Does anyone have any updated spec's or know when Ford will be officially introducing the vehicle.

Specs:
All I can find is a party line 15%-20% increase in FE. That sounds awfully low since that would put the average MPG around 29MPG in a car that should be lighter and more aerodynamic than the FEH which we know can easily get the EPA 32MPG (with 2009 FEH owners reporting even better FE). Last I heard they were introducing "Gen II" of their hybrid system with this car but I expect to see them use the same 2.5L Atkinsonized ICE from the '09 FEH. Anyone have any information on the transmission (similar to the FEH's eCVT from Aisin or in-house?) and the battery pack (similar to the FEH's Sanyo NiMH?).

Release:
As best I can tell the LA Show in December is the target release. Anyone have more info to back this up?

I'd be really surprised if the average fuel economy only increased by 20%; whatever you heard could have been referring to the highway MPG though. Here's the EPA figures for similar cars (all specs for automatics):

(non-hybrids)
Ford Fusion - 20/28 mpg (23 combined), weighs 3180 lbs
Ford Escape FWD: 20/26 (22 combined), weighs 3313 lbs
Toyota Camry - 21/31 mpg (25 combined), weighs 3307 lbs
Nissan Altima - 23/31 mpg (26 combined), weighs 3142 lbs

(hybrids)
Ford Escape Hybrid FWD: 34/30 (32 combined), weighs 3638 lbs
Toyota Camry Hybrid - 33/34 mpg (34 combined), weighs 3680 lbs
Nissan Altima Hybrid - 35/33 mpg (34 combined), weighs 3482 lbs

The Fusion's 130 lbs lighter than the Escape which isn't much, and their city mpg is identical, which makes sense. The Escape's highway score is lower than the Fusion's since it's much less aerodynamic, being an SUV. So if it used a hybrid system like the 2008 Escape's, one would expect the same city mpg and slightly higher highway mpg - say, 34/32 mpg or 34/33 mpg.

Oh, and I heard they'd arrive at dealers in spring 2009, but the model may be revealed this winter at the LA show.

Thanks for the in depth reply, your time is appreciated.

I hope that they used a very similar system as is in the 2009 FEH. The EPA on it picked up +1MPG on the highway (mostly due to the extra power of the 2.5L vs the old 2.3L from what I understand). Also, early adopters/owners of the 2009 FEHs are reporting even better FE than the 2008 (and previous models) in city and highway scenarios along with more EV capabilities.

Being a Ford fan, I hope that they bring out the Fusion with higher than a 34MPG EPA average and keep the price right at or a little below the immediate competition. I feel VERY comfortable that the Ford hybrid drivetrain is solid/reliable at this point and they could use another strong selling hybrid (Now if they, along with everyone else, can just build more of them to keep up with demand).

I just drove my mother's 2008 Mercury Milan (V6 version)--twin of the Fusion--for 208 mostly highway miles. On a two lane state highway that has a posted 55 mph speed limit (we averaged 52) with no air conditioning--mpg was around 32.8-33.5 On a four lane interstate with a post speed limit of 65 but we were averaging 60 mph with the air conditioning--mpg was around 30.6-31.5.

The Fusion/Milan Hybrids are to be introduced to the public late in 2008--could be the LA auto show?--and will be avaiable for purchase early 2009.

These new hybrids will feature a 275V hybrid battery pack compared to the Escape's 330V pack. It will be air cooled while the Escape continues to have air conditioned. The 2nd generation hybrid feature refer to software changes--some are know to exist in the 2009 Escape hybrid--and hardware changes. Ford redesigned this hybrid system so it is a modular design and can be dropped into different vehicles. As for mileage, the goal is to best the Toyota Campy hybrid's rating. There is more information at the site listed below.

Blueovalnews.com

If I am correct, a hybrid version of the V6 model will arrive in 2010 but so is eco-boost.

2005 AWD Escape Hybrid
Best Interstate tank trip MPG 39.02 (scangauge II) for 402 miles on I-70, 10.3 gallons used over mostly flat terrain. Aug. 2007

Best Interstate tank trip E30 MPG 34.6 for 271 miles along I-80 in Indiana and Ohio. May 2008

Best multiple road tank trip E30 MPG 36.2 for 202 miles in Southwestern Pa. July 2008.

It is likely the Fusion will go on sale in March 2009.

2005 AWD Escape Hybrid
Best Interstate tank trip MPG 39.02 (scangauge II) for 402 miles on I-70, 10.3 gallons used over mostly flat terrain. Aug. 2007

Best Interstate tank trip E30 MPG 34.6 for 271 miles along I-80 in Indiana and Ohio. May 2008

Best multiple road tank trip E30 MPG 36.2 for 202 miles in Southwestern Pa. July 2008.