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I think Ford (or any other company for that matter) needs a platform like the Fusion to work out the kinks in before transitioning into an ultra light Fiesta. The average consumer would freak if they saw a Fiesta marketed for $50k (they start around $14k real world). The fusion on the other hand is a much more refined vehicle and a better starting platform (not to mention a tricked out Fusion runs around $38k to begin with).
If Car companies can make this technology work (and become profitable) then that technology will trickle down and become cheaper as it does with all advancements.
What I dream about is a mid sized pickup that with these aluminum/carbon fiber technology with a small diesel. I know it wouldn't be any good for towing, because the tow vehicle would be so light relative to the pay load. But if it could haul 1,000 lbs in the box and tow 3,000 lbs and still get 50mpg unloaded...
Anyway, what I'm saying is a mid priced sedan is the perfect place to start. That puts it in the price range of the average middle class family (just barely), and puts a bunch of them on the road. As they get better at producing/tweaking the production, it will scale down and up the entire fleet roster. Imagine what a Fiesta or Chevy Spark would end up weighing...a very light and inexpensive .5L turbo would be adequate and return amazing MPG.
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