Ford Fusion – Automobiles Review

Ford to become a leader in Autonomous technology by 2021?

Ford autonomous vehicles target Ride Sharing in 2021

With the burst of the autonomous technology, brand are in some sort of unannounced battling, constantly improving it and trying to bring the first innovations in the field. The latest news about the fully autonomous technology comes from Ford. It has just announced the intent of creating high-volume, fully autonomous SAE level 4-capable vehicle, that will be absolutely ready for commercial use in 2021 (in a ride-hailing or ride-sharing service).

To achieve the set goal, Ford is investing in or collaborating with four startups. This will enhance the autonomous vehicle development, and in addition will double company’s Silicon Valley team.

In fact, the autonomous vehicles are part of Ford Smart Mobility, which aims to bring this kind of driving in 2021 for commercial use. This will make Ford among the winners in the field of autonomous vehicles, connectivity and mobility.

Ford Fusion Autonomous car front view pic two

Another interesting fact is that the company will triple its autonomous vehicle test fleet, and this will make for the largest test fleet of any automaker. Precisely, there will be about 30 self-driving Fusion Hybrid sedans on the roads in California, Arizona and Michigan. There are plans to triple the number again next year.

And how about company’s plans? The self-driving vehicle will be a Society of Automotive Engineers-rated level 4-capable car, which won’t have a steering wheel or gas and brake pedals. In addition, the vehicle has been specifically designed for commercial mobility services. This means ride sharing and ride hailing.

Ford has also announced the four key investments and collaborations it is targeting, including 3D mapping, LiDAR, and radar and camera sensors. The first investment is in Velodyne, a Silicon Valley-based leader in light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors. The second one is in SAIPS: Israel-based computer vision and machine learning company. It will work for expanding the expertise in artificial intelligence and enhance computer vision. The third investment is in Nirenberg Neuroscience LLC, a machine vision company focused on developing a powerful machine vision platform for performing navigation, object recognition, facial recognition and other functions. At last, Civil Maps investment is not the least of importance. This is California-based Company, which will further develop high-resolution 3D mapping capabilities.

There is no doubt that the next decade will be dominated by automation of the automobile!

Source: Ford Motor Company

August 17, 2016

Ford adds sweet boost to the 2017 Fusion lineup: EcoBoost and more muscles

2017 Ford Fusion Sport Ford gears EcoBoost enhancemet to the Fusion sedan in order to meet customers’ requirements for more agile vehicle. And by following the success of Explorer Sport, Ford team is ready for additional improvements and additions.

As you might know, since the latest generation of Fusion model has been launched in 2012, midsize buyers have been asking for more performance-oriented version. And now the EcoBoost delivers it: the peak torque of 380 lb-ft from a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged unit make the Fusion Sport a worthy competitor to many other known models in the segment.

In fact, there is a reason why Ford is so confident for the success of its latest offering. While Explorer sales rose with 34 per cent from 2013 to 2015, Explorer Sport jumped with the stunning 103 per cent. Edge sales were closely following, but Edge Sport again jumped to 62 per cent.

Also, along with the EcoBoost muscles, Ford will offer an optional braking and handling upgrade pack that will be available only in summer time.

At the moment, the 2017 Ford Fusion Sport comes with AWD system as a standard version and is offered for $33,475 USD.

So, what do you think about Ford’s intentions to the future? Write down in the comment section!

Source: Ford

June 10, 2016

Ford Team Will Try To Make You More Relaxed in Traffic Congestion. Here is How

2017 Ford Fusion Definitely there is still no automobile brand that can prevent traffic congestion, but luckily there is one that would make the traffic experience far less stressful. Yes, we are talking about Ford and its fresh new technology that would answer the needs of thousands of angry drivers.

The brand proudly demonstrates a new stop-and-go technology that would be available for the 2017 Fusion model which piggubacks on the already available Adaptive Cruise Control and helps drivers experience less stressful situations on the road. What it does in reality is to automatically accelerate and stop, while keeping safe distance between the front and back car.

Furthermore, by using special steering wheel buttons, the Adaptive Cruise Control will allow drivers to set cruise control speed and follow a specific distance from the vehicle ahead. The semi-autonomous system can even automatically adjust the set speed and maintain comfortable ride: what Ford engineers tried to do is to mimic the human driver behavior.

2017 Fusion is, in fact, the first Ford model to offer the Adaptive Cruise Control with this sweet new stop and go function. Of course, this new stop-and-go goodie will be geared in three Ford models so far and it is expected that this list extends with time.

2017 Ford Fusion arrives at Ford dealers later this Spring.

Source: Ford

April 6, 2016

Ford Fusion Sport is Resistible to… Damaging Potholes [w/video]

Ford Fusion V6 Sport Front View The newest 2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport is now resistible to damaging potholes due to the addition of computer-controlled shock absorbers. Potholes might be sometimes unavoidable. However, the engineers at Ford have figured out a way to make them less harmful with the development of an advanced computer-controlled shock absorber system for the Fusion V6 Sport.

