(continued)
Great to Drive
Satisfying ride and rewarding handling begin with a stiff chassis, and Fusion
boasts torsional rigidity 12.7 percent higher than the already outstanding base
architecture. This allows the four-wheel independent suspension to absorb
driving harshness and respond more precisely to steering inputs.
"The Fusion's steering is responsive and agile," explains Brian Vought, Fusion
chief engineer. "We spent a lot of time to get just the right steering feel."
Four-wheel power disc brakes are standard on Fusion, and a 4-sensor, 3-channel
anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) is
optional.
Fusion's Duratec 30 V-6 makes 221 hp and is mated to an advanced six-speed
automatic transaxle.
The soul of any driver's car is its engine, and Fusion offers a choice of Ford's
2.3-liter Duratec 23 I-4 or 3.0-liter Duratec 30 V-6. Both feature all-aluminum
construction, dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, intake Variable Cam
Timing (i-VCT) and electronic throttle control to deliver smooth, spirited
performance, along with good fuel economy and emissions ratings.
The 221-horsepower 3.0-liter V-6 is paired with an
advanced six-speed automatic transaxle. With this wide 6:1 overall span – versus
the 4.5:1 for a typical five-speed – the six-speed automatic delivers impressive
performance as well as 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway.
Advanced Safety Technologies
Fusion benefits from some of the latest safety technologies available – from
cutting-edge metallurgy to air bags. For example, the Fusion is designed to meet
stringent new side-impact tests.
Fusion's B-pillars are made by welding two blanks of steel end-to-end –
resulting in a stronger top of the vehicle and more flexible bottom. This
facilitates energy absorption during a crash below the level of the occupants.
The strong steel structure at the torso level and above helps prevent intrusion
into the passenger compartment.
Inside, Fusion has a long list of advanced safety technologies to protect
occupants. They include Ford's Personal Safety System with dual deployment front
air bags, energy-absorbing safety belts and load-limiting retractors.
People and Cargo Capable
Inside, engineers set out to maximize the spaciousness of Ford's all-new CD3
architecture for all occupants, stretching the width 30 millimeter (1.18 inches)
and the length 55 millimeter (2.17 inches) to challenge the class leaders in key
interior dimensions such as front shoulder room, rear-seat legroom and trunk
space.
Fusion designers also worked hard to ensure passengers can slip into the back
seat with ease. In a packaging exercise, the designers even donned size 14 shoes
to confirm that someone with that foot size could enter and exit without
brushing the B-pillar scuff plate or the back of the front seat. Their goal was
achieved by pushing the rear door as far back toward the C-pillar as possible.
It's this kind of attention to detail that contributes to the overall package
ingenuity of the Fusion, including such standard ergonomic niceties as a
height-adjustable driver's seat and a tilt-and-telescope steering wheel.
In addition to carrying people in comfort, Fusion is capable of making quick
work of cargo. Its roomy 15.8-cubic-foot trunk boasts a flat load floor and low
liftover height with compact decklid hinges that won't crush boxes or groceries.
What's more, the rear seats feature a standard 60/40 split and fold-flat
function with spring assist, allowing pass-through access to handle extra long
items and provide best-in-class storage space.
Manufacturing
The 2006 Ford Fusion is the company's first fully "digital" car. It was
completely designed, engineered and tested for manufacture in a digital
environment – using the most advanced design tools available for precision,
quality and efficiency.
By drawing on these new tools and the company's global product development
resources, Fusion's engineering team was able to bring the Fusion to market
faster than traditional vehicle-development programs.
Ford's New CD3 Architecture
Fusion is the first vehicle from Ford's new CD3 architecture, which will
eventually be the basis for up to ten unique vehicles in North America and
approximately 800,000 vehicles annually over time.
Fusion will be built at Ford's Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly Plant in Mexico.
The vehicle will go on sale in the U.S. , Canada and Mexico beginning in the
fall of 2005.
Fusion Hybrid is Coming
Fusion will continue to make news well into the future with significant
drivetrain advances.
A year after launch, an optional all-wheel-drive system will be offered.
Later, a hybrid powertrain will be added – making Fusion the fifth full hybrid
in the Ford Motor Company stable, following the Ford Escape Hybrid, Mercury
Mariner Hybrid, Mazda Tribute Hybrid, and Mercury Milan Hybrid.
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