Ford Fusion (Americas)
| Ford Fusion | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Ford Motor Company |
| Class: | mid-size sedan |
| Production: | 2005 — current |
| Predecessor: | Ford Taurus |
| Successor: | Still in production |
| First Generation | |
| 2006 Ford Fusion | |
| Production: | 2006 — current |
| Body Styles: | 4-door sedan |
| Engines: | 2.3 L I4 Duratec 23 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 |
| Similar: | Lincoln Zephyr Mercury Milan |
| Competitors: | Chevrolet Malibu Toyota Camry Honda Accord Nissan Altima |
| This article is part of the Ford automobile series. | |
The American Ford Fusion (code name CD338) is a midsize car based on Ford Motor Company's CD3 platform. The Fusion went on sale in October 2005 as a 2006 model. It is manufactured at Ford's Hermosillo, Mexico plant (Job 1 date of August 1, 2005). Companion versions entitled the Mercury Milan (code name CD334) and Lincoln Zephyr (code name CD378) were launched at the same time. At the 2005 Detroit Auto Show, a hybrid version was announced for the 2008 model year. Ford's Fusion advertising campaign is entitled Life in Drive.
The Fusion was nominated for the North American Car of the Year award for 2006.
The car fits in a line of sedans by Ford (smallest to largest):
- Ford Focus
- Ford Fusion
- Ford Taurus (Taurus will remain in production until the end of the 1st quarter 2006)
- Ford Five Hundred
- Ford Crown Victoria
The Fusion was originally to be called the Ford Futura, but Ford lost a trademark lawsuit to the Pep Boys auto parts store, which has a line of tires under the Futura brand. American trademark law generally considers a name abandoned if the owner does not use it for three calendar years, and the long history of the name in the Ford line did not impress the court.
With its launch, the Fusion debuted Ford's new three-bar grille design, which is expected to become the company's trademark look for the rest of the decade. Production volume is projected at 160,000-200,000 per year.
Changes to the CD3 platform from the Mazda6 include stretching it by 30 mm (1.2 in) in width and 55 mm (2.2 in) in length, strengthening it, and modifying the suspension for a more compliant ride. Like the Mazda, the Fusion uses the Mazda-designed 2.3 L Duratec 23 I4 and Ford-designed 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6. All wheel drive and the new Duratec 35 will be options for 2007. The vehicle shares some interior parts such as part of the console and seats with the European Ford Mondeo. Both automatic and manual transmissions are available.
The Fusion will also be the new platform for Ford automobiles in NASCAR beginning in 2006, replacing the Ford Taurus. This is the first time that Ford has introduced a new model that went racing in NASCAR at the same time as its launch since the Ford Torino in 1968. It will debut at the 2006 Daytona 500.
Fusion sales have not been up to Ford's expectations.