Officially Official: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO!
by John Neff on Feb 11th 2009 at 12:01AM 
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.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 11)
GTX141 12:06AM (2/11/2009)
365? Wow! You're looking at 400+ when tuners figure out new ECU flashes!
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Temple 1:48AM (2/11/2009)
"starting at $37,995" also wow.
Spiel 7:56AM (2/11/2009)
And the excitement stop there.
$38K? You get a Mercedes C Class, BMW 3 Series, Volvo S80, and you get a Ford Taurus? Yeah I don't think so. It may look nice on the outside, good design on the inside, with a heck of a motor to pull it, however, it's a Ford with the cheapest looking material on the inside. I can see that plastic shine from the images.
So, get a 365hp powered, cheaply made and so-so (at best) engineered car, or get a 268-300hp powered very nicely made and engineered car that will handle just as nicely?
Had this car been priced at $28K, definitely be worth it. But $38K, it will be fun (or sad) seeing this car setting on dealer lots.
mark lamb 8:18AM (2/11/2009)
As we say in the car business, You can't polish a tird. This looks like something a fatman has to drive to impress all the fat old ladies. And for 38 grand I can think of a lot of cars I could drive that perform and look better than this 5000 pound pig. It looks like a pregnant Camry, also ugly.
Sea Urchin 8:22AM (2/11/2009)
37K??????????? That is too much. Has Ford learned nothing from Saturn Astra? Yes, you car may have certain features on the inside but there are certain lines you do not cross.
C.W. 8:32AM (2/11/2009)
absolutely stunning. the interior... the powerplant... the exterior design... this car is absolutely gorgeous. i love listening to the high pitched whine of the haters of anything Ford does.... it's almost entertaining.
$38k for a whole slew of 'best in class' and 'class exclusive' technologies, SHO, new design, higher quality than Mercedes and of course it doesnt look like a fricken electric shaver like all mercedes and the BMW 3 series.
For a family hauler with ballz... this car is sweet. GREAT JOB FORD!!!
gessvt 8:48AM (2/11/2009)
mew mew mew overpriced
mew mew mew imports are better
mew mew mew Saturn Astra (?!?)
As with the original, 1st gen SHO, this car will be purchased by well informed drivers who don't need to impress anyone or compensate for life's shortcomings.
Well done, Ford!
skicat 9:42AM (2/11/2009)
@spiel - Your diss has no basis in fact. U have seen the car, sat in it, or driven it. For $37K you get a BASE MBC, a BASE 3-Series, a BASE S80, all with less HP, NONE with AWD. "Cheaply made?" I've seen it and sat in it. Sorry bub, u got it all wrong.
BigWill 9:49AM (2/11/2009)
Remember that $38K price was set by the same people who priced a loaded Flex at $40K+ and the Lincoln MKT at $50K+. They're also the same people who will be scratching their heads when sales are lower than expected.
Cam 10:05AM (2/11/2009)
@ Mark Lamb: actually, you can polish a "tird". Mythbusters did it. But this is no "tird".
Spiel 10:10AM (2/11/2009)
@skicat
I don't need to sit in it to realize how cheap the material is that was used on the inside. All American cars use the same cheap material, with the exception of Cadillac (to a degree). I've sat in many current Ford cars, they all use the same thin, shiny, cheap plastic. If you're comparing it to other American made cars or perhaps Korean or a Camry, then you might have a point. But compared to other cars in that price range, it's doesn't stand a chance.
Second of all, for $38K, you get a nicely packaged Benz C350. And, if I'm spending $38K, I sure as hell would be able to spend $2K more on a BMW 335i for not having to drive around in a Ford Taurus like a 60 year old.
Sorry, you can cut and dice it any way you like, but the fact of the matter remains that this car is way overprice to be able to compete with European cars. I'm not saying it's a bad car, but I just don't think it's worth more than $28K, at the most.
MUSASHI66 11:21AM (2/11/2009)
BMW 328Xi starts at 35600 and 335xi starts at 42300. This car is smack in the middle.
No worries, it will sell like crazy with Ford's customary 6K discount within 6 months from the release date. I owned a 1991 SHO, great car, but engine is about the only thing that didn't fall apart at 90K miles.
Jim 11:35AM (2/11/2009)
"I don't need to sit in it to realize how cheap the material is that was used on the inside."
Give me a damn break. You're looking at *re-touched* photographs. You have absolutely no idea what you are talking about, so stop acting like you do. I've sat in dozens of these cars and driven several. your unsupported assertion is incorrect.
have a good day.
MikeW 11:53AM (2/11/2009)
You are looking at a broken transmission when 'tuners' decide to play with the boost.
38-large, Hyundai Genesis, car of the year or this?
Where is the rear 'eLSD'?
ketel1 9:52PM (2/11/2009)
The other two cars I would consider in that $37k price range are the Inifiniti G37x and Acura TL SH-AWD. I am a big fan of the TL SH-AWD with its 313hp and AWD. (too bad it is no where near as good looking as this new SHO)
I was a long time Ford owner until I bought my first Acura five years ago and have been considering going back to Ford for this car. However, I think I would have a realllly hard time going from Acura perks back to Ford perks for the exact same sticker price. Maybe for a few grand less I would consider setting foot in a Ford service department again, but Acura has really wowed me with their ability to take care of the customers when the need arises to have it serviced.
big J 12:30PM (2/15/2009)
Give me a break, I'm all for supporting the domestics and what not but this car is at best DECENT relative to the competition in terms of its exterior/interior styling in this day and age. I think any non biased person would agree with me on this.
karmakid 2:59AM (2/19/2009)
you guys must be blinded by some sorta disease that temporarily oozes through your retinas. this car you stumble and trip over clearly isnt targeted at the bmw 3 or mercedes c class. nor is it in the same class or size, price wise yes. say this were a fusion sho with all the bells and whistles of this model and the same price the hells yeah would i be bitching and moaning along side you blokes.
ford just give me a focus rs or mustang with said ecoboost v6 and ill be happy, crazy but happy none the less.
KeatMP 12:07AM (2/11/2009)
SCHWEET. Looks like Ford's got a winner.
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Jon 4:26AM (2/11/2009)
I love it a lot, but I'm really not liking that steering wheel for some reason. The rest of the interior looks great, but that steering wheel. Ugh. Amazing car nonetheless.
Torrent 12:07AM (2/11/2009)
365 horsepower? goddamn. The Interior is sexy as %^$@ in Piano Black. Ford did an awesome job on this.
I haven't said this about a Ford in years: I want one.
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