SHO and TELL

[Kymerik]

What is it?
2010 Ford Taurus SHO

What's special about it?
It's been 20 years since the first Taurus SHO won over enthusiasts starved for an American performance sedan.

With a sassy-looking new Taurus launching for 2010, Ford thought it was time to revisit one of the bright spots in its recent sedan history and relaunch the high-performance version of the big four-door.

The good news: This new version does not have a dinner platter affixed to its trunk lid like the catfish-shape '96 SHO did. The bad news: Well, there's no manual transmission option as there was for the first two generations of the SHO.

But in place of the four-speed automatic that soiled the third-generation SHO, the 2010 model uses a sophisticated six-speed automatic, which can be shifted manually via steering column-mounted paddles and will even give a little goose to the throttle on downshifts.

This tranny is bolted to — wait for it — a twin-turbo, direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 that makes 365 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 350 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. The engine wears Ford's EcoBoost badge and is a slightly juiced version of the engine that will be available in the Lincoln MKS and MKT this year. Not coincidentally, one platform underpins all three vehicles (as well as the Ford Flex).

For the first time in the SHO's history, the 2010 model will come standard with all-wheel drive, the same Haldex system that will be optional on the standard Taurus. Ford expects this setup to deliver 25 mpg on the highway. Incidentally, the dual exhaust is a true dual, unlike the standard Taurus exhaust, which Ford refers to as "quasi-dual."

Naturally, Ford has toughened up the SHO's suspension with stiffer springs, stiffer antiroll bars and new shocks.

If that doesn't sound like enough performance for you, Ford will offer option 12S Performance package for about $995. The package brings upgraded brake pads, a more responsive tune for the electric power-assist steering, a Sport mode for the stability control system and a 3.16:1 final drive in place of the standard 2.77:1. The 12S package also brings Goodyear Eagle F1 summer tires mounted on painted 20-inch wheels.

The exterior getup is pretty restrained, as the SHO always has been. There's a small SHO badge just behind the rear side windows. Ford has also bolted on a trunk lid spoiler, of course. And the standard Taurus front grille gets a new finish. Inside the new Taurus are unique leather-covered sport seats with synthetic suede inserts made from recycled soda bottles. The SHO also has aluminum trim for the instrument and door panels.

Because the company considers this the flagship of the Ford brand, it's offered with all of the electronic goodies available, including keyless entry and push-button start, rearview camera, adaptive cruise control with collision warning and blind spot detection system.

At $37,995, the SHO will start at $6,000 more than the Taurus Limited model. It'll be in dealerships this summer.

Inside Line says:
The new SHO has the looks and the power to be a genuinely intriguing option. — Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit

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[STLBLKMSP]

I'm wondering who is going to pay $38,000 for a Taurus. Just wait a few years and you should be able to pick one up for half that.

[OnebigTymer11]

I wonder if there will be a limited production number?

[GoFast]

wow. good for ford

[seanmcsean]

I like how they took the rear of the interceptor concept.. that looks brilliant.

[haze20]

Not bad. I wouldn't take this over a Evo though at the price.

[Kain]

Not bad. I wouldn't take this over a Evo though at the price.
I seriously doubt many people will cross-shop an Evo with a Taurus SHO...

[haze20]

Maybe. The prices are similar but they will be completely different types of cars.

[SuperStretch18]

That's a great looking taurus. Twin turbo DI v6 to boot! Nicely done...

[johnnyB5646]

Is that the same engine as the new 6? 365hp in the new Mazdaspeed6 with a turbo six-cylinder would be niiiice. I've always loved the SHO taurus and this one looks like it could compete. Keep it up Ford, stop build fleet vehicles, and their lineup could be respectable. EuroFocus, new Taurus SHO, Mustang, F150 Lightning; thats a nice showroom floor at a dealership.

[mikeyb]

Those pics look like a regular Taurus. If they are of the SHO well I very disappointed because I was thinking it to be more aggressive. Add a bodykit and a different rear decklid spoiler. Be more in your face like the Aussie Falcon is. And for 2 grand more you can be in a 09 Pontiac G8 GXP with a manual.

http://img.worldcarfans.com/2008/2/large/3080229.002_1014super2.jpg

http://img.worldcarfans.com/2008/2/large/3080229.002_1024super2.jpg

[Kain]

Maybe. The prices are similar but they will be completely different types of cars.

If anything, the Taurus SHO will make those looking at a Pontiac G8 GXP do a double-take. Not as much power, but should be cheaper.

