Ford Taurus and Ford Taurus SHO Pricing Details

Ford has yet to release an official press release with the 2010 Ford Taurus and Taurus SHO pricing details but we’ve done some digging and have found the prices on the SE, SEL, Limited and SHO models.

All 2010 Ford Taurus models are powered by a Duratec 3.5L V6 engine that produces 263-hp with a maximum torque of 249 lb-ft. The base level Taurus SE model will come with a standard 6-speed automatic transmission with prices starting at $25,170 (excluding taxes and registration fees). The 2010 Ford Taurus SEL and Limited models offer SelectShiftAutomatic with shift control paddles mounted on the steering wheel. Prices for the Taurus SEL and Limited models start at $27,170 and $31,710 respectively. All-wheel-drive is available as an option.

Ford says that the advanced twin-turbo EcoBoost 3.5L V6 will also be available on the Taurus at a later date.

The 2010 Ford Taurus SHO, powered by a 3.5L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 making 365-hp and a peak torque of 350 lb-ft, starts at $37,170. The engine is mated to 6-speed 6F55 SelectShift transmission (with paddle-shifters) with a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. The Taurus SHO also takes full advantage of a multi-link SR1 rear suspension design which enhances driver control. EPA-estimated fuel-economy comes in at 17/25 mpg (city/highway).

Well, that’s it for the pricing details. You can check out the full list of options after the jump.

2010 Ford Taurus:

2010 Ford Taurus SHO:

2010 Ford Taurus Standard and Optional Features:

Adaptive Cruise Control allows the driver to set the vehiclecruising speed while using radar technology to monitor traffic travelling up to 600 feet ahead, automatically adjusting Taurus speed to help maintain a safe distance between vehicles.

Collision Warning with Brake Support is a new active safety feature, enabled by Adaptive Cruise Control. This system uses a radar sensor to detect moving vehicles ahead and provides a visual “heads-up” warning signal transmitted across the base of the windshield and an audible warning when slower moving traffic is detected ahead. The system also pre-charges the brakes and engages an electronic brake assist to help the driver stop more quickly.

Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start, a new Taurus feature, allows the driver to enter the car and start the engine by simply carrying the fob as they approach and enter the vehicle.

SecuriCode^TM Keyless Entry Keypad enables vehicle access by unlocking the driver’s door using a five-digit code on the new keypad system flush-mounted in the driver’s side B-pillar.

MyKey^TM allows parents or fleet administrators to activate a restricted driving mode. When enabled, MyKey features a Persistent Belt-Minder® with Audio Mute until safety belts are buckled, an earlier low-fuel warning, and consistently engaged AdvanceTrac® stability control, Blind Spot monitoring, Cross Traffic Alert and Forward Collision Warning. Additional programmability includes restrictions on audio volume, limiting top speed to 80 mph and speed chime warnings at 45, 55, or 65mph.

Auto High Beams/Rain-Sensing Wipers harness sensor technologies to switch headlights to high intensity when no other vehicles are detected, in a range of up to 500 feet for taillight detection, and up to 2,000 feet for oncoming headlight detection. Rain-sensing wipers use an advanced optical sensor to detect the intensity of rain and/or snowfall to adjust wiper speed.

Easy Fuel® Capless Fuel Filler System is an industry-exclusive feature that self-seals without a traditional fuel cap.

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) consists of two multiple beam radar modules, one each per rear quarter panel. When an approaching vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone, an indicator alert provides warning to the driver in the corresponding side view mirror.

Cross Traffic Alert uses the existing BLIS radar modules to sense oncoming traffic when slowly backing out of a parking spot. This industry-exclusive system functions only while the vehicle is in reverse and warns when cross-traffic appears within three car widths.

