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Show The Park Record Wed/Thur/FrL May 4-6, 2005 C-17 By MALCOLM GUNN WHEELBASP COMMUNICATIONS Y OLI might best know Ford for unique iibilily to look inlo the rwir-view miiTor and build vehicles dial pay Iribulc lo die past: Ihe GT supercar. (he new 20(15 Mustang and the Tluindcrbird. However, for its new mid-si/.ed scdnn, called the Fusion, Ford is staring straight inlo the future . . . with Uic help of a little sharing with Mazda, Along \vitli the full-size Five Hundred, the Fusion, due lo arrive this fall, replaces the Taurus, an aging brand that's headed fora well-earned retirement. And underneath the new model's swanky skin beats the soul of the Mazda6. Borrowing from this Japanese automaker only makes sense since lord owns a significant chunk v\' Ma/da. As well, the award-winning 6's architecture and various mechanical components, are considered to be league-leading items. For the Fusion's purposes, the platform is slightly wider and longer, which, Ford says, provides more- passenger and trunk space than most of the competition. In fact, the designers used a size-14 shoe as a template for determining entry-exit standards through the rear doors. 'flic intention is for the Fusion lo lake a lead role in doing battle against a group of sedan all-stars, such as the Toyota Camry. Honda Accord, Nissan Allima, Hyundai Sonata and Chevrolet Malibu. Sophisticated style along with considerable substance appears to be the Fusion's plan of attack. The car's exterior is distinctly North American, particularly from a headon perspective. The grille above and below (lie bumper features a series chrome bars, a rare but welcomed sighl on anv automobile Remote functions, normally the fob of a separate "fob", are built into the key. "fob" unit Stepping up in the SE adds an upgraded audio system, sj\-\va\ power driver's seal, steering-wheel-mounted radio controls, four-wheel disc brakes and a message center with trip computer and outside temperature gauge. At the lop end o\' the scale, SL-L buyers these days. As well, the flush-mounted head- will enjoy climate control, additional exterilight pods curve into the hood, studiously or trim, fog lam [is 17-inch wheels and a preavoiding the bulging front fenders. mium cloth interior. Iia.se S, SI: and SFF models will come The long-as-your-arm options list with a 160-horsepower 2.3-liter four-cylin- includes a leather interior with healed leather der engine connected to either a live-speed front seals, eight-speaker premium sound manual transmission or optional live-speed system, anti-lock brakes, side-impactsideautomatic.Optional on the mid-level SF and curtam airbags, power moon roof and tracfull-load Sl.il. Fusions is a 210-horsepower tion control. 3.0-liter \'6 (10 more horsepower than its Although final pricing has ycl to be big-brother Five Hundred) that operates firmed up. Ford estimates a starling point o\' through a standard six-speed automatic around $18,000, placing Uic Fusion right in transmission. Doth powertrains arc similar the thick of things with similarly sized to those lilted lo the Mazda6. import- and domestic-based makes. Itn" the lime being, all versions will be Given its generous overall dimensions, driven through (lie front wheels, bin Ford is attractive styling and appealing power promising that an all-wheel-drive alternative choices, the Fusion has the potential to prowill hit the streets for the '07 model'year, vide Ford with a strong sedan alternative with a gasoline'electric hybrid on the that, unlike many Ford offerings, points lo options list a bit farther down the road. the future instead of die past All Fusions will be equipped with air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, locks and outside mirrors, remote keyless entry and a tire-pressure monitoring system. As a point of interest, the vehicle's remote locking functions are built into ihe *Four-docr mid-size sedan available In S. SE and SEL key and are not part of a separate separate trim levels. SPEC SHEET 2006 Ford Fusion *2.3-ii1er DOHC14, or optional 3-Q-filer DOHC V6, developing 160 and 210 horsepower, respectively *Five-speed manuaJ l/ansroisaon (standard on S) a optional five- and six-Epeed |V6 only) automafics. *Altfrougfi trie y i - a j e . F i i s Hundred was launtfied first. Pie Fuson promises lo be a heavy tiiGer lor Ford, and a strong contender atop the highly competiSve midsize category + Adding aH-wfreeJ-tfive and hybrid technology to the Fusion lineup after its (all '05 launch «i<l further raise the bar among its many competitors. *U$ing a tned-and-proven platform and mechanical components wrapped by an attractive and etfiaenl body stye should get the Fusicn oui of the gate wthout a hitch. * Safety: Front airbags. side-impacts de-curtain airbags (opt.): tractjon control (opt). tre-pressure maulcring * H P G (cltytiwy): 25/32 (esL) * Base price: $13,000 (est.) After spending tremendous effort rekindling the past, Ford shows it still has what it takes to shape the ftltUTB Annual Spring Sales Event No other dealer can compete! CRANDALL FORD • MERCURY Dial )U \hs. fiuromoti/e. business is Ken Garff is ready for spring with a full line of Mercedes convertibles, huge discounts, and hardto-get AMG models in stock, including the CL65. Experience a vehicle unlike any other, purchased from a sales staff unlike any other. Over 75 years of Certified Mercedes experience. / bu/' Oj&M-Qfe ML 25o DISCOUNTS C 2 3 0 sums SHUN 39 MO. LEASE \s A on COST OF boi*j& „ N'DULL 1 0<u/z.fii/EthEtiD/s la ss, rememBer... Stick with the dealer you really know. Siork /(.MO i(>? MSkI' 5<; r .Ml) U:i><? OAC. Si,i?ri plus uix, Ik ink Mllos per year. Ref.iduol SI9.139 Ken Garff. / 5 YEARS Mercedes-Benz of Salt Lake Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned 575 South State Street Downtown SLC www.kengarffmerced0s.com '02 CLK55 AMG $46,500 i SIIVIT. 2«K HIIIL^ J US?CA/ MSi-T ils DV'\itK.\cra(\dal\fordir\erC.CO/n '02 Srtoo '04ML350 $35,900 Rr.iss IT.it, nrlUlani Silver THE BACK-U-UP PROMISE '02 C320 Was»n 522,500 '01 SL500 DL'SLTI Slhcr, h'\\ iulle^ lll.uk. 31k mik '01 ML430 S5*>,yoo lKiiLi Silvi-r, LO.HI.M1, 4ok mHi^ (RC\'\\ \w i ) , Whll.'. 371; mllt». | '00 CLK430 526,900 S38.900 SPECIAL PURCHASE '05 ML35OS MSRP 545,115 .i rocH'-"H'S^ si ,\ i -: n v ; .\ i S34.VOO Cabriolet. Black Value - Up to 10 Year/250,000 Mile Limited Engine Warranty Protection'- Free 24/7/365 Roadside Assistance Selection - 24 Vehicle brands Available Convenience - 26 Sales & Service Locations from Ogden to Provo $40,604 'MILESBJSt |