2017 Ford Fusion Gets New Look, Gains 325 HP Sport Model
Ford just unveiled its refreshed 2017 Fusion at the Detroit Auto Show, and the family sedan is sure to keep the pressure on its rivals.
And the big news here is the addition of a V6 Sport model. This variant features a 2.7-liter EcoBoost unit, a powerplant that’s used to great effect in vehicles like the F-150 and Lincoln MKX. In this application, it delivers a stout 325 horsepower and a whopping 350 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is standard, making this updated Fusion sort of a budget Audi S4, an S-Ford if you will.
Further burnishing the sport model’s performance credentials, it features continuously controlled damping, which rapidly adjusts the shock absorbers while driving for improved handling without sacrificing ride quality.
SEE ALSO: 2016 Detroit Auto Show Coverage
But this 2017 refresh isn’t just about performance. For drivers who care about mother earth, the Blue Oval still offers two electrified versions of this family-friendly sedan. Once again, there’s a Hybrid model and the Enegri plug-in. Both feature updated software for better drivability and even greater fuel economy. The latter of these two cars features a 7.6 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack that provides a maximum electric-only driving range of 19 miles. Once that’s been depleted, an efficient gasoline engine kicks in.
As for other technology, the 2017 Fusion is the first Ford in North America to feature pedestrian detection. It also benefits from hands-free parking and the firm’s latest SYNC 3 infotainment system.
For a touch of luxury, Platinum models are dressed up with a swanky cabin. They gain antique-finished leather, 19-inch wheels and a unique grille finish.
The 2017 Ford Fusion is scheduled to go on sale this summer. The super-sexy-sport model will follow a few weeks later; it probably takes a little extra time to corral all those extra horses. Pricing information has not been made available at this time.
Discuss this story at our Ford Fusion Forum
Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
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My God! FORD is killin it lately!
Will be interesting to see how the AWD is set up - suspect it will be FWD until the sensors think AWD is need, but very cool. Read elsewhere that these will start at @$34k, that is not bad for this much midsize sedan.