Ford SYNC® is the fully integrated, in-vehicle voice-activated communications and entertainment system, with 911 Assist^TM, Vehicle Health Report and GPS-based features including business search and call completion. SYNC connects to MP3 players, iPods, memory sticks and PDAs. SYNC’s 911 Assist will place a call to a local emergency operator in the event of an air bag deployment incident. The latest version of SYNC adds Traffic, Directions and Information, providing turn-by-turn route guidance, and the ability to access content by personalized favorites such as region, subject matter or sports team.

Voice-Activated Navigation System with SIRIUS® Travel Link^TM uses an 8-inch screen to present a birds-eye-view map with 3D landmarks. The system responds to voice commands for destination programming and route selection. In addition, it provides enhanced route guidance features such as street name announcements and detailed freeway exit, turn and ramp position lane guidance. The screen can be personalized with up to 32 pictures, sized up to 1.5 MB each. The system also incorporates the SIRIUS Travel Link, offering availability of current weather and ski conditions, a five-day forecast, local fuel pricing by cost per gallon and brand, sports scores and movie listings.

Sony® Audio components deliver sound from a variety of sources, with an AM-FM tuner, SIRIUS Satellite radio, CD, DVD audio and an integrated 10 GB hard drive for storage of up to 2,400 songs. This package also includes an available 12-speaker premium audio system.

Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion^TM are available - on an industry-exclusive basis - for driver and passenger, integrating a six-way lumbar support and subtle rolling pattern massage. The bottom cushion features Active Motion technology, providing minute but continuous movement, stirring a change of muscular activation helping a driver avoid back pain.

Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement (SPACE®) Architecture is comprised of a hydroformed cross-car beam embedded in the floor between the door frames, providing additional strength in the side of the vehicle. In the event of a side impact, the beam helps pert crash forces away from the occupants. A strong roof cross member and side impact door beams work with the floor-mounted tube to further improve side impact protection.

Personal Safety System^TM is designed to reduce the risk of injury to the driver and front seat passenger in the event of a moderate to severe frontal collision. Sensors note right front occupant weight, safety belt usage, outboard seat belt tension and seating position to optimize air bag deployment force for occupant safety.

AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control predicts the vehicle’s intended path, using sensors to detect and measure oversteer and yaw, while continuously monitoring vehicle speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When the system senses a loss of wheel traction, engine torque is reduced and braking is applied in conjunction with the standard Anti-lock Braking (ABS) system. The system also incorporates traction control to aid drivers when operating the vehicle on loose or slippery surfaces.

SOS Post-Crash Alert System^TM is an integrated technology that automatically unlocks the doors and activates the emergency flashers in the event of an air bag deployment.

Riding in the Ford Taurus SHO Prototype 2010

A Top-Speed Ride Around the Ford Proving Grounds

(Enlarge photo)

The Taurus SHO delivers super high output for Ford's big, all-wheel-drive sedan. (Photo by Rex Roy)

(Enlarge photo)

With its twin-turbo 365-hp V6 on the boil and a proper amount of enthusiasm, the Taurus SHO gets some air. (Photo by Rex Roy)

(Enlarge photo)

This engineering prototype has the special performance package, a step more serious than the standard SHO specification. (Photo by Rex Roy)

(Enlarge photo)

You can't disguise the sheer size of the Taurus, but the faster you drive the SHO, the smaller it seems. (Photo by Rex Roy)

(Enlarge photo)

Christina Rodriguez is the Ford engineer who signed off on the SHO's suspension calibration. (Photo by Rex Roy)

(Enlarge photo)

The 2010 Ford Taurus SHO was introduced at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. (Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company)

(Enlarge photo)

The twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 makes 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. (Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company)

(Enlarge photo)

The SHO engine is the first of a new family of turbocharged direct-inject engines from Ford. (Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company)

(Enlarge photo)

Direct injection delivers good fuel mixing for good fuel economy, while a cooler intake charge permits a high compression ratio for good throttle response. (Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company)

(Enlarge photo)

The SHO's interior adds some useful flair to the Taurus' large cabin. (Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company)

