The dreams we had for the fusion

[madmp]

This thread is referring to ford and its “dreams” for the fusion. I mean I love my car, I wouldn’t trade it in for anything (realistically I would for maybe an SVT fusion) but anyway. Why all the hype about the fusion if only a select few companies are going to produce performance parts for it???? Ford did an ok job of having MRT, 3D Carbon, Razzi, FPD and maybe even DraXas producing their SEMA Show cars. But where does it go from here? MRT is still working on producing exterior modes from there MRT Fusion, 3D is done with the lip kit they produced (and if you look on FSWerks they haven’t done/added anything to their web site since they put it on the net), DraXas is well…..who knows. I understand that engineering new performance parts takes time, but this car is almost on its 3rd year of production. What is taking so long and why isn’t ford pushing any other companies to produce these parts? I also understand that some of the parts are interchangeable from the Mazda6. That’s great and all, but where are the parts that are MADE for the fusion??? Why isn’t ford pushing these companies they entrusted with producing a “tuner” to compete with the civics, accords and every other sport compact? I’m not sure if any of you feel the same way I do but I really don’t care, ford needs to get out of their offices and start pushing these people. There are several companies out there that have made after market performance parts for the fusion. That’s great, I’m greatful for their participation in our quest to produce a beautiful American tuner. Here are a few that made parts for the SEMA cars but didn’t do anything to follow up……Cosworth (DraXas Fast Fusion), hiboost (DraXas Fast Fusion-Turbo/version of the Mazda6), FPD/HPA (Fusion Stylist-bumper replacement kit), MRT (still in the works). Ford this thread is for you…..where are you now? Are you pushing for the fusion to fail or are you here to show those other tuners out there that we mean business? I guess what I’m trying to say is, all of these companies need to stop the development process and start the production process. Alright I’m done, I feel better now.

[akirby]

Your frustration is understandable but you have to understand that this is a midsize family sedan, not a sports car. And they've only sold 175K or so compared to millions of accords, civics and other models. There just isn't a big market for Fusion performance stuff yet. If there was then these companies would be falling over themselves to get the products out there. It's a business decision, not lack of effort or resources. It will change as more Fusions are sold and more owners want those types of parts but it will take a few years to reach critical mass.

[eiching1]

Chicken or the egg?.....if more aftermarket parts were available then they might sell more cars. A lot of the younger crowd will buy the Civic or Accord because there are more parts they can customize their car with. Unless Ford /Mercury is not going to stick with this line up, then should put their best foot forward. They have the resources to come out with factory "aftermarket" items and just don't seem willing to do it. Some items they already have and just choose not to market. (ie: spoilers, foglights) Also, these engines are not new, so WTF! Anyone in sales knows that sometimes it all the little shit that you can sell with or after the main item that adds easy money. Easy example...how many resturants do you know that don't sell liquor? Most of the their profit comes from the liquor, but they are calling themselves a bar.

[akirby]

Chicken or the egg?.....if more aftermarket parts were available then they might sell more cars. A lot of the younger crowd will buy the Civic or Accord because there are more parts they can customize their car with. Unless Ford /Mercury is not going to stick with this line up, then should put their best foot forward. They have the resources to come out with factory "aftermarket" items and just don't seem willing to do it. Some items they already have and just choose not to market. (ie: spoilers, foglights) Also, these engines are not new, so WTF! Anyone in sales knows that sometimes it all the little shit that you can sell with or after the main item that adds easy money. Easy example...how many resturants do you know that don't sell liquor? Most of the their profit comes from the liquor, but they are calling themselves a bar.

 

You are overestimating the potential sales increase. Your comments would apply more to the Focus than the Fusion.

[urnews]

Yeah, Allen, but for model year 2008 the Focus will only be available as a two- or four-door sedan, no more sporty three- and five-door hatchbacks. So there goes that potential market, too. Same with the Focus station wagon. Ford is dropping it. A pity.

[Meelaan]

This thread is referring to ford and its “dreams” for the fusion. I mean I love my car, I wouldn’t trade it in for anything (realistically I would for maybe an SVT fusion) but anyway. Why all the hype about the fusion if only a select few companies are going to produce performance parts for it???? Ford did an ok job of having MRT, 3D Carbon, Razzi, FPD and maybe even DraXas producing their SEMA Show cars. But where does it go from here? MRT is still working on producing exterior modes from there MRT Fusion, 3D is done with the lip kit they produced (and if you look on FSWerks they haven’t done/added anything to their web site since they put it on the net), DraXas is well…..who knows. I understand that engineering new performance parts takes time, but this car is almost on its 3rd year of production. What is taking so long and why isn’t ford pushing any other companies to produce these parts? I also understand that some of the parts are interchangeable from the Mazda6. That’s great and all, but where are the parts that are MADE for the fusion??? Why isn’t ford pushing these companies they entrusted with producing a “tuner” to compete with the civics, accords and every other sport compact? I’m not sure if any of you feel the same way I do but I really don’t care, ford needs to get out of their offices and start pushing these people. There are several companies out there that have made after market performance parts for the fusion. That’s great, I’m greatful for their participation in our quest to produce a beautiful American tuner. Here are a few that made parts for the SEMA cars but didn’t do anything to follow up……Cosworth (DraXas Fast Fusion), hiboost (DraXas Fast Fusion-Turbo/version of the Mazda6), FPD/HPA (Fusion Stylist-bumper replacement kit), MRT (still in the works). Ford this thread is for you…..where are you now? Are you pushing for the fusion to fail or are you here to show those other tuners out there that we mean business? I guess what I’m trying to say is, all of these companies need to stop the development process and start the production process. Alright I’m done, I feel better now.

 

If you wanted a performance vehicle, you should have bought a performance vehicle. There's plenty of Civic Si's to be had. Then you wouldn't be so unhappy about your Ford not being a Civic.

 

I have to agree with Ford Motor Company and akirby that this is a mid size family sedan--not a Mustang.

[eiching1]

If you wanted a performance vehicle, you should have bought a performance vehicle. There's plenty of Civic Si's to be had. Then you wouldn't be so unhappy about your Ford not being a Civic.

 

Half the fun is in customizing your ride! I have had Civic's, an Integra, Accord's etc: I customized everyone. I did not know that I would be so unhappy with this vehicle until I now unfortunately own it. I am not looking for a "performance" car. Just looking to make this one as fun to drive as I can without breaking the bank. If I could have purchased an Accord I would have (Civic is too small for my needs). I am a father of two, with private school and colleges just around the corner, this is what I could afford with the 0% financing. Just because it's considered a mid-size family car doesn't mean it can't be fun to drive!

[Meelaan]

Half the fun is in customizing your ride! I have had Civic's, an Integra, Accord's etc: I customized everyone. I did not know that I would be so unhappy with this vehicle until I now unfortunately own it. I am not looking for a "performance" car. Just looking to make this one as fun to drive as I can without breaking the bank. If I could have purchased an Accord I would have (Civic is too small for my needs). I am a father of two, with private school and colleges just around the corner, this is what I could afford with the 0% financing. Just because it's considered a mid-size family car doesn't mean it can't be fun to drive!

 

I was into modding about five years ago. But after dumping $6,000 into my Mustang, I realized that the only thing I'd done was taken a perfectly good car and made it heavier. It was an eye opening experience where I realized a profound level of respect for the engineers that design vehicles for a living. They are professionals and I am not. So no more CAI kits... no more 18" rims... and no more ground effects.

 

That shit's gay and just makes a car look like an old whore. Really... if you take a car that is 8 years old and completely stock, and compare it to the same make/model that is "modded out," the stock vehicle looks like a new car. Why? Cause some idiot didn't molest it to death in a failed attempt at making it something it was never intended to be. It's like these jerkoffs that stick the stupid adhesive portholes to the front fenders of their Cavaliers. Jesus...

 

STOCK ROCKS.

[eiching1]

I agree. I don't do any body mods. Maybe fog lights and/or a spoiler. Thats about it. When I talk about customizing I mean very small doses of mainly increased perfomance. When I was younger, for instance, I had a 1984 Honda CRX. Outside completely stock look, nothing extra. Under the skin however was a little different. Koni shocks, header, freeflow exhaust (no 4" contraption though), Weber carb. It was very quick, handled like a go cart and caught a few Chevy Novas of guard. Fantastic car. Nine years later I sold it to my best friend w/ 240,000 miles, he sold it back to my brother in-law w/ 320,000 who then sold it to some kid with over 400,000. Wish I had it back.

 

Now thay was the most extreme I ever went. After that it is more, like K&N filters, tires, strut bars, Iridium plugs etc.

[madmp]

since when is adding performance parts that add fuel efficiency "molesting" a car? the fact that i would like to modify the "reliable, slow" stock form is in no way damaging the car. if you are to add a cold air intake, i GUARANTEE the stock plastic resonator, intake box, filter, and the rest of the assembly will weigh more than the pieces of aluminum intake pipe, couplers, and filter. I understand that you may be happy with your car in stock form, however some people like to be creative, and make more out of what they have.

If you look at the hotrod scene, are these guys "molesting" cars? by no means! they are taking a car that was NEVER intended to be fast, and making it into something new and different.

just because people with LUND hoodscoops and stick on accessories have left a bad taste in your mouth doesn't mean that a well executed modification is wrong.

As for civics, these economy cars were NEVER intended to be "tuner cars"/molested by any means. These cars have reliable drivetrains and can be picked up for a dime a dozen. however, the aftermarket for these economy cars is huge! so, why can't i have good intentions for my midsize family sedan? The focus was never intended to be anything more than a compact economy car, too. and look at the aftermarket on them! they even have an SVT model.

I understand that you like your leather-clad mercury, but i intend my fusion for performance and looks, not just luxury.

i bet you get the steal-ership to change your oil, too.

[Dyoct]

You're forgetting part of hotrodding. Part of the fun is finding your own way and fabbing up your own stuff.

