I don't like the guage pod at all! I like them in analog format.
im half in half out; I like them in a new age kinda way, but I hate that there is no analogue tach, and I hate that they basically copied Honda then one upped them with this design. But who knows, when I drive one I will see what I think about it.
I still don't understand why Ford won't put a manual in the V6 models...
well look at the press release... every engine is going to be offered with Ford's BEST 6 speed auto they have ever made. So lets think about that; the last generation fusion had 3 different transmission options a 5 speed auto, a 6 speed auto, or a 5 speed manual (for I4 model only).
Considering the fact that I have never in my lifetime seen a 5 speed manual I4 fusion shows that ford probably hasnt sold many of them... Kinda shows too, when I go on ebay and search the whole US for Fusions with 5 speed transaxels and only find 4 (out of 60). Also, offering more transmissions makes the cost of research and development go up, when the cost of building a car goes up that cost gets transposed to the customer, which means the cost of the car goes up. I personally like the idea of them offering thier best transmission on every engine, on previous models if you bought an I4 motor you got a garbage 4 speed auto or a slightly better 5 speed auto.
as much as I would love to see a V6 AWD 6 speed manual Fusion; its not going to happen any time soon. There is a lot of time and money in that kind of a project and the figures suggest that there really isnt a market for a manual gearbox in a fusion anymore.
Besides, the 6 speed auto trans that ford makes is brilliant! Lot of fun to thrash it around, and im getting to a point where I love driving stick, but when I have to run a bunch of errands and drive all over the state, it gets old; especially with traffic jams every time I drive up to visit my family, nothing like wearing out the clutch.
