Ford is making headlines again. This time two different Fords have made the Most Anticipated Cars of 2013 in Forbes Magazine.
This is the time of year consumers start seeing new model year vehicles rolling onto showroom floors. According to Forbes, the 2013 model year is shaping up to be better than most, with more than 30 all-new nameplates headed to showrooms and many existing models being reinvented.
With the average age of cars on the road being approximately 11 years, automakers are said to believe there’s an unprecedented level of pent-up demand. Over the years, many consumers have held off on buying a new vehicle due to job or economy issues or concerns. With the economy rebounding, credit terms easing and consumer confidence on the rise, the industry is picking up steam.
Some of the new things you will notice include: better gas mileage, a broader selection of hybrids and plug-in vehicles, as well as improvements in the fuel economy of traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. According to Forbes, you’ll see features like continuously variable transmissions, direct injection, variable valve timing and start-stop technology all help to make today’s cars go further on a tank of gas.
Some of the 2013 models offer a choice between an efficient gas engine or an electric powertrain. The 2013 Ford Fusion, for instance, has a choice of four-cylinder gas engines getting 33 to 37 mpg on the highway, but will also be available as a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid.
Forbes reports that many new models are outfitted with a lot of new safety features, from blind spot detection and lane departure warning systems to backup cameras and forward collision assist, which will hit the brakes if you don’t act quickly enough.
Many also offer media features that allow you to take your music and social life with you. Plus, a variety of in-car info and entertainment systems.
With so many new vehicles being introduced, Forbes culled a list of what they believe will be the most important 2013 models coming to the marketplace. Forbes‘ list is based on factors such as: breakthrough technologies, significant powertrain advances and, in some cases, the car’s importance to a company’s business model. Here are two Fords that made Forbes’ list of the Most Anticipated Cars of 2013.
2013 Ford Fusion
Likely price: $22,000 to $30,000
Ford aims to redefine the competitive mid-sized car segment with the Aston Martin-inspired look of the new Fusion sedan, available with gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The hybrid will get 47 mpg in the city; the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid will get the equivalent of at least 100 mpg.
2013 Ford C-Max hybrid
Starting price: $25,995
The C-Max is a compact utility van sold in Europe. In the U.S., it’ll be sold only as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid. The C-Max hybrid has a 570-mile driving range, and gets 47 mpg in both city and highway driving. The C-Max Energi, coming later this fall, can go more than 20 miles on electricity alone, and will have a total range of 550 miles. Features in both vehicles include a hands-free liftgate and panoramic sunroof.