 

But again, there are a million Civics out there versus a few hundred thousand CD cars. Also, I don't know how many teenagers are running to mommy and daddy or maxing out their first credit card to add fart cans, cold air intakes and body kits onto their Fusions. I doubt it's as many as the Civic crowd.

 

There are some good parts out already. In fact Ford Racing has some lowering springs. There are various body kits available. And there's stuff available through Jones Tuning or whatever it was called. You don't a need strut bar for the rear, there's already a bodyframe piece that connects the left and rear sides of the car to prevent body flexing. Take a look when you pop open the trunk next time and/or let down the rear seats. It's the uncarpeted portion kinda out of view.

 

As for the current V6, I will admit I was very much a skeptic of it based on the numbers on paper being such a hardcore SHO fan that I am. But after having one now, seeing the refined Duratec in action, the six speed ATX that is very adaptive and very quick to shift, I am impressed by what Ford has put out in just this 221HP V6. Now speaking of SHOs, I'm always in market for one, and currently I'm looking for a clean, rust free, and unmolested, preferably unmodded SHO to buy and I'm willing to shell out some huge bucks for it.

 

I also do get my oil change done at the dealership. I trust a trained and knowledgeable tech to service my rides. I would also trust such guidance and the diagnostic tools that will literally talk to every and any electronic module in my vehicle versus the pimply faced kid with an OBD-II scanner tool at Autozone.

 

Just my $0.02

 

PS. As for future performance, the Fusion ST sounds like a performer.

[NaplesBill]

I have been modding cars since 1984. For anyone to say that somebody who mods there car is gay is gay themselves. Just because you don't like something doesn't give you the right to demean somebody who does. Also, just because you feel it wasn't worth it to you doesn't mean that it isn't worth it to anyone. I say get over yourself and let others have fun and enjoy their vehicles however they choose.

 

As far as mods there are plenty of ways to mod a Fusion/Milan/Zephyr. The costs are higher because there just aren't that many of them on the road. I imagine though, that browsing a Mazda6 forum might reveal some "adaptable" options for you. I think the Fusion looks great except for the taillights. There is at least one guy who cracked them open and customized them. Just try to be a little creative. Also, don't let anyone else tell you what is and isn't acceptable. It's your ride, mod it your way.

[fordktpjoe]

About the only mod I may make to mine is a set of the chrome Mustang "Bullitt" wheels.

[mtl1977]

"all of these companies need to stop the development process and start the production process."

 

 

Yeah, and if Ford did the same during CD3xx development, the car would resemble a G6! :eek5: :eek5:

 

 

 

"It's like these jerkoffs that stick the stupid adhesive portholes to the front fenders of their Cavaliers. Jesus..."

 

The real jerkoffs are the ones with fart cans on Cavaliers and Civics...with auto transmissions. Yeah, like that just made it a street racer.

[FSWerks Webmaster]

Well sorry to bring up an old post, but this was the only post that mentioned us (FSWerks.com), so thought it fit

 

The lack of interest on the car is what drives the developers. Ford wanted us (FocusSport.com) to develop parts for the Fusion... we did, a turbo kit, and more and won the ford design award I might add.

 

 

But after completion of the car we found very little interest from the aftermarket community like yourselves actually willing to purchase .. very little interest to support such large investments in product development to actually bring to production... now if that changes, sure we might change as well. Our continued success in the Ford Focus chassis was made for the tuner market and we still continue to develop for it. You can catch us currently on speed channel on the tuner challenge building a new 08 focus. Sure it would be nice to develop for everything, but need to follow the market and use our resources wisely esp in such a hard market right now.

 

Feel free to gather your troops and propose your thoughts on products you'ld like to see... we still have some half cooked products that never made to full production yet as well... But if we see enough interest of course we may lube up the gears on production again. (and yes, then we could actually update the website again - like I need more work, ugg haha)

 

Oh on a side note, rumor has we may be selling our fusion real soon...

 

[robertlane]

There WILL be a high-performance Fusion.

[fordnut]

Your frustration is understandable but you have to understand that this is a midsize family sedan, not a sports car. They've only sold 175K or so compared to millions of Accords, Civics and other models. There just isn't a big market for Fusion performance stuff yet. If there was then these companies would be falling over themselves to get the products out there. It's a business decision, not lack of effort or resources. It will change as more Fusions are sold and more owners want those types of parts but it will take a few years to reach critical mass.

 

I don't think it's a fair to compare the Fusion sales to that of the Accords and Civics that have been produced for many more years than the Fusion. I can remember the reaction when the Honda Civic first came out. People were very skeptical about it's future also.

[akirby]

I don't think it's a fair to compare the Fusion sales to that of the Accords and Civics that have been produced for many more years than the Fusion. I can remember the reaction when the Honda Civic first came out. People were very skeptical about it's future also.

 

You misunderstood my point. The fact that it's only been on sale for just over 2 years is the reason so few have been sold relative to Accord, Camry, Altima, etc.

 

At the time of my post, people were whining that there weren't many aftermarket performance parts available, and I was simply trying to explain why.