james21_h

2017 Ford Fusion gets 325-hp Sport model with AWD

Ok Ok, they are different. One is Luxury and one is not. But... even a Ford put a 325 HP engine in their family sedan. Why can't Acura??
I had the 2014 Titanium as a rental for two months and I gotta say it is pretty impressive. Pretty quiet car compare to the 2014 Accord loaner I had for a day. Of course the interior and leather is not as good as TLX (I drove a loaner for two days) but they are getting close to TLX's price and territory aren't they?? Plus I think the 2017 Fusion looks more aggressive than TLX. Look at those exhaust tips!!!!

atl7

Let's hope for the best tomorrow morning! I think with most V6's (i.e. this fusion) being on par or better in terms of power with the TLX has been a slap in the face to Acura. They just need to give it a transmission that doesn't slaughter the driving experience.

nist7

More to a car than 35HP difference man.

But I wonder if there's a ceiling to FWD/FWD-biased AWD systems like Fusion/TLX and how high HP you can go...maybe that's an issue as well

atl7

It's not the 35 more horsepower, it's also 77 more lb ft torque and a 6 speed transmission with twin turbo. Being a Ford sedan I'd imagine it gets good fuel economy also.

nist7

AH that sounds nice. Yeah the turbo should certainly help with some fuel economy as well. Now just need to ensure they are reliable and won't be maintenance nightmare with a turbo setup

james21_h

I am not saying Fusion is a better car. It does not handle as well as TLX. But in the report, this 2017 may be a lot better than the 2014 model I drove before!
"Fusion V6 Sport adds continuously controlled damping for real-time suspension tuning based on setup and road inputs. The system features pothole detection technology that, in less than the blink of an eye, adjusts the shock absorbers to greatly reduce the severity of impact transmitted to occupants. Power and handling are complemented by unique, performance-inspired style inside and out. The look is distinguished by an aggressive exterior with deeper air intakes and a gloss black-finish mesh grille, 19-inch wheels, rear spoiler and dual twin exhaust outlets."

atl7

Exactly, I would still never buy a fusion. Not that it's a bad car, just not a fan of the looks. But damn those numbers look good.

CheeseyPoofs McNut

The mid sized sedan market is insane these days. The domestic manufacturers have all stepped up their game. Frankly I could never own a Fusion (not a fan of the styling at all - for the life of me I don't get it) but I fully understand they resonate with a lot of people.

I could be wrong but I think a nice upscale car will sell like hotcakes even if it isn't at the top of the hp range. How many IS250's has Lexus sold over the past decade?

IMO if you make the TLX a car that you sit in and go "wow" as opposed to "I guess it's a little nicer than my Accord" and the hp won't matter for the majority.

neil0311

As a previous IS250 AWD owner for 9 years, I agree, but I will say the reason I bought the 250 and not 350 was because there was no AWD version of the 350 in 2007. Living in New England, there was no choice. RWD sucks in snow, even with winter tires.

Mr Hyde

There are cars with more power, cars with more luxury, and cars with both.

A Dodge Charger is a 4 door sedan with a nicer interior than it used to, and excluding the hellcat, can be had with a V8, and 370 hp. Are we going to start creating threads for each vehicle that has something more than the TLX? I am not too sure I understand the point of this thread.

quantum7

Any guesses about what we will get tomorrow from Detroit Auto Show and this new Precision Concept? The teaser profile pic looks good....but then again, so did the TLX concept.

Nedmundo

Ford's turbo motors have not been great with fuel economy, though perhaps things have improved with the latest twin-scroll variants.

I'm certainly curious about this Fusion Sport, which looks to be a fantastic car, but without MT I can't say I'm seriously tempted.

We now have a 2010 Fusion (previous gen) alongside a 2010 TSX. The Fusion is nice and a very good, basic sedan, but it's not even close to the TSX as a driver's car, despite its additional power with the 3.0L V6. The TSX has much better handling, and even in normal driving its greater structural rigidity is obvious. This Fusion still has some "old-school Dearborn" in its DNA. It's amazing how far Ford has come since then, because cars like the current Fusion, Focus ST, and Mustang are in another league.

atl7

According to online articles this is supposed to be big, as Acura is showing the more "performance oriented" direction they're going in, starting with this Precision concept. I'm no expert, but it looks to me and some others like an Audi A7 bodystyle. Who knows, it's hard to tell from the image provided.

