Ford Fusion Hybrid - Second Generation

A complete redesign of the Ford Fusion lineup for the model year 2013 was unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. The new lineup includes three optional engines for the conventional four-cylinder-only gasoline model, a next-generation hybrid version, and a plug-in hybrid version, the Ford Fusion Energi. The Ford Fusion will become the first production sedan to offer these three powertrain options. In April 2012 Ford announced that an auto start-stop system will be available for the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine non-hybrid version, at a price of US$295. The expected fuel economy is a combined 37 mpg (6.4 L/100 km; 44 mpg). Sales of the gasoline-powered and hybrid version began in the U.S. in October 2012. Sales in Europe and Asia, under the Ford Mondeo name, are expected to begin in 2013.

The nickel-metal hydride batteries used in the hybrid first generation are replaced with lithium-ion batteries. The 2013 model year Fusion Hybrid is more fuel efficient than its predecessor, with a US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rating of 47 mpg (5.0 L/100 km; 56 mpg) with the same rating for combined/city/highway cycles. This rating is also the same Ford achieved for the 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid, as both hybrids share the same engine and drivetrain. These ratings allowed the 2013 Fusion Hybrid to outperform the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE by 4 mpg-US city and 8 mpg-US highway, and to become the most efficient midsize hybrid sedan in the U.S. as of September 2012.

The second generation hybrid has a powertrain with a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-four – downsized from the 2.5-liter unit used in the current Fusion Hybrid. Total output is estimated at 185 hp (138 kW) and 130 ft·lb (180 N·m), running to the front wheels via an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. The lithium-ion battery pack saves weight and generates more power than previous NiMH batteries, and allows the second generation Fusion Hybrid to raise its maximum speed under electric-only power from 47 to 62 mph (76 to 100 km/h).

The 2013 Fusion Hybrid includes driver assistance and technologies based on sensors, cameras and radar that enable the car to see and respond. Fusion can help drivers maintain proper lane position (Lane Keeping System); adjust vehicle speed to changing traffic conditions through adaptive cruise control; active park assist to help identify suitable parking spaces and help park; and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert, which consists of sensors in both rear quarter-panels that are able to detect traffic in a driver’s blind spot, providing both audible and visual warnings if traffic unseen by the driver is detected. BLIS technology enables cross-traffic alert, even aiding drivers backing out of parking space where visibility is obstructed.

During the 2012 North American International Auto Show Ford also unveiled the Lincoln MKZ concept model. Ford will also offer a hybrid option of the redesigned 2013 Lincoln MKZ, expected to be available by late 2012, and like the previous MKZ generation, the MKZ Hybrid will be available for the same price as the non-hybrid model.

The EPA rated the 2013 MKZ Hybrid at 45 mpg (5.2 L/100 km; 54 mpg) with the same rating for combined/city/highway cycles. These ratings allowed the 2013 MKZ Hybrid to become the most fuel efficient luxury vehicle in the U.S. and to improve the fuel economy of the Lexus ES 300h hybrid by 5 mpg_-US on the combined cycle. Despite sharing the same powertrain, the 2013 MKZ Hybrid rated 2 mpg_-US combined less than its sibling the second generation Ford Fusion Hybrid.