The Ford Fusion->ke433 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->ke31's latest Kinetic design so there are hints of the latest Ford models, such as the Focus->ke440 and Escape->ke233. 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 08/01/12: Ford has finally announced prices for the 2013 Fusion set to go on sale this fall. The base version, Fusion S, is priced at $22,495 and is followed by the SE version priced at $24,495. The SE with an EcoBoost engine is priced at $26,745, while the top version - the Titanium - starts at $30,995. The Hybrid version is priced at $27,995.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Ford Fusion.

2013 Ford Fusion

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Ford Fusion
  • Engine/Motor: Ecoboost engine
  • Horsepower: 237
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

"The previous Fusion was an easy purchase for a customer to rationalize," said Chris Hamilton, chief exterior designer for the next-generation model. "Our design goal for the new car was to give the mainstream sedan buyer a top-drawer visual experience, adding some emotional appeal to an already sensible choice."

This "top-drawer visual experience" was attained through the Fusion's sleeker profile which was a step in the opposite direction of the powertrain/cabin/trunk "three-box" designs of typical mid-size sedans. Ford's new global design language extends to the character lines sweeping to the rear and the thin roof pillars, as well as the headlamps, LED taillamps, and polished exhaust tips.

Interior

The interior for the new Ford Fusion lends itself to be sportier and more driver-oriented with next-generation seating that brings expanded functionality. The instrument panel has been moved toward the windshield in order to offer additional passenger space and the seats are trimmed with fabric using recycled sustainable yarns.

Specific technologies include:
 

  • Lane Keeping System: This class-exclusive technology consists of three elements to help a driver maintain proper lane position. Using a small, forward-facing camera behind the inside rearview mirror, the system “looks” down the road, monitoring lane lines to determine that the car is on course. The system will alert a driver if drowsiness or erratic lane-keeping is detected. The second element warns a driver with a steering wheel vibration if the Fusion drifts too close to lane markings. Finally, lane keeping aid will actually apply pressure on the steering to help bring the car back into proper lane position
  • Adaptive cruise control: Using forward-looking radar, this system “looks” down the road when activated, slowing the Fusion when slower traffic is detected ahead. Adaptive cruise control enables collision warning with brake support to help slow the car if the potential of a crash is detected
  • Active park assist: Employing sensors, this technology can identify a suitable parallel parking space, calculate the trajectory and steer the car to properly position it within the spot. All a driver need do is operate accelerator and brake pedals
  • Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert: Sensors in both Fusion rear quarter-panels are able to detect traffic in a driver’s blind spot, providing both audible and visual warnings if traffic – unseen by the driver – is detected. BLIS technology enables cross-traffic alert, warning the driver of oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space with obstructed views, such as between two large vans

Engine

The base Ford Fusion will be powered by a direct injection 1.6-liter Ecoboost engine equipped with an automatic start stop system that will deliver a combined fuel economy figure of 31.5 mpg. A more powerful 2.0 liter Ecoboost engine will deliver up to 237 HP. The Fusion will also be the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, each with expected top fuel economy.

The automatic transmission offered for the 1.6 liter version is the first automatic-transmission Ford product offered with an automatic start stop system. It shuts off engine power smoothly when the car is stopped and seamlessly restarts as the driver releases the brake pedal, helping Fusion to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by approximately 3.5%.

Prices

The new 2013 Ford Fusion will go on sale in the fall of 2012 and will be priced as follow:

Trim model

Price

Ford Fusion S

$22,495

Ford Fusion SE

$24,495

Ford Fusion SE EcoBoost

$26,745

Ford Fusion Titanium

$30,995

Ford Fusion Hybrid

$27,995


Competition

The list of competitors for the 2013 Ford Fusion hasn't changed from previous years and include the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord->ke237. The Camry recently entered its seventh generation and is offered with a choice of two engine options: the base version will receive a revised 178 HP 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the top version will get a 268 HP 3.5-liter V6 engine. The Accord is offered with a choice of two engines: a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with 177 HP and a 3.5 liter V6 engine with an output of 271 HP.