The automotive world is filled with debates about successors and spiritual replacements. This week, we tackle a burning question from a reader asking if the new 2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport can be considered a modern reincarnation of the legendary Ford Taurus SHO. Let’s dive deep into what makes the Fusion Sport tick and whether it captures the essence of the original SHO.
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Image: Front view of a blue 2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport showcasing its sporty grille and design, embodying a blend of performance and sophistication.
The Question: Ford Fusion Sport – A Throwback SHO?
Our reader, Ben, asks a question that resonates with many automotive enthusiasts:
Nathan. Is the new Ford Fusion Sport a replacement for the Ford Taurus SHO?
I remember how awesome and quick the first Taurus SHO was. All of the subsequent models were terrible.
Is Ford trying to fix their current SHO mistake with this Fusion Sport?
Ben
This is a fantastic question, Ben, and it gets to the heart of what many performance sedan enthusiasts are wondering. The original Ford Taurus SHO was a revelation, a genuinely quick and engaging sedan that defied expectations. Later SHO models, while powerful, arguably lost some of that initial magic. So, does the 2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport recapture that spirit?
A Beast Under the Hood: The 2.7-Liter EcoBoost V6
Ford has equipped the 2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport with a potent 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill V6; it’s a twin-turbocharged powerhouse delivering a robust 325 horsepower. That’s serious muscle for a mid-size sedan, placing it firmly in the performance category. This engine is designed to provide ample power across the rev range, ensuring brisk acceleration and confident highway cruising.
Coupled with this engine is an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, a significant departure from the front-wheel-drive configuration of the original SHO. AWD provides enhanced traction and stability, especially in varying weather conditions, making the 2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport a capable all-weather performer. This system helps put all 325 horses to the ground effectively, contributing to its impressive acceleration.
Ford didn’t stop at just the engine and AWD. They’ve also fitted a sport-tuned 6-speed automatic transmission specifically calibrated for the Fusion V6 Sport. This transmission is engineered for quicker shifts and a more engaging driving experience compared to the standard Fusion models. While a manual transmission isn’t offered, the 6-speed automatic is designed to be responsive and keep the engine in its sweet spot for optimal performance.
Further enhancing the sporty character is a beefy, sport-tuned suspension. This suspension setup is firmer than the standard Fusion, reducing body roll in corners and providing a more planted feel on the road. It’s designed to strike a balance between sporty handling and comfortable daily driving, making the 2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport enjoyable both on twisty roads and during commutes.
Performance Figures and the SHO Comparison
The original article mentions a weight estimate of 3,500 to 3,700 lbs for the 2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport. This weight, combined with the 325 horsepower engine and AWD, translates to impressive performance. While official 0-60 mph times vary slightly depending on testing conditions, expect the Fusion V6 Sport to be in the low 5-second range, making it genuinely quick for its class.
In comparison to the most recent Ford Taurus SHO, the 2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport is expected to be in the same ballpark in terms of acceleration. The last generation SHO was indeed “stupid fast,” as mentioned in the original article, but the Fusion Sport aims to deliver similar levels of performance in a more modern and arguably more refined package.
However, the driving experience is where the 2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport diverges from the original SHO. The original SHO was known for its raw, somewhat unpolished performance, with front-wheel drive and the option of a manual transmission contributing to a more visceral driving feel. The Fusion Sport, with its AWD and automatic transmission, offers a more buttoned-down and sophisticated experience.
The Spiritual Successor: Different Flavors of Performance
The original article rightly points out that the “raw, angry performance” of the original SHO with its Yamaha/Ford engine and front-wheel drive is a different beast compared to the 2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport. The Fusion Sport is more refined, more technologically advanced, and arguably more mature in its approach to performance.
If you’re seeking the direct spiritual successor in terms of raw, engaging performance, particularly with a manual transmission, the Ford Focus ST, as mentioned in the original article, is a closer match. The Focus ST offers a hatchback configuration and a more driver-focused experience, aligning more closely with the original SHO’s spirit in some respects.
However, to definitively answer Ben’s question: Is the 2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport a replacement for the Ford Taurus SHO? The answer is both yes and no.
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No, it’s not a direct replacement in terms of replicating the exact raw driving feel of the original SHO. The automotive landscape has evolved, and so has Ford’s approach to performance sedans.
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Yes, it is a spiritual successor in the sense that it offers a potent V6 engine, sporty handling, and a focus on performance within the Ford sedan lineup. It fills a similar niche as a performance-oriented sedan for enthusiasts who want something more practical than a sports car but still crave driving excitement.
The 2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport represents a modern interpretation of the performance sedan. It’s not trying to be a retro throwback to the SHO, but rather, it’s forging its own path as a capable, sophisticated, and genuinely quick sedan for today’s drivers. It offers a compelling blend of performance, technology, and everyday usability, making it a worthy contender in the sport sedan segment.
For those who fondly remember the original Ford Taurus SHO, the 2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport might not be a direct clone. However, it undoubtedly carries the torch of Ford performance sedans forward, offering a thrilling and modern driving experience in its own right.
