Ford Fusion to Boost Dearborn's Stakes in the Car Game

On a less pragmatic note, the Fusion should also move off the line rather quickly. At 1,407 kilos

The Fusion's 2.3-liter, DOHC, 16-valve four-cylinder should keep it in the running with its rivals. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

(3,101 pounds) in base trim, a hair lighter than the Camry and just over the Accord and Mazda6 curb weights, its 2.3-liter, DOHC, 16-valve four-cylinder should keep it in the running with its rivals. The base engine produces 160 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 150 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, which is inline with all but Pontiac's V6-powered G6.

For those wanting more get up and go, a 3.0-liter, DOHC, 24-valve V6 is optional, sporting 210-horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 200 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm.

While not as powerful as the top-line Camry, Accord or 6, the Fusion is lighter than all three and offers a sophisticated 6-speed automatic as well, which should be enough to kick out the same spirited levels of performance its rivals deliver without the fuel economy drawbacks that normally come with larger displacement engines.

As far as ride and handling characteristics go, the Fusion should be extremely talented. Ford has received kudos from those who have driven the Five Hundred, at least with respect to its driving dynamics, so starting with a smaller chassis derived from one of the best

Ford has received kudos from those who have driven the Five Hundred, at least with respect to its driving dynamics. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

slalom cars in the midsize segment, the Mazda6, should make the Fusion a lively performer.

Ford connects a power-assisted low-friction rack-and-pinion steering system to a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, offering 2.7 turns lock-to-lock, 2.5 turns when optional 17-inch wheels and P225/50VR17 tires are fitted, and 11.7 meter (38.7 foot) turning circle, 12.2 meter (40.0 feet) with the 17-inch rims. This should make for relatively agile parking lot maneuverability too. Incidentally, the Fusion comes with 16-inch steel wheels on P205/60TR16 tires in base trim - the same tires on alloy rims, which come standard on 6-cylinder cars, are optional in 4-cylinder guise.