Ford Fusion Hybrid 2010

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid shares all of the exterior, interior and refinement upgrades bestowed upon the 2010 Ford Fusion and builds on top of that solid foundation with an upgraded hybrid system, improved tuning and the slick new SmartGauge LCD screen. The Hybrid Fusion, along with the Mercury Milan Hybrid, is Ford's first foray into the hybrid sedan market and comes with timing that makes it seem like Ford's freakishly clairvoyant. Let's take a look at the things which make the the new Fusion hybrid tick, along with more pictures and all that Ford has to say below the jump.

Most important to the Fusion Hybrid isn't the gadgets and doo-dads, those are fun, but it's that integrated electric motor and transmission that demands scrutiny. The CVT transmission and electric motor are housed together in a single unit and mated to an Atkinson cycle 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with variable intake cam timing making 155 HP and 136 lb-ft of torque. Backing that is a trunk mounted nickel-metal hydride battery cooled with cabin air instead of a dedicated air conditioning system and charged by the motor/generator as well as regenerative braking. To save on parasitic losses the car also does away with belt drive AC compressor in favor of an electric unit.

All pretty standard for a hybrid on the market these days but the Fusion does do some things other competitors can't. The car can operate in all-electric mode all the way up to 47 MPH which not only saves fuel but keeps things whisper quiet. That high all EV mode contributes to an expected range of on one tank of gas of 700 miles, one heck of a long drive if you ask us. And then there's the SmartGauge, a system of LCD monitors flanking the speedometer which can be easily reconfigured to display whatever data about the car's operation you'd like. In one mode the car even "grows" leaves when you're driving extra conservatively. But what of that fuel mileage? Ford is as-yet mum on the subject, but is committed to class-leading performance and promises at least 5 MPG better than the Camry hybrid.

We'll have to wait and see how the new Fusion hybrid does on the road, but based on the revised styling and the big performance promises, we're suspecting Ford might have a welcomed winner on their hands. Stay tuned for the live reveal images from the floor of the LA Auto Show later today, and until then, take a peek below for all the details.

via : http://jalopnik.com