(Enlarge photo)

More refined detailing improves the basic Taurus interior architecture. (Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company)

(Enlarge photo)

It's got fender vents, so it must be serious. (Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company)

(Enlarge photo)

Big wheels and tires help bring proper proportions to the oversize Taurus. (Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company)

(Enlarge photo)

It's got a spoiler the size of a tea tray, so it must be serious. (Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company)

(Enlarge photo)

From now on, super high output means EcoBoost. (Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company)

(Enlarge photo)

The 2010 Ford Taurus SHO is meant to be a performance car for American roads. (Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company)

(Enlarge photo)

2010 Ford Taurus SHO. (Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company)

(Enlarge photo)

2010 Ford Taurus SHO. (Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company)

(Enlarge photo)

So we're riding in the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO at the Dearborn proving ground. Christina Rodriguez, the lead vehicle dynamics development engineer for the Taurus, is at the wheel. This woman can drive. She even looks like Danica Patrick's sister.

Ford's public relations team has been very careful to tell us that this is not a production car. It's a preproduction prototype, they say. Hand-built, not representative of production, an engineering workhorse, no telling if it'll burst into flames or not. They do everything except hand us a parachute.

The tire squealing gets louder. We look out the window at the scenery, which is in a state of serious blur. Then we try to get a glimpse of the speedometer, which unfortunately is protected from glare deep within a shroud on the instrument binnacle so we can't see it.

Rodriguez looks across at us and grins beneath her racing helmet. We hang on tighter. The tires are starting to squeal a little louder again.

We're Not in Chicago Anymore, Toto
We first told you about the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO when it debuted at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. Ford is hoping to catch the same lightning in a bottle as it did in 1989, when it dropped a Yamaha-built 3.0-liter V6 into its front-wheel-drive sedan. Americans were ready for a muscle car, and the Taurus SHO (super high output) became a phenomenon; 100,000 were sold by the time the car went out of production at the end of 1999.

Just as before, the SHO is meant to give the Taurus a little traction in the imagination of Americans, but the hardware is a little different this time. The centerpiece is a new engine that showcases Ford's new EcoBoost family. The twin-turbo 3,496cc V6 makes 365 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 350 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. EcoBoost is Ford's trade name for its use of direct injection and turbocharging, a combination that gives you good fuel economy, good throttle response and good power.

The transmission is a heavy-duty version of the Lincoln MKS's six-speed automatic that'll give you rev-matched downshifts. The Haldex all-wheel-drive system has also been altered to send more of the torque to the rear wheels. The SHO's regular final-drive ratio is 2.77:1 and the suspension calibration is about 10 percent stiffer than the standard Taurus.

Of course, this prototype has the SHO Performance package, which includes an even more aggressive suspension setup with rear springs that are 9 percent stiffer, dampers that are 20 percent stiffer, plus a stiffer rear antiroll bar. The electrically boosted power steering gets a more responsive calibration, and a Sport mode for the stability control is more tolerant of enthusiastic driving. And finally the package has a shorter 3.16:1 final-drive ratio that gets you quicker acceleration, high-performance brake pads to resist fade and summer-compound 20-inch tires to make it all work.

The Engineer Speaks
Christina Rodriguez has been working on the 2010 Taurus since 2001 when the development of the original Five Hundred began. She's the only woman at Ford to have achieved status as a vehicle dynamics development engineer, a job she describes as equal parts engineer, race driver and vehicle psychologist.

Rodriguez explains, "As an engineer, I need to make sure the car is safe, because you don't want any unpleasant surprises. As a race driver, I have to make sure the car handles well. And then I have to tune the car to have the right personality for being the latest Ford."

Speaking like a good corporate citizen, she explains how cars exhibit personality: "Some cars have a more relaxed personality, so everything about the way they drive is soft and slower to react. New Fords have a DNA that is sportier, more fun to drive, more responsive and more alive, so they need to feel that way."

