Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![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 <![CDATA[VIDEO: SHO vs. SHO on <i>The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/taurus-sho-conan-obrien-the-tonight-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/taurus-sho-conan-obrien-the-tonight-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/taurus-sho-conan-obrien-the-tonight-show/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


SHO vs. SHO - Click above to watch video after the jump

As we reported yesterday, the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO made a guest appearance on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien last night. The comic host still owns and drives his beloved 1992 SHO, claiming it's the finest car ever built, so Ford invited him to Galpin Motors in Los Angeles to check out the new one. Amy Marentic from Ford is his tour guide and does a great job keeping up with the jokes, at one point refusing to massage Conan's neck where the multi-contoured massaging seats won't reach.

After trying out the new SHO, Conan shows Amy what's up with a tour of his own 1992 SHO - "The Beast" - that's parked right beside. We won't ruin all the laughs for you, suffice it to say that Ford got some sweet product placement in a skit that makes you chuckle more than it tries to sell you a car. Follow the jump to watch old SHO vs. new SHO for yourself.

[Source: NBC]

Continue reading VIDEO: SHO vs. SHO on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien

VIDEO: SHO vs. SHO on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford taurus sho2010FordTaurusShoconan o-brienConanO-brienfordford taurusford taurus shoFordTaurusFordTaurusShoshotaurustaurus shoTaurusShothe tonight showTheTonightShowFri, 30 Oct 2009 12:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19216779/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/30/taurus-sho-conan-obrien-the-tonight-show/19216779/article-detail.xml 19216779 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/oldshonewsho_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/oldshonewsho_opt.jpg <![CDATA[<em>The Tonight Show</em> with Conan O'Brien welcomes 2010 Taurus SHO tonight!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/the-tonight-show-with-conan-obrien-welcomes-2010-tauru/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/the-tonight-show-with-conan-obrien-welcomes-2010-tauru/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/the-tonight-show-with-conan-obrien-welcomes-2010-tauru/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


If Jay Leno were a Ferrari McLaren F1, Conan O'Brien would be a Ford Taurus SHO. Now hold on, that's not an insult to Conan, who just took over Jay's hosting duties on The Tonight Show. It's an actual fact: Jay owns a McLaren F1 and Conan drives a 1992 Ford Taurus SHO.

Conan's SHO has appeared on his... uh, show... a number of times in the past, though the most memorable cameo was this skit back in the Late Night with Conan O'Brien days. More recently, the SHO appeared on Conan's first episode hosting The Tonight Show, having made its way with the comic from New York to LA for the new gig.

As we all know, the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO is here and trying hard to revive the same excitement that the original used to snare such high profile owners as Conan O'Brien (and myself). So, of course we've been wondering when Conan's going to drop some coin on a 2010 SHO to replace the old one. While we don't know if he's actually going to buy one, we do have confirmation from Ford that the 2010 Taurus SHO will appear in a skit on The Tonight Show this evening with Conan. So set your DVRs to 11:30PM EST on NBC, and if that doesn't work, check back here tomorrow for a clip of the skit.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO


[Source: Ford]

The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien welcomes 2010 Taurus SHO tonight! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford taurus sho2010FordTaurusShoconan obrienConanObrienfordford taurus shoFordTaurusShotaurustaurus shoTaurusShothe tonight showTheTonightShowThu, 29 Oct 2009 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19215236/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/29/the-tonight-show-with-conan-obrien-welcomes-2010-tauru/19215236/article-detail.xml 19215236 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/conanshotalk_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/conanshotalk_opt.jpg <![CDATA[SEMA Preview: The rest of the best from Ford and Lincoln]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/sema-preview-the-rest-of-the-best-from-ford-and-lincoln/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/sema-preview-the-rest-of-the-best-from-ford-and-lincoln/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/sema-preview-the-rest-of-the-best-from-ford-and-lincoln/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

2009 Ford SEMA vehicles - Click above for image gallery

In addition to the slew of Mustangs that will be at the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas next week, Ford has well over a dozen more vehicles represented including perennial favorites like the Focus, Fusion, Flex and F-150, as well as newcomers like the Taurus SHO, Transit Connect and MKS.

