Ford Motor Company has included two new hybrid versions and a new all-wheel-drive V6 Sport in its Fusion sedan family.
The Fusion V6 Sport and the new Fusion Platinum add to a lineup featuring three EcoBoost engine choices, along with two hybrids, Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid.
Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president and chief technical officer, Global Product Development said, “Fusion offers people a lot more car – including helpful technology, beautiful design and a more rewarding driving experience than other midsize sedans.”
Fusion V6 Sport features pothole detection technology that, in less than the blink of an eye, adjusts the shock absorbers to greatly reduce the severity of impact transmitted to occupants. Power and handling are complemented by unique, performance-inspired style inside and out. The look is distinguished with a glossy black-finish mesh grille; 19-inch wheels, rear spoiler and dual twin exhaust outlets.
Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi are technology-packed electrified vehicles that offer advanced EcoGuide system to provide drivers real-time coaching to get better fuel economy. Fusion Energi features a 7.6-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery for an expected range of 19 miles using electric power only. The car automatically switches to an efficient 2.0-liter gasoline engine when the battery is depleted, allowing customers to drive more than 500 miles.
Recharging Fusion Energi can be done overnight in just 2.5 hours. It can pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin before drivers leave to save more fuel.
Both electrified Fusions deliver impressive overall performance with electric-only speeds up to 85 mph. Regenerative braking captures up to 95 percent of the energy lost through heat during braking and recharges the hybrid battery on the move.
The cars feature several safety technologies such as hands-free parallel and perpendicular parking capability. The lane-keeping assist helps drivers monitor lane lines to ensure the car is on course.
The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert includes sensors helps in detecting traffic in a driver’s blind spot, providing both audible and visual warnings if traffic – unseen by the driver – is detected. BLIS also enables cross-traffic alert, warning the driver of oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space with obstructed views. In combination with the standard rearview camera, the technology makes for confident maneuvering in parking lots.
Further, the cars come with Ford’s new communications and entertainment system, Sync 3 and optional Sync Connect, enabling owners to remotely start their car, schedule future starts, or lock and unlock the car using their smartphone.