First Look: 2010 Ford Fusion, Fusion Hybrid
It’s no surprise that Ford is aiming its upcoming 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids directly at the Camry Hybrid, but what does get our attention is Ford’s claim today that its sedan hybrids will best the Camry Hybrid’s city mileage by 5 mpg. That would put the Fusion and Milan hybrids’ city rating at 38 mpg. While no number was given for highway mileage, Ford says it beats the Camry Hybrid there as well. The Camry Hybrid gets 34 mpg on the highway.
The full reveal of the Fusion and Milan hybrids will have to wait until closer to the Los Angles auto show, but Ford disclosed these interesting tidbits at a powertrain discussion today for the new midsize sedans. We also got a good look at the non-hybrid 2010 Ford Fusion, pictured above, with more information on that coming in a later post.
The Fusion and Milan hybrids will be Ford’s first use of hybrid technology outside the Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute hybrids. Battery technology has improved since Ford launched those compact SUV hybrids, and the sedans will use a smaller, more efficient hybrid traction battery. Ford says the Fusion and Milan hybrids will be able to cruise at speeds up to 47 mph on electric power alone. Additionally, the Fusion and Milan will be the first Ford hybrids to use an electric air-conditioning compressor to save engine load; previous compressors were belt-driven by the engine.
