Published: Friday, Oct. 30, 2009

Updated: Friday, Oct. 30, 2009

Ford cars

Hot news for 2010: Times might be tight in the auto industry, but Ford has come out smelling rosy and with three new models Ÿ new Fusion Hybrid strives for best-in-class fuel economy Ÿ the Taurus makeover is leaps and bounds ahead of the previous model with the high- performance SHO reappearing. Carryover: Focus

Gone: None

Starting line

n Well, well, well, look how things have turned around. A few years ago, it looked as though Ford was in deep trouble losing billions of dollars and now it has some of the hottest rides available in three new car models. And the new Fiesta, as well as other European models, aren’t even here yet.

First out of the block is the Fusion sedan, which features a bolder look with considerable upgrading to the suspension, braking and steering systems. Much of the interior has been reworked with a soft-touch “skin” that looks and feels more upscale; the seats get added side support and the coverings are also richer in appearance.

The base 175-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder represents a gain of 15 ponies over the previous 2.3-liter base engine. The previously optional 3.0-liter V6 returns, but significant retuning has improved output to 240 horsepower from 221. A new Sport model has been added to the mix for 2010 and features a 263-horsepower 3.5-liter V6.

Ford claims the Fusion Hybrid can travel up to 700 miles on a single 17-gallon fill-up, or the equivalent of 41 mpg city/36 mpg highway. The Fusion delivers a knockout punch on several levels, but for more size, try the 2010 Taurus. A new shape that went from drawing board to showroom in just 24 months conveys a unique and elegantly aggressive style that was lacking in previous efforts. Moving the new front-drive Taurus along is the familiar 263-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 found in a host of Ford products. All-wheel-drive is a standard part of the high-performance SHO package, a model that returns to the Taurus lineup after an 11-year absence. It’s fitted with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that generates 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque.

The SHO It also gets the paddle-shifted rev-matching six-speed automatic. The basic chassis architecture has undergone significant stiffening and retuning to improve driving precision and ride comfort. Other highlights include a unique grille, rear-deck spoiler, sport-tuned suspension, 19- or optional 20-inch wheels, leather-coated interior, 10-way adjustable front seat and push-button start. Interior highlights include a Mustang-inspired dashboard and control-panel layout that smoothly flows into a sizable floor console.

Consider the SHO as your four-door Mustang, but if you’d rather the two-door variety, you can always go for the real thing. The Mustang now appears more muscular while maintaining its 1965-meets-2010 profile. The restyling includes a new nose, rear clip with sequential tri-light taillamps and a “power dome” hood that broadly suggests there’s muscle aplenty residing beneath the front fenders.