Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ford Taurus SHO to feature in <i>Men In Black 3</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/ford-taurus-sho-to-feature-in-men-in-black-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/ford-taurus-sho-to-feature-in-men-in-black-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/ford-taurus-sho-to-feature-in-men-in-black-3/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Men in Black duo have upgraded their machinery for the third installment of the franchise, adding traffic-crushing monocycles, jet packs and a blacked-out Ford Taurus SHO to their transportation arsenal.

Ford is making the most of its hottest full-size sedan joining one of the summer's hottest blockbusters, airing a 30-second spot with footage from the film that will air during American Idol. But since much of the movie takes place in 1969, we'll be just as interested to see Josh Brolin's blacked-out '60s Ford sedan that has a few tricks it could teach the SHO.

Scroll down to see some videos, the first with SHO cameos, the second a movie clip entitled "Have these in the future?"

Continue reading Ford Taurus SHO to feature in Men In Black 3

Ford Taurus SHO to feature in Men In Black 3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford taurus shomen in black 3moviestaurustaurus shovideovideosyoutubeWed, 23 May 2012 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20243458/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/23/ford-taurus-sho-to-feature-in-men-in-black-3/20243458/article-detail.xml 20243458 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/taurusshomib3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/taurusshomib3.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Taurus SHO Performance Package adds track day bite]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/ford-taurus-sho-performance-package-adds-track-day-bite/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/ford-taurus-sho-performance-package-adds-track-day-bite/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/ford-taurus-sho-performance-package-adds-track-day-bite/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Ford Taurus SHO Performance Package on track - front three-quarter view

Ford has made a Performance Package available for the the 2013 Taurus SHO, promising "uncompromised response, road-holding and durability." There's no extra horsepower added to proceedings, but parts like the firmer suspension springs and dampers, upgraded cooling system, high-performance brake pads and stability control that can be turned completely off are meant to help you make the most of its 365 horses.

Have a look at the diagram in the gallery above for the details, and check out the video by scrolling below to watch the SHO doing laps and hear its story.

Continue reading Ford Taurus SHO Performance Package adds track day bite

Ford Taurus SHO Performance Package adds track day bite originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2012 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford taurus shoford taurus shoford taurus sho performance packagetaurustaurus shotaurus sho perforrmance packagevideoTue, 15 May 2012 11:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20238046/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/15/ford-taurus-sho-performance-package-adds-track-day-bite/20238046/article-detail.xml 20238046 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2013-ford-taurus-sho-perf-pack_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2013-ford-taurus-sho-perf-pack.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Ford Taurus SHO]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/2013-ford-taurus-sho-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/2013-ford-taurus-sho-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/2013-ford-taurus-sho-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Most Fun You Can Have In A Full-Size, All-Weather American

2013 Ford Taurus SHO

The American full-size segment isn't an overly welcoming place for those of us who worship at the altar of skinny-pedal antics. While European automakers are happy to deliver their customers a raft of monolithic luxury barges with Saturn V levels of thrust, We The People have been largely left with coma-inducing hardware like the Cadillac DTS, Chevrolet Impala and Lincoln MKS. Meanwhile, bruisers like the Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic, BMW 550i xDrive and Audi A6 all boast all-wheel drive capability with sports-car besting performance cocooned in the threads of a tailored three-piece suit. These days, if you want serious big-car, bad-weather go with a domestic badge on the hood, you have just a few options, including the 2013 Taurus SHO.

So far, Ford says it hasn't had any trouble convincing buyers to abandon traditional big-boned performance vehicles for the SHO resurrection. Around 10 percent of all Taurus sales leave the showroom with a SHO badge on the fender, and half of the performance sedan's sales have been conquest buyers sniped from brands like BMW and Audi. For 2013, this D-class athlete boasts a slew of mid-cycle changes to keep the model fresh. If, like us, you have a hard time imagining a buyer skipping the 5 Series for a Taurus, a few new exterior tweaks, a more aggressive brake system, a reworked version of MyFord Touch and a new track performance package are all designed to help change your mind.

Continue reading 2013 Ford Taurus SHO

2013 Ford Taurus SHO originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford taurus shoecoboostfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivefordshotaurustaurus shotaurus sho first drivetaurus sho reviewTue, 10 Apr 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20211733/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/10/2013-ford-taurus-sho-first-drive-review/20211733/article-detail.xml 20211733 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2013-ford-taurus-sho-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2013-ford-taurus-sho-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Ford straps engineers in 2013 Taurus SHO with Carl Edwards, hilarity ensues]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/02/ford-straps-engineers-in-2013-taurus-sho-with-carl-edwards-hila/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/02/ford-straps-engineers-in-2013-taurus-sho-with-carl-edwards-hila/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/02/ford-straps-engineers-in-2013-taurus-sho-with-carl-edwards-hila/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Ford put nine of its own engineers inside of a new car they helped create, the 2013 Ford Taurus SHO, so they could experience its capabilities for themselves. Nothing out of the ordinary there, but Ford also thoughtfully put NASCAR driver Carl Edwards in the driver's seat, and it turns out that the boffins didn't realize how capable their car was until the Sprint Cup driver showed them.