Now It's SHO-Time
We're in what Rodriguez refers to as TT prototype, a car quite a few steps away from production. There's a big yellow sticker on the windshield to identify the car's status, and someone has used a Sharpie to write engineering code on each of the cast-aluminum 20-inch wheels. The tires are the summer-compound Goodyear Eagle F1s from the SHO Performance package, but various bits of body and interior trim won't make it to production. This car is a work in progress.

Rodriguez says, "The only thing that's production intent on this car is the suspension. I know the motor calculations are close, but I'm not totally sure." She lights the engine and slides the SHO's shifter past Drive directly to Sport.

At idle, the twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 turbo sounds quiet and feels smooth. As we accelerate onto the proving ground, the part-throttle shifts from the six-speed 6F55 SelectShift transmission are silky. Swinging onto a high-speed section of the proving grounds, Rodriguez goes WOT. She uses the shift paddles on the steering wheel. You pull either paddle for an upshift and push forward for a rev-matched downshift.

The big Taurus surges forward effortlessly, delivering what you'd expect given the V6's power curves and the 4,368 pounds that have to be motivated. Under boost, the V6 emits a nice growl, but most of the noise comes from under the hood, not the dual exhaust. There's a commendable lack of wind noise.

Watching Rodriguez at the wheel, we notice how her hands are relaxed, showing her confidence in the SHO's suspension. And the SHO itself seems unfazed by the speed at which she's driving.

When Bulls Fly
Heavy on the brakes, Rodriguez arcs into a banked corner that spins us around for another blast en route to the handling course. The tight Dearborn track features abrupt elevation changes and sinister off-camber corners. At first, Rodriguez takes it easy — not for her sake, but for mine. Even at a modest pace, the SHO's ease in these transitions speaks volumes about the competency of its chassis tuning.

Rodriguez increases the pace, talking casually as she fluidly guides the SHO from apex to apex. The faster she drives, the smaller the SHO seems to get. "After doing this for 12 years, I know what a car should feel like, and I don't get questioned anymore," she says. "We start with models generated by computer-aided engineering. It gives us starting points for spring rates, dampers, antiroll bar thicknesses, etc. After that, everything we do is by the seat of the pants."

One section of the course includes a rise that fully compresses the suspension. Cresting the hill at speed, the suspension uncorks to full rebound. Later as we watch from the grassy infield, the SHO looks just as impressive as it feels from the passenger seat. Even as the Taurus flies over the big crest and returns to Earth, it settles easily with no drama.

Rodriguez says, "In this job, your body has to become a precisely calibrated instrument. It's got to measure what can't be measured and can understand what the car's mechanicals are doing. It takes awhile to tune your body, but I've been working on this particular chassis for eight years, so I really know what it's capable of and how to make it respond."

Back to Earth
After the handling course, Rodriguez drives to a test area with roads that look like the cratered surface streets of southeast Michigan, where frost heaves do their work every year. And even though this SHO is a well-used prototype, its body seems tight and rattle-free.

This ride isn't the same as a drive of the real car out in the real world, but we have to admit that we're impressed. We'll see what happens once we're able to exchange this pre-production prototype for a real production car and get the steering wheel in our own hands.

Rodriguez says, "This car is really my pride and joy." And as she stops the engine with the button on the dash of the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO, she says more to herself than to us, "I think I've got the best job at Ford."

Ford Taurus SHO!

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO

The SHO must go on. SHO me the money. It's SHO time!

We've heard them all during the months of speculation leading up to this moment. Without further ado, we present to you the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO. That's right, Ford has decided to revive the moniker once affixed to the sports sedan that wowed the automotive world way back in 1989. The original SHO survived three generations of Taurus models, was sold for 10 years straight and attracted over 100,000 buyers. But just as the Taurus itself devolved from America's best-selling car to a rental fleet afterthought, the original SHO ended production in 1999 having gone from a budget sports sedan to an overpriced, underpowered executive whip.

