Meet The Innovative Ford Fusion That Weighs Less Than A Fiesta

One of the biggest enemies car makers face when designing new models is weight, especially considering how much motors have grown over the years. Extra weight not only stunts acceleration, it also results in cars that guzzle fuel and cause more pollution, which isn’t ideal in times of tightening emissions regulations and rocketing fuel prices.

That’s why this Ford Fusion concept is particularly interesting. Colourful cutaway diagram paintwork aside, it looks like any old Fusion (better known as the Mondeo on these shores), but changes under the skin have left it an incredible 23 per cent lighter than the regular production car.

In total, a massive 363kg has been shed, giving the concept a low weight of 1195kg; around that of a Ford Fiesta.

Weight-saving components in the concept include carbonfibre wheels, a polycarbonate rear window, composite springs and aluminium brake discs. It’s powered by a 1.0-litre Ecoboost engine, which has itself been on a diet. The con-rods are now aluminium, while the oil pan and cam carrier are made out of carbonfibre.

Many of these weight-saving measures aren’t yet feasable for high volume production; the cost of materials such as carbonfibre being one of the biggest hurdles. However, this Fusion concept gives us a good idea of how manufacturers will be bringing us lighter cars in the future.