It definitely picks up the styling cues of the 427 concept but the comment I've heard most so far is "it looks like a Cadillac".

 

Where does this fit in the lineup?

 

Below 500, Above Focus. Like the contour.

Actually looks pretty good. If that's indicative of their future design work they're in good shape.

 

I like it. If it has more power than the 500 it's a winner in my book.

 

It lighter than the 500, but unless they do an ST version its likely to just have the same next-gen V6 that the 500's getting with its "facelift".

 

It's based on the Mazda 6 platform which I can tell you from experience is a great place to start.

 

Look great.

Any info on engine(s) and prices?

When will be on sale?

 

I'm happy to finally see a picture of this car. I'm pretty pleased, especially with the 3 bar grill.

2.3 litre four, i'm guessing the same one as mazda3, it gets 160hp in that car. Then the 3.0 v6 that's in the 500, but that'll get replaced by the 3.5 litre when it finally comes around. And last but not least...

A Hybrid drivetrain, same one as the escape, although possibly not until 2007. That's what i want my mom to drive.

Is it me or does the front overhang look a little goofy in the second picture?

 

I'm not sure what you mean by "goofy".

 

You can all probably guess that i'm pretty excited about the hybrid set up.

This article on autosinsider talks about ford's "green" vision:

http://www.detnews.com/2004/insiders...b01-320296.htm


"Second, Ford's hybrid strategy isn't limited to the Escape, its Mercury-brand cousin and the coming Ford Fusion midsize car. With Toyota poised to launch a hybrid-powered Lexus RX 400h and Toyota Highlander and with Honda offering a hybrid Accord, Ford is seriously examining the possibility of responding with hybrid versions of its new Five Hundred sedan and Freestyle wagon.

That means Ford, widely denounced for fielding a fleet of vehicles with what some environmental activists call "the worst" fuel economy in the U.S. market, could potentially be building as many as 200,000 hybrids vehicle within four years or so. "


So after the escape, fusion, freestyle, and 500... what's left? focus? sure. F-150? GM's already doing it, gotta catch up... what else? you knew it was coming.. HYBRID MUSTANG! hahaha, yeah!
The Accord hybrid does 0-60 in less than 7 seconds according to car and driver, i'm down with that. I'll pay plenty extra if i get a reasonably fast car that gets over 30mpg in the city. BRING IT!



about the overhang, i just meant that it looks like it sticks out pretty far out front, but that could just be the camera angle.

 

I think it's the camera angle. If you look at the distance from the front turn signal back to the wheel well, it's not that far.

 

Yes indeed this will get the same 2.0 duratec @200 hp, but it will get the 2.5 @250 come later next year.

There is also an ST version which will most likely be a higher output 2.5 V6 with sport tuned suspension.

The hybrid version will be an exact transplant of the one found in the Escape. This hybrid technology will make it's way into Mariner, Fusion, Milan, and Zephyr.

This thing looks amazing.

 

Is it the lighting or do the taillights look to be silver?

 

Another thing, this is most likely the highest end Fusion. It is clearly in a photo-shoot and it has all the add-ons like fogs, chrome trim, and 18s

 

Don't you mean 3.0 and 3.5?

 

It's hard to tell. It could be a reflection.

 

Oops... I meant 3.0 and 3.5. My bad.

 

im diggin it already.... hey is it just me but do those headlights look like a caddy's or maybe a G35's. i know i've seen them somewhere once before....or am i just crazy

 

I was thinking Infiniti when I first saw the pic. I got one of my coworkers to take a look and his first thought was Cadillac (several others in the office thought the same). I like it as well. If it drives anything like a Mazda 6, it'll be a nice little ride (especially once they get the more powerful 3.5 in it).

Hopefully they'll bring in the AWD system from the 6 as well!

 

y not use mustang's V6? hehehe