But I think the production TLX looks very similar to the concept, with the differences being a little more aggressive rear on the concept, the wheels, and side mirrors . As for the TLX V6's current numbers, it can compete but not with this transmission. I think it could use some more low end torque also, like how the Germans are tuned. I had a 2010 MB C300 with 228 hp and 221 ft lb torque..low numbers but it NEVER had me wishing for more power.

jterp7

my guess is exhaust tips plus the RLX tune and carplay. If they were to add a turbo hmm it'd be interesting but I really doubt it this year anyway. 2016 is the year of the 4cyl turbo right? Haven't read anything recently from rolledansx on tov. I'd guess calendar 2017 year at the earliest being optimistic.

Worst case scenario the turbo'd 6 never happens and we just get the 2.0T across the line for acura over the next few years -_-.

BEAR-AvHistory

Infiniti rolled out the new G37 replacement Coupe with a 400BHP twin turbo V6 today. Buick is also showing a 400BPP twin turbo V6 in a Concept Coupe same power specs at the new Caddy CTS motor.

Will 400BHP be the new 300BHP? Looks like 3.0 engines are the sweet spot for this BHP number.

BEAR-AvHistory

[QUOTE=james21_h;15653121]I am not saying Fusion is a better car. It does not handle as well as TLX. But in the report, this 2017 may be a lot better than the 2014 model I drove before!
"Fusion V6 Sport adds continuously controlled damping for real-time suspension tuning based on setup and road inputs. The system features pothole detection technology that, in less than the blink of an eye, adjusts the shock absorbers to greatly reduce the severity of impact transmitted to occupants. Power and handling are complemented by unique, performance-inspired style inside and out. The look is distinguished by an aggressive exterior with deeper air intakes and a gloss black-finish mesh grille, 19-inch wheels, rear spoiler and dual twin exhaust outlets."[/QUOTE]

This would easily suggest the Fusion will handle quite a bit better, in addition you can be sure FORD will put decent tires on it.

I have one car with this type of suspension & another very similar car with a fixed damper sport suspension. If I had to get from point A to B over a Carolina moonshine road the DHP car would be my easy choice even though the sport suspension car is a bit lighter & a 6MT

youngTL

You realize that's a 2017 car and the TLX is still a 2015 car right? Manufacturers have been bumping up power REALLY rapidly really fast with the turbo craze going on right now. Even Infiniti, who usually have gobs of power, have to turbo the Q50 to keep up. The current 328i, A3, and CLA are FAR FAR slower than this Ford is going to be. But people will buy them anyway, even though for the same price, the CLA has the worst interior (even worse than a Camry).

Honda and Toyota have both been very reluctant to utilize turbos, but with the NSX, and hell, even the mid level Civic (!) getting a turbo, as well as the NX and IS, you can bet that they'll be moving forward in the next couple of years.

I'm personally very happy with the fuel mileage and smooth operation of my TLX V6 SH-AWD. The car feels very buttoned down compared to my outgoing TL-S and even the 2016 Accord I test drove before buying.

weather

I am really excited to see what is in store for tomorrow's launch but I am also keeping a dose of reality.

That being said, it will be for Acura if they can't provide any upgrade in performance...actually, pathetic.

james21_h

My point of this thread is "Can Acura make us something exciting again!??" Instead of using the same old J series design engine. Can they do something new? Something with more innovation?? With gas price being around $2 and doesn't seem like going up anytime soon, why can't they come up with some higher output and more excited engine design? Like V6 turbo with VTEC Instead, they seems caring more about the MPGs....

james21_h

Otherwise Acura may end up like the Old Buick, Lincoln.....

NopeNope4425

If they show a non-driving mock-up without an interior, they're toast. Cross your fingers they aren't that brain dead.

csmeance

I much rather have the 290 HP TLX put out rather than a piece of junk with breaking buttons, poor customer service and 300+ HP.

Also just remember, V6 TLX is getting 30+ MPG on the highway, I'd like to see the new fusion do that. Last but not least, More HP means larger insurance payments...

kurtatx

It's a concept, so I have no idea if we'll get real numbers, and if we do, they definitely won't matter.

Send 400 hp to the rear wheels, Acura. Do it. And call it Legend.

Then take a 325 hp smaller one and call it Integra.

Do it, Honda. For once stop screwing up.

