We made a long walk through loading bays and feebly heated tent walkways to the Ford press conference at Joe Louis Arena. Usually, this press conference is in Cobo Arena -- now closed for repairs/rehab. Joe Louis turned out to be a far nicer place for a press conference, as Ford constructed an elaborate stage high above the ice where the Red Wings play.
Here we saw the reveal of the 2013 Ford Fusion (red, white cars), the Fusion Hybrid (bright blue car) and the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid (ice-blue car). There's video after the jump.
The regular Fusions and the hybrid go on sale this fall, and we're told you'll be able to get all the drivetrain options at launch. Our favorite is likely to be the 237-hp 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, but the 1.6-liter EcoBoost could be interesting as well, with its projected 26/37 EPA rating -- we rarely meet a turbo we don't like. We (as in, I) briefly sampled both of these engines in the current-generation Mondeo a few months ago at Ford's Lommel proving grounds. It wasn't enough time to form a substantive opinion, but both engines felt strong and smooth.
The plug-in Fusion Energi will show up at dealers right at the end of 2012. Like the regular Fusion Hybrid, it uses an Atkinson-cycle version of a naturally aspirated, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Total horsepower will be around 185.
The Fusion will be built in both Hermosillo, Mexico, and Flat Rock, Michigan. The hybrid and Energi models will be assembled in Mexico only.
prof1111 says:
07:34 AM, 01/ 9/12
Sleek but very Sonata-esque from the side profile and rear--which is good. One could argue that the front bears striking similarities to the Genesis coupe as well. Regardless of what one thinks of Hyundai ( and I reserve judgement for the next few years to see how their products age), their bold designs have caught the attention of the competition. Note that no new products resemble the latest Honda or Toyota models, though the CR-V is a correct step in design.
blackdynamite1 says:
07:48 AM, 01/ 9/12
As long as it's built in Mexico, I'm good!
BD
blackdynamite1 says:
07:49 AM, 01/ 9/12
As long as it's built in Mexico, I'm good!
BD
transpower says:
08:09 AM, 01/ 9/12
I am NOT wowed by Ford's new styling direction....
bestjinjo says:
08:21 AM, 01/ 9/12
Much better inside and out than the previous Fusion. Looks more upscale than most bland cars in this class (Camry, Accord, Altima, etc.).
terryseal says:
08:25 AM, 01/ 9/12
It is kind of Sonata-like (swoopy) from the side and back, but does anyone else think the front end looks like an Aston Martin? I kind of like that...
haunty says:
09:30 AM, 01/ 9/12
The front end looks a lot better
coolb944 says:
09:57 AM, 01/ 9/12
The front end screams Aston Martin DB9, which is a really good thing on a mainstream family sedan. Side profile looks very Audi-esque (combination of A7, A6, and A4), I'm not seeing those Hyundai references at all. Rear is Euro-Ford. Interior looks great. Overall a striking effort by Ford. Hope it drives as well as it looks.
milt721 says:
12:03 PM, 01/ 9/12
It looks like a Mondeo - although the Mondeo still looks better.
stovt001 says:
12:20 PM, 01/ 9/12
I'm actually a little disappointed. I'm not feeling the front, though I can't say why for sure. The high beltline and sloping roof take away the visibility and room you'd want in a midsize family sedan, and the interior looks good, as it has been in the past, but nothing revolutionary.
miamifan1 says:
06:41 PM, 01/ 9/12
someone please clarify what ford means when describing this car as having a "new platform".
what chassis is underneath this car? is it the same one as the previous fusion? are the suspensions carryover? why is it so heavy?
maxmillion125 says:
10:41 PM, 01/ 9/12
I'm I the only one here that thinks this car looks a lot like the Jaguar design?
chochmastergen says:
08:19 AM, 01/10/12
I think its Aston up front and Jag XF in the back. Which makes sense since Ford used to own them.
arnie2105 says:
09:35 AM, 01/10/12
Very euro looking. LOVE IT. Aston Martin in the front. Ford on the inside and the power-train choices look great too. Good job ford!
vardo says:
12:15 PM, 01/10/12
Front end absolutely Astom Martin, how about VW Passat/Jetta for flanks and rear end?
chinesedriver says:
01:26 AM, 01/11/12
from the video, the new FUSION seems has a TURNING CIRCLE as large as a MOON....
samster231 says:
07:25 PM, 01/11/12
Agreed. Aston all over.
willjam71 says:
03:26 PM, 01/15/12
I like it. I think it is a nice step for the Fusion. Yes, a lot of Aston cues, but hey...that can't be a bad thing IMHO.