For the first time in a few years, top Ford exec Mark Fields took the stage in Los Angeles to introduce Ford's revised midsize sedans to the automotive media.
Fields says 60 percent of Ford's production is now cars and 40 percent trucks, compared to a few years ago when the F-150 was King and cars totaled just 30 percent of the mix.
With every Ford product now scheduled for a three-year refresh, it was the 2010 Fusion's turn to go under the knife. The result includes expanded powertrain offerings, including a 2.5-liter inline-4 rated at 33 mpg, a flex-fuel 3.0-liter V6, and a 3.5-liter V6 for the new Fusion Sport, which Fields says will run from zero to 60 mph in 7 seconds.
There's also a new Fusion Hybrid, but more on that later. -- Kelly Toepke, News Editor
hondacura4 says:
02:38 PM, 11/19/08
Is it just me or does this car look dated?
bbechtel16 says:
03:01 PM, 11/19/08
And is it just the camera angle or does it have a 4 foot overhang/trunk?
brn says:
05:40 AM, 11/20/08
ha4, it's just you.
jerrywimer says:
07:03 AM, 11/20/08
Agree, brn. I like it. The grille might've been just a bit overdone, but still pretty good. That overhang in the rear means a relatively good size trunk, especially the opening (one of the few real gripes I've had with my 08 Malibu LTZ). However, for the 'Sport' 3.5 to do 0-60 in 7 secs doesn't really sound too sporty, at least not when many people don't consider the Malibu 3.6 0-60 of <7 secs (seen anywhere from 6.3 to 6.6 in reviews) to be 'sporty'. Nevertheless, I like it, and that's more than quick enough for me, especially if it's got half my Malibu's punch when you stick your foot into it. :)
ateixeira says:
11:09 AM, 11/20/08
My minivan (Sienna) hits 60 in the same amount of time. Today that's not Sport any more.
Any how, the real news here is the much improved base engine.
I actually liked the old styling better. This one is trying too hard, you can tell it's face-lifted.
frank908 says:
07:01 PM, 11/20/08
UGLY. Ford styling of yesteryear. Reminds me of a Tempo. A mid 90's Taurus has more panache.
intothewest says:
07:54 PM, 11/20/08
ateixeira - Your Sienna doesn't hit 60mph in 7 seconds. Not unless you've added some kind of forced-induction ;-)
I really like the front end of this - finally, something from Ford US resembling their hot products in Europe (Mondeo)...heck, why not just bring the Mondeo over??
Anyway, though the Big-3 rarely give conservative 0-60 times, with 263hp and AWD, I'd bet this car will be sitting mid-6 seconds - or maybe quicker.
Nice work Ford.