Ford is unveiling the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid with its new "SmartGauge" LCD instrument panel that helps drivers maximize their fuel efficiency.

Tune in at http://snurl.com/4siru for live stream of the unveiling. (Nearly over; check http://media.ford.com/ for what you missed.)

Source: Scott Monty, head of social media at Ford

 

Interesting stuff on powertrain. 94% energy recovery on braking. Smaller battery cells and fewer of them - 275 volts. Battery pack cabin cooled - no aux. a/c. Electric operation up to 47 MPH. Gauge cluster looks busy??? 700 Mile range on a full tank. If it is 17.5 gallons than that equals 31 MPG (combined).

 

Thanks Scott. Now can the consumers expect more than 25,000 Fusion/Milan hybrid built for this model year?

 

We bought a Mercury Milan Hybrid around the first of June--I say "we" but I haven't been able to wrest the steering wheel away from my spouse yet. It's our second hybrid (I drive a 2003 HCH) We've been getting about 42 mpg so far, and are really having fun with all the bells and whistles. The leaves that appear and disappear (we could turn them off, but so far we find them amusing), the whole display that tells us more than we ever thought we'd want to know, the elaborate sound system, and so on.

 

The Lincoln MKZ (Fusion twin) hybrid arrives 3-31-10. See this link: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/2...ut-in-New-York