Jump to content
Server Move In Progress - Read More ×
Create New...
  • Blake Noble
    Blake Noble

    Officially Revealed: The new 2013 Ford Fusion

    So far during this year's Detriot Auto Show, many of the automaker's media embargos have been broken early -- the Dodge Dart, the new Mercedes SL, and the Cadillac ATS all were put up for public viewing on the internet hours before they were officially meant to be. The new 2013 Ford Fusion was another car that fell victim to having its media embargo broken by Uncle Internet, but luckily the two pictures that leaked out earlier today weren't of the best quality and still left you wanting to see more.

    If you were wondering how the rear and interior of the new Fusion would turn out, well, here's some good news: Ford's embargo broke about an hour or two ago and now we can bring you a full gallery of nice resolution images of Ford's new Camcord fighting mid-sized sedan. And man, oh man ... has Ford really come out swinging this time on this one.

    If we've learned anything about how a mid-sized sedan should be designed from recent debuts, such as the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu and 2011 Kia Optima, it's that cars of this class do not have to be dull as dishwater and this new Fusion is no exception. Any possible styling connections to the outgoing Fusion have been thrown out the door and the new car instead draws it's inspiration heavily from the current Kinetic design European Ford Mondeo and the Ford Evos concept car. The end result definitely makes for one boldly-designed sedan.

    The new Fusion can be ordered in S, SE, and Titanium trim levels and, as with the other competing cars in its class, will offer a range of four-cylinder engines. Base cars will have a naturally-aspirated 2.5L four (175 hp, 175 lb.-ft. of torque) standard and the upgrade from that engine will be a turbo 1.6L EcoBoost four (179 hp, 172 lb.-ft. of torque) good for 26 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. The range-topping motor will be a 2.0L EcoBoost four (237 hp, and 250 lb.-ft. of torque). As for transmissions, a six-speed automatic or manual will be offered. You also have the option of all-wheel drive on top-end, 2.0L-equipped cars as well.

    That isn't all, though. The Hybrid model, of course, returns with the new car. Good for 47 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway, the new Fusion Hybrid uses a 2.0L four-cylinder engine along with an electric motor good for 180 horses. If the Hybrid wasn't efficient enough, Ford also will build an Energi (read: plug-in hybrid) variant of the Fusion that will be good for 100 MPGe.

    Aside from being one of the most efficient cars in its class, the new Fusion will be packed full of tech goodies. MyFordTouch, Ford's in-house infotainment system, will obviously be an offered item and Sync is standard on all models.

    The new Fusion is certainly one of the most impressive mid-sized sedans set to hit the market and will most definitely keep the competition (especially Toyota) wringing their hands for a while. Production is set to start this month in Mexico and will expand to Flat Rock, Michigan. Sales will begin here in the North American market this fall, while overseas buyers in Europe will see the Fusion show up on their shores to replace the Mondeo next year.

    Browse through the gallery here:

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    I said yesterday I thought the new Fusion was ugly. Already I am eating my words. Not too many modern designs seem perfect enough today to have the chance to become a future classic... but the Fusion just might be on that short list. Wow.

    And the interior doesn't seem near as intrusive as the Focus and Taurus, with a normal-sized center stack and console. Of course, real-world seat time will have to ultimately answer that question.

    Long-term reliability and repair expense is still up in the air with the turbocharged 4s V. a V6 for customers who want extra hp, but for now, this is one sweet looking 4-door.

    • Agree 1
    • Disagree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    It is a vast improvment over the last one. But I do worry the nose may look a little tall in person.

    It has the Aston look that we all know but the Astons are not tall in the nose. I think it will be ok but till I can see it I will have a question on it.

    the rest of the car looks fine.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Ford sold about 250,000 Fusions this past year. 300,000 next year? 350,000?

    The fact that the hybrid comes close to the prius is awsome as well as the Energi version which is effectivley a better chevy volt, at least a according to the paper specs.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Ford sold about 250,000 Fusions this past year. 300,000 next year? 350,000?

