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Cool. That’s what I said aloud when I took a look at the new 2010 Ford Taurus when it was unveiled a few months ago. Awesome! That’s what I’m saying today, because Ford is going to offer a Super High Output (SHO) version of the Taurus, and that’s good news for everyone.
Ford’s being super smart about this too, combining performance with a more economically and ecologically accountable powerplant, production materials, and marketing. A dear friend of mine had a 1989 Taurus SHO and for its time, it was a hot sedan. Quick, tight, fun, and also affordable. I would be surprised if he isn’t near the front of the line when the car goes on sale this July.

The 2010 edition of the SHO is powered by a 3.5L V6 direct injection twin turbo version of the EcoBoost engine – putting out 365 horsepower and 350 foot pounds of torque (manufacturer’s ratings). You control that power via paddle-shifters connected to a six-speed SelectShift transmission. And as it’s all-wheel drive, the ability to move this two-ton sedan through the twisties will hopefully be more fun than the original, which was a blast.
Of course, if you aren’t about the driving experience as a measurement tool, the Taurus SHO can be outpaced by several other cars, including the Pontiac G8, which is also six grand less expensive, and the Dodge Charger R/T, which for my taste, is a bit long in the tooth (but still wicked-fast for such a beast).
What makes this new SHO even more attractive is that finally, Ford is including the technology that is so vital to anyone interested in purchasing or leasing a new vehicle in these emotionally-driven dustbowl conditions. SYNC, NAV, blind spot imagery, traffic, SIRIUS, etc. are all part of the package. The interior offers well designed and quality components, including nifty sport seats with contrasting color inserts.

All of the things that make me say “awesome” and gives away my California upbringing come at a price. The 2010 Taurus SHO will have $37,995 printed on the Monroney, plus another three grand if you opt for the performance package (answer is yes!), which will bump the tires up to 20-inchers, plus add enhanced stability control, and other go fast and no flippy-flippy devices. What you pay will depend on demand, the economy, and how articulate Ford can be when marketing this car.
In fact, that may be the central issue: Ford says this is supposed to be a “sleeper sport sedan.” Whisky-Tango-Foxtrot? Um… Fire whomever came up with that “marketing” phrase. The SHO will bring the Ford faithful to dealerships, but the company needs more than that, including the back-end of the Gen-X crowd to step up. The company needs to inspire new buyers to get up, turn off the TV, get dressed and to step into the world of 2009. It’s “business time” and Ford needs to let the world know the SHO is about to begin.
Ford has been doing a number of things better than other troubled car firms recently. And while that might sound like,”our football team is no longer in the cellar,” it should come as good news that the company is focusing on delivering products people (you, me) want. The Ford Taurus SHO is a good example of a nicely put together, potentially efficient and exciting new sport sedan. I would suggest the SHO be invited to the next G8 summit, if catch my drift. All four wheels of it.
Check out a fun video on YouTube: