I just have to rant about Ford and a performance Fusion...(long)

[ScortLX]

I was just thinking about this whole performance Fusion idea this afternoon and I think it needs to happen more than ever for this company. Just looking at it, the performance model lineup from Ford is horrible in the fact that it has no variety at all. It's all Mustang (I own a Mustang so its not all bad) but it seems like everything else is for going to the grocery store and back. I understand that you need to please the masses first, but they cannot forget the people who remember Ford as a performance vehicle company. Chrysler has a huge variety of performance trims on many of their vehicles and GM has increased their lineup as well (at least they have pontiac where performance is still their slogan). In response Ford...just added more Mustangs. Ford needs to push the Mustang because its popular and makes money but they need to push the Fusion into its segment and push some people around as well. I was reading the 2007 preview in Motor Trend this afternoon again and "Classy Looks. Needs the power to match" was the comment under the Fusion. Of course the 500's was "A good car looking for a great engine". Hmm...see a theme? They can't put this car out like the '86 Taurus and just expect it to beat everybody. Yes its doing well (which is great) but Ford needs to step forward and really take a risk in a way. They are going to put the 3.5 in the 500 and that will help that dog but they need to stop being so calculating and just do something with their heart if not their guts! Obviously they have no problem putting out faster Mustang models but touching anything else seems like a sin. Make the Fusion SVT/ST by 2009 at the latest! If they have to go simple with the 3.5L, AWD, suspension tuning and a 6-speed then so be it.....that would be better than doing nothing. I remember the Contour SVT being compared to the BMW 3-series...I think this platform has greater potential. WOW...I guess I didn't know how great we had it when you could buy the Lightning, Mustang Cobra, Taurus SHO, SVT Contour and SVT Focus. I just hope that those days aren't completely behind us. This company needs 1. Some vehicles to strengthen its hold on the compact/midsize and crossover market to pull our dependancy off of the F-series and 2. AN IDENTITY! There is a guy I work with who drives a brand new 350Z and the other day all he could talk about is the fact that if he had a choice he would get a used SVT Contour! I guarantee you that this company needs to convert performance vehicle fans as well as your everyday consumer to truly build itself back to the company it once was and revive the identity that I believe it used to have. Sorry....disjointed I know! Its late and my passion for this subject is hard to truly type out. I just needed to vent. Thanks everybody! Let me know if I'm just a complete moron.

 

Nate

[Drake]

I agree. Not everyone looking for a performance car wants a Mustang type vehicle. It seems they forgot about this. Personally I'de be happy if the Fusion just had the 3.5. That's all I want at this point, an AWD 3.5 Fusion with Nav and sat radio.

[ScortLX]

I completely agree Drake. I'm not looking for mind blowing performance or a limited edition car or anything...I just want some performance. Throw the 3.5L in it, AWD, 6-speed and tweek some suspension pieces and I would be a very happy camper!

[Stew]

Ok what i do not get is why they are doing good to the lincoln mkz and giving it the new engine that is going into the edge, whats up with that why not stick it in the fusion too, people would love to see that...and with the performance package also, jeez people would by buying it also, Why cant they put some more power in it anyway. Ok i feel better.

[akirby]

2 reasons:

 

They're selling every Fusion and Milan they can make with minimal incentives. Adding the 3.5L won't increase sales.

 

They can only make so many 3.5s right now and they need those for the Edge/MKX and MKZ. This also gives the MKZ an edge (no pun intended) over the Fusion and Milan and justifies the higher price.

 

I know we want it and it would make great PR but from a business standpoint it's just not necessary right now.

[Stew]

oh well i think if they had more commericals saying they bumped up the power i think they might be able to get some more sales, or at least add it to a limited version for right now, and put a few moregoodies. and make the price a lil lower the the estimate, maybe? w.e ill wait till 2008 , and hopefully it will have the 3.5 v6 engine six speed manual with awd, only to wish.... lol :D ok well peace (%)

[akirby]

oh well i think if they had more commericals saying they bumped up the power i think they might be able to get some more sales, or at least add it to a limited version for right now, and put a few moregoodies. and make the price a lil lower the the estimate, maybe? w.e ill wait till 2008 , and hopefully it will have the 3.5 v6 engine six speed manual with awd, only to wish.... lol :D ok well peace (%)

 

You can't sell more than you can make, and right now they're selling every one of them. Quickly.

