Ford’s latest facelift of the Fusion won’t be limited to just a nip and tuck, as the Michigan-based company will be offering the first ever pothole mitigation system.
While it’s impossible to miss all potholes, Ford engineers have developed an advanced computer-controlled shock absorber system for the facelifted MY17 Fusion V6 Sport, which significantly reduces that unpleasant feeling one gets when driving down a pothole-riddled road.
“The new Fusion V6 Sport substantially reduces the harsh impact potholes often deliver,” says Jason Michener, Ford continuously controlled damping engineering expert. “Our new pothole mitigation technology works by actually detecting potholes and ‘catching’ the car’s wheel before it has a chance to drop all the way into the pothole.”
The Ford Fusion is the first D-segment sedan to offer this technology, which is absent on the Honda Accord or the Toyota Camry.
Onboard computers analyze multiple signals collected from 12 high-resolution sensors – adjusting the dampers every two milliseconds for the best vehicle response in every situation. When the edge of a pothole is detected, the car’s computer adjusts the dampers faster than the blink of an eye to their stiffest settings so the wheel doesn’t fall as far into the pothole. Because the tire and wheel don’t drop as far, they don’t strike the opposite side of the pothole as harshly. The rear suspension can respond even faster, with a signal from the front wheel providing a pre-warning to the rear wheel well before it reaches the pothole.
“We tested and tuned this system by driving over countless potholes – subjecting Fusion V6 Sport to the brutal, square-edged potholes of our Romeo Proving Grounds to finesse the software,” said Michener. “It was long hours of not very pleasant work, but the results are well worth it.”
This new system promises an exciting drive, yet at the same time offering a smooth ride. Suspension tuning can be changed at the push of a button – normal mode balances comfort and handling for daily driving, while sport mode’s increased overall damping rates allow the car to respond quicker to driver input and to corner flatter for more spirited driving.
Ford said that the new Fusion Sport will arrive at dealerships in summer.
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