Over on Blue Oval News, Blue II (who I believe works for Ford and is a very good source of inside info) states in this post that the Fusion will get the 3.5L in the fall of 2008.

 

Wow that would be awesome. 265hp AWD in a fusion.

 

What will happen to 3.0L?

 

its getting phased out after a overhaul next year...the 3.0L will get a power improvement program done to it to bump it up to 240Hp and get better MPG and then will be phased out over the next couple years once the 3.5L can fill in for it.

 

To add to what you stated, the PIP 3.0L will remain in the Escape/Mariner until the next full redesign due to the fact that the current model can't accomodate the 6-speed transmission.

 

Wonder if Steeda will make a blower (or turbo?) option for that motor?

 

 

That'll be a significant improvement that will put the Fusion on a par with, though not ahead, of the leading Japanese sedans in its class. What Ford really needs to do is roll out a direct injection, 300+hp AWD SVT version to add some real three-alarm spice to the Fusions competent if tepid stew.

 

I don't think DI and AWD will mean a special edition, AWD is already a "normal" upgrade and Ford seems to be trending toward offering DI on their mainstream products down the road (MKS is supposed to have DI standard, next Mustang might as well). I think in a couple years we'll see that formula take over the current V6 SEL AWD slot. SVT-editions are more likey to get TwinForce turbos.