ds91776

Remember...the world's two largest markets for mid-size and large sedans are North America and China. The Fusion/Mondeo will probably sell the vast majority of its volume in these two markets. Currently, the Taurus is not sold in China but I expect the next-gen will. Long wheelbase large sedans are selling well there so it makes sense for the Taurus to fill that role in the Chinese market. I'd bet the next gen Taurus' wheelbase is a little longer than the new Fusion's. As a side bar...I love the current Taurus and my only complaint is that they sacrificed too much headroom for the redesign. And...I don't get people's hang-up on front-rear overhang. I think the first gen 300C's front over-hang looked to short and clunky ( as with the rest of the car ). I like a little length out back since I think too many post 2000 sedans don't have any balance with the front.

Since the Mustang is getting redesigned for the 2015 model year...and this Falcon-Territory agreement is supposed to last till 2016...that would be about right. The Mustang version of a GRWD platform could only be out a year or two until a new Falcon/Territory could be based upon it ( amongst other models, especially a new MKS which will probably debut for the 2015/16 model year ). I'm saying this is going to happen but it could. The timing is right.

Has anyone seen the full Lincoln Press Conference video? I've seen the Fusion one and it was great. I can't find the Lincoln one on the official site, autonews.com, or youtube. Any suggestions?

I love how the D pillar-window area is more upright and formal than on the Fusion...making it look more luxurious and "Lincoln" than the Ford.

I would bet my non-existent farm that the MKZ will get a V6 at launch, probably the 3.7V6 as well as the Hybrid. But I wouldn't be surprised to see the 2.0 EB and an Energi model to show up as well.

YES! The "leaked" front end from LA is from the MKZ. I'm in love with the interior, proportions, and the back light.

That is sort of what I meant Borg. I think many luxury makes ( BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, Acura ) don't look very luxury to me. Cadillac and Audi look like luxury to me...as does most of the Lincoln lineup. This concept looks "luxury" to me. I love a formal, precise look.

The 60's style side view surprised me, it will look great and be very different from the competition. "Upright" roofs are rare now a days. I really hope the "leaked" image from LA is the front for this car.

That interior looks AMAZING. I love tan/light interior colors. I miss them at Ford.

I think people get bent out of shape when awards, etc simply things using words like CAR or TRUCK. In today's world "Car" means any sedan, coupe, hatchback, wagon, or convertible...and sometimes Minivans. "Truck" means Pickup Truck, Van, SUV, CUV, and sometimes Minivan. It is pretty simple.

I've test driven both the Elantra and Focus within a day of each other. I couldn't fault anyone who bought an Elantra or Focus. They are both excellent products. While the Focus is a higher-tech car that handles better...the Elantra is a better people mover with a more comfortable interior...at least in my opinion. I think the judges did a good job. All three finalists deserved the award.

Just remember...add the "leaked" pic of the MKZ from LA to that smudgy image and it'll look great.

We've known for a while about the Fusion/possibly MKZ coming to Flat Rock as well as Hermisillo. Ever sine these rumors have surfaced we've been speculating about if Ford would split production of certain trims/model/powertrain combos between both production sites. Now that the Fusion Hybrid and Energi have been unveiled...I'd bet that at the Fusion and MKZ Hybrid and Engergi models will be produced at Flat Rock. I say this because Flat Rock isn't far from the plant that makes the Focus and its Electric variant and will eventually make the C-Max Hybrid and Energi. I think it would be more efficient for Ford and its suppliers to have both Hybrid/Energi plants in the same geographic region.

The release of the Fusion Energi really caught me off guard ( in a good way )...I love all these hi-tech cars coming from Ford and GM. Anyway, since the Fusion intro I've been thinking of the Next Gen MKZ's possible engines ( at or near launch ) and I think it could be: 2.0I4 EcoBoost-237hp 3.7V6-300hp Hybrid Energi These are the most likely in my book, with the 2.0I4EB as the least likely. Having both a Hybrid and a plug-in in a luxury car would be a real mind-set coup for Lincoln. Of course...there is the "nano" 2.7-3.0V6 in the pipeline...and I'm guessing that won't be available for year or two after launch. And there is a chance that the 3.5V6 EcoBoost will show up in the MKZ as well.

The Midsize Sedan War will be FASCINATING to watch over the next two years. Sonata and Optima are still going strong, the Passat and Camry are just ramping up, and BRAND NEW: Fusion, Malibu, Altima, Accord, and Mazda 6 are coming out over the next 18 months. I'll also be interested in how many Fusions/MKZ's will/might be produced in Flat Rock when it comes online.

Yeah...I'm embarrassed that I forgot to the list the MKS and MKT. Remember folks, we still have Chicago and New York for things to be unveiled. Should be interesting.

I understand that...but Ford uses SVT to denote performance versions of its products in North America, with the exception of the heritage inspired Taurus SHO. Personally the "ST" moniker doesn't sound cool or interesting while "SVT" just sounds good in my opinion. I see no reason why Ford couldn't make ST for the Old World and SVT for the New World...just like they are doing for Fusion/Mondeo and Escape/Kuga.

Thanks Borg, excellent video. I wish Ford would do more things like this. I thought the same thing about that grille...though I wish Ford would use SVT on the Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, etc for North America.

2013 Model Year is going to be huge for Ford. Let's see what is happening: Mustang Refresh Flex Update Taurus Update Focus ST Focus Electric 2013 C-Max Hybrid 2013 C-Max Energi 2013 Escape/Kuga 2013 Fusion/Mondeo Lincoln MKZ These are just those that we know about. There could be an F-150 refresh, and Expedition upadate, a Fiesta ST, and the production version of the B-Max to be unveiled. Oh, and the Lincoln small CUV...that could show up too. Am I missing anything likely?

Thanks Borg! My usual source for hi-res images ( netcarshow.com ) doesn't have the Fusion up yet.

I couldn't disagree with you more.

More comments: I like how the lower part of the grille is turned upwards, giving the face a more 'friendly' disposition, which I think is good. My brain is working on overdrive about how this styling direction can/will be let loose upon the rest of the lineup. I kinda wish the new Escape had launched with a more 2013 Fusion face than a 2012 Escape face...not because I find the new Escape unattractive, but because the Escape is one of Ford's big guns and I'd like it to look as modern as the Fusion. I think Ford will need Flat Rock capacity...NO question.

I think what I love about the 2013 Fusion boils down to these points: 1. Styling is aggressive but not angry ( too many cars are angry now a days ) 2. Styling is classy but not traditional 3. The interior is styled in the North American way 4. Hybrid and Engergi 5. The colors shown thus far, especially the blue and red look amazing. BTW check out that link I posted above. It has great interview videos with Alan, Daryl, Jim and others.

http://fordfusionstory.com/site-opener/ Check this out

The blue color as show on the Hybrid model is STUNNING. I just wish Ford will show more interior pics with a different palette other than BLACK. I really miss tan/pebble interiors.