click above image for renderings of the 2009 Ford Taurus SHO Concept
Those that know me are well aware of my infatuation with the Ford Taurus SHO. Those not among the automotive literati scoff that I would waste my affections on a Taurus, but those in the know realize that in 1989 Ford introduced a pivotal sports sedan with a gem of a motor called the Taurus SHO, a.k.a. Super High Output. With the reemergence of the Taurus name in 2008, we've already had fun speculating what a SHO version of the new Taurus might look like. Some folks who are as serious about the SHO as I am have gone one step further, however, and created a website, the sole purpose of which is to convince Ford to once again produce a Taurus SHO.
Bringbackthesho.com (BBTS) went live on February 11th immediately following the announcement at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show that the Five-Hundred would henceforth be known as the Taurus. The BBTS site features concept renderings of what a 2009 Taurus SHO might look like (see gallery below courtesy of BBTS), all convincing and attractive IMHO. It also features a section discussing possible engine candidates that include the 4.4L V8 from Yamaha that's a distant cousin of the last SHO motor and currently used in the Volvo XC90, as well as the concept TwinForce motor introduced in the Lincoln MKR concept. You can brush up on your SHO history and even watch an original commercial for the Gen. 1 Taurus SHO!
[Source: Bringbacktheshow.com]
Realizing that the deck is stacked against them, the BBTS community is doing whatever it can to force Ford to consider a new SHO model. The forum is where actions are discussed, with one member even emailing the former head of SVT, Hau Thai-Tang, urging him to support the project. Ford, however, is not really in a financial position to spend money on niche projects. The point of BBTS, however, is to convince the Blue Oval brass that this niche project could have a profound positive effect on the company, and we agree completely.
If you want to throw your weight behind this effort, sign up with BBTS as a member for free and stand among the many that want to see this car return.
Thanks for the tip, Josh!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Drewboy @ Feb 27th 2007 2:41PM
I like! I thought that the SHO models were hot as far back as when I started driving. THIS would be one I'd try to own. Love the renderings!
chairman @ Feb 27th 2007 2:45PM
Conan O'brien rocks a Taurus SHO and is quite proud of it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df4njggXQCE
Ever since seeing the clip, I refer to the engine bay of my 1990 Geo Prizm as "The Ranch"
Bojack @ Feb 27th 2007 2:47PM
Sure we can spell it c-a-m-r-y.
mkbruin @ Feb 27th 2007 2:56PM
Bojack:
Car and Driver, March 2006: 2007 Camry SE road test
"You can’t get at the real fun. The car’s stability-and-traction-control system steps in at the slightest hint of tire scrub and slows everything down. It won’t tolerate an aggressive launch, and if you snap-shift the car into second gear and cop a tiny chirp of wheelspin, it slaps your wrist with a half-second of nothing. And it can’t be switched off."
"Along with the inhibiting influence of the stability-control system, the big surprise with Toyota’s SE package is that it offers the same engines at the same output as the more conservative models."
"But as it is now, with that electronic nanny in the virtual back seat, we’ll just have to keep our dance card clear for a mid-size sedan that will match our moves. Delayed gratification is one thing, but that stability control wants complete abstinence."
Stop blowing smoke up Toyota's behind. The camry is an appliance.
Hondacura @ Feb 27th 2007 3:12PM
This is ridiculous!
Just because of a name change! Just last year this same damn car was being dogged!
Americans are so full of it. 2007... Year of the Fools.
No wonder you still drive cheap base models. No class what so ever. Europe doesn't accept cheap base models.
This is still and always will be a non-selling Ford 500. This is not a Taurus.
jacob24 @ Feb 27th 2007 3:23PM
Why is everyone so excited about a Ford Five Hundred based SHO? Jeez. This car is a Taurus successor only in name. The real successor to Taurus is Fusion. If you liked Taurus SHO, you should lobby for an SHO version of Fusion. It's probably going to be sportier anyways, considering the size.
That One Person @ Feb 27th 2007 3:24PM
hondacura...You are ridiculous. This car is still getting shit. About as much as it was getting before. Dont you listen to people? Also, this is a goddamn rendering. Which in my opinion, and others so far, makes this car look better. We buy cheap base models? What the hell are YOU talking about? Do some research and you will find that people dont want base model vehicles anymore. And when you are driving around, look at how many vehicles are NOT base models. And Europe doesnt accept base models? What the hell does Europe have to do with the Five Hundred...I mean, Taurus? They are the ones that buy diesel hatchbacks in bulk.
You're full of it, pal.
ANYWAYS...I like them. Makes the car look more muscular. I wish Ford would build this.
Blodi @ Feb 27th 2007 3:29PM
Uh, thats a Freestyle/Tarus X interior...not a Five Hundred/Taurus interior.
Hagetaka @ Feb 27th 2007 3:32PM
Make sure to bring back the old Yamaha V-8 as well- my mechanic's kid needs braces
Phil @ Feb 27th 2007 3:37PM
Make it known: Over 300 horsepower isn't good for FRONT-WHEEL-DRIVE!
Clinton @ Feb 27th 2007 3:42PM
all-wheel-drive it is then.
Euro - professor @ Feb 27th 2007 3:43PM
I think he is saying all this push for the SHO is a waste. That Americans who support Ford are loyal for reason without real substance. Europeans like myself support automakers who build exciting performance cars. The Ford 500 Taurus is something for my granny in Switzerland to drive up and down the foothills.
All this support after the name cange for a car that original debut as the 500 is silly. There should be a push for a complete new car with performance already built in without having to buy a SHO.
ttruck @ Feb 27th 2007 3:56PM
Looks like a Ford 500 with an F-150 grille in other words, looks like CRAP. Does Ford actually think that changing the name of a boring ass car will generate sales, think again. Another example of Ford wasting money. The Ford slogan Bold Moves should be changed to BOWEL MOVEMENTS.
mkbruin @ Feb 27th 2007 4:07PM
Yes. Changing the name of this vehicle WILL increase sales. Did any of you actually read the articles and data ford released when this first became public? Or is your attention span just that low?
"That Americans who support Ford are loyal for reason without real substance."
Better than the Avalon. This vehicle is a good appliance. Those who slam this vehicle, also do so without real substance.
(for the record, I am no ford apologist. I give credit where it is due)
Dirk @ Feb 27th 2007 4:08PM
Whatever Ford does, they better make sure they don't produce another loser that gets pawned off on fleet market. The company can not afford another loser.
Kyle @ Feb 27th 2007 4:11PM
Bring it on i love it looks great....
Mercury Version would be awesome to....
Tagg @ Feb 27th 2007 4:14PM
When Ford researched the Taurus name against the Five-Hundred name the results should that nearly 80% of the peoplehad heard of the Taurus. Only 40% or so had heard of the name Five-Hundred so while it seems silly on the outside it does make sense. Whether that will translate into sales remains to be seen. One thing I do know, I am tired of all these pointless renderings on here. Somebody needs to put their photoshop away!
Bob R. @ Feb 27th 2007 4:28PM
I really like how the Taurus looks with the Taurus X front end. I am really liking the 2nd last picutre with a black car and black chrome grille. Over 300hp, AWD and a manual sounds pretty good. The SHO addition could also help shed the rental car image the Taurus and give the name a little sportiness.
Bob R. @ Feb 27th 2007 4:44PM
Actually, this car would be really cool if the TwinForce motor could make it into this car.
RG @ Feb 27th 2007 5:21PM
while this would be cool, Id rather have an SVT Fusion, think about it. just borrow the mazda speed 6 engine and youre ready to go. AWD, turbo, 6 speed fusion would sell.