American families fell in love with the Ford Taurus during the mid ‘80s, but performance enthusiasts became childlike over the Taurus SHO when it was introduced in 1989.
After “the rounding” in 1996, there was even a SHO powered by a Yamaha V8. Then, the Taurus became the darling of rental fleets with no fun to be had. All that began to change when the 2010 Taurus recently debuted on the Volvo large car platform. Now, Ford takes its SHO on the road.
“The new Taurus SHO delivers on the authentic sleeper sedan formula but adds all-new luxury appointments, convenience features and technologies to an unsurpassed balance of power and fuel economy,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “This new sport derivative answers enthusiasts’ calls for a premium Ford flagship sedan with even more attitude.”
Having debuted during January’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the paint is hardly dry on early production units of the next-generation Taurus. With a European chassis to match its dashing Euro looks, the new Taurus should be a major hit for Ford. But, that’s only where the goodness begins.
The new SHO will come with a twin-turbocharged “Ecoboost” 3.5-litre V6 that generates a whopping 365 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 350 lb.-ft. of torque at a relatively low 3,500 rpm. All of that power going just to the front wheels would be a nightmare, so Ford equipped the SHO with torque-sensing all-wheel-drive to even out the power delivery. A six-speed manumatic transmission, with steering wheel paddle shifters, gives drivers complete control. Fuel economy should come in around 25-MPG hwy.
With the exception of a subtle wing and 19” (or optional 20”) wheels, the SHO is a real sleeper. Your neighbors will hardly notice you bought the hottest Ford sedan available. The interior is upgraded with leather-trimmed seats with Miko suede inserts that are made from recycled soda bottles. A perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and sport gauges encourage enthusiasts to grip and go.
Suspension settings were also stepped up a few notches. Said Pete Reyes, Taurus chief engineer, “Taurus SHO suspension and steering have been sport-tuned to provide discriminating drivers with precise control, confident handling, communicative feedback and a compliant ride.”
As Ford’s flagship, engineers ensured it would come with all of the latest gadgetry. Push button starting, capless fuel filling, Bluetooth cell phone connectivity, and reversing camera are but a start. The SHO is also equipped with blind spot detectors (BLIS™ - ala Volvo), adaptive cruise control that monitors traffic ahead to adjust speed, and Collision Warning with brake assist. The latter detects stopping traffic ahead and will apply brakes if the driver does not take action.
With such style, power, and wizardry the Taurus SHO makes you want to return to 1968 and kick Galaxies into the next one! Unlike the older power brokers, the new SHO comes with the foundation to kick heels with the world’s best sport sedans while carrying four or five passengers in full-size comfort. Over 100,000 of the first two generations of SHOs were sold by 1999, and with a starting price of $37,995, we could see that many more. Competitors include the Pontiac G8, Chrysler 300C, and Nissan Maxima.
source: timesrecordnews
