2008 L.A. Auto Show: 2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan Hybrids

• Competes with: Chevy Malibu Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid
• Looks like: Ford is serious about going green
• Drivetrain: 155-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid with continuously variable automatic transmission
• Hits dealerships: Spring 2009

Ford has upgraded its hybrid system to deliver extremely fuel-efficient versions of its new Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans. The two effectively double the number of hybrids in Ford’s environmental arsenal — a must in today’s green-centric times. What’s of note is not only that Ford is getting into the game, but that the hybrids deliver on efficiency like hybrids should.

Ford says the pair will best the Toyota Camry’s city mileage by at least 6 mpg, meaning at least 39 mpg. Because it doesn’t say highway mileage bests the Camry, we’re guessing it doesn’t. We’d expect it to be similar to the Camry’s, though, which is 34 mpg.

Each sedan can drive in full electric mode up to 47 mph, which is much faster than most hybrids on the market can go on electricity alone. Depending on how you drive, you could make a trip to the grocery store without using the gas engine at all. However, both pack nickel-metal-hydride batteries — like those found in all current hybrids — not lithium-ion batteries, which are expected to lead the next generation of hybrids.

2008 L.A. Auto Show: 2010 Ford Fusion

• Competes with: Chevy Malibu, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry
• Looks like: Ford brought a little European design to its popular midsize sedan
• Drivetrain: 175-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with six-speed manual or automatic; 240-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 or 263-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with six-speed automatic
• Hits dealerships: Spring 2009

Ford used the previous Fusion to usher in its new three-bar grille, which has been a huge hit with buyers. The all-new Fusion has an even bolder chrome grille, as if announcing to the world, “Yes, bigger is better.” The “better” part comes in the slew of improvements Ford has made to its new midsize sedan, from more powerful and efficient engines to a quieter cabin.

Besides the new design, the features that will get people most excited are under the hood. With a lineup of three engines — not including the Fusion Hybrid, which we’ll detail separately — that are not only more powerful than the outgoing model but also get better mileage than the competition, shoppers will have two big reasons to check out the new Fusion.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Heading to NASCAR

Ford is turning its still-not-formally-introduced 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid into a pace car for the Ford 400 NASCAR season finale at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. The hybrid will lead the field for the green flag — green, get it? —  but it will not serve out the rest of the race as the pace car. That job — pacing the field during cautions, etc. — will go to the 2010 Ford Fusion Sport because it has more power, 263 hp.

The race is this Sunday. That means NASCAR fans watching the race will see the cars before they officially debut at the L.A. auto show on Nov. 19.

It’s an interesting move for Ford, not because it’s trumping its auto show coverage for the huge masses that watch NASCAR — no, that makes sense. The strange part is picking the hybrid version of the new Fusion to get the bigger spotlight. We’re guessing NASCAR fans would be more interested in hp than mpg. Perhaps this just illustrates the mainstream moves auto companies are making to promote high-mileage cars.   

2010 Ford Fusion: Improved Power, Fuel Economy

Update: Ford spokesman Alan Hall has told us that the four-cylinder Fusion will be available with a six-speed manual transmission as well as a six-speed automatic. The V-6 Fusion will only be available with the automatic.

We recently showed you the new 2010 Ford Fusion with details on its hybrid variant, but Ford also announced new engine and transmission specs for the non-hybrid model, including improvements to boost fuel economy and power. The current Fusion hasn’t exactly been competitive on the fuel economy or horsepower fronts compared to the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Mileage has typically lagged by about 2 mpg, and the V-6’s power was short by at least 40 hp compared to the competition. Ford is looking to change that with the addition of a more powerful V-6 and a more efficient four-cylinder, as well as a new transmission and other technologies to improve fuel efficiency.

Ford Announces New Gas-Saving Device

Ford has unveiled a SmartGauge dashboard system, which it says will help drivers improve their fuel economy by alerting them when they're practicing good driving habits.

The system will basically provide feedback to the driver, with different levels of information available, ranging from the basic "Journey" mode to the more detailed "Empower." The screen will display graphics that gauge engine performance and fuel efficiency, giving drivers more information that will help them stretch every gallon of gas even farther.

One of the issues Ford has had to deal with in developing the system is driver distraction. In earlier versions, the screen became too cluttered and required more of the driver's attention to read than was safe. Designers solved this by moving to a "leaf-based" readout. The screen displays more green leaves when the driver is saving fuel, making it easy to distinguish between fuel-wasteful and fuel-efficient driving. Don't believe us? Check out more images below.

