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The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday February 8, 2006 IS t l!i 111 I l l l m i iU i l U : The Ford Fusion distinguishes itself w ith its standout exterior design and engaging driving dynamics Ford Fusion delivers bold design with character The 2006 Ford Fusion breathes a fresh attitude into the American mid-size car as it takes a central position between the award-winning Focus and the flagship Five Hundred. The Fusion distinguishes itself in what is the most com petitive of vehicle segments with its standout exterior design and engaging driving dynamics. It brings to the segment good fuel economy, advanced safety, clean emissions and roomy interior space ~ all at an attractive value. The design of the Fusion was inspired by the Ford 427 concept, a runaway hit with recent auto show crowds. Fusion takes several design cues from the 427, especially its bold three-bar grille and multi-element projector-beam headlamps. The 427 also inspired Fusion's optional char coal-black leather-trimmed interior with contrasting oat meal-colored seat stitching. "Even standing still, the Fusion looks like it's ready to burst out of the blocks," said J Mays, group vice president of Design and chief creative officer. "The strong, muscular three-bar chrome grille sets the tone for a bold new look that will change the mid-size sedan segment." Inside, Fusion challenges the class leaders in roominess, including front shoulder room, rear seat legroom and trunk space. A choice of three distinct interior themes allows cus tomers to personalize their driving environment. On all models, a variety of high-end features are available, includ ing tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, heated front seats and a six-disc in-dash CD player that reads MP3-encoded audio discs. The soul of any driver's car is its engine, and Fusion offers a choice of Ford's 2.3-liter Duratec 23 1-4 or 3.0-liter Duratec 30 V-6. Both feature all-aluminum construction, dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, intake Variable Cam Timing (i-VCT) and electronic throttle control., The. four-cylinder engine delivers 160 horsepower, and can be paired with a five-speed manual or automatic trans mission. It is anticipated that the Duratec 23 1-4 will be rated as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) in California and will be Ford's third PZEV application, after the Escape Hybrid and Focus PZEV. For even more power, there's the 210-horsepower 3.0-liter V-6, which is paired with an advanced six-speed automatic transmission. Inside, Fusion designers worked hard to make sure pas senger^ can slip into the back seat with ease. In a packaging exercise, the designers donned size. 14 shoes to confirm that someone with that foot size could enter and exit without brushing the B-pillar scuff plate or the back of the front seat. Their goal was achieved by pushing the rear door as far back toward the C-pillar as possible. In addition to carrying people in comfort, Fusion has a 15.8-cubic-foot trunk with a flat load floor and low lift-over height. The trunk has compact decklid hinges that won't crush boxes or groceries. The rear seats feature a standard 60/40 split and fold-flat function with spring assist, allowing pass-through access to handle extra long items and provide best-in-class storage space. Fusion will continue to make news well into the future with significant drivetrain advances. A year after launch, an optional all-wheel-drive system will be offered. Later, a hybrid powertrain will be added, making Fusion the fourth full hybrid in the Ford Motor Company stable, following the Ford Escape Hybrid, Mercury Mariner Hybrid and Mazda Tribute Hybrid. LINCOLN ZEPHYR Ford Lincoln Sm ^dA frm r3Syem ! 5 7 0 TR A FA LG AR R O A D , O A K V ILLE « AT T H E Q E W « W W W .O A K L A N D F O R D L IN C O L N .C A 1 -8 6 6 -3 9 8 -4 2 7 0