Ford is introducing a new midsize sedan for the 2006 model year. Named the Fusion, the new four-door was inspired by design elements in Ford s 427 concept car, which toured the auto show circuit in 2003.
The Fusion slots between the company s compact Focus and flagship Five Hundred sedan and comes with a choice of four-cylinder or V-6 power. The car s new architecture will be used for as many as 10 vehicles in North America.
Fusion sedans are manufactured in Hermosillo, Mexico. Sales of the Fusion begin in fall 2005, and Mercury is introducing a related Milan sedan this year. Lincoln s new Zephyr sedan is also similar to the Fusion.
An all-wheel-drive version of the Fusion will be launched about a year after the front-wheel-drive model goes on sale. A Fusion sedan with a gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain that promises greater gas mileage is also in the works.
First Published October 14, 2005, 8:33 p.m.