It has been estimated that the system significantly reduces the damaging done when driving down a pothole-riddled road. An interesting fact is that such kind of damages cost drivers in the U.S. approximately $3 billion a year and drivers report paying around $300 for the repair.

So this system is Ford’s way to make it in terms of long terms finances and driving comfort. By the way, Fusion V6 Sport is the first Ford car equipped as a standard with a computer-controlled shock absorber system. The other name of it is continuously controlled damping.

How does everything work? The pothole mitigation technology works by detecting potholes and ‘catching’ the car’s wheel before it has a chance to drop all the way into the pothole. The onboard computers analyze multiple signals collected from 12 high-resolution sensors. They then adjust the dampers every two milliseconds so that the vehicle can respond to any given road situation.

If there is an edge of a pothole detected, then the computer adjusts the dampers fast to their stiffest settings. In such way the wheel doesn’t fall as far into the pothole. Even better, the rear suspension can respond even faster, because the signal from the front wheels have been already generated and provides a pre-warning.

Everything that we have mentioned has been already tested and recorded over a promotional video, which you can view below. Ford says that the results are worth it and that Fusion Sport will offer even smoother ride. 2017 Ford Fusion Sport, powered by the 325 hp 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 EcoBoost engine, equipped with continuously controlled damping and pothole mitigation technology will be available at Ford dealerships this summer.

httpv://youtu.be/NXgsrBhb7qA

Video Source; YouTube

Source: Ford

February 19, 2016

Ford Brand Comes with Honorable Idea for Saving the Environment

Ford brand offers customers access to the patents of electricity-driven vehicles. Doing so, the team hopes, that this will accelerate the research and development of environmentally friendly vehicles. As you might know, back in 2014 Ford filed about 400 patents, which is more than 20 per cent of the patents, that the company ever filed.

In fact, Ford Motor Company is leader in the development of hybrid and electricity-driven vehicles, that include the models Focus Electric, Fusion Hybrid, Fusion Energi plug-in and many, many more. And to be precise, Ford brand has about 650 electrified vehicle patents and about a thousand pending patent applications on vehicle technologies.

In order to access Ford’s patents, interested companies can contact brand’s technology commercialization and licensing office or the people at AuthoHarvest. In fact, AutoHarvest allows its members to showcase different capabilities and gadgets, then connect with inventors to discuss and develop business and development plans.

Furthermore, Ford is interested in develop even more ideas, that are innovative and environmentally friendly. The brand has hired 200 vehicle engineers, that will start their work for the brand in the new and fresh Ford facility – the Ford Engineering Laboratories. Did you know, that this was the home of Henry Ford’s first labs in Dearborn?

We continue to hear more and more so good news from different automobile brands, that makes us only happy. The idea for showing patents is really a honorable one, and shows, that Ford managers do not think only for developing high-quality vehicles, but they thing for even bigger goals: saving our home, the planet Earth.

Source: Ford

May 29, 2015

Ford Unveils Ultra-Lightweight Concept Fusion

Ford Lightweight Concept is a vehicle, which represents Ford’s ongoing research for future light-weight materials. The know-how is based on the experienced gained via the building of the new Ford F-150, which has shed up to 700 pounds through use of high-strength steel and aluminum alloys. In fact, for Ford Motor Company, light-weighting is a key component its Blueprint for Sustainability. The mixed-materials might be applied for future high-volume vehicles for better performance and efficiency as well as CO2 emissions.

Ford Lightweight Concept has reduced the weight of a 2013 Fusion to that of a Ford Fiesta. This means a 25 percent off the weight of the production car. The introduction and incorporation of lightweight materials into vehicle construction has helped reducing the weight of the car. In addition, this also contributes towards better fuel economy and less greenhouse gas emissions.

Along with other fuel-efficiency technologies, light-weighting is fundamental to Ford’s efforts to stabilize carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere at 450 parts per million. Ford’s Lightweight Concept utilizes many of the same advanced materials found in today’s lightweight electronic devices, including aluminum, chemically toughened glass and advanced lightweight plastics.

Advanced materials – aluminum, ultra-high-strength steels, magnesium and carbon fiber, were used for the entire design of the vehicle. This includes the powertrain, chassis, body, battery and interior elements, seats.

This program was lead together with Cosma International, which is a subsidiary of Magna International. Magna’s design and development of the multi-material body-in-white, closures and chassis components are a great contribution in the weight reduction of this concept vehicle. For more details take a look at the video below:

Source: Ford

June 4, 2014

Automated Fusion Hybrid Research Vehicle By Ford

Ford in conjunction with the University of Michigan and State Farm has just revealed a new project – a Ford Fusion Hybrid automated research vehicle. The latter will be utilized in order to make progress on future automated driving and other future technologies.

