Is it too early to start compiling a wish list for the next Fusion Sport? I think not. Here's a few things I'm hoping for, all within what I'd consider to be a realistic realm given the current price point and mission of the car.
1) Weight loss. This would represent the most bang for the buck as it would help with every performance metric. Ford has successfully shaved hundreds of pounds of the F-150 so hopefully they can do something similar here.
2) More performance oriented transmission. I will leave the details open, but something built with the mission of the car in mind would be great. A nice bonus would be paddle shifters that are actually useful.
3) Upgraded interior. I would apply this to both the quality of materials as well as the overall interior build quality. The Fusion is falling behind in this area. More color choices would also be welcome. When GM interiors are looking consistently better than yours, it's time to get to work.
4) Exterior build quality. I like the exterior styling of this car, but I've yet to see one that doesn't have noticeable misalignment in the exterior trim, body panels, etc. Come on Ford, this is really becoming inexcusable.
5) More differentiated/ aggressive styling. I don't want the FS to look like a failed SEMA experiment, but a bit more differentiation from the regular Fusions would be nice.
6) More drive mode options. The current Sport mode is nice, but it would be great to have more customization options. Within those options could be an all out performance mode with launch control.
7) Modest power bump. This car really doesn't need this if the above items are addressed, but psychologically it's nice to get a power upgrade with a new model. I'd be completely satisfied with 350 hp/ 400 tq.
Of course I could keep going but if most of the above were addressed, I could see myself getting into another Sport when my current lease is up. What would you guys like to see in the next generation?
1) Weight loss. This would represent the most bang for the buck as it would help with every performance metric. Ford has successfully shaved hundreds of pounds of the F-150 so hopefully they can do something similar here.
2) More performance oriented transmission. I will leave the details open, but something built with the mission of the car in mind would be great. A nice bonus would be paddle shifters that are actually useful.
3) Upgraded interior. I would apply this to both the quality of materials as well as the overall interior build quality. The Fusion is falling behind in this area. More color choices would also be welcome. When GM interiors are looking consistently better than yours, it's time to get to work.
4) Exterior build quality. I like the exterior styling of this car, but I've yet to see one that doesn't have noticeable misalignment in the exterior trim, body panels, etc. Come on Ford, this is really becoming inexcusable.
5) More differentiated/ aggressive styling. I don't want the FS to look like a failed SEMA experiment, but a bit more differentiation from the regular Fusions would be nice.
6) More drive mode options. The current Sport mode is nice, but it would be great to have more customization options. Within those options could be an all out performance mode with launch control.
7) Modest power bump. This car really doesn't need this if the above items are addressed, but psychologically it's nice to get a power upgrade with a new model. I'd be completely satisfied with 350 hp/ 400 tq.
Of course I could keep going but if most of the above were addressed, I could see myself getting into another Sport when my current lease is up. What would you guys like to see in the next generation?