[robertlane]

I think it's more of a capacity issue for not putting the 3.5L engine in the Fusion right now. Remember that the Fusion Brand Manager did say that they are on target for a souped-up Fusion soon

[ScortLX]

I completely agree akirby, and I'm glad that thay are flying off the lots. Though, thats where the issue lies. Ford is notorious for just taking what the public gives them and I hope they don't do it with the Fusion. Let them sell as many Fusions as they want up till capacity for awhile, but then they need to add some life with trim changes (I like the sport package...but why not include the V6 powertrain?) and also a performance version to make it even more appealing. In a year or so, Ford needs to make the decision to add a performance model even if they are still close to maximum capacity just to help it retain momentum. Ford needs to go into the 2010's proactive not reactive. Robert...I've always appreciated your news and insight and I hope that they are on schedule for about a year and a half (thats when I'll have the Mustang paid off) so I can enjoy this great sedan myself! :happy feet:

 

Nate

[remyj]

Back in the day when a Ford model was selling at capacity, they'd start making the model in another plant to pump up production. Yeah, yeah, I know they are trying to shrink capacity and employee levels but they really are missing a customer here in me. I've had 2 Taurus SHOs ( now THAT was an engine ), and I currently own a Contour SVT ( disappointed in this engine ). I would love to buy and SVT Fusion AWD but like most everyone has said, I would settle for the new 3.5 and AWD and a 6pd manual. If they do make that combo, how much more would it take to polish up the engine a bit with another 20HP and slap SVT medallions and ground effect plastics? I wouldn't think that would be too hard to work into the options production on the main production line. Or, they could even make it a dealer installed option if they had to. Unless they do something, I am going to revert back to my old Japanese car buying ways. Or, if I could find someone to wedge one of those Yamaha SHO engines into my Contour SVT, I'd be sated for a while<G>........It just kills me to remember the old Ford that had performance versions of all their 1960s vehicles that sold along side the grocery runners. If they could do it then, they should be able to do it now. Most of those cars were simple additions like a big fat V8 and minor cosmetics. Why is this so difficult?

[robertlane]

Look at what Ford has done with this generation Mustang (2005+). There is a Pony, GT500, California Special and now a Bullitt coming in 2008.5. Ford understands how important it is to keep the Mustang fresh, even BEFORE the competition (Camaro, Challenger) arrives.

 

I'd think it's great that the Fusion is being pumped up for SEMA, but the Fusion does need an internal SVT/ST program to further support the model. Maybe the addition of the Fusion AWD is a step in this direction. We do know that a performance Fusion is coming between 2008-2009 :happy feet:

 

Personally, the "ST" moniker doesn't do anything for me - it sounds like a low level trim package off of the Toyota Corolla.

 

I really think an AWD Fusion SVT would work wonders for the Ford brand.

[Trac_511]

Why did SVT die to begin with? I think I read somewhere that it wasn't very profitable. And given Ford's current state, I would imagine it isn't a good idea to allocate limited funds to a "niche" market. A performance division sure does make good PR, though.

 

I like the Fusion a lot but I'm not sure I'd spend for an SVT version of it. It may be trying too hard and may still be humiliated by cars in the same price-point. But I'm speculating...I've never driven a sports/pony car, or SVT. I do know if I had ~$32K I'd get a nicely packaged GT Premium. Now, a Fusion with the 'Sport' package I'd definitely get. It's not trying to be a muscle car, but it's definitely an upgrade in ride and performance. Well, an upgrade in performance if it finally got the 3.5 Duratec. Then all the Fusion would need is a better looking center stack! At least put storage nooks on both sides of the radio fascia.

 

On another thought, could it be there actually are enough 3.5s to go around but, who would buy a MKZ when they can get a Fusion Sport w/ 3.5L?

[robertlane]

SVT isn't dead. They were just financially choked because of Ford's overall $$. A new Lightning is coming, which is, I believe a mistake anyway. And, another Mustang is coming out.

 

I don't mind the new Mustang, especially since the new Camaro and Challenger are coming. I would rather see a Fusion or Edge SVT before a Lightning though.

[akirby]

My problem with SVT is that it's not integrated into the product development cycle - they have to wait for the vehicle to be finished before they start. This causes at least a year delay and can't be very efficient. Build in the performance version from day one.

[fordnut]

I was absolutely blown away with the performance of the '08 Fusion V6 that I test drove. Orininally I had planned on a 4 cylinder for better fuel economy until I drove the 6 cylinder SEL. All I can say is WOW! :happy feet:

[Wendys_wingless_rocket]

I was absolutely blown away with the performance of the '08 Fusion V6 that I test drove. Orininally I had planned on a 4 cylinder for better fuel economy until I drove the 6 cylinder SEL. All I can say is WOW! :happy feet:

 

I agree--Fusion has very good power and computer says 31 mpg at 75 mph on a recent trip--with the V6--the mpg only suffered when hubby wants to show me all the power it has and uses the 1 on the shifter---MEN

[charlene]

