For years, enthusiasts of the Ford Fusion have been crying to the American automaker for an ST model of the Fusion. For years, Ford didn’t acknowledge their cries until now.
Our spies have spotted a car that in all ways looks like an upgraded Fusion and since we have already seen the regular fusion it means there is a big chance that the mule we saw testing is the car we have been craving for. However, Ford is yet to confirm or deny that they have a Fusion ST in the pipeline.
What further makes us believe there is a new 2017 Ford Fusion ST coming is the fact that Ford has promised to deliver a number of new performance vehicles by the year 2020 and we believe the ST is one of the first to be released.
2017 Ford Fusion ST Exterior
The model we saw testing was under heavy camouflage more so on the important areas. But based on the upgraded model of the Ford Fusion, the high-performance ST will be distinguished by a small trunk mounted rear spoiler as well as a 4- tail-piped sporty exhaust system. The 4-door sedan will also ride on 5-spoke probably 19-inch alloy wheels. Its brake calipers and rotors also seem different from the regular Fusion.
The front fascia was under heavy camouflage but will likely feature a honeycomb grille with an ST badge on the middle. The grille will be flanked by redesigned LED headlights. Overall, the vehicle will be more aerodynamic and sporty so as to honor the ST badge which Ford places on its high-performing models.
2017 Ford Fusion ST Spy Photo
2017 Ford Fusion ST Interior
We have no official information or spy shots of the interior of the Fusion ST at the moment. However, we believe that the interior styling will borrow much from the standard Ford Fusion.
To show respect to the ST badging, we believe the vehicle will feature additional tweaks such as a unique instrument’s cluster, Recaro front sports seats and a sportier steering wheel. The interior will accommodate five passengers including the driver. More features will follow up later as the vehicle nears production so keep checking back for updates.
Engine Specs
As of this writing, there has been no official communication about the 2017 Ford Fusion ST drive-trains. However, according to rumors going around, the automaker will either hook the Fusion ST with a 2.3 L EcoBoost engine that produces 445 hp and 324 lb-ft of torque or a 2.7 L EcoBoost V6 unit good for 325 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque. Whichever engine the automaker goes with, it will be paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission system. Power will be transferred to all wheels.
Price and release date
It is still early days to talk about the 2017 Ford Fusion ST price or release date but one thing is sure though, the Fusion ST will be more expensive than the standard Fusion models. The ST will likely have a starting price in the $ 30,000 range. The model will likely be availed to dealerships in the second half of 2016.
Competition
Right now, the US automobile market doesn’t have a mid-size performance sedan. The likes of 2016 Mazda 6, 2016 Chevrolet Malibu or the 2016 Honda Accord all lack the power to compete with the 300 hp Fusion ST. However, the 2016 Chrysler 200S is the only mid-sized sedan that comes close.
