autoxr1

Wow! Something is definitely wrong with that seam alignment. My 2010 Sport is much more even.

This brake system is unique to the Hybrid. This technology is required to be able to do regeneration of power into the batteries when the brake pedal is depressed. I would also like to clarify that the brakes don't "go out" or "fail", as some have stated. You simply need to push the pedal further to activate the hydraulic brakes in the latter portion of the pedal travel. It does feel disconcerting, though, since you expect to get the normal "power brake" response when pushing the pedal.

You could check the Fusion pix on the Ford website: Fusion Gallery The Sport front styling was clearly influenced by Ford's Australian Falcon. That's where I got the idea to paint my fog light surround bezels.

I would show your dealer that pic and get a quote from their Body Shop. Also make sure they have experience repainting the tri-coat platinum.

The 2011 Fusion Order Guide shows that the HD radio will be included with and only available as part of the Nav system. This will be a free-standing option on the SEL, Sport, or Hybrid models. That pretty much rules out upgrades.

The first two pages in the 2011 Fusion Order Guide from Ford list all of the changes from the 2010. You can see it here: 2011 Fusion Order Guide I doubt there will be a plug-in hybrid version for 2012, since the Fusion will be all new about a year later when it merges with the European Ford Mondeo platform.

It's eady to understand automakers being overly cautious on floor mat retention after the Toyota debacle!

I actually think that the 2010 Sport-style rocker moldings that are now available in the aftermarket have a lot more character than the straight rocker moldings that 3D Carbon made for the earlier Fusions. You can get the new ones on eBay for less than the real Sport rocker moldings purchased from a Ford dealer. Here's a link: 2010 Fusion Rocker Moldings

You could purchase a Tuxedo Black Monochrome Package grille from Ford, or simply have your grille painted to match your Atlantis Green. Here's a White Platinum Tri-coat car where the owner had the dealer paint the grille to match when he bought the car:

I think those are too wide as well, but so is the door frame. You would have to cover just half the frame with chrome to match the width of the trim on the BMW you posted, and then the other half would stick out. Bottom line is that I don't think you can match that look due to the basic design of the Fusion doors.

Overplayed? Other than the MRT show car, mine is the only 2010 Fusion to have this done, to my knowledge. Of course, when the 2011 Fusions roll out, ALL Sport models will have a dark chrome grille. Seems that Ford also liked the MRT show car and made this standard, just like on the prior Sport Appearance Package. As far as the lower grille, I really like it since it echos the Australian Ford Falcon XR6-T which is a killer RWD sedan.

You can get this trim kit on eB@y and leave off the center pillar trim:

I also loved MRT's 2010 SEMA Fusion. That's why I had them do the same dark chrome treatment on my car! I had them tint my side markers, tail lights, and belt-line window chrome as well.