    Only if they get a new plant. I'd wager that Fusion was able to sell more because they weren't building the Milan anymore.

    The fact that the hybrid comes close to the prius is awsome as well as the Energi version which is effectivley a better chevy volt, at least a according to the paper specs.

    That surprised me too. A very pleasant surprise, at that.

    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Not been a Ford Fan for a Long time since they detuned my lovely 1991 Ford Escort that Mazda built for them that rocked. Then I fell in love for my Excursion which is dead and gone.

    This baby besides reminding me of an aston martin, is lovely inside and out.

    Way to go FORD, Rock On!!! :metal:

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    pleasant enough, Aston knockoff. Doesn't bowl me over, but I do think it will be popular. Blunt and tall hood is a bit concerning I suppose its for Euro pedestrian standards.

    Looks large, will it cut into Taurus sales?

    Does look a little like the Mazda6 currently....they are distinct to some degree but the greenhouse does have some M6 overtones.

    Interior is logical and kinda rakish, I think Audi fans will like it, etc. At the same time very different than the Focus. Even some common themes with the Explorer inside. Still its not a jaw dropper to me. Will be nice to see the materials once its done.

    • Agree 1
    • Disagree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    They can increase production. The fusion is going to be built at the flat rock MI plant as well as in Mexico now.

    I can't wait to see that road test for the 2.0 ecoboost AWD titanium. The Audi A4 AWD automatic weighs a bit over 3700 lbs to the Fusion 2.0 AWD's estimaed weight of 3600. The Audi 2.0 makes 8 more ftlbs of torque then the ecboost but gives up 26 hp to the ford motor.

    If the new fusion could drive like an A4 or God forbid maybe even a bit better at 70 percent of the price that would be awesome.

    I do hope that they add a SHO / GT / ST or other performance model. If I was Ford I'd do one of 2 things. Jack up the 2.0 T to 300 hp and 300 ftlbs as we've seen hapen for the performance version of the Evoque or drop in the new 2.7 ecoboost v6 that we've heard is coming to Lincoln.

    Ford's MPG is going through the rough and they're finding ways to do while mainting their cars performance aspects.

    One of my favorite things to brag about with the new Mustangs is actually their fuel economy. Everyone knows that the Mustang is fast and is a gerat drivers car but even the new 650 hp GT500 gets good enough fuel economy to avoid the gas guzzler tax.

    I'm hopefull for another banner year full of profit and growth for Ford.

    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    You mean

    Aston grill

    Mondeo the side

    Mondeo the rear

    Mixed with Evos Concept

    Fixed.

    At any rate, its a real looker, competes withe the Optima for best looking midsizer. Much better proportionately than the new Malibu. The Hybrid posts some impressive fuel economy estimates. The Engeri even more so, if it gets 100 MPGe it'll be more efficient than the Volt, which is hugely impressive for the bigger Ford an quite embarrassing for the Volt.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    ^^^

    Bold prediction...

    Those sedans will be ranked in the following order...

    1 - Fusion - Most expensive looking, most engine options, fuel economy, AW, most inovative

    2 - Altima - This could easily fall back quite a bit. Reason it's this high is for the intriguing 2.5 supercharged 250 hp hybrid. Very unique.

    3 - Malibu - Love the looks. B+ interior. Eco model too expensive for what it is. Very solid entry, needs a real hybrid.

    4 - Passat - More resonably priced, handsome, interesting engine options.

    5 - Optima/Sonata - Excellent on paper. Average-a bit above average in real life. Still strong entries overall

    6 - Accord - This is the one that's most likley to rise if Honda suprises us. I predict it'll be too big, bland and still have a 5 speed.

    7 - Camry - Tired looking. Little difference between 2012 and 2006 generation. Boring as all hell

    This is of course total conjecture as I'll need to see them all in person, read reviews and drive them as well bt this is how I think thing's will shake out.

