LA 2008: 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid - all the details and press pictures available
Filed under: Hybrid, Ford, LA Auto Show
On top of the new Ford Mustang that everyone's so excited about, Ford is unveiling the new Fusion hybrid at the LA Auto Show this week. The Fusion (and the Marcury Milan hybrid) feature the new SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide that grows leaves when the driver uses a green foot. The benefit - aside from the pretty pictures - is the ability to go over 700 miles on a tank of gas. A 2.5 liter 4-cylinder puts out 155 hp/136 lb.-ft. of torque. The amount of fuel needed at startup is also reduced thanks to an enhanced electronic throttle control. There's also a lighter, better NiMH battery pack. Want one? It'll be one dealer lots in spring 2009.
The 2010 Fusion comes not only in a hybrid flavor, but also with some fuel-efficient gas engines that displace 2.5, 3, and 3.5 liters - oh, and they're all cleaner than the engines they replace. There's heaps more information after the jump. Check back for the pictures of the live unveiling later today.
[Source: Ford]
PRESS RELEASE:
NEW 2010 FORD FUSION, FUSION HYBRID OFFER LEADING FUEL EFFICIENCY, SMART NEW TECHNOLOGIES
• For the 2010 model year, the new Ford Fusion lineup expands to include an all-new hybrid model that offers class-leading fuel economy, besting the Toyota Camry hybrid by at least 5 mpg in the city; innovative new SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide coaches hybrid drivers to maximize fuel efficiency
• Fusion will offer three fuel-efficient gasoline engine options – the Duratec 2.5-liter I-4 and enhanced 3.0-liter V-6 and 3.5-liter V-6 Duratec engines. Fusions equipped with the 2.5-liter I-4 engine are expected to deliver at least 3 mpg better on the highway than the Honda Accord and 2 mpg better than the Toyota Camry. The 3.5-liter V-6 powers the all-new Fusion Sport model
• Class-exclusive features, including Ford SYNC™, SIRUIS® TravelLink™, BLIS™ (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross Traffic Alert and Sony-branded audio set Fusion apart from other mid-size sedans
• The 2010 Ford Fusion will be available in dealer showrooms in spring 2009
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 19, 2008 – Ford's new 2010 Fusion is set to shake up the cut-throat mid-size sedan segment when it goes on sale early next year, bringing an all-new hybrid that will deliver the best fuel economy of any sedan in America, class-exclusive technologies including a blind spot detection and warning system and Ford SYNC™, plus the kind of proven quality and reliability that has been recognized by the top consumer groups and magazines.
"With the new Ford Fusion, we are offering consumers more choice, even better fuel economy and the leading quality and reliability that they have come to expect," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Global Product Development. "But that isn't all – we weren't satisfied with just matching the competition in the segment, we wanted to give consumers even more by delivering engaging driving dynamics and technologies that make the in-car experience more comfortable and connected."
Designed to stand out
Ford's attention to detail with the freshened Fusion begins with a new design that gives the car a sportier look and improved aerodynamics. The car's newly designed front end, including headlamps, grille and larger fog-lamp area, further enhance the sporty nature of the 2010 Fusion. Aerodynamic enhancements and new underbody shields further boost Fusion's fuel economy.
Overall, the wider, sportier look aims to make Fusion even more appealing to customers eager for a fun-to-drive mid-size sedan.
With all models, the interior design team created a more contemporary, technical look with metallic new finishes on the instrument panel that carries through on the center console, doors and steering wheel. A new shifter has been added, increasing the Fusion's sportiness and comfort.
The seats received a makeover, as well. The seat contour has been revised, with more side support and overall a softer seat with smoother bolsters and more-textural inserts. The seats also feature contrasting stitching and tipped leather inserts to give the Fusion even more attitude, befitting this mid-size sedan.
The gauge cluster has been designed with 3-D elements to create a jewel-like appearance, similar to a fine watch. Drivers will be greeted by a new "welcome" sequence that makes the Fusion seem as if it's coming to life. Gauge needles sweep back and forth as the lighting and new chimes come on. The ambient lighting system offers the option of illuminating the front and rear footwells and front cup holders.
Fuel-efficient powertrain lineup
Both the inline four-cylinder and V-6 engines are upgraded for both improved fuel economy and power. Fusions equipped with Ford's new 2.5-liter I-4 engine are expected to deliver at least a 5 mpg improvement versus the 2009 model on the highway, resulting in fuel economy that is at least 3 mpg better than the Honda Accord and 2 mpg better than the Toyota Camry.