In a new series of TV and internet spots called "Rocket Science," Edwards spends most of his time going tire-smoking sideways while engineers discuss the features of the hotted-up all-wheel drive Taurus, like the blind-spot assistance system and its 475-mile range. There's a press release with the particulars, but you'll want to click past to jump to check out the vids showing a string of very nervous engineers in the hands of a very professional driver on a very closed course.

Continue reading Ford straps engineers in 2013 Taurus SHO with Carl Edwards, hilarity ensues

Ford straps engineers in 2013 Taurus SHO with Carl Edwards, hilarity ensues originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford taurus shocarl edwardscommercialford engineeringnascarrocket sciencetaurustaurus shovideoMon, 02 Apr 2012 19:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20206647/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/02/ford-straps-engineers-in-2013-taurus-sho-with-carl-edwards-hila/20206647/article-detail.xml 20206647 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/taurusshoedwards_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/taurusshoedwards.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Police Interceptor line gets official EPA fuel economy ratings]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/16/ford-police-interceptors-get-official-fuel-economy-ratings-from/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/16/ford-police-interceptors-get-official-fuel-economy-ratings-from/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/16/ford-police-interceptors-get-official-fuel-economy-ratings-from/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2013 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor undergoing testing

Police forces didn't care much about fuel economy back in the early days of the Ford Crown Victoria, but these days, efficiency is front and center for cash-strapped municipalities. The cost of fuel keeps rising and cities continue to cut their budgets, so one or two miles per gallon might make the difference for a city deciding between a fleet of Ford's new Taurus-based Interceptor, the Chevrolet Caprice PPV and Dodge Charger Pursuit.

And so it is with great interest we read the news today that Ford has released official EPA-certified fuel economy figures for the new Interceptor. The base model equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 is rated at 18 miles per gallon city / 26 highway, while the twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 is rated at 16 mpg city / 23 highway. Finally, the Interceptor Utility (read: cop-spec Ford Explorer) powered by a 3.7-liter V6 returns 16 mpg city / 22 highway.


We scoured through official specs and data from Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge to produce the comparison table above. As you can see, the new Police Interceptor from Ford is not the precinct captain of fuel economy, not even when comparing the V6 EcoBoost model against its V8-powered competitors. The acceleration numbers, meanwhile, were all taken from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Annual Law Enforcement Vehicle Test and Evaluation Program for 2012 models. Based on their results and the official EPA numbers that we found, the Chevrolet Caprice PPV V6 looks like the best combination of both quickness and thriftness. One thing, though, is for certain: No matter which model they choose, police forces everywhere should be saving lots of fuel compared to the aged Crown Vics in their fleets now. Learn more in Ford's official press release after the jump.

Continue reading Ford Police Interceptor line gets official EPA fuel economy ratings

Ford Police Interceptor line gets official EPA fuel economy ratings originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford police interceptorcaprice ppvcharger pursuitchevroletdodgeenvironmental protection agencyepaexplorerfordfuel economylaw enforcementpolicepolice carpolice interceptortaurustaurus shoFri, 16 Mar 2012 17:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20195226/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/16/ford-police-interceptors-get-official-fuel-economy-ratings-from/20195226/article-detail.xml 20195226 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/11hmstdbc02740-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/11hmstdbc02740-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Ford Taurus SHO gets $1,045 price increase]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/09/2013-ford-taurus-sho-gets-1-045-price-increase/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/09/2013-ford-taurus-sho-gets-1-045-price-increase/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/09/2013-ford-taurus-sho-gets-1-045-price-increase/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Ford Taurus SHO

Ford has announced pricing for the refreshed 2013 Taurus SHO, and buyers can look forward to paying a little more for the big performance sedan. Inside Line reports the price has inched up to $39,995 including destination, or $1,045 more than the 2012 model.

As before, that kind of cash will buy you a turbocharged, direct-injection Ecoboost 3.5-liter V6 good for 365 horsepower as well as a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. If that isn't enough to raise your eyebrows, Ford is continuing to offer the SHO performance package, complete with a more robust cooling system, more serious brake hardware and flashy 20-inch wheels.

Of course, that package also throws in a traction control system with a true 'off' mode. Yes, we're grinning from ear to ear. Unfortunately, the performance package has also climbed a bit compared to last year. The pieces will set you back $1,995, or about a grand more than in 2012.

2013 Ford Taurus SHO gets $1,045 price increase originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford taurus2013 ford taurus sho2013 ford taurus sho pricing2013 sho pricing2013 taurus sho2013 taurus sho pricingfordshotaurus shoFri, 09 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20189746/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/09/2013-ford-taurus-sho-gets-1-045-price-increase/20189746/article-detail.xml 20189746 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2013-ford-taurus-sho-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2013-ford-taurus-sho-628.jpg <![CDATA[New York 2011: 2013 Ford Taurus and Taurus SHO bow in the Big Apple]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/20/new-york-2011-2013-ford-taurus-and-taurus-sho-bow-in-the-big-ap/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/20/new-york-2011-2013-ford-taurus-and-taurus-sho-bow-in-the-big-ap/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/20/new-york-2011-2013-ford-taurus-and-taurus-sho-bow-in-the-big-ap/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Ford Taurus SHO: 2011 New York Auto Show
2013 Ford Taurus SHO - Click above for high-res image gallery

The current Ford Taurus may only be two years old, but the Blue Oval folks haven't wasted any time enhancing its design, powertrains and levels of content. The 2013 model year mid-cycle refresh encompasses more aggressive styling tweaks for both the base Taurus and high-end SHO, and Ford's executives aren't afraid to admit that they've used the Audi A6 as the benchmark car in the Taurus' segment.

