Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Ford Fusion
Ford Fusion is a name used on two different types of cars from the Ford Motor Company.
Ford Fusion (European)
The European Ford Fusion is a small station wagon based on the Ford Fiesta. A version of the Fusion called the Ford EcoSport is produced in Brazil as a small SUV. It is similar to the Ford Fiesta, but features some differences:
- Increased ride height
- Off-road suspension
- Larger wheels and tires
The car is marketed as an off-roader.
Ford Fusion (North American)
The American Ford Fusion (code name CD338) is a midsize car based on Ford Motor Company's CD3 platform. The Fusion will go on sale in 2005 as a 2006 model. It will be manufactured at Ford's Hermosillo, Mexico plant starting in August 2005. A companion Mercury version (code name CD334), called the Milan, will appear at the same time along with the Lincoln Zephyr. At the 2005 Detroit Auto Show, a hybrid version was announced for the 2008 model year.
The car will fit in a line of sedans by Ford (smallest to largest):
- Ford Focus
- Ford Fusion
- Ford Taurus
- Ford Five Hundred
The car was going to be called the Ford Futura, but Ford lost a trademark lawsuit to the Pep Boys auto parts store, which has a line of tires under the Futura brand. American trademark law generally considers a name abandoned if the owner does not use it for three calendar years, and the long history of the name in the Ford line did not impress the court.
The Fusion debuts Ford's new three-bar grille design, which is expected to become the company's trademark look for the rest of the decade. Production volume is projected at 160,000-200,000 per year.
Changes to the CD3 platform from the Mazda6 include stretching it by 30 mm (1.2 in) in width and 55 mm (2.2 in) in length, strengthening it, and modifying the suspension for a more compliant ride. Like the Mazda, the Fusion will use the Mazda-designed 2.3 L Duratec 23 I4 and Ford-designed 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6. All wheel drive and the new Duratec 35 will be options for 2007.
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