Our personal faves include the Taurus "Best of SHO" by MRT-Direct that improves on the stock SHO with a subtle ground effects kit and vented hood, as well as adds performance improvements through tweaks of EcoBoost engine's turbocharging system and exhaust. Another cool newbie is the Transit Connect by Azentek and Grant Products that features a road-hugging body kit on the outside and a pull-out kitchen and upper bunk bed on the inside.

Our two favorites F-150s that will be on display at SEMA are the "Freedom Truck" that pays tribute to all those who have served in the U.S. armed forces with a patriotic paint job and the Super Duty DeWALT Contractor "Concept", the latter of which looks like a contractor's dream come true.

You can check out all the remaining SEMA vehicles from FoMoCo in the gallery below, complete with descriptions attached for each model.


Gallery: Ford and Lincoln at SEMA 2009

2010 Ford Taurus by Tommy Z Design2010 Ford Taurus SHO by Mobsteel2010 Ford Taurus ?Best of SHO? by MRT-Direct2010 Ford Fusion Sport by Aaron Vaccar Signature Series2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid by M&J Enterprises

[Source: Ford]

SEMA Preview: The rest of the best from Ford and Lincoln originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f-150f-150 semaF-150Semaford semaFordSemalincoln semaLincolnSemasemasema 2009sema showSema2009SemaShowtaurustaurus shotaurus sho semaTaurusShoTaurusShoSematransit connecttransit connect semaTransitConnectTransitConnectSemaMon, 26 Oct 2009 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19210277/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/26/sema-preview-the-rest-of-the-best-from-ford-and-lincoln/19210277/article-detail.xml 19210277 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/fordsemavehicles_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/fordsemavehicles_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Not SHO-wy Enough? Ford reportedly working on tweaks to better distinguish range-topping Taurus]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/not-sho-wy-enough-ford-reportedly-working-on-tweaks-to-better-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/not-sho-wy-enough-ford-reportedly-working-on-tweaks-to-better-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/not-sho-wy-enough-ford-reportedly-working-on-tweaks-to-better-d/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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

In our review of the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO, you may recall our charge that while the resurrected SHO is surely a great performance bargain for a big executive sedan, it doesn't earn its SHO-ness. There's a certain quality lacking that the original possessed, a uniqueness, of which the new SHO is bereft. Sure, it's powerful and plush and well appointed, but what makes it anything more than a Ford Taurus EcoBoost?

Car and Driver is claiming that inside sources have confirmed that Ford now agrees with our assessment. According to C&D, Ford used focus groups to help determine how differentiated the SHO should be from a standard Taurus, and when no consensus was found, they erred on the side of the caution - and lower cost - and gave the Taurus halo sedan only minor visual tweaks.

After seeing how the new SHO has been received by critics and the public, Ford is reportedly preparing a substantial visual rework of the SHO for the 2012 model year. While no specifics were offered, the inside source did divulge that new wheels were a lock (modern slicers, please!). As to why they don't roll out these changes on the 2011 model, C&D suggests that it would look like Ford was admitting a mistake had been made if they reacted too quickly, and it also sounds as if some of the changes may require more than a model year to develop.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO


[Source: Car and Driver]

Not SHO-wy Enough? Ford reportedly working on tweaks to better distinguish range-topping Taurus originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Ford Taurus SHO2010FordTaurusShoFordFord TaurusFord Taurus SHOFordTaurusFordTaurusShoSHOTaurus SHOTaurusShoTue, 22 Sep 2009 11:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19169012/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/09/22/not-sho-wy-enough-ford-reportedly-working-on-tweaks-to-better-d/19169012/article-detail.xml 19169012 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/2010taurusshoreview033_optb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/2010taurusshoreview033_optb.jpg <![CDATA[Review: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO gets measured against the original]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/14/review-2010-ford-taurus-sho-gets-measured-against-the-original/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/14/review-2010-ford-taurus-sho-gets-measured-against-the-original/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/14/review-2010-ford-taurus-sho-gets-measured-against-the-original/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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

There's a small group of enthusiasts who worship a car you just wouldn't expect: the original Ford Taurus SHO. And I'm one of them. After years of searching for an example in good shape, I bought my very first vintage SHO, a 1991 Ford Taurus SHO Plus model (we'll explain what the "Plus" means later) earlier this year. At the same time, somewhere in a secluded Dearborn bunker, Ford was planning to announce that the SHO name would return with the redesigned 2010 Taurus. Clearly, 2009 was shaping up as a big year for SHO fans - especially me.

