What do you think about an SVT Fuision

[Mgrad92]

I've been reading several reviews on the new Fusion, and they've all been very positive. It got me thinking of the possibility of an an SVT version of the Fusion. After all, it's based on the Mazda 6 platform, and there is a madzdaspeed version of the 6 coming out next year with 276 hp and all wheel drive. So, a high performance Fusion can be done.
I think the Fusion is the perfect platform for the spitirual successor to the SVT Contour.
I recently bought a Mazda 6s for my daily driver because there wasn't really a sporty, midsize offering from Ford. Had there been an SVT Fusion on the market, I probably would have bought it instead.
If you agree with me, be sure to let SVT know.

[keilhauer]

Although still just rumours at this point, talk is of a high-performance variant of the Fusion for late '07, most likely '08 (this from a Ford of Canada rep). Engine ideas are either a hi-po V6 with close to 300, or a turbo I4 with close to the same power, and all-wheel drive. Trans would be a 6-speed manual.

And yes, I've been talking to all my current SVT Focus and Contour customers who are looking to get something a bit larger/newer and currently have no-where to go. Just pleading with them to hang in a bit longer. I'm sure that the 210bhp 6-speed auto Fusion will be a great car in its' own right, since it is, after all, a full 10bhp over an SVT Contour to begin with.

Heck, even some Cobra and Lightning lads and ladies are looking for something with a little chutzpa to haul the family around in. I'm going for our regional 'Competetive Ride & Drive' event on Wednesday am, so hopefully will be able to post my views that night.

[lauraq]

I would certainly take one thats for sure. I like the look of the car as it is and an SVT version would sure be amazing. Plus by then I think I will need a new car since i already have 361,000 km on my contour now.

[keilhauer]

Well, first off, sorry for the delay, but let me tell you something - this new Fusion is one nice car! :tmb: Fit and finish is top notch - well to being on a par with anything Toyota or Honda can put out. We compared the Fusion to a Camry, Accord and Altima. Here are my thoughts:

Camry - the 'old guys' car of the bunch. The softest ride, plush, a definite highway cruiser - great, considering Toyota has the highest age demographic of the foursome.

Altima - the 'sports car'. Good handling balance, aggressive looks, but hard, firm seats. Also the youngest demographic.

Accord - the one to beat, a perenial best-seller. However, numb steering feel does not inspire alot of confidence, although it is a stable chassis. Fit and finish best of the bunch - typical Honda.

Fusion - a big surprise for a domestic and one to watch. Great handling balance, good comfort, great brakes and lots of room. More mini-500 than grown-up Focus in size, and much more than a reincarnated Contour considering the advancements made over the last 6 years. I drove both an auto V6 and a manual-trans 4-cyl. I was impressed with the power of the 4. Nice shifter, not vague and good pull in second gear. I found it more tossable than the six (the six is about 150 pounds heavier on the nose) in the transitions and it responded to throttle inputs on the constant radius nicely.
The six has a nice snarl to it, not intrusive at all.

The Fusion means business - it's about time, Ford.

Oh, and the guys there, when asked why Ford didn't put a 6-speed manual in like Mazda6 - Ford figures a take-rate of less than 2-percent and wanted to ensure the car hit the mark in the meat of the market first - then go after the performance fringe (which is what it is - a fringe market). However, subtle hints point to all-wheel drive, 6-speed manual, 300+bhp as a possible SVT version. And with Lincoln coming out in '07 with a 3.5L V6 with 250bhp in the Zephyr, it would make sense to go 300+ for an SVT-version. No?

Look for it in '08, although '07 is not completely ruled out yet.

[Mgrad92]

I was glad to see this post get some discussion, but I found it interesting that only Canadians have posted. I certainly hope that some Yankees like the idea, because I don't think Ford will build an SVT specifically for Canada.
Don't get me wrong, I love you Canadians. Somtimes I think ya'll have your heads screwed on better than us Yankees, but Ford's bread and butter is here in the states.

[deactivated]

no I want one. In fact I am saving money for the SVT Fusion which hasn't even been announced yet. It will have to be 300hp AWD 6 psd as previouly stated though.

And it will have to be supercharged. No leaf blowers please. If I want one of those I'll get a Mazdaspeed.