News Source: topspeed.com

Ford’ s Fusion  steps up its technology game for 2017. Inheriting the mainstream family-sedan mantle from the Taurus was no laughing matter for the Fusion, and when it debuted in 2006 it made its mark with impressive driving dynamics and a fresh new look for Ford. For 2017, the freshened second-generation Fusion retains its sport-sedan  leanings while broadening the lineup and introducing features more common to luxury cars  than family sedans.

It may not look like it at a glance, but there’s a lot going on with Ford’s bread-and-butter sedan. With three very distinct models, the Fusion seems to be heading down the same path that Ford’s endlessly-configurable F-Series  has followed. The Fusion Hybrid  and Fusion Energi  plug-in hybrid  offer maximum efficiency without sacrificing comfort or performance; the new Fusion Platinum has all of the high-tech toys including the new Ford SYNC 3 system, advanced self-parking features and pedestrian detection. To keep a foot in the performance game, the Fusion V6 Sport features a twin-turbo V6 that nudges BMW levels of performance.

Updated 01/11/2016: Ford unveiled the all-new 2017 Fusion at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show.

While the full extent of the changes being made to the 2017 Ford Fusion remain unknown, it’s obvious that, if nothing else, Ford’s mid-size sedan will be getting restyled at the front and rear. Up front, expect a more aggressive take on the Fusion’s signature styling, perhaps even carrying over some cues from the 2015 Ford Mustang  . Peering through the camouflage, we can see slight changes have been made to the headlights, grille and fascia. The rear end reveals new LED taillights with restyled lighting elements, and the fascia also gets a little nip and tuck.

Based on the a photo of the 2017 Fusion that reportedly leaked during a JP Morgan conference, the updated Fusion will sport a sharper hexagonal grille, slightly reshaped headlamps, and a redesigned bumper with chrome surrounds for the side vents and a new center air vent. There’s no word as to what interior changes are in store for the 2017 Ford Fusion, but at the minimum, Ford will surely introduce some updated cabin and/or driver assist technologies. Look for revised knobs and buttons on the center stack and the steering wheel, a rotary dial instead of the traditional gear shift lever, and the new SYNC 3 infotainment system. The drivetrain is another unknown for the 2017 Ford Fusion. It’s not likely Ford will get too crazy here, but it wouldn’t be a stretch to imagine some new additions to the engine or transmission offerings, whether a new EcoBoost engine, some sort of update to the hybrid/  plug-in hybrid  powertrains or a new transmission somehow factored into the mix. Whatever the changes are, pricing for the 2017 Ford Fusion should remain close to today’s numbers. The 2016 Ford  Fusion starts at $22,110, while the Fusion Hybrid and plug-in Fusion Energi are priced at $25,990 and $35,730, respectively. From what we can see so far, the changes made to the updated 2017 Ford Fusion won’t be a big departure from the current car, but it should be enough to keep the sedan fresh until a third-gen model comes along. Looking at the latest breed of mid-size sedans, including the 2016 Malibu, 2016 Optima and the 2015 Chrysler 200, it will be interesting to see how adventurous Ford gets with the restyled Fusion to keep it at the top of the class.