Published January 10, 2012
By Jeff Cobb
2013 Fusion.
Yesterday Ford revealed its high-mileage, mid-sized 2013 Fusion, Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi at the ongoing North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Economy for the hybrid model is said to be 47 mpg city, 44 mpg highway, beating out the 2012 Camry Hybrid’s 43/39 EPA mpg numbers.
And if that is not enough, the plug-in Energi model is promised to reach 100 MPGe or higher, topping the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf.
For power, the hybrid relies on a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine (down from the former 2.5 liter) plus electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack, delivering 185 horsepower – down about 15 horsepower from the competition.
2013 Fusion Energi.
Ford says the vehicle can travel as fast as 62 mph (100 kph) on electric only power assuming a moderate cadence. Pressing the accelerator harder, in typical hybrid fashion, will employ gasoline power.
The Fusion Energi is not expected to get 25-50 miles of all-electric range a la Volt, and in question is exactly how far its range will be on battery power alone.
The vehicles feature Aston Martinesque styling from Ford’s Evos concept first seen at the
Frankfurt Auto Show in September, and most spectators are saying the Fusion line is visually a winner as well.
The company intends to launch Hybrid and a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated EcoBoost version this fall, with the Energi plug-in following about five months later.
The Fusion will offer a significant selection of standard and optional features. Included is an updated and reportedly more user friendly version of MyFordTouch and Sync.
Safety wise, the vehicles offer 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.
Ford CEO Alan Mulally said the company will triple its EcoBoost engine production capacity in North America over the year. Mulally also said the company will release the Mondeo version of the Fusion later this year in Europe (probably in Geneva), and also in Asia later this year.
Ford is banking heavily that these vehicles’ class-leading efficiency and styling will enable this world platform to sell in high volume much like the Ford Taurus was able to when launched over two decades ago.
Source (sister publication): AutoGuide
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