Ford unveiled the new 2017 Ford Fusion at the NAIAS and if the exterior is still the familiar, British-inspired design we have come to know and love, what the manufacturer is really excited about is the new lump under the hood. Ford refers to this as the smartest Fusion yet thanks to a new V6 powertrain and new technology-packed hybrid.

The biggest news has to be the return of a V6 engine. The four-cylinder EcoBoost supremacy at Ford’s seems to have met its limits, and as of 2017, consumers will have a choice between three EcoBoost engines, including a 2.7L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, rated at a projected 325 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. That should hopefully strengthen the position of the Fusion in the mid-size sedan category, going up against the Camries and Accords of this world. The Fusion V6 Sport will also be available with all-wheel drive as well as real-time suspension tuning based on the road conditions. This system will even feature pothole detection technology that adjusts the setup of the shock absorbers to help reduce the impact of the lunar craters on the car’s occupants.

Ford also added a new metal-inspired trim level called Platinum for those who didn’t have enough with the Titanium version. The manufacturer promises a higher level of refinement focused on the interior experience equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost. What that means is that it’s going to be extra fancy, in case super fancy doesn’t cut it for you. You can count on antiqued Cocoa and Venetian leather inserts, a unique front grille and 19-inch wheels to complete the look.

That makes for five available versions of the Ford Fusion, including three EcoBoost engines and of course, the two electrified versions, the Hybrid and Energi. The Fusion will be the first Ford available with pedestrian detection technology as well as a new gear shift dial à la Land Rover. Both hybrid Ford Fusion hybrid also features the EcoGuide, a system that provides real-time coaching for an improved fuel economy.

For the NAIAS, the new 2017 Fusion shared the stage with the new Ford F-150 Raptor as well as with Ford’s new loyalty program called FordPass that will launch in April. The 2017 Ford Fusion will be available during the summer and the V6 Sport will follow a few weeks later.

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