click above image to view high-res gallery
There is a small contingent of enthusiasts, myself included, who would love to see the SHO badge return for a lucky Ford product. Being that it was originally used on a high-performance variant of the Taurus, it would make sense that the newly renamed 2008 Ford Taurus be first in line. Unfortunately, what was once the best-selling mid-size family sedan in the U.S. is now a certified Large Car by the EPA. Not exactly the most ideal canvas for a sports sedan.
We've shown you renderings in the past of what a resurrected Taurus SHO might look like, and while it could look good, damn good actually, anyone who's driven the new Taurus (it's currently in the Autoblog Garage, we'll have a review up soon) will tell you that it's entirely ill suited to be a SHO. BringBackTheSHO.com, a website that holds vigil for the return of my favorite car, has produced most of the late-model Taurus SHO renderings we've shown you, and they've produced their most interesting batch yet.
What about a Taurus SHO Coupe? Built on a shortened wheelbase, it would weigh less than the sedan, while still incorporating a serious motor (TwinForce anyone?) and all-wheel drive. We've got plenty of pics in the gallery below for you to consider. Some will still hate the idea, but I'm behind any plan that brings back the SHO.
[Source: BringBackTheSHO.com]
Follow the Audi Mileage Marathon starting Monday morning
Paris 2008: MINI Crossover Concept
Paris 2008: Aston Martin One-77 (partially) revealed
Paris 2008: The GT by Citroen. No, the whole thing this time
Paris 2008: Lamborghini Estoque LIVE
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Chevy Corvette Z06
Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy
Paris 2008: Le Day 1 Wrapup
Knight Rider: The Liveblog -- Season 1, Episode 2
By the Numbers - September 2008: Nobody Wins Edition
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
jg @ Aug 31st 2007 3:06PM
Why not just buy a Mustang?
Boone Pickens @ Aug 31st 2007 3:17PM
Wow! The side shots look awesome! I never thought I'd be saying that about a Taurus. Come on Ford, make it!
BartMack @ Aug 31st 2007 3:21PM
Hmmmm..... because it too is an ill-handling pig-? yeah, I said it.
joe @ Aug 31st 2007 5:10PM
Agreed.
There would be very little demand for a Taurus SHO Coupe. Although SHOs weren't my favorite cars, it would be good to see Ford bringing back some of the good ol' days.
As someone already said, 4 doors is a MUST. The sleeper/stealth look is what made the cars so special.
datwck @ Sep 14th 2007 12:05AM
Why not buy a 'Stang? So why not? They are great cars BUT they are not SHOs. No matter how powerful a Pony is (and I've owned several in the 1970s when they were originally powerful) it will never compare to the original SHO.
I had a 1989 SHO. Her name (even on the tag plate)was "SHOKA" which was Polish for "My SHO" and she was my best vehicle ever. SHOKA was even better than the 1970 Mustang Mach 1 I owned.
So, go ahead a buy and enjoy a Mustang. Me, I'm waiting for a SHO or maybe I'll start looking for another '89, a Black/Gray like the one a car repair shop in Norcross, GA, USA destroyed in 1999.
Chris Mazur
Hiawassee, GA, USA
John P. @ Aug 31st 2007 3:08PM
Take the stripes off, work on the grille, and I think I could be interested. It's muscular and chunky looking. I actually kinda like it. I wonder what kind of market there is for large 2dr's these days though.
jas12niss @ Aug 31st 2007 3:08PM
OMG is that really a Taurus.
felipe @ Aug 31st 2007 3:09PM
ah how about no. those are ugly boxes that look stupider thanks to the buick looking portals onthe side.
needs a much bigger ford emblem too.
in all those head on shots it looks like an short pick up truck... or a sup'ed up sable...lol
Tony @ Aug 31st 2007 3:10PM
This could be the Best SHO. Ever!!! ;-)
BartMack @ Aug 31st 2007 3:12PM
Ford is asleep at the wheel... it'll n-e-v-e-r happen.
Devin @ Aug 31st 2007 3:15PM
I agree with JG, why not just buy a mustang? The mustang is much better looking, could potentially have more power, and would be about the same size. I would much rather see some SVT vehicles than a SHO Taurus.
Ponch @ Aug 31st 2007 6:00PM
And who the he11 are you to say that BartMack?
Ryan @ Aug 31st 2007 3:23PM
I would really love to see a Mercury Sable Coupe
Loud pies save lives @ Aug 31st 2007 3:30PM
I'd buy it in a second. They're gorgeous but alas ford will never build it.
thesawzall @ Aug 31st 2007 3:31PM
Well there's the Mazdaspeed 6. Don't you know Ford outsources all their exciting models to the "foreign" brands under their umbrella?
chas @ Aug 31st 2007 3:34PM
Had an Titanium 1989 (with that nasty single faced clutch and 10,00 mile Goodyears). The thing that attracted me to it was it was a Q-Ship and 4-doors, its stealth MUST be preserved.
PS had a new 1996 Mustang also, they are 2 different beasts and should be kept in separate stalls.
Jugomugo @ Aug 31st 2007 3:35PM
Why not just import one of the nice coupes from Australia instead? This thing concept (PS) is horrendous.
Alex @ Aug 31st 2007 3:41PM
I'd be much more interested in a Fusion SHO
The Taurus is too big.
geo.stewart @ Aug 31st 2007 4:00PM
my thoughts exactly.
and a fusion coupe (or Mondeo coupe, dare I dream) would be in line with the other midsize coupes popping up.
Of course a Taurus coupe could compete with the new large-size Accord coupe (or is it only the sedan that is now large)?
sw @ Aug 31st 2007 4:21PM
The fusion SHO, with about 280 hp, awd, you know, like the Mazdaspeed6.
They already have the platform, and not capitalizing on that and building another system from scratch (relatively speaking) makes no sense to me.