Two of the most popular vehicles at the annual SEMA tuning fest are Ford Motor Company’s [NYSE:F] F-150 and Mustang, in the respective pickup truck and sporty car categories.

At the 2016 SEMA show, which runs from November 1-4, we might be able to add another Ford to that list, the Fusion. That’s because the Fusion has just spawned the high-performance Fusion Sport for the 2017 model year.

The car is a twin-turbocharged, all-wheel-drive  sport sedan with a reasonable price tag. In other words, it’s the ideal blank canvas for mad modders looking to move from the sports car scene to something with practicality thrown in.   

Ford has previewed two Fusion Sports that it will have on its stand at this year’s SEMA. The first is from Legacy Innovations and features some mild mods that should improve on the performance of the car in a balanced manner. The twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 engine is untouched, though it breathes a little easier thanks to a K&N cold air intake and MagnaFlow exhaust system.

2017 Ford Fusion Sport Ballistic by Webasto Thermo & Comfort North America, 2016 SEMA show

2017 Ford Fusion Sport Ballistic by Webasto Thermo & Comfort North America, 2016 SEMA show

The chassis was also tweaked with BC coilover suspension and Baer brakes. Those wheels, by the way, are a set of 20-inch Forgestar F14s wrapped in Toyo Proxes T1 Sport tires. The car also benefits from some subtle aero elements as well as a carbon fiber hood.   

The second Fusion Sport that’s been previewed has been built by Webasto Thermo & Comfort North America. Its engine has been left mostly untouched although there are some new elements such as an engine preheater system, ECU tune and MRT Performance exhaust system. There’s also a feature to improve throttle response from JMS PedalMAX.

Chassis mods include H&R Performance suspension and 20-in Modulare Forged B33 wheels wrapped in the same Toyo tires as the Legacy Fusion Sport.  A final upgrade worth mentioning is the Kevlar aero elements, such as the front splitter and side sills.

For more SEMA coverage, head to our dedicated hub.