    Dodge needs to redo the Avenger. If they make it a big brother to the impressive looking Dart that would be a good place to start.

    The biggest mystery cars here are the Altima and Accord. The Altima's supercharded 2.5 liter hybrid sounds really cool. They can keep a simple 2 engine lineup, base 2.5 and performance/ fuel economy 2.5 superchanrged hybrid that can justify it's price premium for great gasmilage and fun to drive factor. Of course the car could be ass ugly or unrefined etc.

    The Accord is getting new DI 2.4 and 3.5 liter motors that are competitive but not ground breaking. I've heard nothing new about new transmissions though. Honda is just so stale and stuck in it's ways that I don't see them jumping to the front in terms of inovation and performance.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    You mean

    Aston grill

    Mondeo the side

    Mondeo the rear

    Mixed with Evos Concept

    Fixed.

    At any rate, its a real looker, competes withe the Optima for best looking midsizer. Much better proportionately than the new Malibu. The Hybrid posts some impressive fuel economy estimates. The Engeri even more so, if it gets 100 MPGe it'll be more efficient than the Volt, which is hugely impressive for the bigger Ford an quite embarrassing for the Volt.

    No, I don't mean that. I mean that I need a new glasses prescription and apparently so does Z-06 because as we approached the white one from a distance from a direct side view we both wondered aloud why there was a Jaguar in the Ford area.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    The white cars nose look ok and yes it has Jag in it too but so does the Aston for what it is worth.

    The real question is will they keep the price in check. The Ford prices have been getting higher and higher. The Edge and Taurus are good cars but not what I term a good value vs others in the market. The present car is a good buy but most cars are their last year.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I think they will, to an extend. I've heard it's still going to start in the low 20's (about 22000) and I'm sure there will be a lot a bang for the buck, particularly in the SE trim. The Titanium and plug in are going to be expensive. I bet we can get this car over 40 with the plug in and that the Titanim probably starts around 30 but can be optioned up to 35-36. To me this isn't bad as long as they don't package in things like adaptive crusie control and such that inflate the price for those that want a high trim for certain content but not 5000 bucks worth of tech add ons.

    remember back in the mid 2000s when the SRX and STS came out for Caddy? The was ver little in the way of a la carte options. Almost everything was part of one $5000 package or another so if you really wanted 1 feature sometimes you'd have to pay a ton of money to get it.

    As long as Ford gets the option packages right and keeps the S, SE and normal hybrid pricing competitive it should be fine, and a lot of people will pay the high transaction price for the tech anyways.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    47/44 mpg is amazing, makes the Malibu Eco look like the Malibu Thirsty.

    I think the car looks good but at the same time I don't like how they ripped the Aston Martin Rapide grill. But credit to Ford for being aggressive, go big or go home and they went big.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    No, I don't mean that. I mean that I need a new glasses prescription and apparently so does Z-06 because as we approached the white one from a distance from a direct side view we both wondered aloud why there was a Jaguar in the Ford area.

    Which Jag, exactly, because as far as I know there only two sedans: the XJ and the XF and yeah I don't see the resemblance. I know its not an insult to the Fusion, I just honestly don't see it.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Which Jag, exactly, because as far as I know there only two sedans: the XJ and the XF and yeah I don't see the resemblance. I know its not an insult to the Fusion, I just honestly don't see it.

    I'm not seeing it either...I see the A7 (greenhouse) and current Mondeo (rear)

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I can see a bit of Jaguar in the sides. Can't put my finger on it, though. maybe the shape of the nose in profile, maybe the wraparound of the taillights....maybe just the overall shape...I don't know, but it definitely looks like Moray's been talking with Ian.

    Ford-Fusion_2013_photo_02.jpg

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    but I love, love, LOVE the Aston influence in the nose, and just the overall look of the car. If I was married/had kids, this is one that I would happily schlep around town in (as long as it's the sport model ;) ).

