Ford is planning to introduce the next generation Fusion mid-size sedan with a smaller engine: the 1.6 liter EcoBoost. Along with EcoBoost technology, this engine will also feature turbocharging and direct-injection.

The 1.6 liter engine might sound a little too small for powering a mid-size sedan. However, this four-cylinder unit has an output comparable to a V6 unit, delivering somewhere around 180 horsepower. Another version of the EcoBoost engine will also be offered in the Fusion lineup. A 2.0 liter four cylinder EcoBoost engine will be available starting from the SEL trim level. This engine has already been introduced in the 2012 Focus and 2012 Edge. The power unit of the 2012 Edge delivers 247 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque.

As the demand for eco-friendly and fuel-efficient cars is growing in the market, the downsizing of the engines is an attempt on the automaker’s part to improve the fuel economy. However, Ford is not relying on only small engines to increase the fuel economy of the Fusion. The 2013 Fusion will feature advanced technologies such as a Start/Stop system. Another technology that is expected in the 2013 Fusion is the active grill technology that closes the front grill when the car passes a certain speed in order to reduce the drag coefficient and improve the aerodynamics of the car.

The 2013 Ford Fusion is expected to break cover at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2012.

via autoguide