Ford Releases Pothole-Skipping Technology

2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport (Credit: Ford)

Anyone who lives where the winters are harsh understands just how big of a problem potholes can be. Fortunately, Ford engineers are among them. They’re created a pot-hole skipping technology for the new 2017 Fusion V6 Sport that will make driving down the road a much more pleasant experience.

Basically, a series of sensors detect when a wheel is about to hit a pothole. The suspension stiffens up enough so the wheel doesn’t fall down into the road damage, avoiding the whole jarring impact that makes you wonder if a visit to the chiropractor is in order. Then as the back wheel on the same side nears the pothole, the suspension at that corner stiffens as well.

When you think about it, this tech is pretty crazy. For one short moment, the Fusion is actually riding on three wheels. It also means you might not have to constantly be wiping up messes in the cupholders.

Pothole damage is actually pretty costly. AAA says it racks up about $3 billion in vehicle damage in the United States each year, which is a crazy amount. The organization has also found that the average repair bill for damage caused by potholes is about $300.

Even if you don’t live where potholes are common, this feature will be of use. Thanks to the dampers adjusting to road conditions every two milliseconds, drivers get to enjoy a more responsive ride, without the passengers suffering for it. When the Fusion V6 Sport comes out, owners will be able to push a button to change the suspension from normal to sport mode, increasing damping rates so the car can whip through turns better.

You have to hand it to Ford’s engineers: they’ve come up with a solution to one of the most vexing problems on the road. Next, they hopefully will come up with a solution for tailgaters.