Ford is working on rehabilitating the Taurus name with a significant redesign that debuted last month at the Detroit Auto Show. Using that sedan as its canvas, the new SHO may also restore respect to a name that has fallen too far. A 365-hp twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, all-wheel-drive and plenty of upgrades is a good place to start. Follow the jump to learn everything there is to know about the return of the SHO.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Gallery: Chicago 2009: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Ford is currently in the process of stuffing its new 3.5L EcoBoost V6 into any that fits. The Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and upcoming Lincoln MKT are all getting it. Being based on the same platform as the MKS, it was a no-brainer that the redesigned 2010 Taurus would also get the twin-turbo, direct-inject engine that Ford promises will deliver V8 power with V6 fuel economy. Rather than simply affix the EcoBoost badge to the Taurus' trunk and call it a day, Ford product planners decided that this model would be the perfect vehicle to once again wear the letters S-H-O.


That model designation originally meant Super High Output, which definitely applies to the modern version. Whereas the original SHO used a high-revving 220-hp 3.0L V6 (later a 235-hp 3.4L V8) developed and built by Yamaha, the new SHO's advanced engine turns a relatively small 3.5 liters of displacement displacement and a lot of pressure into 365 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 350 ft.-lb of torque at 3,500 rpm. That makes this version of Ford's 3.5L EcoBoost V6 the most powerful one available with 10 more horsepower than its other applications.



Unlike the original SHO, however, this new one is about much more than just the engine. Backing up the potent powerplant is a torque-sensing all-wheel-drive system mated to Ford's 6F55 six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. The tranny is augmented by a manual mode that can be controlled either by the console shifter or paddle shifters, and will also rev match downshifts and hold gears even when the tach is bouncing off the engine's redline.



The SHO further separates itself from lesser Taurus models with a beefed up suspension that includes SHO-specific shock absorbers, springs, stabilizer bars and strut mount bushings. Furthermore, the new SHO also features Ford's new SR1 suspension setup with MacPherson front struts and a multi-link set up in the rear. We'll have to wait for a test drive to determine for sure, but the SHO's suspension should be noticeably sharper than that of the standard Taurus and its other platform-mate, the Lincoln MKS. There will even be an optional Performance Package that includes better brake pads, recalibrated steering, a "Sport Mode" for the stability control system and shorter 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio. Nineteen-inch wheels wrapped in Goodyear Eagle rubber will be standard, while 20-inchers wearing Michelin high-performance summer tires will also be available.



New wheels are one of only a few items that will visually set the SHO apart from lesser Taurus trim levels. The grille features a dark grey finish that matches the wheels and new parking lamp bevels are SHO-only items. There's also a decklid spoiler out back along with a simple SHO/EcoBoost badge on the trunk lid. One of the exclusive colors available will also be Atlantis Green, which Ford says was inspired by the Deep Emerald Green seen on many second-generation (1992-1995) SHO models.



While the exterior styling adheres to the same sleeper philosophy as the original, the new SHO interior is a bit more outgoing. The seats are leather-trimmed and two-tone with Mike Suede inserts, which Ford proudly points out are produced from post-consumer yarns made of plastic soda bottles. The dash and door panels also feature acres of aluminum trim, and SHO branding appears on the floor mats and passenger-side dash panel.

Those are basically the lengths to which Ford has gone to transform its new Taurus into a modern day interpretation of the original SHO. There is some bad news, however, some of which will likely not go over well with the SHO faithful who live on websites like SHOtimes.com, SHOforum.com and BringBackTheSHO.com, and who Ford also claims it listened to during the car's development.



