Ford tries their hand at a sports sedan

[onewhippedpuppy]

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/autoshows/chicago/2009/2010fordtaurussho.html

What is it?
2010 Ford Taurus SHO
What's special about it?
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.
Inside Line says:
The new SHO has the looks and the power to be a genuinely intriguing option. — Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit




Ok, so 365 HP is good. AWD, well at least it's not FWD. Styling is at least distinctive, but maybe a bit overdone. But automatic only? And starting at $38k?!!! Are you freaking kidding me? Is this why they don't need a bailout? Thanks, but I'll take a 415 HP, RWD, 6-speed manual, G8 GXP for the same money. Or a G8 GT with identical power for under $30k.

[Sarc]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Ok, so 365 HP is good. AWD, well at least it's not FWD. Styling is at least distinctive, but maybe a bit overdone. But automatic only? And starting at $38k?!!! Are you freaking kidding me? Is this why they don't need a bailout? Thanks, but I'll take a 415 HP, RWD, 6-speed manual, G8 GXP for the same money. Or a G8 GT with identical power for under $30k.

I hear ya. While it is a step in the right direction (excessive body jewelery aside) for them and a much better effort than the new MKS, that's way to much cabbage. Too bad they didn't pursue the SVT fushion idea.
I'm really digging the G8. It's like a 5 series without the stigma. It's a shame if the rumors are true that production is being slashed 97%, which means the G won't be around much longer.

Not bad. Much better than the previous generation (although I could do without the ornament on the truncklid)

[onewhippedpuppy]

As a family car, I can see the Taurus working. It's a HUGE improvement over the current model. But for $37k it's a pretty hard sell, even with 365 HP.

[trekkor]

Looks like an AUDI or BMW sedan.

I like it. Much more affordable than the above models.


KT

[Oracle]

This is going to be a home run for Ford. If priced right, good reviews and quality this is a direct competition with imports. GM realized this with G8

[Mothy]

You do know the Pontiac G8 is designed and built in Australia and exported to the USA?

[Wickd89]

Looks nice. I look forward to renting one; not owning one.

I remember having a company taurus wagon. It was sh*()t. Overheated all the time.

Then my company got new 2000 Taurus with leather cars. OK but looked like crap in two years. Friend got a new Sable for $17K and started breaking down immediately.

Lets see how this iteration goes..

[VincentVega]

It looks pretty cool, except for the stern. Something's amiss with the bumper/trunk. 38k? Ouch. I'll take a Acura TL any day, if without the extra HP.

[RWebb]

well, at least they're doing something -- not perfect but anything out of Detroit right now is a relief

[dd74]

When you think about it, this Ford may be Pontiac's sole reason to continue selling the G8.

If I were BMW or M-B, seriously, I'd be a bit worried.

[therotman]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

As a family car, I can see the Taurus working. It's a HUGE improvement over the current model. But for $37k it's a pretty hard sell, even with 365 HP.

That car could have 1001 hp with a race button.



it's still an ugly POS!

[911Rob]

I call that, well, ehrrr.... a car.


Example:
Q: What was that?
A: a car

Q: What is that?
A: a car

It's a car, no further description required. Nuff said.

[HardDrive]

Looks good to me.

We had a Taurus, a 98 if memory serves correctly. It was a great car.

Dad had one of the original SHOs, with the manual. Again, great car. Managed to get some ugly tickets in it.

I think 38k is too stiff, but keep in mind, most folks don't look at the price, they look at the payment.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I guess my big objection was to the $38k. For the money you could get a 425 HP SRT Challenger or 300, or a 415 HP G8 GXP. Or a MB C-class, BMW 3-series, Infiniti G37, Acura TL, Audi A4, Cadillac CTS, Lincoln MKS, Lexus IS.

Or you could get a Taurus. Sound like a hard sell?

[Oh Haha]

Who can afford to buy a new car now?!!!

that's the problem. most folks don't kow if they will have a job next month so they aren't about to get into payments they might not be able to make.


of course, there are the stupid fuchers out there who will.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Don't worry Wayne, Barry has the solution! The new stealfromus bill includes money that will allow you to deduct the sales tax from any new car purchase in 2009. We're saved!!!

[Oh Haha]

Well, we just traded the BMW in for a minivan and I bought a lovely Pontiac Grand prix to replace the company I no longer have.

SOmeone asked me about the grand prix the other day. I told them "it's red".

I have never owned such an uninteresting car. It runs good and will get me to work and back. I really couldn't care about it any less.


the wife just got back with the minivan and I don't care to even look at it.


I thought about leasing a new vehicle but even at the low rates they are offering i would not get into any payments.


EDIT: Sorry about the rant. I pretty much hate everything today.

[Hugh R]

I bought a Taurus SHO new years ago. What a rocket. The trouble was when things like the A/C compressor went out you couldn't find a rebuilt one and a new one cost something like $800 but the one for a regular Taurus was $200. I traded it in, and a year or two later a friend who had one had to have valves custom made for it because Ford no longer supported the vehicle.

[911Rob]

Originally Posted by Oh Haha

Who can afford to buy a new car now?!!!
that's the problem. most folks don't kow if they will have a job next month so they aren't about to get into payments they might not be able to make.
of course, there are the stupid fuchers out there who will.

C'mon Wayne! There is no "lack"; only an abundance of opportunities!
Ditch the stinkin' thinkin' and get on a PMA program.
You know, one door closes, another opens, yadda, yadda.
Life is great, learn to enjoy everyday pal.

I know you're pissed off today.... but that's no excuse!
Start by counting your blessings

Your life is right now! It's not later! It's not in that time of retirement. It's not when the lover gets here. It's not when you've moved into the new house. It's not when you get the better job. Your life is right now. It will always be right now. You might as well decide to start enjoying your life right now, because it's not ever going to get better than right now--until it gets better right now!

Make up your mind that nothing is more important than how I feel now, because now is everything. Now is the whole enchilada. Now is the power of me. Now, now, now, now, now… You might as well start somewhere, and it might as well be now. Why not start improving your life now, now, now?

Negative emotion is your indicator of resistance, while positive emotion is your indicator of allowance. And they are on the same meter: allowance; resistance. Allowance; resistance.

Have a GREAT Day today.... Happy V-Day too!

[azasadny]

I'm very interested in this car... Could be a good replacement for my current daily driver (2007 Mazdaspeed3). We'll see...