[Shotimes] Drove the new Fusion

[Ron Porter]

A few years ago, NASCAR floated the idea of a spec engine (which I believed
died). I agree with a spec body, and let them use their own engines. It
would be better to see a Dodge hemi, Ford DOHC, and a Chevy pushrod engine
in competition.

Using a spec body, they could just put on their own headlight/taillight
stickers to faintly resemble a current model (much like they do today).

Ron Porter

-----Original Message-----
From: shotimes-admin@autox.team.net [mailto:shotimes-admin@autox.team.net]
On Behalf Of G Kerby Haltom
Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2006 12:23 PM
To: Hartberger, Jason M. AT2 (AW); Shotimes@autox. team. net
Subject: RE: [Shotimes] Drove the new Fusion

The NASCRAP Charger is so bad that most teams are running the Intrepid body.
A car that not manufactured anymore...
  
  Can they just get on with making it a spec car series, so I don't even try
to care anymore?
  
  Kerby

"Hartberger, Jason M.  AT2 (AW)" <hartbejm@cvn71.navy.mil> wrote:  The
NASCAR fusion looks butt-ugly, though. The Taurus looked better.
There's just no passion! I want an American car that reflects passion...
in design or manufacturing or whatever... right now the only car that
does that is the Pontiac Solstice.

V/R
AT2(AW) Jason "Hoser" Hartberger
USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71
AIMD/IM-3/Shops 8&10
01-54-0-Q/j-7877

-----Original Message-----
From: shotimes-admin@autox.team.net
[mailto:shotimes-admin@autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Donald Mallinson
Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2006 11:49 AM
To: 'v8sho'; Shotimes@autox. team. net
Subject: [Shotimes] Drove the new Fusion

Got a chance to take a new Fusion V6 out for a drive yesterday. 

I have to say it is a nice car.  Based on the Mazda 6, it seems to have 
a bit more room inside, I think they stretched the platform a little. 

I was a bit disappointed that in the top version, there is NO provision 
for shifting the tranny, no wheel buttons, no detents on the shifter 
other than D and L.   No autostick option.  Not that most people use 
one, but it would be nice to have some nod to the enthusiast.

Build quality looks very good, lots of interior room for the class, and 
good trunk space.  Power is good, but I would not say it was a 
replacement for the SHO.  I would go for one of these possibly if they 
were to bring power level up some, but the base suspension seemed quite 
good.

All up price is right at $25,000 with every option available.

All in all, a pretty nice car for Ford to offer.  Would be nice if it 
could have been an all American design, but using chassis and expertise 
from a corporate cousin is why Ford bought into Mazda, to get some of 
that to use elsewhere.  It is a good addition to Ford and probably the 
best sedan they offer right now.

Don Mallinson
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