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The new Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans have been fully revealed at the 2008 Los Angeles auto show. Highlights include a revised engine and transmission lineup, as well as hybrid versions of the Ford and Mercury twins.

The Fusion receives a more aggressive front end, with fenders that bulge out at the corners and a larger chrome grille with “eyebrows” that stretch above the restyled headlights. Trapezoidal openings in the lower front fascia are reminiscent of Ford’s European Kuga crossover and U.S.-bound Fiesta small car. Changes to the rear include new taillights that replace the clear units on the current model and a new trunk lid with more visual interest.

Mirroring changes made for the 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, Ford will replace the Fusion and Milan’s 2.3-liter four-cylinder with a bored and stroked version that displaces 2.5 liters, as well as drop in a reworked version of the 3.0-liter V-6. The four-cylinder option now delivers 175 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque, up from 160 and 156, respectively. Ford is also claiming that the four-banger will achieve 33 mpg on the highway when mated to an automatic transmission, which bests the four-cylinder versions of the Toyota Camry (31 mpg) and Honda Accord (30 mpg). Ford says to expect a 0-to-60-mph time of 9.5 seconds for 2.5-liter Fusions equipped with the six-speed auto.

The 3.0-liter V-6 now makes 240 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, increases of 19 hp and 23 lb-ft over the current version. It will also be E85-capable, and using the ethanol-heavy fuel will yield an additional 10 horses—and fewer mpg.

Ford’s 3.5-liter V-6 will finally see duty in a Fusion as the standard powerplant for Sport models, helping to differentiate a trim that is currently little more than an appearance package. The big V-6 is rated at 263 hp and 249 lb-ft of torque, and Ford says 7.0-second 0–60 sprints will be possible. Unlike the other engines, the 3.5-liter will not be shared with the Milan.

The 2010 Fusion and Milan will go on sale in the spring of 2009.

© Source: caranddriver
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Labels: 2010 Ford Fusion, autonews, Ford Fusion, Mercury, Mercury Milan