[mikeyb]

If anything, the Taurus SHO will make those looking at a Pontiac G8 GXP do a double-take. Not as much power, but should be cheaper.

The SHO is 2 grand cheaper than a GXP. I would still rather have the G8 GXP. Comes with a proper transmission, V8, and RWD.

[Mazda3]

Car looks good. I used to have a 97 SHO and loved it at the time. This car is everything I want out of a daily driver family sedan, but I wouldn't pay that kind of money for it. $38K US means $45k-$48K in Canada. Too much for a car with zero resale value. I hope a similar Mazdaspeed 6 comes out.

[MazdaSpeeder]

Love it, but the $38k kind of seems a little over the top...I would love one, (AWD FTW) but I can't do that!

[jred321]

great improvement that's for sure. the things that make me not want to consider it are the slushbox and the pricetag, though i could get over the pricetag if it had a normal gearbox considering the performance it will offer. it also looks like it has a decent interior which is a pleasant change.

[Kain]

The SHO is 2 grand cheaper than a GXP. I would still rather have the G8 GXP. Comes with a proper transmission, V8, and RWD.
Not arguing. When you look at the numbers, I'd pick the G8 GXP, too, but mostly for the standard tranny. Just saying that people shopping for the SHO are likely to look at the G8, not an Evo.

[mikeyb]

Not arguing. When you look at the numbers, I'd pick the G8 GXP, too, but mostly for the standard tranny. Just saying that people shopping for the SHO are likely to look at the G8, not an Evo.

I am not arguing either. I was just stating that I would pick the G8 GXP over the Taurus SHO.

[ms6acton]

at least ford is going in the right direction.. its still at the bottom of the list for me too

[Protege52003]

Looks nice......

I have always liked the old SHO's.
This is a little more than I will pay for a new car though.........maybe in a coulpe years when they are back on the market as pre-owned!

-R

[nealric]

Why would one buy this over a BMW 335?

38k is wayyy too much for a ford sedan

[Mazda3]

Why would one buy this over a BMW 335?

38k is wayyy too much for a ford sedan

You can buy a loaded 335 for $38k in the US?
They are about $55K up here.

[jred321]

yea. 335 xDrive sedan starts at $42,300. by the time you get it loaded with options befitting of a BMW (and with what the taurus is sure to come with standard) you're probably closer to the $50k mark. then add in the fact that it's down 65hp to the ford and also the fact that everybody and their mother can get an employee discount on a ford product and you're easily talking about $15k more for a less powerful car

[coolmazda5]

The bad news: Well, there's no manual transmission option as there was for the first two generations of the SHO.


Less and less "enthusiast" models are coming with Manual Tranny. Oh well, the end is near (sad2)

It looks too massive anyway...

[silverspeed03]

So the Taurus will have more power than the Mustang........

[skylar2ups]

My father is really looking forward to the SHO, he has been a Ford man forever... he drives a Honda right now but he'd be willing to drop $40k on a great Ford again.

[Donas64]

Decent sedan....waaaaaaay overpriced.

As many have stated, G8 GXP please! Heck if I didn't care about a manual transmission, I'd take a G8 GT over the SHO.

The new Taurus is still a tad too slab slided for my liking. The SHO is not nearly aggressive looking enough.

[Mazda3]

G8 is overpriced as well.

[Donas64]

G8 is overpriced as well.

How so?

A 366 HP & 385 lb ft of torque, RWD sedan with good build quality and a solid overall package for between 29-31K?

How is that overpriced? If so that means that the MS6 was overpriced when it came out too.

For similar money, you are usually stuck with a V6 Camry or Accord.

I don't see how you get overrpiced.

[jred321]

maybe he was referring to the GXP. i think that's a little overpriced (though there are currently $3,000 in rebates on it)

[Mazda3]

How so?

A 366 HP & 385 lb ft of torque, RWD sedan with good build quality and a solid overall package for between 29-31K?

How is that overpriced? If so that means that the MS6 was overpriced when it came out too.

For similar money, you are usually stuck with a V6 Camry or Accord.

I don't see how you get overrpiced.

I thought someone in this thread said the G8 GXP was $2k more than the SHO? If so it is overpriced. Build quality and performance will be roughly the same as the SHO. For $38k-$40k US there are better cars.

If the GXP can be had for $29K-$31K than I retract my statement. I don't follow the US car prices that closely so I was basing my statement on what was posted earlier in the thread.

[LASERBLUE135]

How is that overpriced? If so that means that the MS6 was overpriced when it came out too.