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    The resemblance is uncanny. Maybe Jag (which I'm still not seeing any resemblance) copied Ford!

    Yes, the greenhouse and rear clearly is an evolution of the current Mondeo...nothing from the current Fusion really to been in the new one..

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I can see a bit of Jaguar in the sides. Can't put my finger on it, though. maybe the shape of the nose in profile, maybe the wraparound of the taillights....maybe just the overall shape...I don't know, but it definitely looks like Moray's been talking with Ian.

    Ford-Fusion_2013_photo_02.jpg

    The White one is where I really see it. The other colors, not so much.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites



    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • google-news-icon.png



  • Community Hive Community Hive

    Community Hive allows you to follow your favorite communities all in one place.

    Follow on Community Hive
  • google-news-icon.png

  • Subscribe to Cheers & Gears

    Cheers and Gears Logo

    Since 2001 we've brought you real content and honest opinions, not AI-generated stuff with no feeling or opinions influenced by the manufacturers.

    Please consider subscribing. Subscriptions can be as little as $1.75 a month, and a paid subscription drops most ads.*
     

    You can view subscription options here.

    *a very limited number of ads contain special coupon deals for our members and will show

  • Posts

    • If you do tomatoes or any water hungry container veggies, Pittmoss is the GOAT and will save you a ton of headache with watering.
    • Thanks! Yeah, from what I've read it needs a lot of water but also media that drains well so the roots can dry out between waterings. I've now looked into this Pittmoss stuff, and it sounds pretty dang good. I think I'll order some and mix it with planter soil, as well. 
    • All done with the detail inside and out of the SS for the spring/summer season.
    • I had never driven an Infiniti Q50 before, let alone ever really looked at them.  I also didn’t know much about these cars. I was supposed to be assigned a medium sized SUV, but remarked I wanted the luggage area to be hidden.  The rental agent told me they could not guarantee the presence of a retractable cover. (Why would they order a car without one or why would someone take one?  eBay?)  They didn’t have any SUVs anyway, and I got put into an Infiniti Q50.  I checked my phone to verify the cost would be covered by my insurance and the credit card parameters.  It came in at around $43,000.  That’s if new.  That said: “no worries.”  However, this unit would be a much-depreciated 3+ year model with 57,000 miles.  I relaxed.  At any rate, I put less than 500 miles on it over a week.  As one walks up to it, you can tell its heritage … and rather quickly.  You can instantly see similarities to the Nissan Altima in the instrument panel’s main cluster and in the switches much the same way that a CT6 by Cadillac and a Cruze by Chevrolet share dials and such.  However, the assembly and detailing are nicer in the Q50.  It had leather seating, which I don’t care for in a warm weather location, that was comfortably contoured and nicely finished.  The same could be said for the doors and other trim and fittings.  Inside, I liked the way that the dash, center stack, and console flowed together.  The scalloped tops of the dash hearken to those of the very last Impala, which had an attractive dashboard on various levels. The center stack is slightly like that of an Olds Aurora.  These comments go along with the often-cited commentary that this car is traditional and old school in a lot of ways, thus not breaking any new ground. The least favorable aspect of the interior is operating the various touch screen and stalk functions.  Some are redundant and confusing.  However, for one, it is possible to pull up a clock that resembles old school chronometer and have it sitting at the top of the center stack. On the interior's plus side, there are perfectly contoured and angled slots to store water bottles at the base of the front doors.  On the minus side, there is a remote latch release for the trunk, but not one for the fuel cap door.  (The fuel cap door remains closed if the car is locked.) I figured that this Infiniti would have a V6.  It was no ordinary V6, but 3.7 liters worth of V6 with twin turbochargers.  Rarely does one need this much power and, in one week, I got aggressive with the throttle in one merging situation and one passing situation.  It is up to the task and kicks out a little torque steer.  Its hum is a rather muted purr.  As would be expected in what is supposed to be a premium car, the automatic transmission is a geared unit.  