The European Ford Fusion MPV certainly looks like what it is: a barebones commuter car. But that just means it’s a prime canvas for a sleeper build because nobody will suspect a thing. In fact, that’s exactly what Jack McNeill did, taking a cheap hatchback and transforming it into a performance machine worthy of the ST badge.
McNeill gutted the Ford Fusion MPV, and the first thing to go was the efficient – if not boring – engine, which delivered a measly 79 horsepower stock. To rectify the power issue, McNeill doubled the power by slapping a powerhouse lifted from a Ford Fiesta ST under the hood, handing 150 horsepower to the hatchback. That, in turn, halved the zero to 60 mph time – but there are a few hurdles to clear first. Like the fact that its exhaust system doesn’t exist.
They fit it with a full custom exhaust so that the Ford Fusion sounds good – and looks good, for anyone who might be peering at its undercarriage. They follow it up with a brand new rear beam that fits its vibe and purpose better, along with the subframe, and install crossbars to minimize chassis flex and improve performance where possible. They paint the calipers and other components bright red to give it a sporty look, following it up with drilled and slotted rotors.
Finally, with track-ready tires and refinished wheels installed, the Ford Fusion MPV build is sent to the alignment rack before it’s time to test it out. McNeill is thrilled with its progress and tears down the street, showing off its sound and handling. It’s responsive and eager.
“This is gonna be a track record,” McNeill says, grinning ear-to-ear. “I think it’s safe to say ‘mission successful.'”
Sleeper builds are always a hoot. Another YouTuber, Build It Yourself, rescued a wrecked Lincoln Continental and crammed a V-10 engine under the hood to turn it into a verifiable beast.
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