A little blurb about the Fusion Hybrid...

[FoMoJo]

...for those interested.

Article

Some excerpts...

Rarely do you get the opportunity to see a midsize sedan average more than 43 mpg in city driving. Actually, no one has seen it before -- not even the distinguished gentleman and senator from Alabama -- but the new gas-electric hybrid developed by Ford does just that.

Green Oval will proudly tell anyone within earshot that its all-new hybrid obtains "at least" six miles per gallon better than the Toyota Camry hybrid in the city. The estimated 37 mpg on the highway is nothing to sneeze at either. All that for a car that will start under $28,000.

When the Fusion hybrid arrives next spring, it will become the first two-mode hybrid car created by an American-based company. Congress should note that it had no hand with the development of this vehicle -- it takes years of hard work, actual thinking and wrenching to produce a new model and this particular vehicle is the result of planning that took place in President Bush's first term.

Since then, Ford has continued to improve its hybrid system, and the Fusion will offer more advanced technology than even the 2009 Ford Escape hybrid.

While the Fusion hybrid does not have a different exterior look than its gas-only brothers, all you have to do is sit behind the steering wheel and you'll know it's special. The Smartgauge with Ecoguide is one of the best instrument panels in any car -- hybrid or otherwise.

A common problem with some hybrids is their inability to stand out from their gas-only counter parts. They look the same inside and out and consumers most interested in hybrids want something special. While the Fusion hybrid looks similar to the other Fusions, the Smartgauge makes it feel different -- helping create a stronger emotional connection.

Inside the Fusion hybrid comes a mountain of technology seamlessly melded into the car. Ford's voice-activated Sync allows you to operate your Sony stereo, navigation system and phone by voice. It's simply the best media integration tool available for a vehicle.

There's also a blind spot detection device mounted in the mirrors that quietly warn the driver not to move over into the other lane just yet, ambient lighting that has seven different colors to follow your mood and a back-up camera with a monitor hidden in the rearview mirror (meaning it doesn't require the owner to buy a navigation system).

The overhauled interior has softer touch points, a new dash and nice cubbies throughout. The center console drop box lets you plug in your iPod through a USB connection (so it charges it while you drive) and there's a 12-volt outlet to keep your cell phone charged as well.

But the most technology in this vehicle is hidden under the sheet metal. The new 2.5-liter, I-4 engine runs in combination with an electric motor to give the Fusion hybrid a city range of more than 700 miles. The engine is tuned for maximum efficiency and the combination of electric motor and gas engine provide 191 horsepower. The Fusion hybrid can go up to 47 mph on electric power only.

Ford has improved the battery pack that powers the motors -- making it lighter and more powerful -- while also making its regenerative braking better, so it now captures 94 percent of the energy typically lost through the brakes.

The electronic continuously variable transmission provides a smooth acceleration and helps with the car's extremely quiet ride.

[SVT666]

Every review I've seen so far of the new Fusion (hybrid, V6, or 4 banger) suggest this car is at the top of the heap in the midsize category.

[Byteme]

Every review I've seen so far of the new Fusion (hybrid, V6, or 4 banger) suggest this car is at the top of the heap in the midsize category.

I agree.  Now they just need to convince the consumer.

[giant_mtb]

Mmmm.  Save Ford.

[Danish]

I agree.  Now they just need to convince the consumer.

Just flash ads across the screen that scream "43 mpg!" Maybe even compare it to the Camry Hybrid

That'll def. bring in a few buyers