Since the old days of racing where actual production model cars were taken and modified for the track, NASCAR has remained one of the most popular spectator sports in America. Perhaps this is because the average auto enthusiast gets a thrill out of seeing vehicles that look like their own, tear up the raceway. Building upon this innate desire, Ford has created a 2013 Ford Fusion NASCAR Sprint Cup car that will further bridge the gap between road car and race car...at least in appearance that is.

Jamie Allison, Director of Ford Racing, notes, "I think fans, when they see the car, are just going to smile and cheer...there is just something natural about seeing race cars that look like cars in their driveways."¹ Not only does the NASCAR variant bear resemblance to its domestic twin but the new Fusion racer's unveiling also parallels that of the revamped 2013 Ford Fusion production model. The latest installment of the consumer-oriented Ford Fusion was revealed recently at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Capturing the interest of production-model Ford lovers isn't the only reason the automaker decided to redesign its 2013 Fusion NASCAR offering. Another motivation behind the move comes from increasing brand identity from the road to the track. In a recent Ford statement, company officials explained that the new Ford Fusion racecar will "signify a major return to auto manufacturer identity in the sport."²

The new Ford Fusion NASCAR Sprint Cup car has a long year of testing before it's ready to hit the racetrack at Daytona in February 2013. However, Jerry's Ford in Alexandria is pleased to announce that the production model 2013 Ford Fusion is slated to arrive at 6510 Little River Turnpike Alexandria, VA 22312 by mid- to late-2012. It will be joined by a handful of other new Ford vehicles as well, so be sure to stay tuned to our Ford blog for updates.

 

Sources:

  ¹http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/ford-reveals-fresh-new-face-for-its-2013-fusion-nascar-racer/
  ²http://www.insideline.com/ford/fusion/2013/ford-to-debut-2013-nascar-fusion.html