2007 Ford Fusion

2007 Highlights

- Front-seat side air bags and side-impact air curtain now standard on all models
- Standard auxiliary audio input jack, available SIRIÚS satellite radio and DVD-based navigation system (late availability)
- New, available all-wheel drive system for enhanced traction and security
- Fold-down passenger seat standard on SE and SEL
- 16-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps and a premium six-disc CD player with MP3 compatibility and six speakers now standard on SE models
- Heated mirrors with puddle lamps, an electrochromatic rearview mirror, a compass and automatic headlamps now standard on SEL

Overview
Ford Fusion distinguishes itself in the most competitive vehicle segment with its standout exterior design and engaging driving dynamics. Breathing a fresh attitude into the American midsize car, Fusion brings to the segment good fuel economy, advanced safety, clean emissions and roomy interior space — all at an outstanding value.

For 2007, Fusion takes some other bold steps. Front-seat side air bags and side-impact air curtains will be made standard on all models shortly after the 2007 model launch, as will an anti-theft perimeter alarm system.

Fusion also enhances driver confidence — and sets itself apart from competitors — by offering an all-wheel drive system that optimizes traction on slick surfaces or for improved handling in a curve. And Fusion is ahead of that curve with its standard audio input jack and available DVD-based navigation system and SIRIÚS satellite radio.

The Fusion takes a central position between the award-winning Focus and the flagship Five Hundred sedan. (concept carz) The strong, muscular three-bar chrome grille sets the tone for a bold look in the midsize sedan segment.

Fusion is available in S, SE and SEL trims and is built in Hermosillo, Mexico.

Design and Equipment

By drawing on these new tools and the company's global product development resources, Fusion's engineering team was able to bring the car to market faster than traditional vehicle-development programs.

These new tools also helped the engineers that reach their goal of maximizing the spaciousness for all occupants to challenge the class leaders in key interior dimensions such as front shoulder room, rear-seat legroom and trunk space.

Fusion designers also worked hard to ensure passengers can slip into the back seat with ease. In a packaging exercise, the designers even donned size 14 shoes to confirm that someone with that foot size could enter and exit without brushing the B-pillar scuff plate or the back of the front seat. Their goal was achieved by pushing the rear door as far back toward the C-pillar as possible. It's this kind of attention to detail that contributes to the overall package ingenuity of the Fusion, including such standard ergonomic niceties as a height-adjustable driver's seat and a tilt and telescope steering wheel.

In addition to carrying people in comfort, Fusion is capable of making quick work of cargo. The roomy, 15.8-cubic-foot trunk boasts a flat load floor and low liftover height with compact decklid hinges that won't crush boxes or groceries. The rear seats feature a standard 60/40 split and fold-flat function with spring assist, allowing pass-through access to handle long items and provide best-in-class storage space. What's more, the ability to handle extra-long items has been increased for 2007 in the SE and the SEL, where a fold-down front seat back is now standard.

A choice of three distinct interior themes allows customers to personalize their driving environment. Owners have a choice among carbon graphite, wood or piano black accents. The inviting interior also has optional leather-covered seating surfaces with contrast stitching. Fusion's interior has many storage options, with a pop-up bin in the top of the instrument panel, a clamshell armrest, six cup holders, rear-seat armrests and one-touch 60/40 fold-flat rear seats.

On all models, a variety of high-end features is available, including a tilt and telescope steering wheel, heated front seats, and a six-disc, in-dash CD player that also reads MP3-encoded audio discs. A standard auxiliary audio input jack, available SIRIÚS satellite radio and a DVD-based navigation system will all be available shortly after the 2007 model launches.

Powertrain and Chassis


The availability of all-wheel drive on V-6 models of the SE and the SEL is the big news for 2007. But it would not be the achievement it is if Fusion did not have such solid underpinnings.

Fusion's available all-wheel drive system was tuned with an emphasis toward driving performance while also offering confident all-weather driving. The system continuously monitors vehicle speed, throttle input and steering angle to seamlessly deliver torque to the appropriate wheel even before wheel slippage occurs. The system also helps eliminate torque steer and helps balance the vehicle when cornering.

