The Blue Oval's Fusion Earns a Blue Ribbon in Detroit

QUINCY, MASS. (01/23/2012)(readMedia)-- Ford claims that its all-new Fusion's gas, hybrid and plug-in models will achieve a "Triple Crown" of best-in-class efficiency when they arrive at Ford dealerships later this year, but it'll have to settle for a Best in Show for now. The automaker's redesigned Fusion was named Best in Show by Autoweek magazine at the 2012 North American International Auto Show earlier this month, a rare achievement for an affordable midsize sedan.

As the first sedan to offer gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid drivetrain options, the 2013 Ford Fusion is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy in all three configurations. However, it was the new look of the next-generation Fusion that caught the eyes of Autoweek editors, not its practicality. With a design that mixes aspects of the Ford Taurus with an Aston Martin, the Ford Fusion was praised by Autoweek for its bold styling and its surprisingly "luxurious message" for a family car.

"Autoweek usually reserves its Best in Show award for an expensive, out-of-reach sports car, which speaks to the stunning new design direction of the Fusion," said Michael Quirk, general manager of Greater Boston Ford dealership Quirk Ford. "It's handsome, upscale and strikes the right balance between aggression and sophistication. The current Fusion is a very sensible purchase, but the new car will add a more emotional attraction."

Ford says the 2013 Fusion captures the look of its next generation of more expressive vehicles, following in the footsteps of the 2011 Ford Fiesta subcompact and 2012 Ford Focus compact cars. The automaker tossed aside the typical three-box design used by the competition, giving the Fusion a sleeker side profile with sweeping lines on the flanks. Meanwhile, a modern fascia features an aggressive grille between thin headlights.

While Ford stylists can take credit for the head-turning looks of the new Fusion, it is the engineers that get kudos for the vehicle's wide array of fuel-efficient powertrains. Two gas-powered EcoBoost engines will be offered, including a new 1.6-liter unit that will return an estimated 37 mpg on the highway. Performance-minded drivers will likely opt for the 2.0-liter EcoBoost, which is available with an all-wheel-drive system that can send additional torque to the rear wheels for more dynamic driving.

Ford will also offer two battery-boosted models: the Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi. The automaker says the Fusion Hybrid will outperform the competition when it comes to fuel economy, returning 47 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway. As a plug-in hybrid, the Fusion Energi will return a mile per gallon equivalency (MPGe) of more than 100 according to Ford, which is at least 8 MPGe more than the Chevy Volt and 13 MPGe more than Toyota's estimates for the Prius Plug-in.

"It's rare to see such an expressive design on such a mainstream car, especially one as practical as the Fusion," Quirk noted. "The Fusion made its name offering the fuel-economy and capability mid-size sedan owners were seeking, all at a value they couldn't resist. Combining those strengths with the advanced styling of the next-generation model should lead to even greater sales for the Fusion in the years to come."

About Quirk Ford:

Quirk Ford, located in Quincy, Massachusetts, is the largest Ford dealer by sales volume in New England and a winner of The President's Award for customer satisfaction six years in a row. Quirk offers a full line of new Ford vehicles, including the Ford Fusion, Ford Focus and Escape Hybrid models, as well as an extensive selection of pre-owned cars, SUVs, trucks and hybrids. For more information, call 877-236-7314, visit them online at www.quirkford.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QuirkFord or stop by their dealership at 540 Southern Artery in Quincy, Massachusetts.