Will the 2010 Cadillac SRX Succeed Where the Last...
Ford boosting power and efficiency of 2009 Fusion sedan

Ford boosting power and efficiency of 2009 Fusion sedan

Akash Vasvani April 21st, 2008 Akash Vasvani By Akash Vasvani Author April 21st, 2008
  • Articles Contributed: 13
  • Comments Posted: 0
  • Leaderboard Rank: N/A

December 31st, 1969 With growing consumer awareness about carbon emissions and fuel economy, Ford is updating the engine on its midsize Fusion sedan to have both increased fuel economy as well as more power for its 2009 model year debut. The hike in both power and mileage will be achieved using variable valve timing technology combined with a new six speed automatic gearbox. Ford revealed to Las Vegas dealers last week that it hopes the new engine will help the Fusion achieve best-in-class fuel economy this year. While Ford spokesman Jim Cain refused to confirm the new engine, the idea is already being lauded by industry analysts. "I think it's going to be a great engine," IRN Inc automotive analyst Erich Merkle told the Detroit Free Press. “It couldn’t come at a better time.” With fuel approaching the $4 per gallon mark in the U.S., fuel prices are having a much bigger impact on purchasing behavior than previous years. Already we’ve seen four-cylinder vehicles outsell V6 and V8 models for the first time in the U.S. and sales of sales of big SUVs and pickups start to dwindle. The new engine is the same 170hp 2.5L four-cylinder unit as revealed in the 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, which debuted at last month’s New York Auto Show. The 2009 Fusion (2008 model pictured) will feature a redesigned front end as well as interior changes, and will be available in a hybrid version. 2009 Mercury Mariner and Ford EscapeFord facelifts
Ford boosting power and efficiency of 2009 Fusion sedan

Ford boosting power and efficiency of 2009 Fusion sedan

Enlarge Photo

With growing consumer awareness about carbon emissions and fuel economy, Ford is updating the engine on its midsize Fusion sedan to have both increased fuel economy as well as more power for its 2009 model year debut. The hike in both power and mileage will be achieved using variable valve timing technology combined with a new six speed automatic gearbox. Ford revealed to Las Vegas dealers last week that it hopes the new engine will help the Fusion achieve best-in-class fuel economy this year.

While Ford spokesman Jim Cain refused to confirm the new engine, the idea is already being lauded by industry analysts. "I think it's going to be a great engine," IRN Inc automotive analyst Erich Merkle told the Detroit Free Press. “It couldn’t come at a better time.”

With fuel approaching the $4 per gallon mark in the U.S., fuel prices are having a much bigger impact on purchasing behavior than previous years. Already we’ve seen four-cylinder vehicles outsell V6 and V8 models for the first time in the U.S. and sales of sales of big SUVs and pickups start to dwindle.

The new engine is the same 170hp 2.5L four-cylinder unit as revealed in the 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, which debuted at last month’s New York Auto Show. The 2009 Fusion (2008 model pictured) will feature a redesigned front end as well as interior changes, and will be available in a hybrid version.

2009 Mercury Mariner and Ford Escape
Ford facelifts
Gallery
  • 09escape 01 hr
  • 09escape 02 hr
  • 09escape 03 hr
  • 09escape 05 hr
  • 09mercurymariner 01 hr
  • 09mercurymariner 02 hr
  • 09mercurymariner 03 hr

Tags: Ford Fusion

Posted in: Ford, News, Sedans


Comments (4 total)

Meet the top commenters on the Leaderboard

  1. By chris #1, Posted: 4/21/2008

    i wonder if the 3.0L will be revised. probably not. that 2.5L is going to rock though. that had better be the engine in my next focus.

    I'm surprised that they're revising the 6 speed auto already. The 6 speed auto in the current fusion is pretty damned nice.

  2. By Gus #2, Posted: 4/21/2008

    Nice little car.
    Gas is already $4 per gallon in most spots here.

  3. By HECTOR #3, Posted: 4/22/2008

    I take offense at the first line admin, if it's yours. Consumers are very well aware of gas prices but most consummers coudln't care less about carbon emissions and the only reason why some of them do is the relentless onslaught of global warming alarmism coming at them from all quarters.

    Want proof? Do a non scientific poll at the nearest Carmax and ask people going in if they know how the carbon footprint of the car they intend to buy.

    About the car: I would definitely consider buying it if Ford would care enough to put independent blinkers in the back. No blinkers = no Hector's money. Underachieving bastards...

  4. By chris #4, Posted: 4/22/2008

    oh hector... i'm starting to think that if everyone started going integrated lights, you'd ride a bicycle.

Post a Comment

Post anonymously
Sign In |
will stay private
your 'posted by' name will link to the URL

More from MotorAuthority

More from High Gear Media