Under the hood, a new 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline-four is available in the non-SHO Taurus, and the powertrain is estimated to achieve up to 31 miles per gallon on the highway. The standard 3.5-liter V6 now has bigger stones as well, ringing up at 290 hp (+27). The disappointing news in all of this, however, is that the SHO's 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 has not been enhanced in any way - it still produces 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Sorry, folks - no 400-horsepower SHO for now.

Ford says it has fitted an upsized master cylinder to the brake system for improved response and feel, and the brake pads are new as well. From our vantage point, the SHO's brakes have been its weak link, so we're hoping these alterations result in a meaningful bump in performance.

The updated 2013 Taurus range is making its official debut here at the New York Auto Show, and we've just returned from seeing the cars live in the metal. Click through our high-res image galleries below to see Ford's refreshed flagship for yourself.



Gallery: 2013 Ford Taurus SHO: New York 2011

2013 Ford Taurus SHO debuts at the 2011 New York Auto Show2013 Ford Taurus SHO debuts at the 2011 New York Auto Show2013 Ford Taurus SHO debuts at the 2011 New York Auto Show2013 Ford Taurus SHO debuts at the 2011 New York Auto Show2013 Ford Taurus SHO debuts at the 2011 New York Auto Show

Gallery: 2013 Ford Taurus: New York 2011

2013 Ford Taurus at 2011 New York Auto Show2013 Ford Taurus at 2011 New York Auto Show2013 Ford Taurus at 2011 New York Auto Show2013 Ford Taurus at 2011 New York Auto Show2013 Ford Taurus at 2011 New York Auto Show

Photos copyright (C)2011 Steven J. Ewing / AOL

Continue reading New York 2011: 2013 Ford Taurus and Taurus SHO bow in the Big Apple

New York 2011: 2013 Ford Taurus and Taurus SHO bow in the Big Apple originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 new york2011 new york auto show2013 ford taurus2013 ford taurus shofordnew yorknew york auto showtaurustaurus shoWed, 20 Apr 2011 11:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19918726/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/20/new-york-2011-2013-ford-taurus-and-taurus-sho-bow-in-the-big-ap/19918726/article-detail.xml 19918726 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/01-2013-ford-taurus-sho-live-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/01-2013-ford-taurus-sho-live-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Ford Taurus SHO looks better, but no bump in power [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/19/2013-ford-taurus-sho-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/19/2013-ford-taurus-sho-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/19/2013-ford-taurus-sho-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Ford Taurus SHO
2013 Ford Taurus SHO - Click above for high-res image gallery

Those of you hoping for a 400-horsepower Ford Taurus SHO are about to be severely disappointed. The 2013 Taurus SHO will continue to produce 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque from its 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. Sure, that's still plenty of oomph for the SHO, but with rumors of a higher-output version now dashed, all we can say is, "shucks."

Let's not dwell on that, though. There are still plenty of improvements for the 2013 SHO to talk about.

Much like the rest of the refreshed Taurus line, the SHO features styling tweaks at both the front and rear. Unlike the base model, the SHO uses a unique mesh grille pattern up front and adds a new rear spoiler out back, as well as chrome-tipped dual exhaust pipes. A new 20-inch dark wheel option is also part of the SHO package, matching the black finish found on the mirrors and body trim. We like what we see.

There may not be a bump in power, but the 2013 Taurus SHO does get a new performance package option that is said to improve the car's performance prowess. Most notably, a 3.16:1 final drive ratio means initial acceleration is enhanced, and revised suspension tuning features new dampers and springs specific to this package. Additionally, the electronic steering system has been tuned, the stability control now has a track mode with a true 'off' setting and performance brake pads are now available with unique, "track-tuned" calipers. Still, we'd love to see an additional 40-ish horsepower.

Hit the jump for the official SHO details, and be sure to click through our high-res image gallery to see the tweaked design for yourself. Ford's B-roll footage of the SHO is available for your viewing pleasure post-jump, as well.


Gallery: 2013 Ford Taurus SHO

2013 Ford Taurus SHO2013 Ford Taurus SHO2013 Ford Taurus SHO2013 Ford Taurus SHO2013 Ford Taurus SHO

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2013 Ford Taurus SHO looks better, but no bump in power [w/video]

2013 Ford Taurus SHO looks better, but no bump in power [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 19:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 new york2011 new york auto show2013 ford taurus2013 ford taurus shofordnew yorknew york auto showtaurustaurus shoTue, 19 Apr 2011 19:12:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19917969/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/19/2013-ford-taurus-sho-revealed/19917969/article-detail.xml 19917969 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/01-2013-ford-taurus-sho630opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/01-2013-ford-taurus-sho630opt.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2012 Ford Taurus SHO spotted in the wild - are there 400 horses underhood?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/10/spy-shots-2012-ford-taurus-sho-spotted-in-the-wild-are-there/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/10/spy-shots-2012-ford-taurus-sho-spotted-in-the-wild-are-there/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/10/spy-shots-2012-ford-taurus-sho-spotted-in-the-wild-are-there/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Ford Taurus SHO Spy Shots
2012 Ford Taurus SHO spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Our elite squad of spy photographers has managed to nab a few photos of the 2012 Ford Taurus SHO splashing through the rain. Word on the street is that Ford has a few aesthetic changes for the sedan in the pipes as well as a serious boost in power. Steve Ling, the company's North American car marketing manager, recently dropped a big-fat hint that the SHO would soon boast 400 ponies. That's a full 35 more horsepower than the current generation SHO, though word is that the extra pep will come from the same Ecoboost 3.5-liter V6 engine.