The 2.5-liter I-4 engine horsepower and torque also have been improved from the car's outgoing 2.3-liter 4-cylinger engine, jumping to 175 hp and 172 ft.-lbs. of torque from the previous 160 hp and 156 ft-lbs. As a result, 0-60 performance improves by more than a second, now topping Camry and Accord.
The 2010 Fusion features an all six-speed transmission lineup, including for the new 2.5-liter I-4 engine, which is available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The previous 2.3-liter I-4 in the Fusion was available with only a five-speed transmission.
The additional gear on the I-4 provides better drivability and performance as well as fuel savings, said Matt Hettenhouse, Powertrain Team Leader for the Fusion. "The gear ratios and the overall span of the transmissions allow us to have a more-efficient shift schedule," he said.
The first gear can be made a little deeper, which provides smoother acceleration. At the top end, a higher gear allows the engine to run slower in highway conditions, which also aids fuel economy.
Ford's proven Duratec 30 3.0-liter V-6 engine also improved on the 2010 model, delivering highway fuel economy gains of at least 1 mpg city and 2 mpg highway. Horsepower in the 3.0-liter V-6 also increased to 240 hp and 222 ft.,-lbs, up from 221 hp and 205 ft.-lbs. in the previous version. The 3.0-liter engine is now Flex Fuel-capable and can run on E-85 ethanol, which delivers even more horsepower – up to 250hp.
Front-wheel drive and on-demand all-wheel drive are available with models with a 3.0-liter engine and with the new Fusion Sport 3.5-liter engine.
The Fusion Sport 3.5-liter V-6 has 263 horsepower, a six-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift. The versatility in the powertrain systems creates a wide range of options for customers designed to fit every need.
The 2010 Fusion now comes equipped with Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system on 2.5- and 3.0-liter models, improving the driving dynamics of the vehicle while delivering greater fuel savings because the steering system is operated by the electrical system rather than the engine. Additionally, EPAS provides customers with improved steering feel and reduced low-speed efforts that when coupled with a nearly 1 foot smaller turning circle for 2010 makes parking a cinch.
In addition to improvements in the 2010 Fusion's steering, handling and improved brake pedal feel, the Fusion team also took a look at how to improve the comfort of the car, including reducing wind noise and road noise.
Hood insulators, inner and outer dash absorbers, new carpet and glass, revised sealing baffles, additional sound deadening in the trunk, new interior material and new headliner material are among the improvements made.
Improved body and door sealing also contribute to Fusion's best-in-class standing in wind noise. Overall, the reduction in wind noise and road noise puts Fusion near some of the best luxury cars in terms of quietness and best-in-class speech intelligibility. Wind noise, for example, is 3 sones better than Camry and Accord. Models with the I-4 engine are class leaders in wind noise and road noise.
All-new hybrid model
For the 2010 model year, the Ford Fusion adds an all-new hybrid model. The Fusion and Mercury Milan Hybrids join the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids, doubling both the size and volume of Ford's hybrid lineup.
"Offering consumers more fuel-efficient vehicle choices, including improving and increasing our hybrid vehicle offerings, is part of Ford's broad plan to deliver technology solutions for affordable fuel economy for millions," Kuzak said.
"With the new Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, we are now able to offer even better range of travel on battery power at a greater speed, thanks to a more efficient, seamless transition between the battery-powered motor and gasoline-driven engine," he said. "These new hybrids will exceed expectations on all fronts – fuel efficiency, comfort, convenience and drivability."
The Ford Hybrid team has developed a powertrain system that combines the best attributes of the gasoline engine and electric battery-driven motors to deliver the optimal experience for the customer in terms of driving performance and fuel economy. Additionally, the propulsion system for the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids transitions between gas and electric power and back more efficiently and seamlessly.
The overall system upgrade allows the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids to operate longer at higher speeds in electric mode. The hybrid vehicles can operate up to 47 mph in pure electric mode, approximately twice as fast as some competitors. Plus, the city driving range on a single tank of gas is expected to be more than 700 miles.
The next-generation hybrid system features:
• New 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (155 horsepower/136 lb.-ft. of torque) running the proven Atkinson cycle mated to an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission or e-CVT.
