SHO Me: Ford Taurus SHO @ 2009 CAS

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It's been 20 years since the first Taurus SHO won over enthusiasts starved for an American performance sedan.

With a sassy-looking new Taurus launching for 2010, Ford thought it was time to revisit one of the bright spots in its recent sedan history and relaunch the high-performance version of the big four-door.

The good news: This new version does not have a dinner platter affixed to its trunk lid like the catfish-shape '96 SHO did. The bad news: Well, there's no manual transmission option as there was for the first two generations of the SHO.

But in place of the four-speed automatic that soiled the third-generation SHO, the 2010 model uses a sophisticated six-speed automatic, which can be shifted manually via steering column-mounted paddles and will even give a little goose to the throttle on downshifts.

This tranny is bolted to — wait for it — a twin-turbo, direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 that makes 365 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 350 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. The engine wears Ford's EcoBoost badge and is a slightly juiced version of the engine that will be available in the Lincoln MKS and MKT this year. Not coincidentally, one platform underpins all three vehicles (as well as the Ford Flex).

For the first time in the SHO's history, the 2010 model will come standard with all-wheel drive, the same Haldex system that will be optional on the standard Taurus. Ford expects this setup to deliver 25 mpg on the highway. Incidentally, the dual exhaust is a true dual, unlike the standard Taurus exhaust, which Ford refers to as "quasi-dual."

Naturally, Ford has toughened up the SHO's suspension with stiffer springs, stiffer antiroll bars and new shocks.

If that doesn't sound like enough performance for you, Ford will offer option 12S Performance package for about $995. The package brings upgraded brake pads, a more responsive tune for the electric power-assist steering, a Sport mode for the stability control system and a 3.16:1 final drive in place of the standard 2.77:1. The 12S package also brings Goodyear Eagle F1 summer tires mounted on painted 20-inch wheels.

The exterior getup is pretty restrained, as the SHO always has been. There's a small SHO badge just behind the rear side windows. Ford has also bolted on a trunk lid spoiler, of course. And the standard Taurus front grille gets a new finish. Inside the new Taurus are unique leather-covered sport seats with synthetic suede inserts made from recycled soda bottles. The SHO also has aluminum trim for the instrument and door panels.

Because the company considers this the flagship of the Ford brand, it's offered with all of the electronic goodies available, including keyless entry and push-button start, rearview camera, adaptive cruise control with collision warning and blind spot detection system.

At $37,995, the SHO will start at $6,000 more than the Taurus Limited model. It'll be in dealerships this summer.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• 2010
• Ford
• Taurus
• SHO
• 2009
• CAS
• Chicago
• Auto
• Show
• motor
• car
• Edmunds
• Inside
• Line
• performance
• SVT

[nosprings1]

I had a '91 SHO with the Yamaha V6 and the Mazda 5speed Transmission wow that car was fantastic. I only bought American cars for years. Once I sat down in a BMW 540i and hit the throttle it was all over for me. German cars ever since but I am willing to come back if Ford can make a car with the same build quality and performance as the Germans. So get to it FORD.

[fjcmetal]

well, the rear is based in Interceptor's...

I like it

[SecularTechnology]

@nosprings1

Your funny. BMW's have the WORST quality for luxury car manufactuerers. Support the country you live in.

[masterlee123]

is how much does a replacement engine cost? I think you going over the line with this one, but it's funny, heheh

[EatmyDust1311]

you wont, you should never, and you wont need to unless your an idiot, and judging by your comment, you are

[TheMjozeph91]

YES IT I S

[blueskysiii]

What's the PSI on the fuel rail of the ecoboost TT?

second Q is how often do you need to replace the fuel pump?

third Q is how long will the Turbos run before imploding, if you run low on coolant?

fourth Q is how much does a replacement engine cost?

[Jaydaguy]

TWIN TURBO??? 0_o?

[jeepman787]

most of it isnt true

its all opinionated

well any ways if i run into another one of your ford bashing opinionated rants ill point it out but i deleted all of your past replies so your SOL

sorry

[blueskysiii]

Again I will ask you to list any facts I've presented that are not true? For your information, the "original" SHO enthusiasts weren't teenagers. Teenagers back then were tinkering with hondas, becasue that was all they could afford. The old SHO enthusiast was the 25 year old guy that had a good (not great) job, and could buy a new car, IF it was priced right. I think that the internet makes all consumers smarter today, so trying to sell a pig as a goat, no longer works..Sorry Jeepman...

[jeepman787]

or you "talk smack" because you know what your saying doesnt make any sense and youre so lonely you crave that moment when some one like me corrects you and you count that as your socializing for the day

and for your original comment ford stepped up the class for the new SHO because they figure the old SHO enthusiasts arent teenagers anymore and want something more than a little go fast car

[blueskysiii]

I fish where the fish are biting...No sense talking smack on a video of a car that is nice....Ford is so pitiful that I sometimes DO feel guilty...NOT!