The system will debut in two Ford hybrids, the 2010 Ford Fusion and 2010 Mercury Milan hybrids, which we wrote about earlier today.

First Look: 2010 Ford Fusion, Fusion Hybrid

It’s no surprise that Ford is aiming its upcoming 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids directly at the Camry Hybrid, but what does get our attention is Ford’s claim today that its sedan hybrids will best the Camry Hybrid’s city mileage by 5 mpg. That would put the Fusion and Milan hybrids’ city rating at 38 mpg. While no number was given for highway mileage, Ford says it beats the Camry Hybrid there as well. The Camry Hybrid gets 34 mpg on the highway.

The full reveal of the Fusion and Milan hybrids will have to wait until closer to the Los Angles auto show, but Ford disclosed these interesting tidbits at a powertrain discussion today for the new midsize sedans. We also got a good look at the non-hybrid 2010 Ford Fusion, pictured above, with more information on that coming in a later post. 

The Fusion and Milan hybrids will be Ford’s first use of hybrid technology outside the Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute hybrids. Battery technology has improved since Ford launched those compact SUV hybrids, and the sedans will use a smaller, more efficient hybrid traction battery. Ford says the Fusion and Milan hybrids will be able to cruise at speeds up to 47 mph on electric power alone. Additionally, the Fusion and Milan will be the first Ford hybrids to use an electric air-conditioning compressor to save engine load; previous compressors were belt-driven by the engine.

What Ford Will Look Like in 2010

This morning Ford announced a rather large loss in the second quarter of 2008 — $8.7 billion. Because the company needs to reassure stockholders and Wall Street of its future, Ford has detailed its product plans for the next two years in rather explicit detail. It seems dire economic times have broken through the secretive process Detroit automakers have had in place for decades. Check out our in-depth look at what products Ford will field in the next two years from Europe and North America, and if they’ll be worth the wait. We detail future Lincoln and Mercury products in a separate post.

2009 Ford Fusion to Get Boost in Power

The Ford Fusion has done well for Ford since it debuted as a 2006 model. Not only did it carve out a niche for the automaker in the midsize sedan market, it framed the new look for Ford with its bold three-bar grille.

However, the Fusion is showing its age and for 2009 it will get a slightly revised look and a new more powerful base engine. The 160-hp four-cylinder in the current S and SE trim levels will be replaced with a 170-hp four-cylinder and will be teamed with a six-speed automatic instead of the current five-speed. That likely means better fuel economy; the Fusion is currently rated at 20/29 mpg city/highway. Ford told dealers it would deliver “best in class” fuel economy, which is currently the 2009 Hyundai Sonata at 22/32 mpg.

A more powerful and fuel-efficient V-6 may also be in the works for the Fusion. Expect to learn more specific details when the 2009 is announced later this year.

Ford adds power to Fusion (Detroit News)

Ford Incentives Up, Include Specialty Models

April has begun, and Ford has updated its incentives for the rest of the month. There are some very interesting deals to be had. We’ll break down all the models soon enough, but the most interesting tidbit of information for car enthusiasts is that both the Ford Mustang Bullitt and the upcoming Ford F-150 Chip Foose Edition are getting cash back just like their plain-jane brethren. 

The 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt is already on sale, and the Bullitt package costs an additional $3,310 on top of the cost of a regular Ford Mustang GT. Rebates range from $1,000 to $1,500, with an additional $1,000 offered in some regions if you go with Ford Credit to purchase the vehicle.*

Depending on where you live, that means you could pay just a $810 premium to have the special edition, which adds horsepower and suspension tweaks.

The 2008 Ford F-150 Chip Foose Edition isn’t on sale yet, but the roughly $55,000 sport truck will come to market over the next few months with between $3,000 and $3,500 cash back (plus that potential $1,000 in financing cash) on the intricately detailed hood.

Other rebates are more pedestrian, but still noteworthy:

Cars.com Reviews the 2008 Ford Fusion

In its third year on the market, the 2008 Ford Fusion still satisfies expert reviewer Kelsey Mays. While it may not be top dog in the family sedan segment, he says its low sticker price makes it a bargain for its category. Good handling and neat, "athletic" design go a long way toward helping the Fusion earn Kelsey's recommendation. Read his full review on Cars.com.

2008 Ford Fusion Expert Review (Cars.com)