And it clearly was! As they had $5,000 factory incentives at the end of the run and can be had for $15k easily today.

Seriously, unless you need an auto trans, how is this going to be that much better of a car than the MS6. You can say..."it has 100 hp more!" and I will say..."lets see if that translates into a decent driver".

My guess is that this will have similar performance to the MS6...if so its WAAAAY overpriced.



all that rant, and I've got to give Ford props for just producing the damn things, whether it sells or not, its a cool package.

[jred321]

I thought someone in this thread said the G8 GXP was $2k more than the SHO? If so it is overpriced. Build quality and performance will be roughly the same as the SHO. For $38k-$40k US there are better cars.

If the GXP can be had for $29K-$31K than I retract my statement. I don't follow the US car prices that closely so I was basing my statement on what was posted earlier in the thread.
the GXP is closer to the $40k mark. the normal G8 (your comment just said "G8 is overpriced as well") is closer to the $30k mark.

i'm not sure i agree that there are better cars in that price range. you can get cars that are better in one area (you can get an evo/sti which performs better but isn't as nice, you can get a BMW or merc which is very nice but doesn't have the performance) but i don't think there are any other cars that offer both a truly nice car (probably a little shy from luxury fit and finish but not bad) that also performs amazingly well for that price.

also in a year you'll be able to pick up a lightly used GXP for $20k


Seriously, unless you need an auto trans, how is this going to be that much better of a car than the MS6. You can say..."it has 100 hp more!" and I will say..."lets see if that translates into a decent driver".

My guess is that this will have similar performance to the MS6...if so its WAAAAY overpriced.
well, it's a bigger car that will be faster and will likely be more luxurious and have better fit and finish than the MS6. i would imagine it's going to be targeted at the market slightly upstream from the MS6 so it will be a step nicer in all ways to compete. it also hopefully won't be plagued by the problems the MS6 had that helped it not sell well.

[Mazda3]

I just checked the US pricing on the G8. $29k is a V6 base model. The GXP that we are talking about is $38k-$40k once you add the options and fees in. Too much for a GM sedan that will be worth $20k the second it drives off the lot and $15k in a couple of years.

[Mazda3]

And it clearly was! As they had $5,000 factory incentives at the end of the run and can be had for $15k easily today.

Seriously, unless you need an auto trans, how is this going to be that much better of a car than the MS6. You can say..."it has 100 hp more!" and I will say..."lets see if that translates into a decent driver".

My guess is that this will have similar performance to the MS6...if so its WAAAAY overpriced.



all that rant, and I've got to give Ford props for just producing the damn things, whether it sells or not, its a cool package.

The SHO will be faster in a straight line than the current MS6. They are talking 1/4 mile in 13 flat. Whether the whole car is better, probably not.

[Mazda3]

also in a year you'll be able to pick up a lightly used GXP for $20k


Exactly my point. Thats great for us, but GM doesn't make money of the used ones.

[jred321]

I just checked the US pricing on the G8. $29k is a V6 base model. The GXP that we are talking about is $38k-$40k once you add the options and fees in. Too much for a GM sedan that will be worth $20k the second it drives off the lot and $15k in a couple of years.
while not really fair also consider that G8s currently have $3000 rebates and/or 0% for 60 months. so while MSRP may be high what you actually pay for the car is going to be invoice - $3000. they aren't selling well.

[BlackCherry06]

Ford needs some inspiration for a new steering wheel design. The entire car looks fresh and new, while the steering wheel looks like it came out of a 1984 Bronco II.

Thicker rim, 1 less spoke please.

LOVE the center stack. Very Acura NSX.

[Mazda3]

while not really fair also consider that G8s currently have $3000 rebates and/or 0% for 60 months. so while MSRP may be high what you actually pay for the car is going to be invoice - $3000. they aren't selling well.

Yeah, I'm just comparing MSRP's. Current incentives obviously play a role purchase decisions.

[BlackCherry06]

You won't have to wait long for incentives on the Taurus. If you look at it, drive it and like it that much better....wait them out.

[Donas64]

I just checked the US pricing on the G8. $29k is a V6 base model. The GXP that we are talking about is $38k-$40k once you add the options and fees in. Too much for a GM sedan that will be worth $20k the second it drives off the lot and $15k in a couple of years.

how are you completely skipping the G8 GT (not the base or the GXP models) which would be the closest competitor the the Taurus SHO???? I cannot compare the G8 GXP to the SHO for 1 main reason:

You cannot get the SHO in a manual (as stated in the article). So the SHO's natural competition would be the G8 GT

The G8 GT has close to the same power and more torque than the SHO does, they are both 4 door sedans, they are both autos. Except with the G8 you get V8 power while the SHO uses the V6 Ecoboost. And I guarantee you'll get a V8 G8 GT for far less than 37K (what the SHO is supposed to cost) and even more if you figure in incentives.

