Ford Fusion Certified As America's Most Fuel-Efficient Midsize Sedan
DEARBORN -- It's official -- the Environmental Protection Agency has certified the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid at 47 mpg for both city and highway driving.
The Fusion beats the Toyota Camry Hybrid by 8 mpg on the highway and 4 mpg in the city.
The all-new Fusion brings the widest range of powertrain options to the U.S. midsize segment.
Fusion offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants and two fuel-efficient EcoBoost four-cylinder engines for customers. In addition, Fusion is available with Ford's patented Auto Start-Stop system, which automatically shuts off the engine at stationary idle to help save customers even more fuel in stop-and-go city driving. Fusion is available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations with both six-speed automatic and six-speed manual transmissions.
"Ford is bringing power of choice to midsize sedan buyers," says Mark Fields, president of The Americas. "More than 2 million customers this year will purchase midsize cars. Our new Fusion delivers the fuel savings people truly want and value, with technologies that cost two to three times the price on some German sedans."
Fuel economy numbers for the remainder of the Fusion lineup are:
* 1.6-liter EcoBoost: 25 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, 29 mpg combined
* 2.0-liter EcoBoost: 22 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, 26 mpg combined
* 2.5-liter: 22 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, 26 mpg combined
* Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid: Projected 100-plus MPGe (miles-per-gallon equivalent)
The Fusion equipped with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine is available with Ford's patented, fuel-saving Auto Start-Stop system, which smoothly shuts off engine power when the car is stopped and seamlessly restarts as the driver releases the brake pedal. This feature, available for $295, improves fuel efficiency by 3.5 percent and reduces emissions.
Fusion Hybrid features two additional innovations to help deliver industry-best fuel efficiency: Ford's patented SmartGauge with EcoGuide that coaches drivers for top fuel efficiency; and Eco Cruise, a greener cruise control functionality that helps optimize powertrain elements for convenient yet economical highway travel.
Fusion Hybrid achieves a top speed of 62 mph in electric or EV mode and also has Active Grille Shutters, which make the car more aerodynamic at highway speeds to improve fuel efficiency. An underbody with aerodynamically designed panels provides even better fuel efficiency.
Ford engineers also equipped Fusion with a specially tuned electric power-assisted steering system, MacPherson strut front suspension and all-new multilink rear suspension that is comparable to the setups found in more expensive Audis and BMWs.
Ford's quietest midsize sedan ever, Fusion Hybrid models are equipped with Active Noise Cancellation, which uses the audio system to mitigate powertrain noise.
Ford says the Fusion also offers an unprecedented portfolio of driver assistance and convenience technologies using sensors, cameras and radar to enable the car to "see" and respond.
Fusion can help drivers maintain proper lane position, adjust vehicle speed to changing traffic conditions, identify suitable parking spaces and practically park itself -- it can even aid drivers backing out of a parking space in which visibility is obstructed. Specific technologies include:
* Lane-Keeping System: Using a small, forward-facing camera behind the inside rearview mirror, this 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. The system can help slow the car if the potential of a crash is detected
* Active park assist: Employing sensors, this technology identifies a suitable parallel parking space, calculates the trajectory, and steers the car to properly position it within the spot. Drivers operate accelerator and brake pedals
* BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) 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 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 vehicles
The new Fusion also offers the newest version of Ford's award-winning Sync communications and entertainment system, which enables voice-activated communication through a driver's mobile phone and interaction with the car's audio system.
Fusion is available with the latest version of MyFord Touch, allowing a driver to interact with vehicle systems through voice control, a touch screen tap or a conventional button.
Both Sync and MyFord Touch help reduce the potential for driver distraction through voice-controlled functionality, allowing drivers to keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
The midsize car segment is the fastest-growing segment in America this year. Overall U.S. industry sales are up 15 percent in 2012, while midsize car sales have grown 26 percent.
To meet expected demand for the new Fusion, Ford is adding 1,200 hourly jobs and investing $555 million at its Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.
New Fusion models begin arriving at dealers nationwide this fall.
