The Demo Site

Alongside a lineup of refreshed Ford Fusions and Mercury Milans, the Blue Oval has revealed details on the hybrid versions of the mid-size pair.

The hybrid system is similar to that used in the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrids—which themselves use licensed technology from Toyota—although some significant improvements have been made. The gas-powered side of the equation is the same 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder, which produces 155 hp and 136 lb-ft of torque on its own. Several packaging improvements have been made, most notable being a revised nickel-metal-hydride battery that takes up 30 percent less space while also providing 20 percent more power. The cars' regenerative brakes, a staple technology for hybrids, are said to reclaim up to 94 percent of available kinetic energy.

These new hybrids also claim to reach up to 47 mph using electric power alone, which is pretty unbelievable; most hybrids on sale today, including Toyota's Prius, cap EV-mode speed at 25 mph or so. What's more, Ford expects the new hybrids to beat the Toyota Camry hybrid by 5 mpg in the city, while also bettering its highway numbers. (The Camry hybrid is rated at 33 city and 34 highway.) All of this fuel aversion will allow a 700-mile city range for the hybrid duo, says Ford.

Keep Reading: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid / Mercury Milan Hybrid - Car News