What Happens When You Put The 2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport In ‘Sport Mode’

At this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit back in January, Ford introduced the world to its answer to calls for a performance-oriented Fusion ST sedan: the 2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport.

We guess that’ll do, Ford. Close enough.

Since then, we haven’t heard much about the new Fusion V6 Sport – just that it ships with a 325-horsepower, 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, Ford’s “Intelligent AWD” system, and continuously-controlled dampers that can even help the car sort of “glide” over potholes. But a new release from Ford Motor Company goes into some detail with regard to the new Fusion’s aptly-named “Sport” driving mode, which transforms numerous attributes to maximize performance and satisfaction – much like the Focus RS’ “Drift” mode, only with fewer police sirens.

With a simple twist of the 2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport’s rotary gear-select knob, says Ford, the driver can put the car into Sport mode, which results in seven instantaneous changes:

• The electronic throttle programming is altered to provide better response.
• Noise-cancellation in the cabin is dialed-back to let the driver enjoy the engine noise.
• The Adaptive Steering System tuning is changed to provide “clean, intuitive feel.
• Wheel-mounted paddle shifters become fully active, allowing complete manual control of the transmission.
• The continuously-controlled dampers stiffen, enabling more responsive handling with less body-roll.
• The tuning of the transmission is completely transformed to hold gears longer and keep from shifting during cornering. In manual mode, downshifts are automatically rev-matched under braking for optimal smoothness, and gears are held when the throttle isn’t depressed, resulting in more engine-braking force.
• A “Sport” mode icon is present on the dash cluster.

The 2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport is available now, with pricing starting at $34,350 including destination.