Ford unveiled the new generation Fusion in early January 2011 at the Detroit Auto Show and, right on cue, it has been followed by the NASCAR version. This is, in fact, the third time Ford has simultaneously launched production and NASCAR versions of a new model. The first dual launch came in 1968, with the sleek fastback Ford Torino and then again in 2006 with the Fusion.
The NASCAR Ford Fusion features a very aggressive stance from the outside and the inside, but keeps the proportions found in the production Fusion. There are brand and design cues on the side of the vehicle and an identifiable front end grill with the distinctive look of a Ford.
"This is a seminal moment in the sport where we had a chance to get it right once again and make sure the race cars are race versions of street cars. And I am proud because I believe we have accomplished just that," said Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing. "The 2013 Fusion is a stunning car and the 2013 NASCAR Fusion is even more stunning and I can’t wait to see it perform on the track and connect with race fans."
The new NASCAR Ford Fusion will be enduring its testing season for the entire year and will then have its racing debut at the 2013 Daytona 500 in February.
The Ford Fusion was brought to the American market as a 2006 model, and after six years, the second generation model was finally unveiled at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. A notable detail about the Fusion is that it will become a global car, being sold in new markets like Europe under the Ford Mondeo name.
The new generation Fusion will adopt Ford’s latest Kinetic design so there are hints of the latest Ford models, such as the Focus and Escape. Under the hood, Ford has placed a new 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers best-in-class four-cylinder non-hybrid fuel efficiency of 26 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. A 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine – paired with a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission will also be offered, as well as a Hybrid version that uses an all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine and a new Energi plug-in hybrid version that is expected to deliver up to 100 mpg.
UPDATE 01/09/2012: This review has been updated with the official details and images for the new Ford Fusion.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Ford Fusion.
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With the calendar turning over a new page to 2012, the very first major auto show is set to open its doors in Detroit when the North American International Auto Show welcomes automakers - both local and foreign - to the Motor City.
This year, American brands are coming to Detroit in full force where they will be joined by a number of international automakers in presenting a steady diet of concept cars, production debuts, and just about everything else in between.
Among the notable debuts set to take place include the brand-new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL, as well as the 2013 Bentley Continental GT V8. German automaker Porsche has also penciled in the 911 Cabriolet for the festivities, while Lexus will be on-hand to display the intriguing and mysterious LF-LC 2+2 sports coupe concept.
As for the local contingent, Ford is leading the way with the premiere of the Fusion global mid-size sedan while Dodge is set to introduce their Alfa Romeo Giulietta-based compact sedan, the Dart.
There’s plenty of action headed to Detroit when the 2012 NAIAS opens its doors on January 14th. Head over after the jump to check out a preview of all the cars scheduled to be part of all the festivities.
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The next generation Ford Mondeo - sold as the Fusion on the US market - was first caught testing as a sedan, but our spy photographers have recently spotted the wagon version testing in the snowy Alps in Europe. It’s still not clear if the wagon version will be offered in the U.S., but in Europe it’s the most sold variant of the Mondeo.
Despite the camouflage covering the wagon, you can easily notice that the next Mondeo will be borrowing design elements from the Evos Concept launched at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The new model is set for an official release in 2013-2014, so there’s still no word on what will be hiding under the hood. That being said, it will probably carry the usual array of 4- and 6-cylinder engines, with a hybrid version popping up shortly after the release as well.
Will this generation be the one to convince Americans that wagons are the way to go? Probably not, but the Cadillac CTS-V Wagon may open the doors enough for other wagons to benefit.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has just began to investigate nearly 250,000 Ford Motor Company vehicles. The cause of the problem is floor mats. The NHTSA has warned drivers not to use unsecured all-weather floor mats in their vehicles.
The investigation is taking a look at 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan vehicles, due to loose floor mats causing the accelerator pedal to become entrapped. The NHTSA warned drivers not to place these all-weather mats over top of current floor mats in the drivers side foot well.
Ford spokesperson Said Depp said the company was unaware of any injures of accidents because of the problem. "We do not recommend stacking floor mats in any vehicle from any automaker," Deep said to the Detroit News.
"All owners of these vehicles should ensure that any mat used is properly secured and never stacked," NHTSA said in a statement. "Any Ford ’all weather’ optional floor mat should be placed in the driver’s side foot well only after first unfastening and removing the standard, carpeted floor mat."
NHTSA said it had no reports of injuries, accidents or deaths.
