The 2017 Ford Fusion ushers in a new era of heavy horsepower and torque. Enthusiasts no longer have to dish out absurd premiums to feel the true adrenaline of driving a high performance car. Chevrolet Corvettes and Porsche 911s have a new alternative - the Fusion Sport with a 2.7L V6 engine, boasting 325 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. Yes, you read that right.

The Fusion's twin turbocharged V6 engine will deliver more horsepower and torque than a BMW 340i, let alone its mainstream competitors: Toyota Camry SE, Hyundai Sonata, and Kia Optima. The Fusion Sport blows them straight out of the water. The 2017 model pairs a 6-speed automatic transmission with a standard all-wheel-drive system, which might just mean it can go from 0 to 60 in under 5 seconds.

All of that is great. Really, great. But what impresses us even more is the Fusion's price. At just under $35,000 US, this 325 HP midsize sedan makes a mean performance bargain. And when you add in the optional navigation system, adaptive cruise control, vented seats, 19" wheels, and dual-zone climate control, you would still be under $40,000 US.

The reality is that the 2017 Fusion Sport is really going to stir things up for its mainstream and premium competitors. But more than that, it might become problematic for Ford. The logic is simple: would you buy the 400 HP Lincoln MKZ for $43,500 or the 325 HP for $35,000? If you're like most people, you would probably go with the second option. The Fusion is extremely affordable, and the performance sacrifice is minimal.

And finally, the 2.7L Fusion V6 is fuel efficient! Its 17 mpg in the city, and 26 mpg on the highway make its power output that much sweeter.