
Update: high-performance SVT Ford Fusion GT delayed until 2012
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Update: Ford has decided to delay its high-performance arm's SVT Fusion GT until the next-generation car rolls out in 2012 according to the latest reports. The decision is based around the desire to roll out the EcoBoost engines to other products first.
All-new products like the MKS and Flex are taking priority over the Fusion GT project. Potential recipients also include the Mustang and F-150, also meat-and-potatoes cars for Ford. The SVT version of the Fusion, which was expected to get a 340hp (253kW) twin-turbo V6 version of the EcoBoost application, will have to wait, reports
Motor Trend.
The car had originally been planned as a low-volume end-of-model car to keep interest up and boost sales as the Fusion aged, but with the desire to make a rapid expansion of the engine into larger vehicles as an efficient V8 alternative, the Fusion GT has lost its justification.
Original: Ford’s official in-house tuner, Special Vehicles Team (SVT), is reportedly working on a new high-performance version of the Fusion sedan for release late next year or in early 2010. The new car will carry the fabled ‘GT’ badge and will be the fourth car to feature the Blue Oval’s upcoming EcoBoost V6 engine (the first three being the
Lincoln MKS,
Ford Flex, and
Lincoln MKR).
EcoBoost is the name of Ford’s new high-performance engine technology, which combines the twin forces of direct-injection and turbocharging to boost power while conserving fuel. The first EcoBoost engine will be a 3.5L petrol V6 that’s claimed to have the power and torque of a larger V8 engine but the fuel-consumption of a moderate V6. At its debut, the EcoBoost V6 is expected to deliver around 340hp (254kW), however more powerful applications are expected, including outputs as high as 415hp (310kW).
According to
MotorTrend, the upcoming Fusion GT will feature the 340hp (254kW) version of the engine and will also come with a Haldex-sourced part time AWD system to help get the power to the ground.
After the debut of the V6 EcoBoost range, Ford is expected to introduce a four-cylinder EcoBoost engine in the Fusion sedan in 2010. There is also expected to be a low-volume Focus GT with the same EcoBoost four-cylinder as well as a version of the Edge crossover with the same powertrain.
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By Gus Posted: 7/7/2008 10:00am PDT
By Chris Posted: 7/7/2008 11:11am PDT
I'm glad to hear about some development with the focus.
By Michael D. Posted: 7/7/2008 11:18am PDT
That is going to be one HOT version of the Fusion! That'll have some decent power-to-weight and of course, it will have to be AWD (as will any other Ford front-drive-bias models) to maintain the power, torque and demands. I could also see an Eco-Boost four as an additional offering and it would be a hit with the tuner crowd. A GT Focus, especially with the next-generation being common with the well-coveted Euro-version will be a major hit, especially with tuner crowds - the ECO-Boost four is said to put out some 275-280hp!
I also wonder if it's Lincoln MKZ sibling will also get an Eco-Boost V6? An Eco-Boost four would be out of place in a Lincoln-branded vehicle. If this is the case, with a speculated Eco-Boost powered MKZ, an MKS on deck, if an MKT (Flex-based) vehicle hits the market, with an Eco-Boost version of that, and - what I question in the above article/post, an MKR (could this be the production version of the MKR concept being Ford comfirmed a RWD program in development, of was it a typo and it meant to state MKT, the Flex sibling, also an Eco-Boost recipient), if so, this will truly be a line of Hot-Rod Lincolns - especially with an even higher-end Eco-Boost V6 pumping out 415hp and a possible similar torque (important for launch) number!!
One other thing - wouldn't an Eco-Boost V6 find a home into the upcoming redesigned Taurus, as well? I can state that it would also be the best Taurus SHO ever if a limited/halo version hit the market with the 415hp Eco-Boost!
Back to main point: a GT (or SVT) Fusion will be a hell on an addition to the line-up and a boost for the line-up's image!
By James Posted: 7/7/2008 1:52pm PDT
By Mark Posted: 7/17/2008 7:55pm PDT
By NoNameDenton Posted: 9/2/2008 7:06pm PDT
By mccormick Posted: 1/19/2010 4:53pm PST
By Walker Posted: 4/29/2010 6:14pm PDT
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