• Intake Variable Cam Timing (iVCT), which allows the vehicle to more seamlessly transition from gas to electric mode and vice-versa. The spark and cam timing are varied according to the engine load to optimize efficiency and emissions.
• Enhanced electronic throttle control reduces airflow on shutdowns, reducing fueling needs on restarts.
• Wide-band lambda sensor analyzes the air-fuel ratio and adjusts the lean/rich mixture accordingly to keep the system in balance and to minimize emissions.
• A new smaller, lighter nickel-metal hydride battery has been optimized to produce 20 percent more power. Improved chemistry allows the battery to be run at a higher temperature and it is cooled using cabin air.
• An added variable voltage converter boosts the voltage to the traction battery to operate the motor and generator more efficiently.
• A new high-efficiency converter provides 14 percent increased output to accommodate a wider array of vehicle features.
• Smarter climate control system monitors cabin temperature and only runs the gas engine as needed to heat the cabin; it also includes an electric air conditioning compressor to further minimize engine use.
• The regenerative brake system captures the energy normally lost through friction in braking and stores it. Nearly 94 percent energy recovery is achieved by first delivering full regenerative braking followed by friction brakes during city driving.
• A simulator brake actuation system dictates brake actuation and delivers improved brake pedal feel compared to the previous generation braking system.
"Because our hybrid can run at a much higher speed in electric mode, you can do so much more in city-driving situations," said Gil Portalatin, Hybrid Applications Manager. "Under the right conditions, you can drive in your neighborhood or mall parking lots without using a drop of gasoline."
The Fusion Hybrid also offers drivers a way to be more connected to the hybrid driving experience thanks to Ford's SmartGauge with EcoGuide, a unique instrument cluster execution that helps coach them on how to optimize performance of their hybrid.
SmartGauge with EcoGuide features two, high-resolution, full-color liquid crystal display (LCD) screens on either side of the analog speedometer that can be configured to show different levels of information, including fuel and battery power levels, average and instant miles-per-gallon.
EcoGuide uses a multi-layered approach to coach the driver to maximum fuel efficiency. A tutorial mode built into the display that helps the driver learn about the instrument cluster and the hybrid in a whimsical way that does not overpower. Technical enthusiasts will love the detailed gauges that will help them learn to become more efficient in their driving. Everyday drivers will love another new feature in this same gauge cluster. Called "Efficiency Leaves," the system "grows" leaves and vines on-screen to reward customers for efficient driving.
Drivers can choose one of four data screens to choose the information level displayed during their drives. They are:
• Inform: Fuel level and battery charge status
• Enlighten: Adds electric vehicle mode indicator and tachometer
• Engage: Adds engine output power and battery output power
• Empower: Adds power to wheels, engine pull-up threshold and accessory power consumption
All levels can show instant fuel economy, fuel economy history, odometer, engine coolant temperature, what gear the car is in and trip data (trip fuel economy, time-elapsed fuel economy and miles to empty). The engine coolant temperature indicator turns green when engine conditions are warm enough to allow engine pull-down.
Several other elements help differentiate the Ford Fusion Hybrid from its gas-powered sibling, including unique hybrid "road and leaf" badging on both sides and the rear of the vehicle; unique 16-inch, eight-spoke wheels; eco-friendly seat fabric made from post-industrial 100 percent recycled materials; and a standard 110-volt power outlet.
New Sport model
The base 2010 Ford Fusion already is a fun-to-drive mid-size car. With an even sportier look, a bigger, more-powerful engine, special wheels and upgraded suspension tuning to go along with a distinctive interior, the new 2010 Ford Fusion Sport is a dynamic, welcome addition.
"We're maintaining the fun-to-drive elements that made the Ford Fusion such a huge success and building on those," said Chief Engineer J.D. Shanahan. "Our 2010 models are even more fun to drive with better steering and handling. It's all exemplified by the Ford Fusion Sport with its 3.5-liter engine, 18-inch wheels and sport tuning."
The 263-horsepower V-6 Duratec engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift. Front-wheel drive is standard, with available all-wheel drive. The sport-tuned air intake system retains the fun-to-drive, powerful and sporty powertrain sound attributes expected in the 2010 Ford Fusion Sport to complement the driving experience.
