This seems to be spot on. They gave praise to the car where they should, but also didn't hesitate to point out where it fell in priority. I am not arguing that it should have been a flat out race car, but I do think they needed to introduce a model within the Fusion line up that could cover the looming death of the Taurus (and SHO).
Could be... but I've yet to have a traction problem. I've launched at ~2500, 2000, 1500 and 0 yielding virtually zero tire break. I've also thrown caution to the wind and have taken this car into s-curves and twisty roads at speeds that made my butt pucker.
One of the first write-ups I did highlighted just that aspect. Passing people on the highway is definitely one of the strong points of this car.
Indeed - people can certainly hate on this car if they want to, there are some legit gripes (a lot of which should be directed at FoMoCo's marketing).
I'll have to ask my friend to see if their's can tip the 140 mark :|
When C&D tests a car, they try multiple launch strategies, and publish the best time. They are more willing to, say, do a wide open throttle brake boost launch. Most owners are hesitant to do the same. C&D also publishes a 5-60 time, they basically let it roll in idle to 5mph and then floor it and start the timer. This removes an aggressive launch from the equation, and gives you a better idea of what the car does when you don't launch it. The sport got a 5.8 5-60, which is closer to some of the timed videos that had little or no brake boosting. The best example of this effect is the WRX: 0-60 in 4.8, 5-60 in 6.3. The wide open throttle clutch dump is what makes the WRX look so good on paper.
I've been meaning to comment in the AWD thing for a while. I've read a lot of critique about the AWD system being slip and grip, fake AWD, etc, but as you say, this system sends power to the rear long before any actual slippage can occur. Maybe that display is calibrated to make us all feel better, but this car never feels like a FWD car when you get on it.
My cars over the past 20 years were an Audi 200 Quattro and a BMW 330xi (yeah, I keep cars that I like a long time). I have no complaints about this setup. I thought I might feel the AWD engaging and disengaging -- I don't.
Some people are going to disagree with me, and I guess it's a matter of perspective (I just came from a Focus ST, which was VERY nimble)... but the car is a boat. It's not horrible... and using sport mode, it's pretty stable... but I wouldn't trust throwing the car around lol
It's a heavy car, but handles well. I've tossed it into some fairly twisty roads without any concern. You can feel some body roll, but it seems to regulate itself fairly quickly. I don't see it blistering an autoX course to the likes of smaller lighter vehicles, but it should perform admirably against similar cars in its class.
Stout is a good word overall. I can't call it a boat; that brings up visions of my father's old Crown Vic, which was a wallowing cushy mess of a ride. This car is very controlled, responsive and solid. You can tell it weighs a lot, but I think it handles itself well all things considered.
