Hot Fusion

Ford reveals a new Fusion lineup, including a 325-horsepower Sport model

By Steve Turner
Photos courtesy of Ford Motor Company

Today in the Motor City Ford takes the wraps off the latest Fusion at the North American International Auto Show.Â Its model lineup includes models designed for economy, luxury and performance. While the latter is definitely the one that piques our interest, all the versions of the new mid-size sedan are packed with features and technology.

The new Fusion is the first Ford in North America to feature a pedestrian-detection system. That black grille is specific to the Sport model.

Customer options will include two Hybridsâ€”traditional and plug-inâ€”designed to save fuel, a high-end Platinum model, and a Sport model featuring some intriguing performance features, including an active suspension…

â€œFusion offers people a lot more carâ€”including helpful technology, beautiful design and a more rewarding driving experience than other midsize sedans,â€ said Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president and chief technical officer, Global Product Development.

Thanks to the quick adjustments offered by its active suspension, the Fusion Sport benefits from pothole detection that will reduce the impact of a road crater felt by the driver and passengers.

The aforementioned Sport model is equipped with the potent, 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine, which employs twin-turbos to deliver 325 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque to its all-wheel drive system.

Perhaps even more interesting is the Fusion Sport is equipped with an active suspension system that offers continuous tuning changes based on its settings and road inputs. Said to make adjustments in the â€œblink of an eye,â€ this system sounds quite similar to active suspension offered on the Shelby GT350 and we canâ€™t wait to learn more about it and experience it from behind the wheel.

The 2017 Fusion Sport features a unique rear spoiler and a unique dual exhaust with twin tips, as well as 19-inch wheels with summer tires.

The new Fusion will hit dealer lots in the summer. You will have to wait a few extra weeks for the Sport model to arrive, but if a performance sedan is in your future it sounds like itâ€™s worth the wait.