Building off the improvements for the Fusion line, the 2010 Ford Fusion Sport also features a unique lower grille for a more functional look, bright-tip dual exhausts, side rocker moldings, a decklid spoiler and unique Sport badging. Eighteen-inch painted aluminum wheels are standard.
The interior reflects its sporty nature as well. As with the base models, the Fusion Sport's instrument panel and center console deliver a more-technical, content-driven look. Fusion Sport includes a Charcoal Black interior with a dark, stainless finish available. Sport Blue or Sport Red interior accents are also available, depending on exterior color selected. These give the instrument panel and console a sportier look as well, which carries over to the seat inserts and contrast stitching.
Exclusive technologies keep consumers connected
New technology features available on the 2010 Fusion include:
• Blind Spot Information System (BLISTM) with Cross Traffic Alert, which can help provide extra confidence to drivers in parking lots by alerting drivers sooner of nearby traffic while backing out. It uses two multiple beam radar modules, which are packaged in the rear quarter panels. The radar detects moving objects within a 65-foot range from either side of the vehicle. The radar identifies when a vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone and illuminates an indicator light on the corresponding side-view mirror providing a warning that a vehicle is approaching. An audible alert is sounded as well.
• SYNC: The voice-activated hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft. The system fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players, providing customers hands-free cell phone and music selection capabilities – plus new 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report provided with no monthly fees.
o 911 Assist: When a phone is properly paired, turned on and connected to SYNC, the system is ready to assist in placing a call directly to a local 911 emergency operator in the event of an air bag-deploying accident. The key advantage of SYNC 911 Assist is speed, as calls are placed directly to local 911 operators.
o Vehicle Health Report (VHR): SYNC gathers relevant information from the major vehicle control modules and packages diagnostic data into a usable format in a matter of minutes. That data packet is sent to Ford via an 800-number automatically dialed using the customer's paired and operable mobile phone.
• Voice-Activated Navigation, which integrates several functions including voice recognition destination entry, climate control and SIRIUS satellite radio into one easy-to-use system, displaying them on an 8-inch touch-screen display. The navigation system's text-to-speech function calls out street names while in route to a destination and reads incoming text messages when the system is linked to SYNC. The integrated DVD player is capable of reading CD-Audio, MP3 CDs, DVD, DVD-Audio and DVD-ROM (for digital map updates). A music jukebox function stores more than 150 hours of music. The screen even can be customized with personal photos.
• SIRIUS Travel Link™, an industry-leading technology that, when combined with the voice-activated navigation system will provide users with real-time traffic data with accident and incident information, coast-to-coast weather data including current conditions and five-day forecasts, and fuel price information for over 120,000 gas stations. Travel Link also offers sports scores and schedules and a listing of more than 4,500 movie theaters with movie times, theater addresses, movie synopses and more.
• Reverse Camera System, which mounts a small camera on the decklid that is activated when Fusion is shifted into reverse, giving the driver a clear view behind the vehicle.
The video image is displayed in the optional navigation screen on Fusions equipped with that option or in the self-dimming rearview mirror vehicles without navigation.
• Ambient Lighting System allows drivers to customize the interior lighting to suit their mood through seven base colors – ice blue, purple, blue, orange, red, white and green.
• Sony-branded audio system. The Ford Fusion is the first mid-size sedan in North America to offer a Sony-branded audio system with surround sound and Sony DSP processing as a factory option. The Sony-branded audio system makes substantial use of high-quality speaker materials, including polypropylene cones, three-layer soft dome tweeters and large neodymium magnets for most speakers in the system.
• EasyFuel™ Capless Fuel-Filler System also is standard. This industry-exclusive feature helps to reduce evaporative emissions that create smog and global warming. When fueling is completed and the fuel pump nozzle is removed, the system automatically seals shut.
• Cabin Air Filter is standard for the first time on the Ford Fusion. The filter removes respiratory irritants and toxins caused by traffic and industrial pollution. The filter also provides an additional safeguard for the climate control system.
With a bolder new design, a host of segment-exclusive new features and technologies, improved drivability and comfort and even more choice across the lineup, the 2010 Ford Fusion is poised to win over even more mid-size car customers.
Ford Fusion is built at Ford's Hermosillo (Mexico) Stamping and Assembly Plant and will be in dealers in spring 2009.
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 224,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-19-2008 @ 12:35AM
Jason said...