Precisely, Fusion Hybrid automated vehicle will test brand’s sensing systems and driver-assist technologies in order to deliver better experience for the driver and occupants in the future models.

Nowadays, Ford offers vehicles which already have technology that enables them to park themselves, understand a driver’s voice commands, detect dangerous driving situations and assist with emergency braking. Taking this in hand and imagining how many other new advanced technologies will appear, Ford envisions that one day all this could allow a person to be driven to a destination.

For this reason, the brand now introduces the automated Fusion Hybrid which will serve as the research platform for achieving these goals. The Fusion Hybrid research vehicle builds on driver-in-control studies conducted in Ford’s VIRTTEX driving simulator.

In addition, the brand is working in terms of improving technology already used in vehicles on the road. This includes functions that alert drivers to traffic jams and accidents, and technologies for parking and for driving in slow-moving traffic.

In addition, the engineers at the brand also work on vehicle-to-vehicle communications, autopilot capabilities of the cars, and vehicles with fully autonomous navigation and parking. Ford Fusion Hybrid was chosen as the test platform for the new research effort because it is one of the cars which offer the most advanced driver-assist technologies in its class.

To go further into details, these technologies include Blind Spot Information System, active park assist, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support. And exactly these systems will be building blocks for the future of fully automated driving.

Other Ford vehicles which include these technologies are the Focus, C-MAX hybrids, Fusion, Taurus, Escape, Explorer, Flex, Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy. What is more, the research vehicle also includes four scanning infrared light sensors – named LiDAR (for Light Detection And Ranging) – that scan the road at 2.5 million times per second.

LiDAR utilizes light in the same way a bat or dolphin uses sound waves. This means that the sensors can track anything dense enough to redirect light, and can also sense the difference between a paper bag and a small animal at nearly a football field away.

Source: Ford

December 17, 2013

Bold, Stronger And Aggressive: 3dCarbon Ford Fusion

3dCarbon is preparing a great body kit for the Ford Fusion model and it is also adding the vehicle to its growing lists of Official FordLicensed Accessories. Along with the 3dCarbon Ford Fusion body kit, the rear wing provides tasteful accents for the sedan.

Here, the general Fusion design theme remains unchanged, but it somehow looks bolder and a little bit more aggressive. Precisely, the 3dCarbon body kit includes dual exhaust port for all Ford Fusion models with stainless steel surrounds, which were fastened into the rear bumper, as well as metal details finish.

3dCarbon has utilized for this project the highest quality, high-pressure injection molded urethane. In addition, the body kit has undergone thorough crash testing, which testifies that it can withstand impacts up to 5 mph without damaging the bumpers.

In addition, the installation of the body kit is made simpler by being both pre-primered, and pre-taped with 3M tape. At last, the other optional features in the kit are the following: right and left Ford Stainless Steel EcoBoost Exhaust Bezels, EcoBoost Rear Facia Trim OE panel with Dual Exhaust EcoBoost exhaust ports, 90 Degree Pipe and clamp for attachment.

Source: Ford

October 1, 2013

2014 Ford Fusion 1.5 liter EcoBoost – 181HP and 240Nm

Ford has announced a new 1.5 liter EcoBoost engine, which will power the 2014 Fusion model.

The four-cylinder turbocharged 1.5 liter EcoBoost has 181HP (133 kW) at 6,000RPM and 240Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque at 1,500RPM. The result is thanks to an aluminum block and head with twin independent variable camshaft timing. Fuel economy figures are not available, yet.

The transmission variants are either a 6-speed automatic (standard) or a 6-speed manual (option).

The 2014 Ford Fusion can also be ordered with a 2.5 liter four-cylinder with 177HP (130 kW) at 6,000RPM and 240Nm (170 lb-ft) at 4,500RPM and a 2.0 liter four-cylinder EcoBoost with 243HP (179 kW) at 5,500RPM and 365Nm (270 lb-ft) at 3,000RPM.

Remember, that the 1.0 liter EcoBoost won “Engine of the Year” for second time, so obviously the EcoBoost power units are quite good.

Source: Ford

June 10, 2013

2013 Ford Fusion – US Price $21,900

Ford has announced the pricing of the new 2013 Ford Fusion, which is a very good choice, if you are searching for a midsize saloon.

The engines are very fuel-efficient (from 22 mpg in city to 34 mpg on highway). The car also boasts sharp handling, good ride and very low noise in the cabin. Other highlights include advanced technology and a lot of safety systems.

The exterior is really eye-catching compared to other vehicles in the same segment.