Thus, it was beyond argument in the virtual halls of Autoblog HQ that the task of reviewing the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO would fall to yours truly - but could an unabashed SHO fan pass judgment on the resurrection of his all-time favorite car without bias? You can judge for yourself after the jump.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO


Photos copyright (C)2009 John Neff / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO gets measured against the original

Review: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO gets measured against the original originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford taurus sho2010FordTaurusShofeaturedfordford taurusford taurus shoFordTaurusFordTaurusShoreviewreviewsshotaurustaurus shoTaurusShoMon, 14 Sep 2009 11:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19159951/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/09/14/review-2010-ford-taurus-sho-gets-measured-against-the-original/19159951/article-detail.xml 19159951 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[REPORT: Ford to go after lux brands with new Taurus ads [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/31/report-ford-to-go-after-lux-brands-with-new-taurus-ads-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/31/report-ford-to-go-after-lux-brands-with-new-taurus-ads-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/31/report-ford-to-go-after-lux-brands-with-new-taurus-ads-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to watch videos after the jump

While the Taurus name still carries very strong awareness with customers, Ford needs to show the car-buying public that the 2010 model has an entirely new level of class and refinement. To accomplish its goal, the flagship sedan's new marketing campaign is ignoring competitors like the Honda Accord and instead going after the luxury competition.

New online ads will pit the 2010 Taurus, which starts at $26,000, against competition that costs $60,000 or more. In one spot, the Taurus goes head to head with the much more expensive Lexus LS. Both vehicles will be driving behind a leaky gravel hauler to show that the Ford has a better paint job. In another spot featuring the Infiniti M45X, Ford aims to show that the Taurus has a more sophisticated radar system. Infiniti spokesman Kyle Bazemore tells the Detroit News that his company is flattered to be chosen by Ford as a benchmark, but "our entry-level Infiniti G beat the Taurus in a head-to-head test by Edmunds.com."

Ford says the ads aren't targeting luxury car buyers, but instead they are meant to tout the Taurus' advanced technology. Analyst Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics LLP likes Ford's approach, since many vehicles in the segment don't have the same level of tech as the Taurus. Hall isn't so sure, however, if the online ads go far enough to distinguish the new Taurus from the old model. Ford's print and TV spots won't feature luxury competitors, though, instead focusing mainly on favorable reviews and technology.

Follow the jump to view two of the new Taurus ads. In the first one, Ford takes on the Acura RL to see which vehicle has the quieter cabin. The prop? A fire-breathing drag racer, parked right between the two vehicles. The second spot features the Taurus and Lexus LS taking on the fore-mentioned gravel hauler. This commercial is pretty sweet, if only because of the slow motion chunks of rocks hitting both cars set to opera. Hat tip to Racer.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Taurus


[Source: Detroit News]

Continue reading REPORT: Ford to go after lux brands with new Taurus ads [w/VIDEO]

