gt5001

And now there is a MazdaSpeed3, which is getting rave reviews. Agree, those turbo 4s probably wouldn't work with the Fusion automatics.

Yeah, I wouldn't duplicate the MazdaSpeed 6 for an SVT Fusion. My point was Mazda built this car, with a lot of things potential customers of an SVT Fusion would probably like to see. Mazda built it. Ford talks, waits, talks, waits, cancels project. Something like the MS6 at least would be a start.

I, too, think the SVT Fusion should be different. I think the new 3.5 V6 would be a better option & some of the frills on the MS6 aren't of much interest to me, either, and that would hold down costs. My point, not well stated, was while Ford talks "Bold Moves," Mazda, SRT, even GM brings performance cars to the market and sells them while Ford's performance division produces more hot air than sheet metal. SVT has one vehicle - the GT500 - and Ford's dealers have turned it into a PR nightmare (like the Ford GT) due to ADMs, waiting lists, limited production, etc. BTW, I've owned three SVT products. One was an SVT Contour, and like your '95 Contour, it was a blast.

Ford has an SVT Fusion. It either doesn't know or doesn't care to recognize the fact It's the MazdaSpeed 6: 2.3-liter engine from the Fusion (it even has FoMoCo) on the dipstick 6-speed manual turbo - 274 hp - 280 ft/lbs torque 4-wheel drive stability control side & side curtain airbags HID adjustable headlights MSRP on this car is about $28K, but they are selling for much less. Which, in Ford's defense, may be the reason there won't be an SVT Fusion. I just purchased an MS6. It is one heck of a vehicle. This thing pulls like a freight train and is so much more sophisticated (sadly) than anything I see in Ford's lineup or in the pipeline. To make matters worse, Mazda 6s (but not the MazdaSpeed 6) are built on the same assembly line as the Mustang. Given a choice, I certainly would buy the Ford if the above were available in the Fusion.

Tarius with at chrome grill..... If you think the V6 Mustang is underpowered, try the 2.3L in a car of this size.... No manual with the 6 cyl Fusion; no triptonic auto.... Enough said.....

Since I started this thread, I thought I should report that I finally saw two Fusions today - an S 4cyl/manual & an SE V6. Both were pretty stripped down and, unfortunately, looked it. Will await a test drive or test ride before offering more.....

All-in-all, I give it a solid 4.5 stars out of 5. 333[/snapback] Thanks. The local dealer has new 05, manual hatches at $21K. MSRP was $27K. Looks like a great buy, but since there are 4 or 5 on the lot (an no S, manual sedans), I thought there might be something going on with the hatchback body.

Local dealer, that I would never buy a car from, told me yesterday the Fusions were delayed. Arrival date now, he said, mid October. Anybody heard anything long these lines?

NickF1011, Slightly off topic, but I'm looking at a new 05 Mazada6 hatch, 5-speed. Prefer a MX over the 4-cyl Fusion. Your thoughts as a 6 owner? Problems you might tell me about?

When will the Fusions start hitting dealers' lots? A salesman told me after Family Financing ends. Anyone heard anything along those lines?

With this news on no auto/stick, in a word, No! Interested in the Fusion because it is a little larger. But, the Focus ST is one of the most enjoyable cars I've owned, and the fleet has in the past included a couple of Cobras, a Bullitt, RSX, SVT Contour, etc. etc. The ST is a lot of car for the money.

That is really surprising! I've always driven manuals, and I don't think the manual and 2.3L is powerful enough for a car as heavy as the Fusion. Guess I'll hang on to my Focus ST or take a look at the Mazda 6.

Is either of the automatics an auto/stick? I had assumed so since the Mazda 6 has it. But from the photos from Kentucky Speedway, the car pictured appears to only have conventional auto tranny. Can't believe Ford would not offer the auto-manual.

Is the 6-speed an auto-stick or just a conventional automatic transmission? If so, I'm not interested. The Mazda 6 has the auto stick but from the interior shots, the Fusion pictured did not appear to have it. I really would prefer a 5-speed, but don't think the 150-160 hp and corresponding torque is enough for this car.

Has anyone seen the curb or gross weight of the Fusion? Interested in how much heavier it will be than the Focus ST, which is my current ride. I like the idea of the 5-speed, but not sure the 2.3 liter is strong enough. Comments on this welcome.