Potholes are no fun. Not only are they uncomfortable, they can also cause costly damage to your vehicles. Worst of all, sometimes they are unavoidable. Fortunately, Ford has figured out a way to lessen the impact of these jarring nuisances.
Earlier this year, Ford issued a press release announcing a computer-controlled shock absorber system exclusively for the upcoming Fusion V6 Sport. Included as a standard feature, the system uses 12 high-resolution sensors to continuously analyze road conditions. When the edge of a pothole is detected, dampers are adjusted to their stiffest setting almost instantaneously. The prevents the wheel from falling too far into the hole, thus lessening the impact with the other side.
“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,” said Michener. “It was long hours of not very pleasant work, but the results are well worth it.”