REPORT: Ford to go after lux brands with new Taurus ads [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford taurus2010 ford taurus sho2010FordTaurus2010FordTaurusShofordford taurusFordTaurusonline marketingOnlineMarketingtaurustaurus commercialtaurus marketingtaurus shoTaurusCommercialTaurusMarketingTaurusShovideoFri, 31 Jul 2009 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19115201/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/07/31/report-ford-to-go-after-lux-brands-with-new-taurus-ads-w-video/19115201/article-detail.xml 19115201 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/2010taurus_fd000_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/2010taurus_fd000_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Bigs n' Littles: Inside Line pits Ford's new Taurus SHO against Infiniti G37]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/bigs-n-littles-inside-line-pits-fords-new-taurus-sho-against/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/bigs-n-littles-inside-line-pits-fords-new-taurus-sho-against/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/bigs-n-littles-inside-line-pits-fords-new-taurus-sho-against/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Back when we gave you our first drive impressions of Ford's new Taurus and Taurus SHO, we expressed a measure of concern that it wasn't immediately clear as to which competitors Dearborn's new offerings might square off against. While carving out a new niche can sometimes mean that you can coerce buyers from all segments of the market (Chrysler's PT Cruiser was a good example of this when it launched, as was the Mini Cooper), we openly questioned whether that will be the case with the Blue Oval's big new sedan:
"The Taurus name has never been extended upmarket like this before (let alone in such a waterlogged economy), and it isn't immediately clear who the model's competitors are - a detail that could prove problematic when trying to target customers."
Judging by their new comparison test which pits the SHO against a Journey-spec Infiniti G37 sedan, the folks over at Inside Line share our quandary. After all, given that the rear-drive Infiniti is significantly smaller and lighter, driven by half-as-many wheels (and seemingly from a different end of the market), this seems like a questionable matchup. And yet, there really aren't many cars that are better comparisons - the Chrysler 300C AWD, perhaps, or the front-drive Chevrolet Impala SS, but both are older propositions that are massively outclassed by the spanking new Ford. We might have suggested the Acura TL, but Inside Line already tested that car in a comparison and found it wanting.

Given that the Blue Oval itself appears to be targeting upmarket brands with some of its benchmarks, perhaps the G isn't an unreasonable choice, especially given that its as-tested price ended up being cheaper than the Ford. In any case, the SHO vs. G37 comparison makes for interesting reading, so check it out by clicking on the link below.

[Source: Inside Line; Image: Kurt Niebuhr]

Bigs n' Littles: Inside Line pits Ford's new Taurus SHO against Infiniti G37 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ford TaurusFordTaurusg35g37infiniti g35infiniti g37InfinitiG35InfinitiG37TaurusTaurus SHOTaurusShoTue, 07 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19087882/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/07/07/bigs-n-littles-inside-line-pits-fords-new-taurus-sho-against/19087882/article-detail.xml 19087882 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/2009-g37-infiniti-ct-sho-taurus-580_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/2009-g37-infiniti-ct-sho-taurus-580.jpg <![CDATA[First Drive: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO offers excellence without emotion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/23/first-drive-2010-ford-taurus-sho-offers-excellence-without-emot/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/23/first-drive-2010-ford-taurus-sho-offers-excellence-without-emot/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/23/first-drive-2010-ford-taurus-sho-offers-excellence-without-emot/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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

Incendiary Statement of the Day: American automakers haven't made many good sport sedans. It isn't because we can't build 'em - it's just that for one reason or another, U.S. automakers have historically refused to take the segment seriously, all but ceding it to the Europeans and the Japanese.

Thankfully, the Detroit 3 have produced some models that buck the trend, and even better for us, most of them are recent offerings. Cadillac's stonking new CTS-V isn't just a sport sedan - dollar-for-dollar, it may very well be the best in the world. Pontiac's G8 GT and GXP are two excellent examples, and Chrysler's 300C SRT8 and Charger SRT8 make decent cases for themselves, although they're arguably more muscle cars in sedan wrappers than four-door barnstormers. What else is there? In the last 25 years or so, not a whole lot. Once you get past the first-gen CTS and perhaps the Lincoln LS, you're dealing with short-lived, small-volume factory skunkworks models like the Dodge Spirit R/T and SRT4, as well as the Ford Contour SVT. In fact, you're skating on thin (sport compact) ice... until you get to the first- and second-generation Taurus SHO of the late-Eighties to mid-Nineties.

Ah, the Taurus SHO. While it's probably true that the fog of time has conspired to give us a rosier view of the 1989-1991 SHO and the 1992-1995 model that followed the original, few would deny that its spirited 220-horsepower Yamaha-sourced 3.0-liter V6 was anything less than a wondrous engine, or that the standard Taurus' revolutionary slipstream bodywork and tidy dimensions lent itself well to the genre's ethos. Further, for an American mid-size sport sedan, it was the only game in town, yet it acquitted itself handsomely against contemporary Nissan Maximas, and pricier competitors like the BMW 3-Series.