There are three trim levels available – S, SE and Titanium. The 2013 Ford Fusion S is priced from $21,900 and includes SAT NAV system, Bluetooth, iPod input, front/side and curtain airbags, stability control and traction control. The SE trim level is priced from $23,855 and the top-of-range Titanium starts at $30,500.

Source: Ford

June 5, 2013

Ford Fusion range at the 2012 SEMA

The Tjin Edition Ford Fusion

Why it’s cool: The Tjin Edition Ford Fusion is the perfect blend between performance and luxury, modified with some of the best aftermarket products available. The exterior features a custom DuPont Beige paint job, 3dCarbon lip kit, Webasto sunroof, and LightWurkZ headlights and fog lights. The interior has been highly modified by Katzkin interiors, featuring a complete sound system by Scosche Audio. Performance has been upgraded by a Unique Fabrication/ Vibrant turbo kit and custom side-exit MagnaFlow exhaust. Finishing off the Tjin Edition Fusion are a custom set of 21″ iForged Concave wheels, Falken tires, Baer big brakes and Pedders coil-over suspension upgrades.

2013 Ford Fusion, 2.0L EcoBoost, Six-Speed SelectShift Automatic, AWD – Built by MRT Performance

Why it’s cool: Building on the sporty style of the 2013 Ford Fusion, MRT has prepared a fun and stylish street performer that will catch your eye, while the performance stance and sounds from the Eco-Flow exhaust will keep your attention. When it comes to street performance, MRT will balance styling, chassis, and powertrain to remove any questions that the new Ford Fusion is top choice for sedan customers.

2013 Ford Fusion, 2.0L EcoBoost, Six-Speed SelectShift Automatic, AWD - Built by MRT Performance

2013 Ford Fusion, 1.6L EcoBoost, Six-Speed Manual Transmission – Built by Ice Nine Group

Why it’s cool: Inspired by the V8 Supercar Series, Ice Nine Group’s 2013 Fusion features road race styling and performance for the street. From the slammed race car stance to the cutting edge color and graphics package, Ice Nine’s Fusion not only looks the part it also performs. Drive it to the track, rip some laps and drive home in style!

2013 Ford Fusion, 1.6L EcoBoost, Six-Speed Manual Transmission - Built by Ice Nine Group

2013 Ford Fusion, 2.0L EcoBoost, Six-Speed SelectShift Automatic, AWD – Built by 3dCarbon – Air Design

Why it’s cool: 3dCarbon – Air Design – all new 2013 “Euro Series” Fusion is a perfect amalgamation of style and performance. Inspired by the elegant, sophisticated styling of classic European sedans, the all-new 3dCarbon body kit accentuates the all-new Fusion’s elegant, new silhouette, visually lowering, and transforming it into a striking sedan that would be a head turner on the Autobahn, or any road.

2013 Ford Fusion, 2.0L EcoBoost, Six-Speed SelectShift Automatic, AWD - Built by 3dCarbon - Air Design

Source: Ford

October 11, 2012

2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid Titanium Blends Luxury and Efficiency

2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid Titanium is categorized as the most fuel-efficient sedan in the U.S. Now, the new Titanium edition of the Fusion Hybrid model raises the bar on luxury and technology.

The new edition was designed in response to consumer demand for a higher level of luxury in a hybrid vehicle. The vehicle is available with 2.0-liter EcoBoost®Fusion with all-wheel drive.

This Ford model has a flowing silhouette conveying confidence, sophistication and a dynamic attitude. In details it comes with standard front fog lamps, chrome accents on the door handles, rear deck spoiler and polished 18-inch alloy wheels.

In terms of interior a wide range of new technologies are included. Both front seats get power adjustability, with the driver’s seat getting 10 directions from which to choose. All seats as well as the steering wheel and shift lever are wrapped in leather.

In addition, metallic finishes on the door, instrument panel and center console can be seen. Thanks to them the interior looks expensive without being ostentatious. Moreover, the models are equipped with 12-speaker Sony audio system with HD Radio™.

The award-winning SYNC® connectivity system is augmented with the enhanced voice control capability of MyFord Touch® along with SYNC Services. A rear view camera and Reverse Sensing System help the driver to see behind the Fusion while backing up.

In cases of night driving, an ambient lighting system steps in. It delivers a relaxing and pleasant cabin environment while an auto-dimming electro-chromic rearview mirror ensures that the person behind the steering wheel is never blinded by other vehicles with bright headlights coming up from behind.

Another special highlight here is Fusion’s new hybrid powertrain, which is activated by a push-button start. An advanced lithium-ion battery pack is one-third lighter than before but provides more power, enabling electric driving at speeds up to 62 mph.

2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid Titanium will be available in the beginning of the next year with a starting price of $32 995.

Source: Ford

October 3, 2012

Tag: Ford Fusion

Ford autonomous vehicles target Ride Sharing in 2021