The 2008 Ford Fusion enters the arena with a huge advantage over its competitors – a price that is approximately $2,000 less, comparably equipped. Included with the package is optional all-wheel drive, an award winning engine option with six speed automatic transmission, flip and fold seating for versatility and the back-of-the-mind knowledge that you too could be Carl Edwards zooming around a NASCAR track.

The 2008 Fusion offers three choices of engines, giving the buyer a range of power, performance and perspective. First, the perspective comes from the fuel-efficient 160 horsepower Duratec four cylinder engine. When mated to a five-speed manual transmission, this car achieves 29 mpg highway with a range of 467 miles on a single tank of gas. A five-speed automatic is also available, while the power and performance can be had utilizing a 221 horsepower Duratec V6 which gets up and goes with a six speed automatic transmission.

Techies won’t feel left out as the Fusion features Ford’s new standard for in-vehicle communication. Ford SYNC, which was developed in connection with Microsoft, is a voice activated media system that integrates Fusion with most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and media players using simple voice commands. An audio jack is also available to plug in your iPod, while an ambient lighting option allows you to set the mood, from rockin’ to smooth, with seven different hues of eye-pleasing, color-changing illumination.

With safety being on the minds of many drivers nowadays, the Fusion doesn’t disappoint. Ford has done their engineering homework here, as this vehicle features an energy-absorbing safety cell for the passengers that channels crash forces away from occupants. Crumple zones, anti-lock brakes and six airbags continue the theme throughout.

Finally, the Fusion is the car that Ford racing teams utilize to base their “stock” car racing program on. A sport appearance package allows the inner-NASCAR in you to escape a bit, with an available tuned sport suspension, black-chrome grill, unique rear lip spoiler along with 18 inch, machined-aluminum wheels. Even exclusive colors are reserved for these select SE and SEL models.