Looks like Ford is still in the game, at least with this car. The new front grill looks much better than the previous model and I'm glad Ford realizes that fuel efficiency is important and I hope that they can make all their models more fuel efficient than their competitors. I think at least one American car company can make the right decisions.
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11-19-2008 @ 9:39AM
ziv said...
I put 2,000 miles on a 2008 Ford Fusion, both interstate and mountain driving, and it was a nice car. This one looks like it may be a replacement for my RAV-4 in 2 years if the Volt doesn't get built.
But it is kind of irritating to be told the mileage will 2 mpg better than X and 3 mpg better than Y, I don't want to buy those cars but I might want to buy the Fusion if its mileage is better than a Hybrid Escape. Is it? If is does 0-60 in less than 9 seconds, it would help a lot as well, but all I know is that it is faster than X and Y, which are probably dogs I wouldn't want to buy. I am driving one now, I don't want another...
I hate press releases...
GCC says that Ford is claiming the Fusion Hybrid will beat the Camry Hybrid by 5 mpg which would be 38 mpg in the city cycle, which is noticeably better than an Escape Hybrid, now all I have to figure out is the cost.
Looks like GM is losing the bailout wars in Congress, unless the UAW has a come to Jesus moment, they may end up getting bought up by Chery or someone else with deep pockets, I hope the Volt still gets built, even if it isn't by an American owned firm...
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11-19-2008 @ 9:41AM
JohnZ said...
The larger 3-bar grill is looking better each time I see it. It looked too heavy for the car the first time I saw it, but once you get used to it, it starts to seem right.
On a driving vacation in Hawaii in the spring I was surprised at how often a rental Ford driving towards me with a 3-bar grill caught my attention in a positive way. By the end of the vacation, I was a big fan of the 3-bar.
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11-19-2008 @ 10:34AM
EVsNow said...
The car itself sounds good. I really don't like the big brother phone home "feature" that collects info on your travels and sends that to whomever they choose.
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11-19-2008 @ 11:44AM
Dude said...
Good job Ford.
Reply
11-19-2008 @ 1:37PM
stas peterson said...
Thsi is a mainline heart-of-the-market product, with a combination of sound conventional engineering advances and also a signiificant improvemnt in hybrid drivetrain refinement.
Alan Mulllay is doing his job at Ford.
Amid all the blather about the Detroit auto companies, it is often forgotten that the big two compete and win well everywhere else in the World. Chrysler has been forced to sell off ts foreign affiliates in past downturnsand is emaciated.
The msot logical thing to do is fold Chrysler into one of these firms, probably Ford, provide some funding, and let them compete.Everyon assumes that absorbing a firm doesn't work bu tthat was how General Motors evolved.
It is well past the point that the entire post WW II approach of letting all the countries in the World prosper by providing access to the American market for their exports while closing their markets to American imports is a valid modus operandi. This has led to the export of many industries, including hi-tech ones such as computers, shipbuilding, portions of commercial aircraft, and the automotive businesses. Enough, America can no longer insure the prosperity of the World by exporting its industries. To be sure, thsi has aided America s well. It has forced American business ot internationaize,and to face a fierce competition, that while not exactly fair, has forced them and made them efficient.
It is well past the point that these countries compete on an equal playing field. I personally subscribe to a fundamental revision of the American tax system. We can ask the countries to allow access, but that has failed before. Adopting a VAT system of taxation, imn lieu of an income tax system, as the rest of the world uses, would immediately swing the advantage to domestically produced products. No longer would an American Camry cost significantly less than a Japanese one. The same would apply to all goods from A to Z from all sources.
Now that the last growing market for petroleum is on the verge of being capped by technological advance, via hybrids and electric cars, the power of th OIl Shieks and Commissars has either already, or will be crested soon. Now that technology is removing the last obstacle to world prosperity for all, we must turn our attention to other reforms.
Now we must rationailze and reform the international trading system. But Ifear that the Obamanaites wil be too stupid and ideological to grasp that need.
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11-19-2008 @ 2:52PM
Sasparilla said...
The sad thing here is that Ford will only make 25,000 of these a year (just like they do with the Escape Hybrid) - significantly short of what demand will be (for both vehicle types).
They do this because they don't want to run separate factories for the hybrids and they make more money per vehicle with the non hybrid versions.
I'd think they should use some of that idle factory space elsewhere's to sell as many as people want....but that's not the case.
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11-20-2008 @ 1:38PM
asus said...
Wheres the MKZ version?
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