The SHO took a wrong turn (as did the entire Taurus franchise) with the softer V8-powered 1996 third-generation model, and slow sales saw the model expire by 1999. A decade has passed since that car went off to the Great Crusher in the Sky, and now Ford has returned with an altogether different SHO for 2010. Does it live up to the original, or is it more in keeping with the underwhelming model that preceded it so long ago? Let's find out.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO offers excellence without emotion

First Drive: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO offers excellence without emotion originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> FeaturedEcoBoostfeaturedfirst driveFirstDriveFord TaurusFord Taurus SHOFordTaurusFordTaurusShoSHOTaurus SHOTaurusShoYamahaTue, 23 Jun 2009 11:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19074962/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/06/23/first-drive-2010-ford-taurus-sho-offers-excellence-without-emot/19074962/article-detail.xml 19074962 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/01-2010-ford-taurus-sho-fd-580op2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/01-2010-ford-taurus-sho-fd-580op2.jpg <![CDATA[First 2010 Taurus SHO to receive involuntary restyling]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/23/first-2010-taurus-sho-receives-involuntary-restyling/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/23/first-2010-taurus-sho-receives-involuntary-restyling/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/23/first-2010-taurus-sho-receives-involuntary-restyling/#commentsFiled under: ,


Smashed 2010 Ford Taurus SHO - Click above for image gallery

The 2010 Ford Taurus SHO hasn't even gone on sale yet, and already an example of the twin-turbo sedan is sitting in the body shop. Chicago SVT member The Beast alleges that the once elegant-looking red SHO had barely left the lot on dealer demo rounds, only to return shortly after in a flat-bed. The brand-new SHO was reportedly involved in a three-car pileup, leading to some serious damage to an otherwise swell sports sedan.

We don't know the exact details of the incident, but whatever happened during the crash left the freshly christened SHO with a well-mangled rear including a hosed trunk and bumper, along with a fairly substantial ding to the front fascia. Click on the image above or the gallery below to view the crash damage in more detail.


Gallery: Smashed 2010 Taurus SHO


[Source: Chicago SVT]

First 2010 Taurus SHO to receive involuntary restyling originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Ford Taurus SHO2010FordTaurusShocrashFordFord Taurus SHOFordTaurusShoSHOsmashedTaurus SHOTaurusShowreckerTue, 23 Jun 2009 09:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19075000/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/06/23/first-2010-taurus-sho-receives-involuntary-restyling/19075000/article-detail.xml 19075000 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/taurus-smash-580x_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/taurus-smash-580x.jpg <![CDATA[First Drive: 2010 Ford Taurus - The once and future king?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/first-drive-2010-ford-taurus-the-once-and-future-king/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/first-drive-2010-ford-taurus-the-once-and-future-king/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/first-drive-2010-ford-taurus-the-once-and-future-king/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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

Ford's marketers and PR types have a tremendous job ahead of them: Educating the American consumer on what company's new Taurus is all about. It's a Herculean task that amounts to nothing more than rebuilding a brand that was once broadly considered an icon - not just of the auto industry - but of American business at large.

Fortunately for the Blue Oval team, they may have an ace-in-the-hole. As we learned driving the 2010 Ford Taurus through Tennessee and North Carolina's Smoky Mountain roads, this new bull shows promise and takes the marque upscale like never before. But be under no illusions - this is a risky move. The Taurus name has never been extended upmarket like this before (let alone in such a waterlogged economy), and it isn't immediately clear who the model's competitors are - a detail that could prove problematic when trying to target customers.

The Chicago-built Taurus is no longer a logical Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Chevrolet Malibu cross-shop - that's the Fusion's turf now. In size, technology, and aspirations, Ford is pushing its new sedan several of rungs up the ladder. Is it the right product for the right time? Perhaps of more immediate concern, is it carrying the right name and will Ford be able to overcome the Taurus brand's baggage and sell America on its virtues?

Click through to see if the Blue Oval has a fighting chance.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Taurus


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Taurus

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Ford Taurus - The once and future king?

