cars news 10: 2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport Features Pothole Detection System

The advanced computer-controlled shock absorber system on the all-new 2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport will help make potholes less jarring, according to the automaker. Ford says the new continuously controlled damping and pothole mitigation technology is class-exclusive in the Fusion Sport.

“The new Fusion V6 Sport substantially reduces the harsh impact potholes often deliver,” says Jason Michener, Ford continuously controlled damping engineering expert, in a release. “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.”

Also known as continuously controlled damping, the advanced computer-controlled shock absorber system is standard on the 2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport. Pothole damage in the U.S. costs drivers about $3 billion per year, according to AAA.

“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.”

2017 Ford Fusion Sport front three quarters

2017 Ford Fusion Sport rear three quarters

With information collected from 12 high-res sensors, the continuously controlled damping system’s onboard computers adjust the dampers every two milliseconds for the best ride and handling. The system prevents the wheel from falling all the way into the pothole, which reduces how hard the wheel strikes the opposite side of the pothole. With info from the front wheels, the rear wheels on the 2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport can respond even faster to the rough road.

In addition to enhancing the ride quality and preventing vehicle repairs, the new continuously controlled damping system provides a smoother ride and better handling for the mid-size family sedan. The Fusion V6 Sport sedan’s suspension also offers Normal and Sport modes so drivers can switch between ride comfort and flatter cornering. This isn’t the first pothole system we’ve heard about. Jaguar Land Rover recently announced it was developing a system that can automatically steer around potholes once detected, and Google patented a system that can relay pothole data to other cars.

Power for the 2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport comes from the automaker’s twin-turbo 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 that will make around 325 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels via a standard all-wheel-drive system.

Source: Ford