I know which one I'd rather have.

[Mazda3]

how are you completely skipping the G8 GT (not the base or the GXP models) which would be the closest competitor the the Taurus SHO????

The G8 GT has close to the same power and more torque than the SHO does, they are both 4 door sedans, they are both autos. Except with the G8 you get V8 power while the SHO uses the V6 Ecoboost. And I guarantee you'll get a V8 G8 GT for far less than 37K (what the SHO is supposed to cost) and even more if you figure in incentives.

I know which one I'd rather have.


Projected 1/4 mile times for the SHO are faster than the GXP. The G8 GT is not SHO competition.

[jred321]

personally i'd put the SHO in the class of the GXP instead of the GT. the SHO and GXP are both the performance variants and are close in price and performance.

you can get a G8 GT currently for under $30k. damn nice car for under $30k.

[jred321]

also don't forget the GXP gets hit with the gas guzzler tax because it gets about 15mpg which i don't believe the taurus will.

[Donas64]

Projected 1/4 mile times for the SHO are faster than the GXP. The G8 GT is not SHO competition.

I must respectfully disagree. 1. They are projected times and 2. How much faster really? are we talking about tenths of a second or something because if so then I don't see why they would not compete. Thats like saying that since the WRX has a slightly faster 1/4 mile time than the MS3 so they don't compete. What if the GXP has a higher top speed, better skidpad ratings and is faster through the slalom? I'm just saying that having a better 1/4 mile time does not mean that they don't compete.


personally i'd put the SHO in the class of the GXP instead of the GT. the SHO and GXP are both the performance variants and are close in price and performance.

you can get a G8 GT currently for under $30k. damn nice car for under $30k.


Once again I respectfully disagree. The SHO is closer in power ratings to the G8 GT than it is to the GXP. If you look up the engine specs, you'll see this.

While it is closer in price to the GXP, its specs (including that it only comes in an auto trans) match up more with the G8 GT.

I do agree that the G8 GT is a lot of car for under 30k though.


I see the point you both are making and I'm sure that the magazines will compare the SHO and the G8 GXP, but if I'm shopping for a 4 door RWD sedan that has a manual trans, the SHO would not be on the list.

[Donas64]

also don't forget the GXP gets hit with the gas guzzler tax because it gets about 15mpg which i don't believe the taurus will.

which further separates them as competitors IMHO.

[Mazda3]

The point I was making is that the SHO is a little faster than the GXP, which makes it alot faster than the GT.

On a personal level you and I are looking for different things to fill that particular spot in our garages. My reason for buying something like the SHO is as a daily driven family car. This car can't be manual because my wife won't drive manual. The auto trans is a huge selling feature for me. If the MS6 came with an auto I would be driving one instead of the CX-7. Also where I live the AWD is also selling feature over rear drive in extreme winter conditions. The extra comfort and luxury would also be selling features for me.

You are looking for more of a hardcore rear drive sports sedan with a manual transmission. Which I understand. I can't have a daily drive like that unfortunately and if I was shopping for a weekend sports car neither of these cars would be on the list. I would also bet the auto GXP outsells the manual 3 or 4 to 1, because there are alot of people out there in my situation looking for a sporty family sedan.

Reality is that I will probably end up with a GT-V6 2009 or 2010 Mazda 6. With the deals I can get on Mazda's its hard to justify anything else.

[ms6acton]

mazda3, where in canada u from?

[Donas64]

The point I was making is that the SHO is a little faster than the GXP, which makes it alot faster than the GT.

On a personal level you and I are looking for different things to fill that particular spot in our garages. My reason for buying something like the SHO is as a daily driven family car. This car can't be manual because my wife won't drive manual. The auto trans is a huge selling feature for me. If the MS6 came with an auto I would be driving one instead of the CX-7. Also where I live the AWD is also selling feature over rear drive in extreme winter conditions. The extra comfort and luxury would also be selling features for me.

You are looking for more of a hardcore rear drive sports sedan with a manual transmission. Which I understand. I can't have a daily drive like that unfortunately and if I was shopping for a weekend sports car neither of these cars would be on the list. I would also bet the auto GXP outsells the manual 3 or 4 to 1, because there are alot of people out there in my situation looking for a sporty family sedan.

