In 1989, soon after redefining the American sedan segment, Ford gave the Taurus a high-performance upgrade with a Super-High Output (SHO) edition. It proved a favorite among discriminating drivers, who bought more than 100,000, started a popular fan club, and clamored for its return after production ceased in 1999. Now, they have their wish: Ford has unveiled the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO at the Chicago Auto Show, offering a powerful complement to the sensational, revamped Taurus that debuted last month.
“We had so many enthusiasts that were so outspoken and so passionate. We had to listen,” says Jim Farley, Ford’s group vice president of Marketing and Communications. To a crowd of 26 SHO fans who had gathered in Chicago from all over the country for the event, he said “Thank you for your loyalty … and your patience.”
The SHO upgrades the 2010 Taurus thanks in large part to a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. It’s the most powerful EcoBoost engine, relying on twin turbochargers and direct injection to deliver 365 hp and 350 ft.-lb. of torque. Efficient engineering brings V-8 robustness to the Taurus without sacrificing V-6 fuel economy.
This power boost calls for even more refined control. On the new SHO, steering-wheel–mounted SelectShift paddles allow drivers who want full sway over the car’s operation to switch from automatic to manual mode — a convenient, intuitive way to master the new engine. These paddles feature “match-rev” downshifts, supporting smooth transitions between upward and downward shifts. All-wheel drive encourages this superior performance under diverse road conditions.
Drivers who really want the most out of the new Taurus can opt for an SHO Performance Package, with upgraded brake pads, recalibrated EPAS for greater responsiveness, a “sport” mode to complement the standard AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, and a shorter 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio for faster acceleration. For good measure, summer-compound Goodyear Eagle F1 performance tires give the Taurus SHO’s 19-inch wheels a powerful grip.
Sharp eyes will notice a few subtle differences between the SHO and the standard 2010 Ford Taurus: a decklid-mounted spoiler, twin chrome exhaust tips, and unique parking-lamp bezels. And the interior is accented with leather-trimmed seats, a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum-trimmed accelerator and brake pedals, and SHO-branded console, instrument, and door panels.
Built in Ford’s Chicago assembly plant, the 2010 Taurus SHO hits dealerships this summer, starting at $37,995.
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