There’s plenty to love about a performance sedan. And one of them is its ability to transform from mild-mannered family transport to full-on performance machine – often at the push of a button, as in the new 2017 Ford Fusion Sport.

In developing the new 325-horsepower Fusion Sport, Ford installed a new rotary gear shift dial, complete with a sport button at its center. Push it and the vehicle transforms seven key dynamics.

The dampers stiffen up to increase responsiveness and minimize body roll. The active noise cancellation system lets more of the engine note into the cabin. The steering tightens up. The transmission holds lower gears and matches revs on the downshift. The throttle livens up for more immediate response. The paddle shifters activate to allow for individual gear selection on the fly. And the change in demeanor is indicated in the instrument cluster.

The sum total is of a more vehicle more focused (if you’ll pardon the mixup in model designation) on performance. With its 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 pumping out 325 horses and 380 lb-ft of torque, the Fusion Sport promises to keep pace with fancier sports sedans imported from overseas far pricier than the Ford that could be the ultimate sleeper on the market today.

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