Ford’s announcement that it would be bringing back the famed Taurus to be the flagship sedan of its lineup caught a lot of attention, especially after the incredible design specs and details were released. In its latest move, Ford has decided to resurrect the popular performance-tuned SHO model and release it to an eager public this summer.
Though production ceased in the late 90s, over 100,000 of the sport-tuned Taurus SHO’s were sold. The popularity of the SHO remains to this day in the form of online clubs and enthusiastic owners across the country. With the re-release of the model, Ford is poised to once again capture the excitement that the original generated years ago.
The exterior of Ford’s newest introduction is years ahead of its time. Sitting noticeably wide, the very stance of the SHO is commanding and impressive, framed by available exclusive 20-inch five-spoke painted luster nickel aluminum alloys, which support one of the most modern, refined bodies ever produced by the company. Up front, the signature blue oval sits proudly in a sea of powerful chrome while sliver-thin HID headlamps wrap around the front edge and paint the road an iridescent blue.
Lines are long and fluid and paint beautifully from front end to back. Subtle body-colored and chrome accents, as well as SHO badging, adorn the front and sides, creating a sense of elegance that exceeds that of the higher priced Euro import sedans. In the back, a rear spoiler tops a gently sloped rear end with wraparound taillights and split dual exhaust system. Though attractive and aggressive as the performance-inspired exterior may be, the SHO carefully maintains its pronounced standing as a luxury-sport sedan.
Beneath the hood, there is no such thing as luxury. Instead, the engine compartment is home to Ford’s exceptional EcoBoost™ engine. Ford’s most advanced engine to date, the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 generates a staggering 365 hp and 350 lb/ft of torque through an intuitive six-speed SelectShift™ automatic transmission that features manual-shifting through steering wheel-mounted paddleshifters. The V6’s advanced engineering and direct-injection technology actually give the engine more power and torque than competing V8s, but maintain the exceptional efficiency and fuel economy that Ford has designed into its entire lineup with up to 25 mpg highway for the SHO.
That engine is married to an equally advanced all-wheel drive system. Ford’s automatically engaging, torque-sensing system actively monitors wheel slippage and provides engine power to rear wheels as necessary, ensuring confident traction when and where you need it. A sport-tuned suspension system coupled with Ford’s AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control system provides elegantly smooth, impressively precise handling while an available Performance Package adds upgraded brakes and tires for unparalleled stopping power.
Ford’s MyKey™ keyless entry with push-button ignition opens up a world of exceptional luxury and unrivaled innovation. Truly, the new Taurus SHO is more advanced and refined than any previous Ford introduction. Massive seats outfitted in charcoal leather with Miko Suede inserts invite you into one of the most advanced and well-designed cabins on the road. The leather steering wheel, contrast stitching and aluminum accents brilliantly complement the premium materials used in the interior’s assembly and indicate an overwhelming sense of craftsmanship and care. Gauges and instruments are ultra-modern and intuitive, and the SHO’s center stack, consisting of available navigation system with real-time traffic, audio controls and climate control, is beautifully arranged and well within reach.
Innovation and convenience take many forms and start with the available BLIS® blind spot monitoring system, as well as the EasyFuel™ self-sealing capless fuel-filling system. The available 12-speaker 390-watt Sony surround-sound audio system provides unparalleled interior acoustics while Ford’s innovative SYNC® system provides voice-activated control over the SHO’s stereo, navigation and hands-free phone system. An integrated hard drive allows you to store up to 10GB of music in-dash.
Due to arrive this summer, the AWD, 365-hp 2010 Ford Taurus SHO features a starting MSRP of $37,995. Somewhere in Germany, a car manufacturer just got the chills.