Satisfying ride and rewarding handling begin with a stiff chassis, and Fusion boasts torsional rigidity 12.7 percent higher than the already outstanding base architecture. This allows the four-wheel independent suspension to absorb driving harshness and respond more precisely to steering inputs.

Four-wheel power disc brakes are standard, and a four-sensor, four-channel anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution is optional.

The soul of any car is its engine, and Fusion offers a choice of Ford's 2.3-liter, Duratec 23 inline four-cylinder (I-4) or 3.0-liter, Duratec 30 V-6. Both feature aluminum construction, dual-overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, intake variable-cam timing and electronic throttle control to deliver smooth, spirited performance along with good fuel economy and emissions ratings.

The four-cylinder engine delivers 160 horsepower and can be paired with a five-speed manual or — unusual in this segment — a five-speed automatic transaxle. Also good news for the environment, when mated to the automatic transaxle, the Duratec 23 I-4 is rated as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) in California. It is the Ford brand's third PZEV application, after the Escape Hybrid and Focus PZEV. The standard Duratec 23 and five-speed manual and automatic return 23 miles per gallon in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

For even more power, there's the 221-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6, which is paired with an advanced six-speed automatic transaxle. Fusion was the first car in its class to offer such a sophisticated automatic. With this wide, 6:1 overall span, vs. 4.5:1 for a typical five-speed, the six-speed automatic delivers impressive performance as well as 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway.

Safety and Security

Fusion benefits from some of the latest safety technology available — from cutting-edge metallurgy to air bags. Shortly after the 2007 model launches, front-seat side air bags and side-impact air curtains will become standard on all models, as will an anti-theft perimeter alarm system. Additional standard advanced safety technology includes Ford's Personal Safety System® with dual-deployment front air bags, energy-absorbing safety belts and load-limiting retractors.

An example of the lengths to which Ford engineers have gone to enhance occupant protection can be seen in the steps they took designing Fusion to meet stringent new side-impact tests.

Fusion's B-pillars are made by welding two blanks of steel end-to-end, resulting in a stronger top of the vehicle and more flexible bottom. This facilitates energy absorption during a crash below the level of the occupants. The strong steel structure at the torso level and above helps prevent intrusion into the passenger compartment.

Major Features and Options

Fusion SE adds: 16-inch aluminum wheels; fog lamps; body-color exterior side mirrors; SE badge; six-speaker premium AM/FM audio system with in-dash, six-disc, MP3-capable CD player; six-way power driver seat with manual lumbar adjustment; fold-down front-passenger seat (late availability); unique center stack appliqué; front seat-back map pockets; message center with trip computer; steering wheel with speed control and redundant audio controls; dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors; and dual exhaust tips (V-6 models).

Fusion SEL adds to SE equipment: automatic headlights; bright belt line molding; heated exterior mirrors with puddle lamps; SEL badges; 17-inch-by-7-inch aluminum wheels with P225/50R 17 performance-rated tires; electronic automatic climate control; upgraded cloth interior; analog clock; compass; electrochromic rearview mirror; unique appliqués for instrument panel and center stack; and leather-wrapped steering wheel with speed control and redundant audio and climate controls.

Options include: all-wheel drive (requires ABS); ABS; five-speed automatic transaxle for Duratec 23 I-4 models; Audiophile eight-speaker sound system; power moonroof; traction control (front-wheel drive only); leather seating surfaces; heated seats and the following items shortly after the 2007 model year launches:

SIRIÚS satellite radio (SE and SEL only)
DVD-based navigation system (SE and SEL only)
Rear spoiler (SE and SEL only)
I-4 Appearance Package for SE with Black, Tungsten or Red Fire exteriors and Charcoal Black cloth interior, featuring black chrome grille, 17-inch wheels with black painted pockets, fog lamps with color-keyed bezels, and red stitching and leather accents on seats, door trim, steering wheel and console

Source - Ford