Filed under: Hybrid, MPG, Ford, USA
Redesigned Fords to boast best mileage in class

Every automaker currently selling cars in America is now doing all that they can do to increase fuel efficiency. Even on models which were already launched, redesign time is the perfect opportunity to make another attempt at raising fuel mileage. Such is the case at Ford, as product chief Derrick Kuzak's new mandate for his engineers is to make every new or redesigned Ford the most fuel efficient vehicle in its class, starting with the revised Fusion due for 2010. Currently, the base 2.3 liter four cylinder engine is mated to a five speed automatic transmission. That combo is able to offer up 20 miles per gallon in the city and 28 on the highway. While that is decent, it's not class leading. So, we are expecting a significant bump when the next Fusion appears with both a hybrid model and an enlarged 2.5 liter engine with six speed automatic. We got the chance to sample this powertrain in the 2009 Escape and found that it both increased performance and decreased fuel consumption. Sounds like a winner.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
gulags 3:17PM (7/22/2008)
Redesigned Ford's ...what? Engine? Seats? Cup holders? Don't keep us in suspense!
English 101, man.
Reply
BillySharps 3:25PM (7/22/2008)
"Fords"
No apostrophe required.
Reply
Scott K. 4:15PM (7/22/2008)
We're going to be getting a new vehicle (sedan or small CUV) and gas mileage is one of the most important considerations and I am looking forward to seeing these. You can usually get a good deal on a Ford (or Mercury) and if their mileage is as good or better than the competition, they will definitely be on my list and may even be able to help me convince my wife to buy American.
Reply
Brandon 4:42PM (7/22/2008)
Simple. Just release all the diesel engine options that Ford has available in Europe here. Ford would instantly have the most fuel efficient line-up in America. How many 38mpg Cobalt XFEs would sell if you could go to your local Ford dealer and get a 50mpg Focus? Are these automakers stupid?
Reply
Brent 10:09PM (7/22/2008)
What about emissions?! Yeah, that is what I thought! :)
Richard 5:56PM (7/22/2008)
"Fords' ", yes there is an apostrophe.
Reply
Nick 8:29PM (7/22/2008)
20 mpg city and 28 highway ? Wow ! What an achievement ! My 1999 Chrysler 300M got 27 mpg highway...that was 9 years ago.
Back to Ford, the current numbers are not good at all for a 2.3 L 4-cylinder motor....it's the class laggard rather than class leading. I hope the changed will bump up the number by at least 15 mpg.
Reply
gulags 8:36PM (7/22/2008)
No, there is not. That would still make no sense.
You could rephrase it as "Redesigned Fords' mileage boasted to be best in class."
Reply
Nikax 9:45PM (7/22/2008)
apostrophe fascists ;-)
Reply
CurtCurt 10:55PM (7/22/2008)
My 10 year old Honda Accord EX-V6 coupe with automatic transmission gets 20 city and 28 highway.
Haven't had any major problems with it either.
Reply
Joseph 12:05AM (7/23/2008)
This is what I'd called Bold.
Reply
Swede 6:05AM (7/23/2008)
Front looks like a 2004 Vectra.
Reply