In addition to the new muscle, it looks like the 2012 Taurus SHO will wear new headlights as well as re-sculpted front valance. A new cross-hatch grille is shown in these shots, and a slightly altered hood may also be in plat. The whole package is intended to give the SHO a little more breathing room from the rest of its more subdued kin. That's all well and good, but we're still convinced the SHO needs better brakes more than it needs additional power. Hopefully improved stoppers are part of the 2012 updo as well.


Gallery: 2012 Ford Taurus SHO Spy Shots


[Source: Chris Doane for Brenda Priddy & Co.]

Spy Shots: 2012 Ford Taurus SHO spotted in the wild - are there 400 horses underhood? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20122012 ford taurus sho2012 ford taurus sho spy shotsfordford taurus shoshospy shotstaurustaurus shoThu, 10 Mar 2011 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19875280/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/10/spy-shots-2012-ford-taurus-sho-spotted-in-the-wild-are-there/19875280/article-detail.xml 19875280 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/01-630-1299769112_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/01-630-1299769112.jpg <![CDATA[SEMA 2010: Ford Taurus SHOx prescribed for power, side effects include bleeding ears]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/03/sema-2010-ford-taurus-shox-prescribed-for-power-side-effects-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/03/sema-2010-ford-taurus-shox-prescribed-for-power-side-effects-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/03/sema-2010-ford-taurus-shox-prescribed-for-power-side-effects-i/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Ford Taurus
2011 Ford Taurus "SHOx" - Click above for high-res image gallery

Rick Bottom Designs was given the keys to a 2011 Ford Taurus SHO and the custom car builder decided it wanted to hear more from the Blue Oval sedan. The 365-horsepower EcoBoost V6 has been bumped up by a Hahn Racecraft Stage 1 upgrade package, meaning this SHO is now putting out 465 hp. Re-christened as the SHOx, further modifications include a performance exhaust system, cold air intake kit, large Baer brakes hidden behind 22-inch Axiom forged wheels and a custom body kit.

It's not the engine, however, that is making all the noise. We said Rick Bottom Designs wanted to hear more from the car... so the tuner installed a 16,000 Watt stereo system capable of blaring the most intense block-rockin' beats. The car has been modified to a two-plus-two seating arrangement, and we imagine that potential fifth passenger will be glad they now have to walk, since all his or her Taurus SHOx-riding friends are going to be deaf. Cover your ears and check out the SHOx live from SEMA in our gallery below.


Gallery: SEMA 2010: Ford Taurus "SHOx"

Ford Taurus Ford Taurus Ford Taurus Ford Taurus Ford Taurus

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

SEMA 2010: Ford Taurus SHOx prescribed for power, side effects include bleeding ears originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 02:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford taurus shoecoboostfordFord Taurusford taurus SHOhahn racecraftRick Bottomrick bottom designssemasema 2010sema auto showsema auto show 2010sema showsema show 2010shoTaurustaurus shoWed, 03 Nov 2010 02:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19700150/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/03/sema-2010-ford-taurus-shox-prescribed-for-power-side-effects-i/19700150/article-detail.xml 19700150 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/leadtaurusshoxsema2010_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/leadtaurusshoxsema2010.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Conan O'Brien turns stuntman, pilots explosive '69 Dodge Dart]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/15/video-conan-obrien-turns-stuntman-pilots-explosive-69-dodge/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/15/video-conan-obrien-turns-stuntman-pilots-explosive-69-dodge/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/15/video-conan-obrien-turns-stuntman-pilots-explosive-69-dodge/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Conan drives a Dart off a cliff
Conan O'Brien does his own stunts - Click above to watch video after the jump

Conan O'Brien is getting ready to launch his new late-night talk show. "Conan" premieres November 8th at 11pm on TBS. He wants to show everyone just how bad-ass this new television show will be. Ditching his beloved 1992 Ford Taurus SHO, O'Brien jumps behind the wheel of a '69 Dodge Dart that is pointed straight at a cliff. He ups the stunt-ante by packing the car with C4 explosives, fireworks from New Hampshire (which technically are not illegal if you fire them off in the Granite state) and un-popped popcorn kernels.

Having the Dart loaded with stuff that explodes and ceremoniously removing his stunt man from the equation, Conan nails the accelerator towards the cliff then Thelma and Louises it over the edge. The result is a loud, explosion-filled wreck that O'Brien walks away from while putting out his flaming hair and leather jacket. It's epic.

Are you still here? Seriously already, check it out after the jump.

