|
Due out in 2009, the 2010 Ford
Fusion hybrid should prove to be a solid competitor to the
Toyota Camry hybrid.
In fact, recently, Ford
announced that the Fusion hybrid would outperform the
Camry hybrid on the EPA's city cycle by at least 5 mpg,
an extremely impressive deed. It should also beat the
Camry hybrid's highway fuel economy by a few miles per
gallon as well.
The 2010 Ford Fusion
hybrid is
propelled by a four cylinder, 2.5 liter engine that,
coupled with the electric motor, produces 155 horsepower.
Thanks to a significant
reduction in hybrid component size and weight, Ford has
been able to make significant improvements in its hybrid
driver compared to the Escape
hybrid.
For instance, the
Fusion hybrid will be able to remain in electric mode
twice as long as an Escape hybrid - up to 47 mph - which
accounts for its impressive city fuel economy.
In addition to the
significant upgrades to its hybrid drive, the Ford
Fusion will also utilize a gorgeous SmartGauge with
EcoGuide instrument cluster that can be programmed in a
number of ways to help drivers maximize hybrid fuel
economy.
The Fusion hybrid will
be Ford's best hybrid - by far. The real question will
be, how many Fusion hybrids will Ford produce per year?
Early reports suggested just 25,000 Fusion hybrids per
year, which would be disappointingly low.
Either way, we're
looking forward to this hybrid.
|