Ford has announced the MKZ Hybrid will be priced the same as the base model. An interesting strategy on Ford's part. The following story appeared in today's Detroit News. Ford drops hybrid markup Automaker prices Lincoln MKZ same as gas version BY ALISA PRIDDLE The Detroit News Ford Motor Co. is throwing down a competitive gauntlet by becoming the first automaker to offer a hybrid, its new Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, for the same price as the gasoline version. The midsize sedan goes on sale this fall. Other hybrids charge buyers a premium over the gas version. Ford’s move comes as auto­makers race to expand their li­neups with cleaner and greener vehicles, frugal consumers pay more attention to fuel costs, and the federal government imposes stricter fuel economy standards. “It’s very big news and I give Ford thumbs up for making it hap­pen,” said James Bell, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book in Irvine, Calif. Hybrids are becoming increas­ingly mainstream, Bell said, but with this step, “even the price dif­ference is being washed away.” There are no plans to make the same offer on Ford brand hybrids, said Ford spokeswoman Marisa Bradley. Application to any future Lin­coln hybrids would have to be de­termined. Jim Hossack, senior consultant with Auto Pacific in Tustin, Calif., was surprised by Lincoln’s deci­sion. “There’s usually a substantial premium of $3,000 to $5,000 to buy a hybrid,” Hossack said, to cov­er the $3,000 average additional cost of the technology. The 2011 MKZ Hybrid will have a starting price of $35,180, includ­ing delivery charges. That beats the nearest competitor, the 2010 Lexus HS 250h, which starts at about $36,000. The innovative offer is designed to foster what Ford calls “the Lincoln experience” in an attempt to distinguish the brand. As the automaker phases out its Mercury brand, which has two hybrids, it will be left with just Ford and Lincoln. “Lincoln is about delivering luxury standard,” said John Felice, general manager, Ford and Lincoln Marketing. “Customers are very enthusiastic about the MKZ Hybrid and we think they will be even more excited to learn they sacrifice nothing to be able to go green in style.” The MKZ Hybrid has been rated as getting 41 miles per gallon in city driving by the Environmental Protection Agency. Felice expects the pricing will entice new customers. With Mercury on its way out, Bell said, the move makes Lincoln more accessible. Hossack said it is one response to the need for all automakers to meet future fuel-economy standards. A tactic going forward could be to increase the price of gasoline models and decrease the price of hybrids. Ford’s move raises the question of whether the price of the 2011 MKZ — $100 more than the 2010 — factored in absorption of the extra cost of the hybrid, or whether the price of the car will increase in the future. Bell believes the expected increase in sales of the hybrid MKZ will reduce the per-vehicle cost. The pricing strategy should attract attention for a car that might otherwise have slipped below the radar, Hossack said. “It certainly got my attention,” he said. The competition will take notice, but there may be little they can do at this point, Bell speculated. No other automaker has a lower-volume, premium hybrid that’s in a position to make the same offer. “It may be an experiment to see how it works,” Hossack said. Either way, “it’s an interesting and courageous move.” apriddle@detnews.com (313) 222 - 2504

First Lincoln Hybrid to be Most Fuel-efficient Luxury Sedan in America March 30, 2010 Fuel economy is soon going to be a trait more closely associated with the Lincoln brand in addition to design, technology and comfort. The new 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid will be shown for the first time at the 2010 New York Auto Show, and it is poised to be the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America. The first-ever hybrid for the Lincoln brand is expected to deliver at least 41 miles per gallon in the city. The new premium midsize sedan hybrid joins Ford Motor Company’s growing lineup of hybrids, including the Ford Fusion Hybrid – 2010 North American Car of the Year and America’s most fuel-efficient sedan – plus the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Milan and Mariner Hybrids. Introduction of the new Lincoln MKZ Hybrid also complements Ford’s aggressive global electrification plan. Ford is introducing five new electrified vehicles by 2013. They include the Transit Connect Electric in late 2010, the Focus Electric in 2011, a next-generation hybrid electric vehicle and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in 2012, followed by another next-generation hybrid electric vehicle in 2013. The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid’s projected fuel economy tops its nearest competitor – the 2010 Lexus HS 250h – by 6 mpg. It also trumps the Lexus with room for one more passenger and more standard luxury and segment-exclusive safety features. “Today’s luxury customers do not want to make sacrifices. Lincoln has found a way to deliver a luxury sedan with the comforts they expect, the technology they want and the environmental responsibility society demands,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group Vice President, Global Product Development. The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid uses Ford’s second-generation hybrid technology – the 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle I-4 hybrid engine, named one of Ward’s 2010 “10 Best Engines.” The system combines the best attributes of the gasoline engine and electric battery-driven motors to deliver optimal performance and fuel economy. Industry-leading fuel economy comes without sacrificing power. The combined gasoline engine and electric motor provide 191 net horsepower. Plus, the pure electric mode on the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid extends to 47 mph – compared with the Lexus HS 250h battery-only mode which reaches just 25 mph. The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid comes standard with features and technologies that are either not offered on the Lexus HS 250h or are available only at an extra cost. This first-ever hybrid for the Lincoln brand goes on sale in the fall of 2010.