Shame, all this financial doom and gloom stuff lately. It's depressing, sure--but it also takes away from some of the great new stuff our automakers are planning to bring to market.

Example?
Ford's latest hybrid--the Fusion. Powered by a newly hybridized version of the automaker's latest 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, Ford engineers are saying that it will be the most fuel-efficient mid-sized sedan in America--with at least a 6-mpg advantage over its key competitor, the Camry Hybrid. That's ambitious, if nothing else.

The Ford Fusion will be the most fuel-efficient mid-sized sedan in America.

This 'green' Fusion uses a drive system similar to the one found in the company's Escape Hybrid. Enhancements have been made to the engine itself to improve mileage--a goal furthered by extensive compacting and light-weightening of numerous components like the batteries and transformer.

Aside from capitalizing on the latest available technology, Fusion Hybrid also capitalizes on a redesign of the popular four-door that sees it fitted with updated styling and platform elements that truly carry the model's revolutionary looks to the next level.

With chrome, a domed hood and various sporty accents, it's a real candidate for America's best-looking sedan--hybrid or otherwise. Take a look at the photos--especially from the front. One glance will make you appreciate the efforts to keep this model on the cutting edge, where it was launched back in 2006.

In addition to the all-Ford hybrid powertrain, the next Fusion will be available with an updated four- and six-cylinder line-up (including both 3.0 - and 3.5-litre units with manual mode shifting and available all-wheel drive). Each engine is available or standard with a six-speed automatic, while the four-cylinder can be paired with a six-speed stick. Fusion Hybrid makes due with a revised Continually Variable Transmission or CVT.

The Fusion is powered by a newly hybridized version of the automaker's latest 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine.