Ford launched it’s second generation 2013 Fusion range at the Detroit Motor Show in January, a range that has all the style of an Aston Martin but at a fraction of the price. During the NASCAR media week Ford gave the world a preview of their challenger for the 2013 NASCAR season which looks very much closer match to the 2013 road cars than does any of the recent COT (Car Of Tomorrow) NASCAR vehicles.

Right from the start of the new 2013 Fusion NASCAR project Ford Racing Director is quoted as saying “We wanted Fusion to be the car that helped return ‘stock car’ to NASCAR.” Above a clay scale model is still the starting point for translating all new concepts into working vehicles.

Allison observed that “…there is just something natural about seeing race cars that look like cars in (fans) driveways.” Once complete the scale model is then 3D scanned and translated into full size contour drawings.

The 2013 Fusion program is a strong nod back to the ‘Strictly Stock’ roots upon which Bill France built the NASCAR name. From the contour drawings a full size scale clay mock up is produced.

Ford Design Centre staff led by Garen Nicoghosian and aerodynamicist Bernie Marcus spent a year on the design and development of the 2013 Fusion Cup Car.

The design team had three objectives, to make sure the overall proportions of the car matched the road going Fusion, to make sure the brand and design cues were visible from the side profile and to give the front end instantly identifiable as a Ford, with the distinctive road going 2013 Fusion grill.

This is the third time that Ford have launched a new model simultaneously with it’s NASCAR variant the first was in 1968 when the fast back Torino was launched and the second in 2006 when the first generation Fusion was launched.

With it’s unquestionably aggressive stance the 2013 Cup Fusion as Nicoghosian suggests “exudes performance” and “reflects the nimbleness, agility and eagerness of the 2013 Fusion production range.

Ford will be hoping history repeats it’s self after the launch of Fastback Torino David Pearson took back to back Cup championships, then known as the Grand National Championshps, in 1968 and 1969.

All photo’s courtesy Ford Motor Company.

Thanks for joining me on this ‘Fan Re Engagement’ edition of ‘Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres’, I hope you will join me again tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !

PS Last May I posted a blog about Lexie’s Challenge, I’m thrilled to hear that Lexie’s Challenge raised US$ 2372 worth of gift cards for the children’s group homes supported by the Kyle Busch Foundation. I am sure you will want to join me in congratulating Lexie on her tremendous achievement.

For 2012 Lexie is upping the stakes by donating US$ 18 for every cup win Kyle Busch records AND US$ 5 for every victory a Kyle Busch Motorsports car records regardless of driver or series. For further details see this Lexie’s drive for kids link and join the challenge !