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2009 Ford Fusion to offer better fuel economy and performance
Source: Leftlane news.

Ford will offer a new range of engines in its updated 2009 Fusion sedan, a new report finds. It was revealed to dealers at Ford's dealer meetings in Las Vegas earlier this month that the revised Fusion will sport an updated four-cylinder engine and a six-speed transmission.

According to The Detroit News, the 2009 Fusion will come standard with a new 2.5L four-cylinder engine — the same powerplant Ford unveiled in its Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner SUVs at the 2008 New York Auto Show. The new engine will generate 170 horsepower, a 10 horsepower gain over the outgoing four-cylinder powerplant.

The new engine — which will feature variable valve timing — will also be mated to the same six-speed automatic transmission that debuted in the revised Escape and Mariner, allowing the Fusion to offer more performance and greater fuel economy. It was also reported that Ford execs expect the Fusion to post best-in-class fuel economy ratings.

Ford failed mention if the Fusion's 3.0L V6 would also see an updated, but it is widely expected that the 2009 Fusion could bow with an updated V6.

A new front fascia and updated interior will also be part of the 2009 updating. The new Fusion will make its official debut later this year, with sales following shortly after.