For one, the original Yamaha 3.0L V6 (upper left) was one of the most gorgeous engines ever created with an overlapping system of intake runners that is a marvel to behold. The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 in the new version (upper right) is covered by a boring, black plastic shroud with SHO branding. Also, aside from the aforementioned availability of a SHO-inspired shade of green, there's not much that visually connects the new car to the original. Though the first- and second-gen SHOs did not look drastically different than a standard Taurus, there were certain SHO elements that have become associated with the car, specifically the "slicer" wheels that debuted in '90/'91 and were standard on all second-gen models.



Then there's the question of whether another Ford product might have been a more appropriate choice for a modern day SHO. The Fusion, for instance, is smaller, lighter and less expensive than the current Taurus. While the redesigned 2010 Fusion does offer a Sport model with a big V6, we envision a more balanced Fusion SHO that honors the original with front-wheel-drive, a manual transmission and high output 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder. It might be nice, but it's not the way Ford went.

The 2010 Ford Taurus SHO will start at $37,995 when it goes on sale this summer. That's a lofty price tag for a Taurus, but not for a 365-hp, all-wheel-drive sedan stuffed with this much tech and luxury. The original SHO stickered for just under $20,000 in late 1988, which was also considered a big premium to pay for Ford's bread-and-butter family sedan. But auto pundits of the day quickly realized that the SHO was a performance bargain compared to more expensive cars from brands like BMW. Based on what we've learned so far, the same thing will likely be said of the new one.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Gallery: Chicago 2009: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

PRESS RELEASE

TAURUS SHO RETURNS WITH 365HP ECOBOOST V-6, PLUS ALL-WHEEL DRIVE, PADDLE-SHIFT SIX-SPEED GEARBOX

The Taurus SHO returns as the sporty version of Ford's new flagship introducing a new generation of premium performance and fuel economy with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ V-6. This engine delivers V-8 levels of power – with an estimated 365 horsepower – without compromising its V-6 fuel economy.

The 2010 Taurus SHO features an enhanced SelectShift® six-speed automatic transmission with control paddles mounted on the steering wheel, in combination with a sophisticated torque sensing all-wheel drive system, a sportier SHO interior, subtle exterior design cues and myriad technologies and features offered on Taurus.

Taurus SHO will be available this summer, starting at $37,995, including destination fees.

CHICAGO, Feb. 11, 2009 – One of America's favorite "sleeper" performance cars returns to the Ford lineup, powered by a Super High Output (SHO) EcoBoost twin turbocharged engine.

The Taurus SHO joins Ford's growing lineup of performance vehicles for the 2010 model year, building on the legacy of the original, which earned a spot on the Car and Driver 10Best list four years running.

"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."

Introduced in 1989, Taurus SHO was conceived as a discreet performance-oriented sports sedan, ideally suited to the automotive enthusiast needing the room and capability of a four-door full-size car. Produced through 1999, more than 100,000 were sold.

The original Taurus SHO generated a loyal following of owners and enthusiasts, with an active club more than 1,000 members strong, an online forum with more than 10,000 registered users and a Web site (bringbackthesho.com) specifically devoted to convincing Ford to resurrect the SHO. The 2010 Taurus product development team spent significant time listening to SHO enthusiasts.

EcoBoost™ Twin-Turbocharged Power
The foundation of the new 2010 Taurus SHO is a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 engine. This advanced powerplant generates an estimated 365 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 350 ft.-lbs. of torque at 3,500 rpm, resulting in significantly improved power, torque and fuel economy compared with larger, normally aspirated engines. This also is Ford's most powerful EcoBoost engine.

A key feature of this EcoBoost engine is gasoline direct injection. The direct injection of fuel into the cylinder during the intake stroke, as opposed to port-style injection to an externally mounted intake, produces a well-mixed air-fuel charge. Fuel vaporization during the intake stroke cools the incoming air, improving volumetric efficiency and lowers the likelihood of knock.

The results are improved throttle response, reduced cold start emissions characteristics and improved fuel economy. The cooled charge enables an increased compression ratio, improving efficiency at partial load, while the higher compression ratio allows for better volumetric efficiency under full load engine behavior. Customers will experience normally aspirated V-8 power, without compromising V-6 fuel economy.

