2010 Ford Fusion

By Bruno Bouchard

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 29, 2008 – A choice lineup of gas-powered engines will deliver even more horsepower and better fuel economy in the 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan mid-size sedans, which already stand out for their strong reliability and driving dynamics.

For 2009, the 2010 model year Fusion and Milan will offer Ford’s all-new Duratec 2.5-liter I-4, producing 175 horsepower; an enhanced 3.0-liter V-6 with 19 more horsepower than its predecessor; and a 3.5-liter V-6 that pumps out 263 horsepower on the Fusion Sport model.

Fusion models equipped with the 2.5-liter I-4 engine are expected to deliver at least 3 mpg better on the highway than the Honda Accord and 2 mpg better than the Toyota Camry.

All are paired with six-speed transmissions for up to a 10 percent fuel economy improvement and a host of other industry-first technologies aimed at improving performance while gaining fuel economy.

“Customers want it all – exhilarating performance, continuing fuel economy improvements and low emissions – all for a price that offers great value,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Powertrain Product Development. “Ford intends to deliver on every expectation as we migrate advanced technologies from shelf to showroom.”

Recent internal research shows that fuel economy continues to top customers’ purchase-consideration lists, with 38 percent of new-vehicle intenders citing that they would be willing to sacrifice performance for better fuel economy.
Ford’s powertrain strategy is built on a no-compromise proposition, using affordable engine, transmission and vehicle system technologies in large volumes so millions of customers can enjoy the best of both worlds – class-leading fuel economy and high-quality driving performance.

The all-new 2010 Fusion and Milan are the latest vehicles in the Ford lineup to benefit from the company’s push to improve the commonality of its powertrain products globally. Ford’s strategy is to create a smaller number of flexible engine and transmission architectures, resulting in more consistent quality for customers and manufacturing cost efficiencies for the company.

Ford already has invested millions of dollars to develop advanced powertrain technologies and convert engine plants to flexibly produce high-technology smaller-displacement engines. These investments are helping Ford make good on commitments to upgrade or replace nearly all of its North American engines by the end of 2010; power one of every five products in North America with its fuel-conscious-yet-great-performing 3.5-liter V-6; and offer fuel-efficient six-speed transmissions on 98 percent of its North American lineup by the end of 2012.

An array of 2009 products already is the best or among the best for fuel economy in their respective segments, including the Ford Flex (best highway at 24 mpg), the Ford Focus (unsurpassed for best highway at 35 mpg) and the Ford Escape (best-in-class for the small SUV segment with 28 highway/20 city mpg).
The 2010 Fusion and Milan are expected to deliver similar fuel economy achievements in the mid-size car segment,

elping build upon a stellar quality reputation that includes Best Buy recommendations from several top consumer publications. 

The 2.5-liter I-4

First launched on the fuel-economy segment leader 2009 Ford Escape, Ford’s all-new Duratec 2.5-liter I-4 gives the 2010 Fusion 175 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque, 14 more horsepower and 16 more lb.-ft. of torque than the preceding year’s 2.3-liter engine.

The 2.5-liter uses intake variable cam timing (iVCT) technology to optimize valve timing, creating a broad torque curve that helps deliver increased power along with improved efficiency.

The powertrain also incorporates electronic throttle control (ETC), dual-mode crankshaft damping, new intake and exhaust manifolds, and a new underbody-only catalyst, which refine performance and contribute to greater fuel efficiency.