DETROIT – Ford Motor Co. unveiled the 2013 model-year Fusion – a sedan offering gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains -- at the North American International Auto Show on Jan. 9.

The Fusion brings a broad selection of fuel-efficient powertrains to the midsize car segment. It offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid alternatives, a pair of EcoBoost four-cylinder engines, a normally aspirated four-cylinder engine, an automatic start-stop system to shut off the engine at stationary idle, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive applications, and a choice between automatic and manually shifted six-speed transmissions.

The 1.6-liter EcoBoost is expected to deliver four-cylinder non-hybrid fuel efficiency of 26 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, Ford said. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine – paired with a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission, available 19-inch wheels and tires, and all-wheel drive with the ability to send additional torque to the rear – is the Fusion performance option.

The Fusion Hybrid features all-new lithium-ion batteries that save weight and generate more power than previous nickel-metal hydride batteries, while raising maximum speed under electric-only power from 47 mph to 62 mph, Ford said.

The Fusion Hybrid also features an all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine, downsized from the previous 2.5-liter unit while maintaining performance standards. This powertrain is expected to deliver fuel economy of 47 mpg in city driving and 44 mpg on the highway, according to Ford. The Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, arriving this fall, is anticipated to deliver more than 100 MPGe, a mile-per-gallon equivalency metric for electrified vehicles.

The next-generation Fusion 1.6-liter is the first automatic-transmission Ford product offered with an automatic start-stop system. It shuts off engine power smoothly when the car is stopped and seamlessly restarts as the driver releases the brake pedal, helping Fusion to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by approximately 3.5 percent.

The 2013 Fusion offers a variety of driver assistance and convenience technologies based on sensors, cameras and radar that enable the car to see and respond.

The Fusion can help drivers maintain proper lane position, adjust vehicle speed to changing traffic conditions, identify suitable parking spaces and help park, even aiding drivers backing out of parking space where visibility is obstructed. Specific technologies include:

• Lane Keeping System -- This technology consists of three elements to help a driver maintain proper lane position. Using a small, forward-facing camera behind the inside rearview mirror, the system “looks” down the road, monitoring lane lines to determine that the car is on course. The system will alert a driver if drowsiness or erratic lane-keeping is detected. The second element warns a driver with a steering wheel vibration if the Fusion drifts too close to lane markings. Finally, a lane-keeping aid will actually apply pressure on the steering to help bring the car back into proper lane position

• Adaptive cruise control -- Using forward-looking radar, this system “looks” down the road when activated, slowing the Fusion when slower traffic is detected ahead. Adaptive cruise control enables collision warning with brake support to help slow the car if the potential of a crash is detected

• Active park assist -- Employing sensors, this technology can identify a suitable parallel parking space, calculate the trajectory and steer the car to properly position it within the spot. All a driver needs to do is operate the accelerator and brake pedals

• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert -- Sensors in both Fusion rear quarter-panels can detect traffic in a driver’s blind spot, providing both audible and visual warnings if traffic – unseen by the driver – is detected. BLIS technology enables a cross-traffic alert, warning the driver of oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space with obstructed views, such as between two large vans.

The 2013 Fusion offers the latest iteration of Ford’s SYNC communications and entertainment system, which enables voice-activated communication through a driver’s mobile phone and interaction with the car’s audio system.

The Fusion also offers the latest version of MyFord Touch, allowing a driver to interact with vehicle systems through voice control, a touch-screen tap or a conventional button.

Both SYNC and MyFord Touch – powered by SYNC – help reduce the potential for driver distraction through voice-controlled functionality, allowing drivers to keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

The Fusion will be produced at Ford’s Hermosillo, Mexico, manufacturing facility. Production will soon be added at AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The car will appear in Ford showrooms in North America and South America later this year. The Mondeo will be introduced next year in Asia and Europe.

Ford hasn't yet revealed Fusion 2013 model-year pricing.

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