The 2014 Ford Fusion will be upgraded to a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder EcoBoost engine, according to reports.

The rumor comes from a member of "Blue Oval Forums," who claims to have obtained the ordering guide for the vehicle. It is said that the engine will be introduced with late availability.

Though no output numbers were indicated for the North American version of the 2014 Ford Fusion, Ford has stated that in China the three-cylinder engine will produce 177hp at 6,000 rpm with a peak torque of 177 lb-ft from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm.

The engines currently available for the Ford Fusion in the United Sates include a 240hp 2.0-liter turbo'd four (EcoBoost), a 141hp 2.0-liter hybrid powerplant in both regular and plug-in versions, a 175hp 2.5-liter inline-four and a 178hp 1.6-liter turbo'd inline-four (EcoBoost).

This raises the question as to why Ford would want three engines to produce about the same output. The answer may be that the new three-cylinder engine will come with Stop-Start and an automatic transmission. In contrast, the 1.6-liter engine is losing both the Stop-Start system and the auto gearbox.

The report from "Blue Oval Forums" also states that the 2014 Ford Fusion will come in two new colors, Dark Side and Sunset. Gingerale and Bordeaux Reserve colors will be eliminated. Other changes include cooled seats, summer tire options for certain models and an optional heated steering wheel.

The 1.5-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine was recently included in the Ford Mondeo in China. The engine will make an appearance in the Mexican Fiesta later in the year, and could come to Transit Connect and Escape models as well.