It has 7 speeds.  The first 2 shifts can be felt while the remaining shifts are not.  However, if in stop and go traffic, and alternating speed, those early shifts can be a little less smooth as the transmission seems to hunt.  (It could also be how many miles were on the unit.) Why 7 speeds?  How about 6 … or 8?  I’m talking even numbers! With the powertrain comes the requirement for premium fuel.  Also, compared to many full-size Japanese cars working with 4 cylinders and turning in commendable gas mileage, this car with its V6 is a little thirsty. Ride, handling, and noise are related, but different enough.  The ride was supple and controlled, but not much more so than that of an uplevel 4-cylinder sedan.  Handling was better and this Infiniti tracked accurately and nimbly.  Also, the Q50 was fairly hushed, but I might have expected a little more isolation and a higher premium "feel" for the price jump from a Nissan to an Infiniti. Its exterior features that extra chrome and trim to make it uplevel within the Nissan family tree, yet the greenhouse is an almost familiar one.  This car delivered on one greenhouse dimension I’m fussy about - rearward vision from the driver’s vantage point is very good. I don’t know how the order sheet was configured when this car was purchased. There was an indicator for forward alerts, but I never got to experience it in action.  Also, whether on the rearview mirrors or inside of the front pillars, there was nothing to warn of side traffic and there weren’t parking assists that kicked in.  Perhaps they were there, but the car was not put in a situation where they’d engage.  On another rental car of a lower price point, those were always at work and perhaps a little too eager.  I almost prefer the latter. I didn’t read any reviews about this car before beginning the rental or during the rental.  I echo what they have to say.  For its niche, it doesn’t drum up much enthusiasm.  The best point is its more premium handling while the negatives are some difficulties in setting it up when first getting in and its slight thirstiness. If something about this overall package is appealing and a person connects with the Q50, then the consumer will probably go for it.  I don’t know how it will hold up and how much it will cost to service over the long haul.  While there are no Toyota and Nissan dealerships in Beverly Hills, California, as an example, there is a Lexus agency there while the Infiniti dealership seems to have closed.  Infiniti seems to want to ride the same wave that Lexus is riding, though I’d think piggybacking onto Toyota might be a more lauded genealogy. This is very much a personal decision and you’re on your own.  I was going to turn in the Q50 after a day to see if I could get something more familiar to me but decided to keep it.  Exchanging cars is a hassle.  Once past the learning curve and adjustments, it’s fairly easy to live with, but it’s neither a remarkable nor compelling vehicle. - - - - - PHOTOS FORTHCOMING
    • The two big things you need to know are How Acidic and how well it drains or not. I took a class last year on how to grow the American Chestnut. American Chestnuts like to be high on hilltops with very well-drained soils. There's a geomapping tool in Pennsylvania that uses known land and altitude data to populate the best places for Chestnut plantings, and my property is one of the best in the county.  What I used was a mix of planter soil and something called Pittmoss, better than Peatmoss. Its manufactured here and is mostly recycled newspaper. It's good for containers because it holds moisture better than peat.  Just put them in some 5-gallon buckets and let them go.  I need to move them around a bit soon. True genetic American Chestnuts are very hard to find. If you find them online, they are most likely crossbred with something else that is blight-resistant. I got my seeds directly from the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation at one of their research centers at Penn State.
  • Who's Online (See full list)

  • My Clubs

×
×
  • Create New...

Hey there, we noticed you're using an ad-blocker. We're a small site that is supported by ads or subscriptions. We rely on these to pay for server costs and vehicle reviews.  Please consider whitelisting us in your ad-blocker, or if you really like what you see, you can pick up one of our subscriptions for just $1.75 a month or $15 a year. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to help support real, honest content, that isn't generated by an AI bot.

See you out there.

Drew
Editor-in-Chief

Write what you are looking for and press enter or click the search icon to begin your search

Change privacy settings