Nexx

the vaunted GS350 that everyone talks up so much has a whole 311hp... so Fusion > GS350 ... come on man seriously, we really dont live a quarter mile at a time man. wake up from your fast and furious dream.

james21_h

In a lot of people's mind, Lexus focuses more on the comfort and Infiniti focuses more on the performance. Acura is supposed to be the middle ground. With both Q50 and GS350 having better output engines. Where does Acura stand? 5-10 years ago Honda is known for their great engine performances and reliability. And the great SH-AWD that not many people know about. Can you say the same now!? Is P-AWS a ground breaking tech? Do people really care about the 8-speed DCT and 9-speed trans?
Plus, where is Acura in Asia and Europe markets?? I see no Acura in Japan but bunch of Lexus and Infiniti. I think Acura has become more of a American Brand than a Japanese brand!! Check Chinese market, how many Acuras are sold there?
Yes, i own a 4G TL and I love it very much. Would not trade in for the 5G unless they have something amazing in next two years. Thinking about getting the new RDX because of its value and it is a decent SUV. But nothing ground breaking. That's why people treat Acura as a second Tier entry luxury brand! At this point it might be behind Infiniti.... it is definitely behind Lexus....

james21_h

BTW, I've never seen a single 3G, 4G TL and TLX in Japan nor in Taiwan. (went to Japan 6 times and spent more than a year total). I did see bunch of 1G and 2G TL but they worn Honda badge and named something else. No no MDX, RDX, ILX, nor RLX.....

012TL-GLM

The reason these thread types will continue to sprout up is not simply a matter of cars with more horsepower, its a matter of cars considered average class continually improving their overall experience and Acura letting down its customers.

Acura is not a luxury brand. Hear me everyone? Stop thinking it is. Luxury means CHOICE - look no further than the complete lack of exterior/interior color combinations.

Nedmundo

Well, the upcoming NSX does have a twin-turbo V6, the Earth Dreams turbos have already started arriving in Hondas, and Acura has stated it will be getting Honda's best engines for its lineup. Considering all this, I do expect Acura sedans will have more exciting engines in the near future.

For example, I'd be surprised if the ILX didn't move to a VTEC turbo four, and the TLX could as well. Give the TLX a detuned version of the Civic Type-R 2.0T with around 240 hp and tq and an AWD option (like BMW's 328i and the C300), and it would be a much stronger presence in the market.

kurtatx

Alfa Romeo 4C engine only makes 247 hp.

Clearly, the Fusion is a better car.

AZuser

I wouldn't call Ford luxury.

TacoBello

He was referring to the TLX

AZuser

jterp7

Imo you dont get into true luxury until youre hitting mid 50s to low 60s msrp.

The rlx sh does have better leather than the mdx/tlx but it doesnt give you the sense of snobbery you get from the germans, for better or worse lol.

TacoBello

I'm guessing you haven't ventured into the RLX section much as of late...

CoquiTSX

Some people buy the car and keep them longer than a 3 yr lease; so MPGs are more important that HP that can be maybe used once in a while if ever. A lot of people just want to say mine is bigger than yours (HP). Gas can go up up anytime, speculators are always waiting for an excuse.

youngTL

I may not have aged as much as you yet ,but my attitude over the years has evolved similar to yours. Unfortunately for Acura it might matter for their sales. I think all they need to do is have a fast performance car, and the rest of the lineup will sell even better.


The TLX is a great premium car for those of us who are the 'masses'. I'm not rich, but I can afford to buy premium cars, and I think the TLX was a great compromise of price, power, comfort, and fuel economy. I would venture a guess a lot of regular people are like me, for whom anything less than a 6 second 0-60 is plenty fast enough.

BEAR-AvHistory

This Fusion is a performance car. No one buying a performance version is expecting great fuel mileage. That's why these car lines all have 4 cylinder & lower powered 6's to accommodate those who place more importance on the MPG #.

Different world view & most likely wallet reduce the MPG in importance in making a buy decision for a performance oriented driver.

One benefit of a more powerful car is ease of driving it. Less throttle to get it going, less shifting, easier highway merge, easier entry into traffic on 90* turns off intersecting streets, more safety margin on passing, better tires, better suspension, better brakes. Also in many cases a higher level of trim.

Nexx

Since when did the fusion become a performance car?

atl7

Since it was given a 325hp, 350tq, twin turbo V6. The fusion model is not a performance car but the sport trim fusion is performance oriented.

jterp7

for comparisons sake, the edge with the 2.7TT is only slightly faster than the current mdx. Guesstimating again, the fusion TT should be slightly faster than the TLX, but if I read the release correctly, it doesn't gain ford's version of the torque vectoring that I believe is only in the focus RS. The TT can also be tuned easily whereas the MDX and TLX cannot.