[Source: Inside Line, Youtube]

Continue reading Video: Conan O'Brien turns stuntman, pilots explosive '69 Dodge Dart

Video: Conan O'Brien turns stuntman, pilots explosive '69 Dodge Dart originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1969 Dodge Dart1992 ford taurus SHOconanconan obrienconan shodartDodgeDodge DartfordFord Taurusford taurus SHOstuntstunt drivingtaurus shotbsFri, 15 Oct 2010 14:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19675777/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/15/video-conan-obrien-turns-stuntman-pilots-explosive-69-dodge/19675777/article-detail.xml 19675777 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/conan_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/conan.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: More evidence of 400-hp Taurus SHO?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/13/spy-shots-more-evidence-of-400-hp-taurus-sho/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/13/spy-shots-more-evidence-of-400-hp-taurus-sho/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/13/spy-shots-more-evidence-of-400-hp-taurus-sho/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Ford Taurus SHOWhen we reported last month that Ford may push the Taurus SHO up to 400 horsepower, it caused quite a stir in the comments. Speaking at the annual SHO Convention held this year in Dearborn, Steve Ling, Ford's North American car marketing manager told us, "365 horsepower is good. 400 is better." Words are one thing, but new spy shots from ace photog Brenda Priddy and her gang confirm that Ford is definitely planning something for the 2012 Taurus SHO.

This Limited-badged Taurus caught hot weather testing in the South West is pretty easy to spot as a SHO. The SHO-specific wheels are the dead giveaway, but out back we also see the SHO's two large tailpipes poking out of a modified rear valence. What's particularly interesting is the car's front end, which is heavily wrapped, most likely to obscure design changes to the 2012 SHO's front end that will further separate its look from standard Taurus models.

While we there's no evidence in these spy shots confirming that Ford is pushing the car's 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 up to 400 horsepower, the fact this car was caught hot weather testing could indicate that engineers are there to see how a more powerful version of this engine acts when the mercury skyrockets. That said, they could also just be testing how any changes to the front end design affect engine cooling for the current engine.

We're also hoping they're testing new brakes for the SHO, because the current car's stoppers have enough trouble hauling down this heavy sleeper sedan without another 35 hp making matters worse.

[Source: SEMA.org]

Spy Shots: More evidence of 400-hp Taurus SHO? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 ford taurus shofordtaurustaurus shotaurus sho spy shotsFri, 13 Aug 2010 14:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19593022/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/13/spy-shots-more-evidence-of-400-hp-taurus-sho/19593022/article-detail.xml 19593022 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/web-sho-taurus01opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/web-sho-taurus01opt.jpg <![CDATA[Ford hints at 400-HP Taurus SHO and more during annual convention]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/20/ford-hints-at-400-hp-taurus-sho-and-more-during-annual-conventio/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/20/ford-hints-at-400-hp-taurus-sho-and-more-during-annual-conventio/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/20/ford-hints-at-400-hp-taurus-sho-and-more-during-annual-conventio/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Ford Taurus SHO Convention highlights - Click above for high-res image gallery

Blue Oval execs rolled out the red carpet for Taurus SHO owners last week in Dearborn, MI to welcome 100 privately owned examples and many more enthusiasts to town for the 19th annual national Taurus SHO convention. Ford would love nothing more than to win the approval of the already rabid SHO enthusiast community, many of whom appreciate the performance potential of two turbos and all-wheel drive but aren't necessarily on board with the new super-sized model. To that end, Ford dropped some not-so-subtle hints on what could be in store for the next SHO, a model rumored to be on deck for 2013.

"365 horsepower is good. 400 is better."
"The SHO is at the top [of Ford's performance sedan lineup] and we're going to keep it there," said Steve Ling, Ford's North American car marketing manager during a Tuesday lunch presentation at Ford World Headquarters. "365 horsepower is good. 400 is better."

Advanced Engine Design and Development Engineer Brett Hinds spoke at length about the EcoBoost V6 during the Tuesday presentation, noting that the 3.5-liter engine had the potential for considerably more power, as we'll likely see later this year between the fenders of the F-150. That version of the EcoBoost will definitely produce more torque than the SHO's mill, but if the rumors of 400 horsepower for the F-150 are true, a more muscular SHO could indeed be just around the corner.


Gallery: 2010 Taurus SHO convention highlights


Photos by Christopher Smith / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

Continue reading Ford hints at 400-HP Taurus SHO and more during annual convention

Ford hints at 400-HP Taurus SHO and more during annual convention originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford taurus sho2010FordTaurusSho2011 ford taurus sho2011FordTaurusSho400 hp sho400HpShoEcoBoostEcoSHOFordford taurus shoFordTaurusSHOshosho conventionSHOclubSHOconventionSHOupgradesTaurustaurus shoTaurusSHOturboSHOV6SHOV8SHOyamahayamaha v6YamahaV6Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19560018/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/20/ford-hints-at-400-hp-taurus-sho-and-more-during-annual-conventio/19560018/article-detail.xml 19560018 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/shoconventionopt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/shoconventionopt.jpg <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: 1980 Lotus Esprit with SHO-under-glass engine swap [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/30/ebay-find-of-the-day-1980-lotus-esprit-with-sho-under-glass-eng/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/30/ebay-find-of-the-day-1980-lotus-esprit-with-sho-under-glass-eng/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/30/ebay-find-of-the-day-1980-lotus-esprit-with-sho-under-glass-eng/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

1980 Lotus Esprit with SHO conversion - Click above for high-res image gallery.

Strap yourself in, kids - we're in for a whole new fresh batch of awesome. In the world of motor swaps, the Chevrolet 350 will slide its way into anything with four wheels (and some with just two). The Yamaha 3.0-liter V6 found in the first-generation Ford Taurus SHO, on the other hand, is a completely different story. That little bit of kit is only content to power the world's most capable platforms, and since it boasts one of the sexiest intake arrays to ever roll out of a Detroit/Hamamatsu mashup, it looks right at home in the engine bay of, say a 1980 Lotus Esprit.

