[wierzba]

Pretty sweet interviews with the Fusion team. Click on the first video and he talks about a hotter engine in 2007 and maybe (fingers crossed) an ST/SVT in 08/09!

http://www.fusionunleashed.com/index.php?categoryid=9&p2_articleid=80

 

[TheRussian]

:ttiwwp:

 

[UtOhCop]

By the time it comes out i'll be looking to pick up a new camaro.

 

[wierzba]

The Camaro will cost waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more than the Fusion. At least for the first few years of production.

 

[UtOhCop]

[quote author=wierzba link=topic=42397.msg623203#msg623203 date=1142694749]
The Camaro will cost waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more than the Fusion.  At least for the first few years of production.
[/quote]

That all depends. My SEL was 23K and i've seen ones as high as 25K with leather and sunroof. An GT version will cost 28K-30K. In 02 you could get a fully loaded Z28 for 26K and SS for 30K. The 06 mustang GT is around 30K so i imagine gm will start the Z28 out around 28K. SS should be around 32K+.

 

[Showtime]

I think a Fusion GT is kind of pointless. A Mustang GT starts at ~$26k. A maxed Fusion is ~$24. So a ST/GT Fusion would be up around Mustang territory. Hmmmm....V8, RWD, Stick, or V6, FWD, Auto. I can't stand the Mustang's el cheapo all hard plastic interior, but given equal pricing, I'd take it over a Fusion. If Ford was smart, they'd just transplant the Mazdaspeed6 drivetrain into a Fusion. At least then it would have AWD, which the Mustang doesn't offer.

 

[UtOhCop]

[quote author=Showtime link=topic=42397.msg623389#msg623389 date=1142713207]
I think a Fusion GT is kind of pointless. A Mustang GT starts at ~$26k. A maxed Fusion is ~$24. So a ST/GT Fusion would be up around Mustang territory. Hmmmm....V8, RWD, Stick, or V6, FWD, Auto. I can't stand the Mustang's el cheapo all hard plastic interior, but given equal pricing, I'd take it over a Fusion. If Ford was smart, they'd just transplant the Mazdaspeed6 drivetrain into a Fusion. At least then it would have AWD, which the Mustang doesn't offer. 
[/quote]

Hell with an N/A V6. Fusion GT should be a twin turbo V6

 

[Showtime]

[quote author=UtOhCop link=topic=42397.msg623424#msg623424 date=1142716396]
[quote author=Showtime link=topic=42397.msg623389#msg623389 date=1142713207]
I think a Fusion GT is kind of pointless. A Mustang GT starts at ~$26k. A maxed Fusion is ~$24. So a ST/GT Fusion would be up around Mustang territory. Hmmmm....V8, RWD, Stick, or V6, FWD, Auto. I can't stand the Mustang's el cheapo all hard plastic interior, but given equal pricing, I'd take it over a Fusion. If Ford was smart, they'd just transplant the Mazdaspeed6 drivetrain into a Fusion. At least then it would have AWD, which the Mustang doesn't offer.
[/quote]

Hell with an N/A V6. Fusion GT should be a twin turbo V6
[/quote]

You've got to factor in we're dealing with Ford North America, they'd never give us something we'd actually want. I doubt they'll make a Fusion GT specific engine like they did with the SHO. Ford NA is more concerned about trying to figure out how to add two more cup holders than making a sports car. I'll bet $100 Ford does something major (No stick, lame engine, FWD only) to screw this car up.

 

[wierzba]

That Mazda6 powertrain in a Fusion ST or SVT would be the ticket to hell

 

[UtOhCop]

Why didn't ford make the Fusion Rwd? There's only so much you can do with Fwd

 

[wierzba]

They made it a FWD due to their platform sharing program with Mazda and Volvo. They may have been able to use the S197 Mustang's, but they already have two other cars (Cougar/Lincoln) in consideration for that platform.

 

[mkaresh]

The Mustang chassis would need heavy modifications to be suitable for a sedan. IRS, new rear floorpan, vastly improved NVH...

Mustang isn't an alternative for people who need four doors.

Turbo 3.5 with AWD would be sweet. Hasn't Ford said this engine was designed to take a turbo?

 

[xcr440sp]

[quote author=UtOhCop link=topic=42397.msg623830#msg623830 date=1142746186]
Why didn't ford make the Fusion Rwd? There's only so much you can do with Fwd
[/quote]

Because many of us Northerners don't want rear wheel drive in our daily drivers.  RWD is great for sports cars, but I want my wife in a FWD so she doesn't end up stuck in every driveway.

Also as to the 4 door built off of the Mustang, rumor is that it is being fast tracked through development to be a Chrysler 300 competitor, so I'd say it is likely to happen in 2009ish about the time the Camaro comes out.

As to needing IRS, I've driven the new Mustang and the GTO, and I'll take the Mustangs solid axle any day. Also as to NVH, have you driven a DEW-Lite Mustang? They arent' the fairmont chassis rattle traps like the old ones. Remember the DEW chassis was the Lincoln LS platform first so a 4 door isn't that difficult to come up with!

 

[mz6zoomzoom]

Well, there's no question the lack of IRS in the 'stang was a cost cutting measure. While they may have done a good job with the solid rear axle, they'd definitely rather have IRS.

 

[Scape2]

I feel if Ford were smart they would put the 3.5 in the Fusion and call it a GT. Also add a sport suspension, 6Speed manual, stability control, some differnt body pieces to spice things up a bit. The 3.0 duratec in my opinion is plenty for this car for the everyday driver.

 

[BlackI4se]

[quote author=wierzba link=topic=42397.msg623203#msg623203 date=1142694749]
The Camaro will cost waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more than the Fusion.  At least for the first few years of production.
[/quote]

I'd say hell with the new camaro get that new challenger NOW thats hot and its gotta "HEMI"

 

[Scape2]

Yes! How about 3 engines.. a Fusion GT with the 3.5?? keep the 3.0 and the 2.3....

 

[RandyR]

My latest Motor Trend has an interview with one of the head guys at Ford. He said the Zephyr is the only one of the three that will get the 3.5 and AWD "in the foreseeable future." Not the Fusion or Milan.

 

[cos]

Why didn't ford make the Fusion Rwd?

For the same reason the competition (Accord, Camry, Malibu, Sebring etc.) didn't. There's simply no call for it in the midsize family sedan market.

 

[TheRussian]

[quote author=cos link=topic=42397.msg806947#msg806947 date=1152236751]

Why didn't ford make the Fusion Rwd?

For the same reason the competition (Accord, Camry, Malibu, Sebring etc.) didn't. There's simply no call for it in the midsize family sedan market.
[/quote]

and yet the Infinity G35 Sedan does have their family car with RWD...