Ford Unveil New Car for 2006

The Ford Fusion model will be used for both the Nextel Cup and Busch series and will make its debut at next season's Daytona 500.

The NASCAR Fusion will replace the Ford Taurus, which has captured three Nextel Cup championships and one Busch, and 100 Nextel Cup victories since it made its competition debut in 1998.

Ford submitted the Fusion to NASCAR officials several weeks ago, and is awaiting a final, on-track test before the car is officially certified for competition.

Dan Davis, Ford racing technology director said: "The Fusion production car represents a fresh, new attitude for Ford in the mid-size sedan line-up. This Fusion race car has the same bold look, and it represents an all-new era in our Ford NASCAR racing program.

"We've worked hand-in-hand with NASCAR on the development of this car, and we can't thank them enough for helping us bring the Fusion forward.

"Our guys did a terrific job of getting the NASCAR Fusion to where it needed to be, and we actually were ahead of schedule in getting it to NASCAR. The goal of any new car is to take the lessons learned from the previous model and, working within the NASCAR guidelines, bring forth a slightly better product.

"We're excited, and I know our teams are as well."