Ford reveals class-leading Fusion including hybrid and plug-in versions

This week at the Detroit Auto Show, Ford revealed its mid-sized 2013 Fusion line comprised of naturally aspirated, turbo, hybrid and plug-in Energi versions.

When they start to launch this fall – with the Energi following about five months later – Ford intends to sell the world platform vehicles in one form or fashion into high volume numbers.

To make the cut in today’s marketplace, class-leading high efficiency is promised. The hybrid is supposed to beat its nearest competitor, the 2012 Camry Hybrid, and the Energi version is reported to offer some advantages over the compact-class Volt.

Ford is proud of these gas-electric vehicles, said company president for the Americas, Mark Fields.

“Fusion’s fuel economy, especially the hybrid, has done more for awareness of Ford than any other product,” he said.

2013 Fusion Energi.

The Energi’s all-electric range is reportedly 20-21 miles, and Ford is saying it will deliver upwards of 100 MPGe.

The Energi is based on the regular hybrid and either can travel at up to 62 mph on battery power (hybrid’s electric range is undisclosed). As per hybrid fashion, a gingerly touch on the accelerator is required to keep the gasoline engine from coming on.

Economy for the hybrid model is said to be 47 mpg city, 44 mpg highway, beating the class-leading, recently updated 2012 Camry Hybrid’s 43/39 EPA numbers.

For power, the hybrid relies on a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine (formerly it used a 2.5-liter) plus electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack. It is said to deliver 185 horsepower – down about 15 horsepower from the Camry.

The 2.5-liter will be carried over for the base (non-hybrid) model, and also available will be a 1.6-liter turbocharged EcoBoost and 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine – no V6 available.

The 1.6-liter is reportedly the most fuel efficient aside from hybrid versions, offering 26/37 mpg, which edges out the Chevy Malibu Eco.

One advantage buyers will get in Ford’s converging the American Fusion with – as the Fusion is called in Europe – the Mondeo, is optional start/stop technology available (only) with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost automatics with 17-inch wheels.

As you can see, the Fusions feature Aston Martinesque styling from Ford’s Evos concept first seen at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September, and most spectators are saying they are winners visually as well.

The lineup will offer a significant selection of standard and optional features, including an updated and reportedly more user friendly version of MyFordTouch and Sync.

Safety wise, the vehicles have eight airbags, including two front knee bags. Also, there is SOS post-crash alert, and as an option is a lane-keeping aid, blind spot information system and active park assist.

Source: GM-Volt.com