New Ford Fusion: first gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid sedan

Ford is unveiling at the 2012 North American International Auto show the second generation of the Ford Fusion, a model which becomes the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions.

One of the American brands to its customers is to be the fuel-efficiency leader – or among the leaders – with each new model brought to market, so the new Fusion is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy across customers’ choice of gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid sub-segments.

The second generation Fusion can be powered by three different powertrains and has three levels of equipment to choose from: S, SE and Titanium. If offers a pair of EcoBoost™ four-cylinder engines, a normally aspirated four-cylinder engine and still the hybrid and plug-in hybrid alternatives. The engines are complemented with technologies such as an automatic start stop system to shut off the engine at stationary idle, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive applications, and a choice between automatic and manually shifted six-speed transmissions.

With the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine the Fusion is expected to become the best-in-class four-cylinder non-hybrid in terms of fuel efficiency, with a 26 mpg consumption in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.

On the opposite side the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine is set to become the performance option in the new generation Fusion. This version will be available with four-wheel drive option.

After being named 2010 North American Car of the Year, the Fusion hybrid has now evolved from the nickel-metal hydride batteries to the now common lithium-ion batteries that save weight and generate more power.

The Fusion Hybrid is powered by an all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine, significantly downsized from the previous 2.5-liter unit. Still the engine maintained the performance standards.

Finally with the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, Ford hopes to produce the most fuel-efficient midsize car in the world. This version is set to be launched into the market in the fall and according to the brand it should deliver more than 100 MPGe, a mile per gallon equivalency metric for electrified vehicles.