Resources for the Washington DC area

About the
Ford Fusion Hybrid
 

The Ford Fusion will be available as a hybrid, probably in 2009.

It looks like the Fusion hybrid will use the new power train going into the 2009 Escape. That's an engine enlarged from 2.3 liters to 2.5 liters, combined with the electric motor. Even with the increased displacement and more power, the engine should deliver the same (or slightly better) fuel economy.

Here's some goodies that are available on some non-hybrid Fusions:

Interestingly, this model was to be called the Ford Futura, which was a neat little car Ford made in the 60's. But another company acquired the rights to this name, so the car is to be called Fusion.

The Fusion hybrid could be a very big model for Ford. It has a lot of appealing qualities to it. It is very much a main stream design; a good size, nice, conservative styling, but with a little European flair. It's a good size and weight, so a family should feel comfortable in it, but the mileage should be very good.

With weight similar to the Ford Escape, mileage may be close to the Escape Hybrids numbers of 34 city / 30 highway (front wheel drive, automatic transmission). Also, the Escape Hybrid is clean enough to earn the PZEV rating, an extremely low-emission level. Hopefully, the Fusion hybrid will be a PZEV, too.

A Mercury version of this car is expected to follow.