Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, Ford, LA Auto Show
LA Preview: 2010 Ford Fusion to get flex-fuel V6 option
We've known for some time now that Ford's redesigned 2010 Fusion and Milan sedans would be getting a new hybrid version for the first time. What we didn't know before was that there will also be a new flex-fuel variant. An order guide has appeared on a Ford discussion board. The flex-fuel engine is based on the updated 3.0L Duratec V6 that debuted earlier this year on the 2009 Escape and Mariner. It will be optional on the S, SE and SEL trim levels and matched up with the same new 6 speed automatic transmission used in the crossovers. The base engine on all three of those trim levels will be the new 2.5L four cylinder also shared with the Escape. On the SE and S trim levels the four will even be available with a new 6 speed manual transmission in addition to the automatic.
The Fusion/Milan hybrid will use an Atkinson cycle version of the 2.5L just like the Escape, but the hybrid hardware is expected to be an upgraded second-generation version. Electrical energy storage will be the usual nickel metal hydride battery pack. We should be learning more about the new Fusion powertrains next week.
[Source: Blue Oval Forums]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
michael pettibone 2:02PM (10/26/2008)
Nearly bought a 2008 fusion last spring but I wanted the new 2.5 liter 4.It is still not available for 2009.If it is in the Mazda 6 and Escape,why not put it in 09 Fusion,Ranger,Mazda 5 etc.Why must we wait years for a simple upgrade,Ford? No wonder Detroit faces extiction.
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george 11:05AM (10/27/2008)
It's obvious that the American manufacturers are not willing to go fuel efficient for some reason. Our current culture seems to be shouting for alternatives yet we all see the same old gas guzzling vehicles being advertised on TV month after month...
http://gas2electric.net
MikeW 12:23AM (10/27/2008)
People in the 'know' already let it out that the '09 Fusion would be a very short model run.
I wonder if you are required to use E70 fuel to get 240hp and 223ft-lbs of torque.
That really looks like typo, otherwise 213ft-lbs is more realistic.
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Robert 9:23AM (10/27/2008)
No, you are not required to use E70 to get 240 hp and 223 ft-lbs of torque on the 3.0L. That rating is accomplished with regular grade gasoline.
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John92LX 12:28PM (10/27/2008)
Yea, Ford is determined not to go fuel efficiant, especially when they were the first automaker to have a hybrid SUV, and this very article talks about gas-saving powertrains in their midsized sedan. Add to that, their Focus gets better gas mileage than the Fit (33 HWY for the Fit, 35 HWY for the Focus coupe with manual trans), and the new Fiesta which will surly get even more, and its obvious that Ford is trying to pump us full of gas-sucking cars, right? Think before you post.
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MikeW 7:55PM (10/27/2008)
Don't forget the Fit automatic gets 28/35
and the 'special' versions of the Focus (shortened axle ratio automatic, and 16" wheel version of the stick (also shortened axle ratio) get less than 24/35-stick, and 24/33-auto)