The facelifted 2017 Ford Fusion has just been introduced at Detroit and alongside all the obligatory design changes, it includes a new performance-focused variant complete with all-wheel drive.

Starting with that new variant, it is dubbed the Fusion Sport and utilises a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It manages to pump out a total of 325 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque and as Ford is happy to point out, is more powerful than the BMW 340i. Power is transmitted through all four wheels but at this stage, no performance times have been announced.

Beyond its powerful engine, the Fusion Sport comes complete with continuously controlled damping and a pothole detection system which can adjust the shocks the instant the car hits a pot hole, to dramatically reduce the impact. Compared to other Fusion models, the Sport can be picked out due to its more menacing styling which includes enlarged air intakes, 19-inch wheels, a gloss black mesh grille, rear spoiler and quad exhaust pipes.

Elsewhere in the range is the Fusion Hybrid, Fusion Energi and Fusion Platinum, utilising the same powertrains as before. That means the Fusion Energy has a 7.6 kWh lithium-ion battery which offers a 19 mile range of all-electric power. It can then be used in conjunction with the 2.0-liter petrol engine for a range exceeding 500 miles.

On the technology side of things, Ford has installed the facelifted Fusion with its SYNC 3 infotainment system that includes voice recognition, a touchscreen display, improved performance and an easier-to-understand graphical interface.

The 2017 Ford Fusion has yet to be priced but will arrive at U.S. dealerships in the summer.

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