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 also uses twin turbochargers, as opposed to a single unit. The reduced size of each turbocharger results in reduced internal inertia, allowing this advanced engine to avoid the "turbo lag" often prevalent in earlier-generation turbocharged applications. From the driver's seat, the rewarding result is linear power delivery across a broad torque band from 1,500 through 5,500 rpm. Peak torque building quickly off idle ensures responsive acceleration from a standing start.

SelectShift with paddle controls and All-Wheel Drive
The new Taurus SHO driveline combines a high-capacity six-speed 6F55 SelectShift transmission with a sophisticated torque-sensing All-Wheel Drive System. These components work in harmony to deliver ample traction when putting EcoBoost power on the road. The six-speed transmission offers a wide array of gears to enable spirited acceleration, yet comfortable high-speed cruising, through a 2.77 to 1 final drive ratio.

SelectShift provides conventional automatic operation or a manual shift mode that gives the driver complete control over gear selection. For performance-minded drivers, paddle controls allow "match-rev" downshifts and will hold manually selected gears for precise control. Intuitively operated, a squeeze on either paddle will deliver an economical upshift under acceleration, while a gentle push forward brings a smooth downshift, synchronizing the engine and transmission speeds for responsive and positive engagement.

The Taurus SHO driveline is contemporized with the incorporation of a sophisticated All-Wheel Drive System that engages automatically and unobtrusively. The unit contains an advanced array of internal electromechanical clutches to efficiently distribute torque to the wheels with optimum traction. Standard all-wheel drive allows the Taurus SHO to efficiently deliver its high performance to the pavement under a wide variety of conditions.

"Taurus SHO suspension and steering have been sport-tuned to provide discriminating drivers with precise control, confident handling, communicative feedback and a compliant ride," said Pete Reyes, Taurus chief engineer.

Taurus SHO features an advanced electronic power-assisted steering (EPAS) system, providing responsive road feel and enhanced on-center balance while offering the additional benefit of increased fuel economy. SHO also features a sport-tuned suspension with unique shock absorbers, springs, stabilizer bars and strut mount bushings specifically developed and harmonized to deliver the highest level of Ford DNA road holding, cornering agility and steering responsiveness available in a Blue Oval full-size sedan.

Taurus SHO takes full advantage of the multi-link SR1 rear suspension design. Named for the 1:1 shock absorber ratio, this configuration provides an inherently stable baseline for the SHO development team to fine tune for enhanced driver control and agility. In addition, the SR1 rear suspension geometry provides increased travel, while enabling the use of 19- and 20-inch wheels and tires.

For the discriminating automotive enthusiast, Taurus SHO offers an available SHO Performance Package consisting of upgraded brake pads, recalibrated EPAS for even more responsiveness, a "Sport Mode" setting for the standard AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control and a shorter 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio for faster acceleration. Summer-compound 20-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 performance tires on premium painted wheels also are included.

SHO Specific Subtlety
A key element of the authentic SHO formula is the subtlety of its unique exterior design cues. Features include sporty premium painted wheels, wrapped in standard low-profile 19-inch Goodyear Eagle or optional 20-inch Michelin high-performance tires, a decklid-mounted spoiler and twin chrome exhaust tips. SHO also features a uniquely finished interpretation of the Ford signature three-bar grille with SHO-specific parking lamp bezels.

"Taurus SHO was always a stealth high-performance car," said Earl Lucas, exterior design manager. "The new SHO builds on the expressive design of the 2010 Taurus, adding subtle cues that set it apart."

The 2010 SHO is available in a wide range of new Taurus colors including Atlantis Green Metallic, a unique SHO color inspired by the iconic Deep Emerald Green hue appearing in 1991.

