Introduced for the 2013 model year, the second-generation Fusion joined the smaller Focus and Fiesta in Ford's then-new "One-Ford" global strategy. Unlike its predecessor, the new Fusion was designed for both the American and European market, being launched as the Mondeo on the Old Continent. The second-gen sedan debuted several new driver assistance technologies and arrived in showrooms with a wide range of four-cylinder engines. For 2017, Ford introduced the Fusion Sport, a sportier version with a turbocharged V-6 engine under the hood.

Significantly more powerful than any Fusion before it, the Sport has received numerous aftermarket components for the 2016 SEMA Show. The project was designed by Legacy Innovations, a company known to modify, restore, and even build vehicles from scratch. The shop has won numerous awards in the past, including from presentations at past SEMA Shows. And, even though this Fusion isn't the kind of project that will blow you away, it's an interesting and somewhat exotic take on the midsize sedan.

Legacy Innovations' build is proof that the Fusion is as customizable as any sports car out there, missing only a proper beefed-up engine from Ford Racing or any other after market supplier. Check it out below.

Continue reading to learn more about the Ford Fusion Sport by Legacy Innovations.

2016 Ford Fusion Sport by Legacy Innovations

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Ford Fusion Sport by Legacy Innovations
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The Fusion Sport already has what it takes to stand out compared to the regular sedan, but Legacy Innovations took things up a notch by means of a revised aerodynamic kit and a special paint. The latter is a bright shade of blue created by BASF and dubbed Legacy Bay Effect. The body kit includes a series of aftermarket parts from various companies. There's a batch of unnamed "performance body components" from Driven by Style, a trunk lid spoiler and rear fascia upgrade from Extreme Dimensions, and Legacy Innovations' very own front splitter and vented, carbon-fiber engine hood. The front grille is also completely different than anything else you can get from Ford. The wheels come from Forgestar, measure 20 inches, and feature a multi-spoke design. The rims are finished in dark bronze and are wrapped in performance Toyo Proxes tires.

Interior

Note: Standard Ford Fusion interior shown here.

Interior modifications aren't as complex, but Legacy Innovations added Katzkin leather on all seats and a Kicker speaker system to upgrade the audio system. Being based on the Sport trim, the sedan also features premium floor mats, rear center armrest, two cup holders for the center console, Active Noise Control, leather-wrapped, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, rear A/C and heat vents, and Intelligent Access with Remote Start. The driver's seat is 10-way power adjustable and has two memory settings. Standard convenience features include AM/FM Stereo with CD player, SYNC, and a 4.2-inch configurable LCD display in the instrument cluster.

Drivetrain

The custom sedan is actually a standard Fusion Sport under the hood, but is far from being bad news, as the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine is the most powerful the Fusion has ever received as of 2017. The turbocharged unit packs 325 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, which travel to the wheels through an all-wheel drive system. It might not be as fuel efficient as other Fusions, but it's definitely the quickest, hitting 60 mph from a standing start in 5.2 seconds according to independent tests.

The sedan comes with the standard six-speed automatic transmission, but also includes a number of aftermarket upgrades. Notable tweaks include a MagnaFlow exhaust system, a K&N cold air kit, a BC coilover suspension, and a set of Baer brakes. There's no official word as to how the new exhaust and cold air kit improve the standard specs, but it's safe to assume that the Fusion Sport gained a few extra ponies and pound-feet. The sedan should be quicker too, most likely being able to hit 60 mph in five seconds flat.

Conclusion

Ever since Ford introduced the Fusion back in 2005 I thought it deserved a powerful, turbocharged engine. It took the company more than a decade to come up with one, but the Fusion Sport definitely checks all the right boxes with its 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6. However, there's still room for improvement and this is where Legacy Innovations comes in with this concept car, which proves that a few aftermarket mods can turn the midsize sedan into a performance vehicle.