Which works out, since that's exactly what one intrepid eBay seller has managed to create - a SHO-powered Esprit. The engine uses all of the periphery associated with the front-wheel drive Taurus, including the engine management, but is bolted to the Lotus five-speed gearbox. The seller even says all of the factory gauges remain in place and work accordingly - something most Esprits of this era can't boast - even without a heart transplant. Assuming the Taurus mill is still churning out the same 220 horsepower it made from the factory, you're guaranteed a modest bump over the factory output. Buy it now sits at $15,000.

Sounds like good Mr. Neff has found the perfect replacement for his flawless SHO. Hit the jump for a video walkaround, including the chance to hear this odd British/American/Japanese hybrid firing up.


Gallery: Lotus Esprit SHO


[Source: eBay Motors]

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: 1980 Lotus Esprit with SHO-under-glass engine swap [w/videos]

eBay Find of the Day: 1980 Lotus Esprit with SHO-under-glass engine swap [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>19801980 lot1980 Lotus Esprit1980 Lotus Esprit SHO Conversion1980LotusEsprit1980LotusEspritShoConversioneBayeBay MotorsEbayMotorsengine swapEngineSwapEspritFordFord Taurus Police InterceptorFord Taurus SHOFordTaurusPoliceInterceptorFordTaurusShoLotusLotus EspritLotus Esprit SHO ConversionLotusEspritLotusEspritShoConversionSHOSHO ConversionShoConversiontaurineTaurusTaurus SHOTaurusShoyamahayamaha engineyamaha v6YamahaEngineYamahaV6Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19420125/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/30/ebay-find-of-the-day-1980-lotus-esprit-with-sho-under-glass-eng/19420125/article-detail.xml 19420125 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/01-esprit-630-1269971630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/01-esprit-630-1269971630.jpg <![CDATA[Officially Official: 2012 Ford Police Interceptor unveiled, second utility model announced]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/12/police-interceptor-ford-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/12/police-interceptor-ford-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/12/police-interceptor-ford-unveiled/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Ford Police Interceptor - Click above for image gallery

The Ford Crown Victoria has been the chariot of choice (well necessity really) for police officers and cabbies all over America since the demise of its numero uno competitor, the Chevrolet Caprice, back in the mid-'90s. The Crown Vic and its ancestors have been around with a minimum of mechanical changes since roughly the same time as the Model T, or at least it seems that way. However, in recent years the Crown Vic has been increasingly challenged by the Dodge Charger and Chevrolet Impala. Even more troubling for Ford is the impending arrival of a new rear-wheel-drive drive police car from Chevrolet based on the departed Pontiac G8.

At a private fleet sales event in Las Vegas today, Ford finally took the wraps off a new generation Police Interceptor model based on the 2010 Taurus. The new car has big shoes to fill as the Crown Vic has accounted for 70 percent of all police vehicle sales over the past five years. Read on for more on the new Police Interceptor.


Gallery: 2012 Ford Police Interceptor


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2012 Ford Police Interceptor unveiled, second utility model announced

Officially Official: 2012 Ford Police Interceptor unveiled, second utility model announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20122012 ford police interceptor2012 ford taurus2012 ford taurus police interceptor2012FordPoliceInterceptor2012FordTaurus2012FordTaurusPoliceInterceptorfordford cop carford police carford police cruiserford police interceptorFord TaurusFordCopCarFordPoliceCarFordPoliceCruiserFordPoliceInterceptorFordTauruspolice interceptorPoliceInterceptortaurustaurus policetaurus police interceptortaurus shoTaurusPoliceTaurusPoliceInterceptorTaurusShoFri, 12 Mar 2010 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19394474/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/12/police-interceptor-ford-unveiled/19394474/article-detail.xml 19394474 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/screen-shot-2010-03-12-at-11.53.41-amopt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/screen-shot-2010-03-12-at-11.53.41-amopt.jpg <![CDATA[Source: Next-gen Ford Police Interceptor will debut this Friday in Las Vegas]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/10/ford-police-interceptor-revealed-this-friday/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/10/ford-police-interceptor-revealed-this-friday/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/10/ford-police-interceptor-revealed-this-friday/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Hold on to your sap gloves and night sticks - it's that time of the decade! An Autoblog source reveals that Ford is about to release a brand spankin' new Police Interceptor. Not only is this humongous news for our pals in the law enforcement community, but this is 120-point headline font for taxi companies around the country, as they typically buy old Police Interceptors with 90,000 miles on 'em and repurpose them as the cabs we all know and love passing out in. Why? Because Police Interceptors are the toughest passenger cars money can buy.

Few of us have the need to drive over curbs at 50+ mph, but if that need arises, you're going to want to do so in an Interceptor. Aside from the "severe duty" shocks, you get a beefed up frame and body mounts. Yes, that is correct. The Crown Victoria-based Police Interceptor is body-on-frame. Listen, when you're PIT maneuvering a perp during a high speed chase, the last thing you want to worry about is bending the chassis. Plus you got them heavy duty brakes, suspension components and oil coolers. A sweet package, no doubt.