The new Taurus SHO interior encourages performance driving. Leather-trimmed seats with Miko Suede inserts, made from recycled post-consumer yarns from plastic soft drink bottles, are comfortable and luxurious. A perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel puts the driver in smooth touch with the road. Front seats are 10-way power adjustable. SHO accelerator and brake pedals are trimmed in aluminum. The console, instrument and door panels feature SHO-specific authentic aluminum appliqués. SHO branding appears on the unique floor mats, and on the passenger side of the instrument panel.

Taurus SHO: Performance and Convenience
The 2010 Taurus SHO offers an impressive array of standard convenience features as well as optional features and content. Standard Taurus SHO amenities include:

Intelligent Access with Push Button Start, a new Taurus feature allowing drivers to enter the car and start the engine without using a conventional key. Drivers simply carry the fob as they approach the vehicle, touch the SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad, open the door and enter, apply pressure on brake pedal and push a button to start the engine.

MyKey allows enthusiasts to activate a restricted driving mode, persistent Belt-Minder® safety belt reminder, audio system volume limits, an earlier low-fuel warning, and consistently-engaged AdvanceTrac® stability control. The top vehicle speed can be limited to 80 mph, and speed chimes can be programmed to engage at 45, 55 or 65 mph further protecting their investment.

Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel Filler System, a unique feature that eliminates the need for a traditional fuel cap. Easy Fuel is a hassle-free solution that provides a consistent self-seal after every refueling.

Ford SYNC® is the fully integrated, in-vehicle voice-activated communications and entertainment system standard on Taurus SHO. The system combines 911 Assist, Vehicle Health Report and GPS-based features including business search and call completion.

SYNC connects to MP3 players, iPods, memory sticks and PDAs. The latest version of SYNC in the Taurus SHO adds Traffic, Directions and Information, providing turn-by-turn route guidance and the capability to access and personalize content.

Ambient Lighting allows the Taurus SHO driver to program interior lighting from a choice of five soothing colors to suit any character or preference.

The 2010 Taurus SHO comes standard with the full array of active and passive safety equipment and features offered across the Taurus range.

Available options on the 2010 Taurus SHO include:

Reverse Camera System, a unique SHO option, activates when reverse gear is selected providing the driver with additional rear visibility, projecting on the windscreen mounted rearview mirror.

Adaptive Cruise Control, which allows the driver to set the Taurus SHO cruising speed while using radar technology to monitor traffic travelling up to 600 feet ahead, automatically adjusting speed to help maintain a preset distance between vehicles. Adaptive Cruise Control comes with Collision Warning with Brake Support providing visible and audible warnings when slower traffic is detected ahead. Brake support is activated if the driver does not respond to provided warnings, and pre-charges the brake system to prepare the vehicle for stopping.

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™) with Cross Traffic Alert consists of two multiple beam radar modules, one each per rear quarter panel. When an adjacent vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone, and indicator alert provides driver warning in the corresponding sideview mirror.

Cross Traffic Alert uses existing BLIS radar modules to sense oncoming traffic while the Taurus SHO is slowly backed from a parking space. When cross traffic appears within three car widths, the system provides a visible message on the instrument panel in combination with a sideview mirror warning and an audible signal.

Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion™ can be specified in conjunction with heated and cooled first-row positions in the new Taurus SHO. Multi-Contour functionality provides subtle but continuous massage to help prevent back pain and fatigue and is ideally suited to meet the needs of long-distance drivers.

Voice-Activated Navigation System includes a 10 GB music juke box hard drive and a single CD/DVD player. When combined with the optional rear camera system, rearview projection appears on the centerstack-mounted navigation screen.

Sony Audio System offers 12 speakers, a digital amplifier, 390 Watts of continuous power (RMS), 115 dB of maximum bass sound pressure level and Dolby® Pro Logic® II surround technology.

The 2010 Taurus SHO will be built at Ford's Chicago (Ill.) assembly plant and will be available in dealerships this summer, starting at a base price of $37,995, including destination.