V6 option for Fusion or Malibu. I get the turbo 4, but under 240HP is a pretty big letdown.
mobis21 says:
03:14 AM, 01/25/2012
This has home run written all over the design and specifications!
jemilio says:
07:08 AM, 01/21/2012
Impressive! It is good to see Ford (and GM) back with the best of the best!
ted23k says:
09:50 PM, 01/20/2012
Look, this new Fusion look very ugly to me. If you like it, you have bad taste. Ford and Hyundai are known to inflate their EPA number to boost sales and marketing. The real world gas mileage is way off what they claimed. As a matter of fact, it is so off that gas mileage claim is under investigation. Also, the current Fusion may be a reliable car for the first few years, but probably will go down hill just like most American cars in reliability. Ford is a one hit wonder, time will tell if they have to stigma to hang with Toyota and Honda in the reliability department. My prediction is no. Please don't make up those false EPA figure, it is so disgraceful and stupid.
nissan_rocks says:
02:22 PM, 01/20/2012
People can say what they want about the design of this Fusion, and that they might have copied this and that. The bottom line it's a beauty unlike the Camry which is as exciting as a Proctor and Silex toaster
bloodyr says:
10:25 AM, 01/20/2012
What makes me sad is that the V6 seems to be dying in this segment of the market. First the Sonata and now the Fusion; Accord and Camry won't be far behind. I don't care what the numbers say, a turbo 4 just doesn't drive the same as a smooth 6. RIP
icemilkcoffee says:
11:20 PM, 01/19/2012
Front end is stolen from Aston Martin wholesale.
krazy_croat says:
01:48 PM, 01/19/2012
Stolen from this and that. A lot of comments claiming they're stealing design elements from other companies. While I can certainly see some similarities between the Fusion and say an Aston Martin, it's Ford design, and shares much more with it's EVO concept and more importantly last get Ford Mondeo in Europe. They're not in an aesthetic wilderness; Ford is quite proud of their new design language. For me, it's probably the best looker in class or at least on par with the Optima.
yesistreetrace says:
12:11 PM, 01/14/2012
They stole the grill from Aston, the headlights from an EVO, and the lower front bumper from Audi. Boy, Ford sure knows how to flatter.