I was just thinking about this whole performance Fusion idea this afternoon and I think it needs to happen more than ever for this company. Just looking at it, the performance model lineup from Ford is horrible in the fact that it has no variety at all. It's all Mustang (I own a Mustang so its not all bad) but it seems like everything else is for going to the grocery store and back. I understand that you need to please the masses first, but they cannot forget the people who remember Ford as a performance vehicle company. Chrysler has a huge variety of performance trims on many of their vehicles and GM has increased their lineup as well (at least they have pontiac where performance is still their slogan). In response Ford...just added more Mustangs. Ford needs to push the Mustang because its popular and makes money but they need to push the Fusion into its segment and push some people around as well. I was reading the 2007 preview in Motor Trend this afternoon again and "Classy Looks. Needs the power to match" was the comment under the Fusion. Of course the 500's was "A good car looking for a great engine". Hmm...see a theme? They can't put this car out like the '86 Taurus and just expect it to beat everybody. Yes its doing well (which is great) but Ford needs to step forward and really take a risk in a way. They are going to put the 3.5 in the 500 and that will help that dog but they need to stop being so calculating and just do something with their heart if not their guts! Obviously they have no problem putting out faster Mustang models but touching anything else seems like a sin. Make the Fusion SVT/ST by 2009 at the latest! If they have to go simple with the 3.5L, AWD, suspension tuning and a 6-speed then so be it.....that would be better than doing nothing. I remember the Contour SVT being compared to the BMW 3-series...I think this platform has greater potential. WOW...I guess I didn't know how great we had it when you could buy the Lightning, Mustang Cobra, Taurus SHO, SVT Contour and SVT Focus. I just hope that those days aren't completely behind us. This company needs 1. Some vehicles to strengthen its hold on the compact/midsize and crossover market to pull our dependancy off of the F-series and 2. AN IDENTITY! There is a guy I work with who drives a brand new 350Z and the other day all he could talk about is the fact that if he had a choice he would get a used SVT Contour! I guarantee you that this company needs to convert performance vehicle fans as well as your everyday consumer to truly build itself back to the company it once was and revive the identity that I believe it used to have. Sorry....disjointed I know! Its late and my passion for this subject is hard to truly type out. I just needed to vent. Thanks everybody! Let me know if I'm just a complete moron.

 

Nate

[charlene]

Wow!! Great topic to discuss. I hope the ford designers and engineers are listening. I just got my new 08 fusion with the tail fin on it and nice 18" wheels and red stitched and red combo interior on black with Black exterior. Sharp. I got the 4 cyl for gas but they put these hokey exhaust tips not even chrome on it and call it the sel or whatever. Lets beef it up with a turbo or SVT engine, call it a GT with that package and some more stuff. I even had to order from parts the chrome foglight inserts which shows on the brochure and maybe the v-6. Let them put something on the hood like the 67-68 mustang turnsignal inserts at least dress it up. Overall it is a good looking car. I also have a 67 mustang in the garage to keep it company. Let the stylist go crazy with this one and give us something new for 09 and get a new fusion to compete with the malibu etc. and chrysler products and the foreign market.

 

Charlene

[Mutnat]

Wow!! Great topic to discuss. I hope the ford designers and engineers are listening. I just got my new 08 fusion with the tail fin on it and nice 18" wheels and red stitched and red combo interior on black with Black exterior. Sharp. I got the 4 cyl for gas but they put these hokey exhaust tips not even chrome on it and call it the sel or whatever. Lets beef it up with a turbo or SVT engine, call it a GT with that package and some more stuff. I even had to order from parts the chrome foglight inserts which shows on the brochure and maybe the v-6. Let them put something on the hood like the 67-68 mustang turnsignal inserts at least dress it up. Overall it is a good looking car. I also have a 67 mustang in the garage to keep it company. Let the stylist go crazy with this one and give us something new for 09 and get a new fusion to compete with the malibu etc. and chrysler products and the foreign market.

 

Charlene

 

Hi Charlene,

 

It sounds like you got the SAP (Sport Appearance Package) on your Fusion, hence the 18" rims, red highlights on the interior, and the "tail fin" (lip spoiler on the trunk). This package also includes body-colour foglight surrounds. But if your car is an SEL trim level and did NOT have the SAP, you would have had the chrome foglight surrounds. Personally, I prefer the body-coloured surrounds and think it's a nice upgrade, and I'm glad it's part of the SAP package (which I also have). What colour Fusion did you get?

[Dyoct]

It's comin'

[robertlane]

It's comin'

Like he said, a Performance Fusion is coming!

[royale192]

if it has not been said yet ford will have a new tech coming to the 4 cyl and 6 cyl. its called eco boost just wait for it.... it will be WELL worth the wait. i watched a taurus fitted with the engine beat by 1.5 car lenghs an bmw newer 5 series a caddy and some thing else will have link as soon as i can find it.

[akirby]

if it has not been said yet ford will have a new tech coming to the 4 cyl and 6 cyl. its called eco boost just wait for it.... it will be WELL worth the wait. i watched a taurus fitted with the engine beat by 1.5 car lenghs an bmw newer 5 series a caddy and some thing else will have link as soon as i can find it.

 

The 2.0L and 2.5L Ecoboost engines are coming but not right away. The 3.5L EB will appear next year in the MKS, Taurus and Flex. No announcements or inside info beyond that.