Ford's official Fusion page is live.

 

Active Grille Shutters...
Interesting

 

Couple of things I liked:

- no more door pulls. LED indicators if the doors are locked.

- High mount is at the top of the rear windshield. Looks more finished, more integrated.

- Low lift over for the trunk area. Getting stuff in the trunk looks like it won't be as bad as the current car.

- Rear finish. I like how the rear doesn't have that flat portion that most sedans have just below where the trunk closes. This looks sportier.

- HUD on some models. Didn't see it in action, but we asked someone and confirmed that a HUD system is available.

- MFT updates. No more capacitive hazard button right below the screen! Looks like other buttons are raised or recessed to help identify them. Small ice blue glow just above the temp buttons at the bottom of the panel.

What I didn't like:

-Non Titanium models have a black plastic lower grille and fog surrounds. Looks cheap.

-Sail windows in front of the side mirrors. I don't understand why this caught on.

- Wheel choices are disappointing.

- No HIDs on display (not sure if we'll have them as an option for '13). Car has projector lenses however.

- Pictures of the car with the spoiler on it look gaudy. Car looks great without one.

 

As much as I hate to admit it I think you are on to the right paradigm. People bought plenty of crappy cars in droves the last few years. At least this Fusion is much more stylish. Maybe it is a bit safe but that may be a good thing for its market. I really don't know what's good for the market but I know what I like and I just didn't like where Ford had the Fusion. I hope it is successful as well. It would be nice to see it more competitive to Accord and Camry. This is beige I can do. I wasn't trying to be as stern as I came off as being. Yes I loved the Saturn Opel too. Again I was the only fan. That much was evident. It even looked like a smart move on GMs part but didn't turn out. I understand about what you get for the price and I wish we had more companies offered a Charger equivalent. I really do. It sucks that they. Aside from Chrysler and Cadillac are the only ones offering a RWD sedan like that. I will continue to support it if only for that reason.

I agree with Steve's likes and dislikes. But I like those wheels in the promo pictures those are sharp!

 

now that i have seen the high res pics, love the new Fusion and love the rear, quite sharp and sporty looking.

i would take one in the Ford Racing Blue like the pictured Hybrid model.

 

Any word as to when order guides might be available?

 

I think the market is ripe for this style. It's the right car at the right time, from the right company. Camry and Accord are seeing sales fall, and Fusion is actually on the rise. With more features and good fuel economy, people will give it a look. The Opel Saturns were nice, but not class leading in any real category. Not to mention that they weren't from a "mainstream" American automaker like Ford, Chevy, or Dodge.

I don't see how the comparison to the full size Charger makes sense. With a higher starting price, heavier/larger chassis, bigger engines, and lower fuel economy, it's apples to oranges.

What's good about this coming to market, it helps to realign Ford's pricing structure amongst its car lineup. Now a Focus should cost less than the Fusion, but offer similar features, like MFT and good fuel economy. You won't have the heavily incentivized 10-12 Fusions taking sales away from the smaller cars anymore.

That's actually Deep Impact Blue. Updated on the Ford website:

http://www.ford.com/cars/fusion/2013/

 

I think the new Fusion looks AWESOME! It has cool lines and I like the Aston Martin/ Jaguar XF design cues. I really think they hit it perfect, and this car will have no problems posting bigger numbers than the outgoing model. Ford seems to be getting ALOT of things right these days, and this will prove to be the right move. Yeah, the current model looks good, but it also looks dated when compared to both Fords own new models and the competition. I love the direction Ford is headed and their incessant drive to be cutting edge. What a great time to be a Ford fan!

 

Great Job Ford!!!

 

According to Yahoo, Fusion 1.6L will be rated at 26/37 mpg ...

 

i LOVE this car. Ford is bringing it, top to bottom, they are hitting home runs!

 

My wish list for the '13 Fusion:

-ST (w/ EB v6)
-coupe
-wagon

 

Top Gear has raved about the Mondeo for years. I hope the Fusion is as good as that euro car. Now if they only made it in Michigan! There might be room soon at the Mustang plant. hint hint....

 

If I remember correctly, Ford is moving Fusion's production from Mexico to Michigan (after Mazda pulled out).

 

That's already been announced that some production will take place at AAI alongside the Mustang. Timing and models have yet to be announced. I could see them doing the Hybrid/Energi models here, since the batteries are souced from Rawsonville, which is a truck ride away. Logistically, it seems like the sensible way to do it.

 

BON's been debating what we'll see as far as AAI production for awhile. The base model probably has to stay in Mexico to maintain its margin. The same could be true of the Hybrids, if Ford wants to be aggressive with their pricing. I could see higher-end gas models like Titanium (and SHO? Please Alan?) at AAI.

 

Very impressed with the new look, especially with the interior, but the rear looks a bit dull compared to the rest of the car.

 

More Fusion Vids:

 

Sean, the order guides won't be out for a while. The car doesn't go on sale until later this year (around August from what I was told by our rep).

 

Really? I think it has a similar look from the XF and new XJ Jaguar!!!