Potholes are one of the major unavoidable hazards of the road. Not only do they cause uncomfortably jarring impacts, they are also costly. Potholes cost drivers in the United States nearly $3 billion a year, according to AAA, with individuals paying more than $300 sometimes. While road and traffic conditions may sometimes make pothole impacts unavoidable, Ford has developed a new technology that can soften their blow on your car and your wallet.
The severity of a pothole impact is dependent on how far the wheel falls into it. The upcoming Fusion V6 Sport features an innovative pothole mitigation technology that addresses this problem. Onboard computers receiving signals from 12 high-resolution cameras. When a pothole is detected, they immediately adjust the dampers to their stiffest setting, limiting how deep the wheel can fall, and lessening its impact with the other side of the hole.
“The new Fusion V6 Sport substantially reduces the harsh impact potholes often deliver,” says Jason Michener, Ford continuously controlled damping engineering expert. “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. It was long hours of not very pleasant work, but the results are well worth it.”
The all-new Fusion V6 Sport begins rolling into dealerships this summer.
The 2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport Can Detect and Protect Against Potholes - https://t.co/DYyhbNyda3 pic.twitter.com/EfVZVV1c4H
— AutoGuide.com (@AutoGuide) February 18, 2016