Here's the thing though. If this new Police Interceptor is more than a package, what platform will it ride on? Ford has stated publicly that it's ending the geriatric Panther Platform Crown Victoria's life in 2011. We'll go ahead and interpret that to mean that this new Police Interceptor won't be Crown Victoria-based. Do we know that for sure? No, but it's a logical bit of speculation. Could the new Interceptor be Taurus-based, maybe something with a SHO motor and stouter brakes? Again, yes, but for all we know the upcoming car's a Fiesta with the Mustang GT's new 5.0-liter V8 crammed in the rear seat. Or one of them apocryphal Australia-only rear-drive Falcons. All we know for sure is that Ford's introducing a new Police Interceptor to a select group of folks in Las Vegas this Friday. Production? Concept? We're not entirely sure yet. More details when we get them.

[Image: davidsonscott15 | CC2.0]

Source: Next-gen Ford Police Interceptor will debut this Friday in Las Vegas originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreaking newsBreakingNewsCrown VictoriaCrownVictoriaFordFord Crown VictoriaFord FalconFord FiestaFord MustangFord Panther Platformford police interceptorFord Police Interceptor Crown VictoriaFordCrownVictoriaFordFalconFordFiestaFordMustangFordPantherPlatformFordPoliceInterceptorFordPoliceInterceptorCrownVictoriaPanther PlatformPantherPlatformpolice interceptorPoliceInterceptorSHOWTaurusTaurus SHOTaurusShoWed, 10 Mar 2010 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19391702/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/10/ford-police-interceptor-revealed-this-friday/19391702/article-detail.xml 19391702 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/3090392251b0c3016b94opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/3090392251b0c3016b94opt.jpg <![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Ford Taurus SHO wagon is the apple of our eye]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/09/rendered-speculation-ford-taurus-sho-wagon-is-the-apple-of-our/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/09/rendered-speculation-ford-taurus-sho-wagon-is-the-apple-of-our/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/09/rendered-speculation-ford-taurus-sho-wagon-is-the-apple-of-our/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Many of us who sit around the Autoblog campfire every day are fans of station wagons. We love cars and love the idea of having some extra utility without giving up the generally superior driving dynamics of cars versus SUVs or crossovers. We also like the idea - if not necessarily the execution - of the Ford Taurus SHO.

Being aware of that fact, one of our readers put his Photoshop skills to work and created the rendering you see here of a SHO wagon. Ford, of course, has never officially built an official SHO wagon - either with the current model or with its predecessors. Naturally, there have been some aftermarket and homebuilt conversions over the years, and even at least one that we know of that was built inside Dearborn.

Of course, building a wagon off of previous models was substantially easier because Ford actually marketed a wagon bodystyle in the first couple of Taurus iterations. Not so with today's massive-yet-handsome sedan. Judging by reader Josiah's rendering above, that's a real shame, because the 2010 Taurus could really put some of its continental bulk to good load-lugging effect with an estate variant. Unfortunately, we'll likely never see anything like this slick wagon produced. The closest we figure to get is an Ecoboost Flex, which isn't exactly a bad alternative. Thanks for the great rendering, Josiah!

[Source: JosiahLacolla.com]

Rendered Speculation: Ford Taurus SHO wagon is the apple of our eye originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford tarus station wagonFord Taurusford taurus SHOford taurus sho wagonFordTarusStationWagonFordTaurusFordTaurusShoFordTaurusShoWagonrenderedrendered speculationrendered-speculationRenderedSpeculationrenderingShoSHO wagonShoWagonstation wagonStationWagonTaurustaurus SHOTaurusShoTue, 09 Mar 2010 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19388809/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/09/rendered-speculation-ford-taurus-sho-wagon-is-the-apple-of-our/19388809/article-detail.xml 19388809 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/showagonab-1268098627_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/showagonab-1268098627.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Taurus SHO and Fusion Hybrid awarded 2010 Urban Autos of the Year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/ford-taurus-sho-and-fusion-hybrid-awarded-2010-urban-autos-of-th/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/ford-taurus-sho-and-fusion-hybrid-awarded-2010-urban-autos-of-th/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/ford-taurus-sho-and-fusion-hybrid-awarded-2010-urban-autos-of-th/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Ford Taurus SHO - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's seemingly no end to the lists and awards that can be dolled out to (sometimes questionably) deserving cars and trucks at the end of the year. Take, for instance, the Urban Automobile of the Year Award by On Wheels Media. This is the 14th year in a row the award has been passed out, and this year top billing goes to the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO.

Athletic, upscale, class-leading, confident, engaging and impressive are all words that seem befitting of an award winner, and you'll find all of them in the press release after the break describing the new SHO. But wait - there's more! We have a second Urban AOTY, this one on the green side of the coin. With the latest Toyota Prius and Honda Insight obvious choices for such an award, Ford is surely happy to see that its 2010 Fusion Hybrid - the most fuel efficient midsize sedan in America at 41 city, 36 highway - earned the trophy, giving the Blue Oval a total sweep of the ceremony.