First Drive: 2010 Ford Taurus - The once and future king? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> featured first drive FirstDrive2010 ford taurus2010 Taurus2010FordTaurus2010Taurusdavid byrneDavidByrneEcoboostfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivefordFord TaurusFord Taurus Road TestFordTaurusFordTaurusRoadTestonce in a lifetimeOnceInALifetimeremain in lightRemainInLighttalking headsTalkingHeadsTaurustaurus reviewTaurus SELTaurus SHOTaurusReviewTaurusSelTaurusShoMon, 22 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19073579/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/06/22/first-drive-2010-ford-taurus-the-once-and-future-king/19073579/article-detail.xml 19073579 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/2010taurus_fd000_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/2010taurus_fd000_opt.jpg <![CDATA[<em>Esquire</em> publishes first driving impressions of 2010 Ford Taurus SHO]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/12/em-esquire-em-publishes-first-driving-impressions-of-2010-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/12/em-esquire-em-publishes-first-driving-impressions-of-2010-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/12/em-esquire-em-publishes-first-driving-impressions-of-2010-for/#commentsFiled under: ,


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

Though Esquire isn't normally considered a car mag, it does have enough clout to get Ford to cough up the keys to a brand new 2010 Taurus SHO. The 365-hp sleeper sedan was named the magazine's first ever Car of the Year and had to be driven in order to be considered. Along with the award, Esquire has just published the first driving impressions of the SHO penned by Automobile columnist and all-around cool car guy Ezra Dyer.

Unfortunately, the 874-word article contains only 100 words devoted to how the SHO actually drives, so the impression we get isn't a very deep one. But it is the first and, needless to say, Ezra was impressed, throwing out comparisons to the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series.

You may be wondering when you'll read our own First Drive of the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO. We'll be behind the wheel of the entire 2010 Taurus line late next week, but driving impressions for the SHO are embargoed until Wednesday, July 22. Word around the water cooler is that this embargo may be shaky since Esquire has already published driving impressions of the SHO, regardless of how few details were revealed. Keep an eye out either way.


Gallery: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO


[Source: Esquire]

Esquire publishes first driving impressions of 2010 Ford Taurus SHO originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford taurus sho2010FordTaurusShofordford taurusford taurus shoFordTaurusFordTaurusShoshosho driving impressionssho first drivesho reviewShoDrivingImpressionsShoFirstDriveShoReviewtaurustaurus shoTaurusShoFri, 12 Jun 2009 15:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19065759/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/06/12/em-esquire-em-publishes-first-driving-impressions-of-2010-for/19065759/article-detail.xml 19065759 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/10taurussho_01_optagagag_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/10taurussho_01_optagagag.jpg <![CDATA[2010 Ford Taurus SHO named <i>Esquire</i> Car of the Year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/2010-ford-taurus-sho-named-i-esquire-i-car-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/2010-ford-taurus-sho-named-i-esquire-i-car-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/2010-ford-taurus-sho-named-i-esquire-i-car-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: ,


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

The Ford Taurus hasn't even hit the market yet, but it's already beginning to win props from the press. Esquire has entered the award fray by picking the new Taurus SHO as its inaugural 2010 Car of the Year. The long-running men's magazine has three criteria for its award: terrific ride and handling with plenty of speed; attractive sheetmetal that elicits stares; and an attainable price point. Editor-in-chief David Granger says that the SHO hits all the marks, as the twin-turbocharged Ford was the unanimous winner amongst Esquire editors.

Esquire correspondent (and Automobile Magazine columnist) Ezra Dyer added that the SHO was a good every day driver that "happens to have a secret under the hood." We're pretty sure 365 horsepower is enough juice to fall in the 'sleeper' category. Ford is, for obvious reasons, pleased with its latest piece of hardware, adding that "we trust that customers will be equally impressed."

Oh, and before you ask ('cause we did) - although the Taurus SHO hasn't hit the market and the official media drive hasn't happened yet, Esquire did manage to secure a drive of the car before they handed out the award, although it isn't immediately clear what other cars were considered for the award. Interestingly, the magazine's article apparently doesn't actually delve into the area of driving impressions, so Ford says it was copacetic with the pre-embargo coverage. Us? We'll finally get our chance to flog the SHO very soon, but we've promised the Blue Oval not to tell you about it until late July, so you'll have to wait. Hit the jump to read Ford's press release.


Gallery: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2010 Ford Taurus SHO named Esquire Car of the Year

2010 Ford Taurus SHO named Esquire Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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