Spy Shots: 2010 Ford Taurus - Now with undisguised interior!
by Chris Paukert on Dec 22nd 2008 at 1:01PM 
Click either image for a high-res gallery of 2010 Ford Taurus spy shots
Late last week we clued you in to some spy shots of the 2010 Ford Taurus, and now that more mules are circulating frigid greater Detroit, we've got a whole set of even more revealing snaps. These KGP photos of a different prototype shed even more light on the Blue Oval's pivotal new sedan, including the first undisguised shot of the all-new interior.
Beyond the obvious jelly-bean camouflage, it should be noted that these up-close images reveal that Ford's anti-spyshot posse has done a commendable job of altering the shape of the light clusters with tape, particularly in the tail lamp area. We particularly like the nod to the new Nissan 370Z headlamp shape up front.The big news, however, is inside where we see the Taurus taking a decidedly upscale tack thanks to premium-look materials and a twin cowl dashboard design. Notable highlights on this prototype include dual-zone HVAC controls, oversized chrome-ringed air vents (which should help cut down on fan noise), a Sony branded stereo system and a substantial looking gearshift selector. Be sure to click on the gallery below for the high-res experience of Ford's next Taurus.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 7)
Mazda FTW! 1:05PM (12/22/2008)
If only Ford would discover 3-spoke steering wheels.
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nastinupe 1:12PM (12/22/2008)
Is that the Ford 370 Z 4 Door? Those lights look familiar... Hummmm
Yaroukh 1:14PM (12/22/2008)
@nastinupe: camouflage
Dondonel 1:27PM (12/22/2008)
So true, Mazda FTW!
That One Person 4:13PM (12/22/2008)
Like pretty much EVERY other company is using? On cars like the Focus or Fusion, maybe...
tkosoccer03 5:00PM (12/22/2008)
If you're decision to buy a car is based on it not having a 3 spoke steering wheel, you're messed up in the head.
3-spoke steering wheels are for driver's cars .. the Taurus will never be a driver's car. It's a steering wheel .. who cares?
PiCASSO 5:04PM (12/22/2008)
I actually like 4-spoke steering wheels. I like my wife's '04 Accord V6, where I can stick my hand at the bottom of the wheel, and cruise down a straight highway. Can't do that on my '06 IS350.
doug stewart 10:42AM (12/24/2008)
i THINK Ford should change the name to Torino, a Ford name from days past.
Mike 3:59PM (1/05/2009)
The steering wheel, and the center console for that matter, look like they were swiped from a late-model Passat or Touareg. Not that that's a bad thing...
mmstowes 1:07PM (12/22/2008)
Note to Honda Accord and Ford Taurus interior designers....buttonitis is not cool...
Other than that...good on ya.
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Jim in Tampa 2:57PM (12/22/2008)
Ohhhhhhhhh, if Ford would just hear you mmstowes! Ford has gone nuts with buttons. I have a 2005 Escape and drive a 2008 Escape at work. The a/c controls in my Escape have three simple rotary knobs while the 2008 has about 10 buttons.
A dashboard full of buttons is not an improvement or an advancement.
Yaroukh 1:14PM (12/22/2008)
nice interior
and the Mondeo-wheels too :)
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Berto 2:31PM (12/22/2008)
Definitely. The interior looks fantastic, the wheels are awesome and if the final design is anything like that studio spy shot of the clay model we saw a while back, then Ford should have a winner on their hands.
You can definitely see that Ford USA is incorporating nice touches from their European and Australian counterparts. Best decision so far.
HAWC1506 4:56PM (12/22/2008)
I have to say I like this interior better than the Mondeos in terms of design. I'm not sure about the materials but I'm sure it'll be a heck of a lot better than the current Get Glad interior...
As for styling, I'd still pick the Mondeo, but I'll reserve judgement until the actual debut.
Yaroukh 5:06PM (12/22/2008)
@HAWC1506: I'm not saying the interior is Mondeo-ish, that applied only to the wheels; excuse my english PLZ.
I don't like the interior in Mondeo, neither of S-Max nor Galaxy - they all share those chrome-wannabe plastic parts/buttons which look just cheap. (Not speaking about terrible wood imitation in Mondeo.)
Seminole 10:39PM (12/22/2008)
+1
Ford is really impressing my lately, and showing they are on the right track. The other 1.5 could learn a thing or two.
I will admit though, the headlight camo got me for a minute and I nearly crapped myself. When I saw the closeup and could see it was only a sticker I breathed a huge sigh of relief. Having one car with a headlight design like that (Maxima) on the road is one to many.
spookiness 1:20PM (12/22/2008)
Nice job guys & gals, keep it up.
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Bob-omb 5:39PM (12/22/2008)
Unfortunately, they ARE just "keeping it up." While Ford is getting their act together, that interior is INSTANTLY identifiable as Ford design. That's not a good thing.
NOreasonY 1:21PM (12/22/2008)
This design really brings me back to the early days of the taurus when it ruled supreme. I like it...esp the euro-ford touches...go ford....im still dying own my own euro focus in a few years... hurry up ford!!!
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Matty 11:23AM (12/24/2008)
Oh hum...The whole Ford line has boring styling. Especially the new Mustang. zzzzzzz.
Wake me up when you get something more exciting