Ford wakes up and decides mediocrity is no longer an option

[xcel]

Fusion Hybrid to take the lead and nobody in its class stands a chance.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Nov. 19, 2008

2010 Fusion Hybrid – 41 City/36 Highway and 39 mpgUS combined on the 08 EPA.

LA – Ford’s upcoming new 2010 Fusion Hybrid is set to take on all comers in the mid-size segment when it goes on sale early next year. In particular, the all-new Fusion Hybrid will deliver the best fuel economy of any sedan in America. Along with the completely new engine and hybrid drivetrain, the new Fusion Hybrid will include a whole host of new technologies new to the segment including a blind spot detection and warning system, an updated SYNC, driver selectable ambient lighting and a Capless fuel fill system to name a few.

Along with class leading fuel economy and technology inclusions, the upcoming Fusion Hybrid has far more total passenger and luggage capacity than the current Toyota Camry Hybrid.

Hybrid Drivetrain

• 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 from Sanyo 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 all-new 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 Ford’s previous generation braking system.

To go along with the hybrid’s drivetrain improvements, the Fusion Hybrid also includes Ford’s SmartGauge with EcoGuide, a unique instrument cluster execution that helps coach them on how to optimize performance of their hybrid.

Details on SmartGauge with EcoGuide can be read in the following: Ford designs their own high end FCDs for the new Fusion/Milan Hybrids

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is equipped with Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system which both improves the driving dynamics and delivers greater fuel savings. Additionally, EPAS provides customers with improved steering feel and reduced low-speed effort.

On the sound front, the all-new Fusion and Milan Hybrids includes an acoustic windshield, thicker front door glass, new hood insulators, inner and outer dash absorbers, and carpet, revised sealing baffles, additional sound deadening in the trunk, and new interior headliner absorption material are among the improvements made for overall sound level and quality.

Improved body and door sealing also contribute to Fusion’s best-in-class standing in wind noise.

Ford Fusion Hybrid consumer oriented safety and information technology details

• Blind Spot Information System (BLISTM) with Cross Traffic Alert system can help 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.
  
  
• Updated SYNC 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.
  
  - 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.
  
  - 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 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. A music jukebox function stores more than 150 hours of music. The screen even can be customized with personal photos.
  
  
• SIRIUS Travel Link is 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. The smart weather feature embodied in the “nearby weather” button will automatically find and report weather conditions from the nearest weather station while driving.
  
  
• Reverse Camera System 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 features 390 watts and 12 speakers that make 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 is an industry-exclusive feature that eliminates the need to touch the gas cap and 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.

All in, the 2010 Ford and Mercury Fusion/Milan hybrids are going to not just be competitive but more than likely the class leading platform in the mid-sized segment the likes we have has not seen from Ford since the Ford Taurus/Sable twins took on the Accord/Camry platforms back in the late 80’s. The real question will be consumer uptake for a $27,995 mid-sized sedan in a period when car and truck sales are in a free fall due to our current economic malaise.

Ford Fusion Hybrid - Ford's LA Release and B-Roll

[ksstathead]

Wayne, why will folks buy this over a similar priced 2010 Prius-III?

Maybe I like hatchbacks more than most, and those other folks will want the traditional sedan form of car?

Both are mid-size, and the Prius gets better mpg.

Still, very nice entry I would definitely look at.

[Dream'R]

I am a strong believer in the benefits of competition. If Ford can establish a reputation for reliability to rival Honda and Toyota with these new hybrids, it will show that they have the talent and determination that customers are looking for.

Reading about the design features made it sound like they have borrowed several ideas from Honda's hybrid technology.

This couldn't come at a more crucial time for Ford's North American operations. I hope they succeed. It is really looking like hybrids are going to be mainstream. We also should not overlook the long-term environmental benefits, even if the concern for fuel economy declines in the short-run.

Cheers,

Roger

[Chuck]

Originally Posted by ksstathead

Wayne, why will folks buy this over a similar priced 2010 Prius-III?

Maybe I like hatchbacks more than most, and those other folks will want the traditional sedan form of car?

Both are mid-size, and the Prius gets better mpg.

Still, very nice entry I would definitely look at.

I'm not going to diss the hybrid Fusion just because this may not be my prefered vehicle class...Ford is moving in the right direction.

[ksstathead]

Originally Posted by Delta Flyer

I'm not going to diss the hybrid Fusion just because this may not be my prefered vehicle class...Ford is moving in the right direction.

Nor am I. Just curious what the advantages of this car are vs the Prius-III. I can see it is a great entry. Probably can do very light towing vs none for the Prius, etc. I fully support Ford's effort and wish them the best.

[Right Lane Cruiser]

This is some really good info and the car looks to be a solid performer in FE, quality, and features. I hope to get my wife into this vehicle but that is a LOT of money for me right now!!

[donee]

Hi All,

This will be most fuel efficient 3 kid car available. And the next generation Prius will be the unmateched 2 kid car. Now all Ford needs to do is come out with a 4 kid Hybrid minivan.

[MT bucket]

really cool car, but i don't see it selling. down economy+low fuel prices= no way!

[donee]

Hi MT,


Hmm, I do not know about that. Look at what they did with the car. They did the same thing as Toyota did when gas prices were low with the Prius. They are going to sell these to people that might have bought a Infinity G35, or one of the mid to high level Acuras. One of the things over at Prius Chat is the remarkable number of up-scale car either previous, or present owners that bought the Prius. And these people get the full-boat of options. Just like the Fusion Hybrid has now. It takes allot of messin around to get a smooth operating car with the old technology, that just happens (or at least is just software - which is easy) with the HSD style system. And people get charged for all that engineering work in the Lexus', Acura's, Cadilac's, Porshe's, Audi's and Infinitti's. And cars as much as SUV's.

I was in the tire store today for a rotation. And a lady came in was asked if that was here Prius (it was mine), and she said no her car is the Inifitti. Then the clerk asked here if she knew the model of the Infiitti, and she could not come up with it. It was a G35x. She was not buying the G35 - power, handling, etc. I think she bought a reliable status symbol. Ford does not have that reputation, but the hybrid system makes its so much more easy to make a reliable car. Because the transmissions are simple, and so many of the notorious wear-out things are elimiinted. This is what gives cars a bad reputation - especially Fords! And in a HSD style hybrid these things are gone.

I also think that allot of Prius people who just can't go back to the herky-jerky brake burning transmissions but have 3 kids now, will get one of these for Mom's car, or to replace a first gen Prius, too.

[MT bucket]

Hmmmm mabye, but toyota didn't have a sinking economy too when they were selling those cars.
I like ford and hope they can do it!