So, what qualifies a vehicle to be an Urban Automobile of the Year, anyway? Glad you asked. According to Randi Payton, president and publisher of On Wheels Media, "The Urban Automobiles of the Year resonate with the majority of new car buyers who live in urban and suburban areas. The vehicles chosen are cost and fuel-efficient and have performance and safety characteristics relevant to consumers in metropolitan areas." So, there you have it.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

2010fordfusionhybrid_review0002010fordfusionhybrid_review0012010fordfusionhybrid_review0022010fordfusionhybrid_review0032010fordfusionhybrid_review004

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Taurus SHO and Fusion Hybrid awarded 2010 Urban Autos of the Year

Ford Taurus SHO and Fusion Hybrid awarded 2010 Urban Autos of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car of the yearcar of the year 2009car of the year 2010CarOfTheYearCarOfTheYear2009CarOfTheYear2010fordford fusion hybridford taurus shoFordFusionHybridFordTaurusShofusion hybridFusionHybridtaurus shoTaurusShourban auto of the yearurban automobile of the yearUrbanAutomobileOfTheYearUrbanAutoOfTheYearWed, 23 Dec 2009 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19291283/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/23/ford-taurus-sho-and-fusion-hybrid-awarded-2010-urban-autos-of-th/19291283/article-detail.xml 19291283 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/2010-ford-taurus-sho_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/2010-ford-taurus-sho.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: Ford altering Taurus model mix to build more SEL, SHO models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/report-ford-altering-taurus-model-mix-to-build-more-sel-sho-mo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/report-ford-altering-taurus-model-mix-to-build-more-sel-sho-mo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/report-ford-altering-taurus-model-mix-to-build-more-sel-sho-mo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Ford Taurus SHO - Click above for high-res image gallery

When a new model hits the market, auto manufacturers typically release higher-option models out of the gate to maximize early profits. In short, if you're jonesin' to get into an all-new product, you often pay a content premium to be one of the first to get said new car or truck. In a good market, that makes sense, but since 2009 has been a sales disaster for automakers, it was understandable that Ford chose to make more lower-spec 2010 Tauruses than normal. Despite the challenging financial climate, as it turns out, many dealers are clamoring for more high content models.

Automotive News is reporting that dealers are short on SEL and SHO variants of the new Taurus. Marketing chief Jim Farley reportedly told a group of reporters at a press event that the situation was "a problem for our dealers." Overall inventory of the Taurus is solid, with the typical dealer holding a 60-70 day supply of the plus-sized sedans - but some dealers have reportedly waited up to 80 days for certain custom orders.

Given how much more upscale the 2010 model is over the last model, this can be seen as a victory of sorts for the Blue Oval, as it wasn't clear that consumers would welcome back the Taurus nameplate on any car, much less one with loftier aspirations and price tags. That said, all is not puppy dogs and ice cream - Taurus sales are down 22 percent year-over-year (selling 38,361 units through November), although whether that is because of the economy or the car itself remains up for discussion.

Ford dealers are reportedly also running short on F-150 Double Cab models as market demand was misjudged by product planners.

One vehicle that may help Ford to pick the right mix out of the gate is the Fiesta. Ford has gained over 80,000 hand-raisers for what will soon be the Blue Oval's smallest US vehicle and the "Fiesta Movement" has helped the automaker get a lot more data on what kinds of variants customers expect. If the Fiesta launch goes as planned, we're thinking Ford will take similar steps to market other products in the future.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

REPORT: Ford altering Taurus model mix to build more SEL, SHO models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 taurus2010Taurusford taurusFordTaurusmarket demandMarketDemandselshotaurus demandtaurus shoTaurusDemandTaurusShoTue, 22 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19289418/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/22/report-ford-altering-taurus-model-mix-to-build-more-sel-sho-mo/19289418/article-detail.xml 19289418 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/taurusshoreview_04_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/taurusshoreview_04_opt.jpg <![CDATA[SEMA 2009: Ford Taurus puts on a good SHO]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-ford-taurus-puts-on-a-good-sho/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-ford-taurus-puts-on-a-good-sho/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-ford-taurus-puts-on-a-good-sho/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Ford Taurus Concepts at the 2009 SEMA Show - Click above for high-res image gallery

We didn't expect much from Ford's new fulls-size four-door at this year's SEMA show, but the quartet of Taurus Concepts were actually pretty impressive. The design lends itself better to customization than we might've thought, and we wouldn't be surprised to see quite a few owners personalizing the look of their cars.

The favorite Taurus around the Autoblog camp seemed to be the SHO built by Mobsteel with its sinister Jet Black paint, subtle body kit, and a 400 horsepower version of the EcoBoost V6. We also (surprisingly) liked the one built by Funkmaster Flex, along with the clean and simple SHO from MRT-Direct. You can see all four cars in our gallery of live photos below.


Gallery: SEMA 2009: Ford Taurus Concepts


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

SEMA 2009: Ford Taurus puts on a good SHO originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Ford Taurus2010 Ford Taurus SHO2010FordTaurus2010FordTaurusShoFordFord TaurusFord Taurus SHOFordTaurusFordTaurusShoMobsteelMRT-DirectSEMASEMA 2009Sema showSema2009SemaShowSHOTaurusTaurus SHOTaurusShoFri, 06 Nov 2009 11:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19224945/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/06/sema-2009-ford-taurus-puts-on-a-good-sho/19224945/article-detail.xml 19224945 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/taurussema09_lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/taurussema09_lead.jpg -1 2