Reality is that I will probably end up with a GT-V6 2009 or 2010 Mazda 6. With the deals I can get on Mazda's its hard to justify anything else.

point taken :)

I;d also be in the auto boat with you because my wife only drives auto.

[mikeyb]

The G8 GXP has the option for an 6-speed Automatic. Also the GXP has been tested by auto magazines at running the 0-60 in between 4.5 and 4.7 secs and running the ¼-mile: 13.3 sec @ 109 mph.

Built the way I would buy it with the 6-speed manual and sunroof it comes out to be $39,890 but with the -$3,000 rebate it comes out to be $36,890.

[boostdog]

it may have already been stated but what is the curb weight of this bad boy? imagine a swapped trans/engine into a focus .....mmmmm now that would be sweet!

[Kymerik]

it may have already been stated but what is the curb weight of this bad boy? imagine a swapped trans/engine into a focus .....mmmmm now that would be sweet!

and say hello to more torque steer than you'd know what to do with? also, you'd fuck with the weight ratio

[Mazda3]

The G8 GXP has the option for an 6-speed Automatic. Also the GXP has been tested by auto magazines at running the 0-60 in between 4.5 and 4.7 secs and running the ¼-mile: 13.3 sec @ 109 mph.

Built the way I would buy it with the 6-speed manual and sunroof it comes out to be $39,890 but with the -$3,000 rebate it comes out to be $36,890.

One of the write ups on the SHO said Ford estimates 1/4 mile time of 13.0 sec. The AWD will get it off the line hard. They are both nice cars, it just depends on personal taste and what purpose the vehicle needs to serve.

[mikeyb]

One of the write ups on the SHO said Ford estimates 1/4 mile time of 13.0 sec. The AWD will get it off the line hard. They are both nice cars, it just depends on personal taste and what purpose the vehicle needs to serve.

I want to see real world times not the manufacturer's. When is this car suppose to be on the market? Yes they are both nice cars. I just prefer manual, V8 and RWD. I hope a magazine does a comparo between the SHO, GXP, and Charger SRT-8.

[Mazda3]

I want to see real world times not the manufacturer's. When is this car suppose to be on the market? Yes they are both nice cars. I just prefer manual, V8 and RWD. I hope a magazine does a comparo between the SHO, GXP, and Charger SRT-8.

It's a 2010 model, so hopefully be out this summer. I'm sure one of the mags will do a comparo with the GXP.

[mikeyb]

Twin-turbos, 365hp - stock - aggressive looks and...four doors? A Blue Oval on the grille? The Ford Taurus SHO is a legendary nameplate with a promising new face for the 2010 model year, and the tuners at Hennessey Performance have taken notice.

Not much about the planned modifications are yet known, but before 2009 is over the Hennessey gang will have upgrades for the SHO ready, including intake and exhaust, boost controller and gauges, upgraded turbos, higher capacity intercoolers, improved suspension and more on the table.

Already rated at 365hp (272kW) from the factory, the SHO is set to grow to potentially insane output levels in the hands of the likes of Hennessey. The same crew has turned out Dodge Vipers and Ford GTs with twin-turbo kits rated at over 1,000hp (746kW), announced a 705hp 2010 Camaro (526kW) and even taken on the Corvette ZR1.
What they might do the SHO is anybody's guess, but it's almost guaranteed to be outrageous. Perhaps an American rival to the potent twin-turbo sixes found in so many BMWs is finally in the making - especially once the EcoBoost V6 makes it to the Lincoln MKS later this year.

[Kymerik]

Twin-turbos, 365hp - stock - aggressive looks and...four doors? A Blue Oval on the grille? The Ford Taurus SHO is a legendary nameplate with a promising new face for the 2010 model year, and the tuners at Hennessey Performance have taken notice.

Not much about the planned modifications are yet known, but before 2009 is over the Hennessey gang will have upgrades for the SHO ready, including intake and exhaust, boost controller and gauges, upgraded turbos, higher capacity intercoolers, improved suspension and more on the table.

Already rated at 365hp (272kW) from the factory, the SHO is set to grow to potentially insane output levels in the hands of the likes of Hennessey. The same crew has turned out Dodge Vipers and Ford GTs with twin-turbo kits rated at over 1,000hp (746kW), announced a 705hp 2010 Camaro (526kW) and even taken on the Corvette ZR1.
What they might do the SHO is anybody's guess, but it's almost guaranteed to be outrageous. Perhaps an American rival to the potent twin-turbo sixes found in so many BMWs is finally in the making - especially once the EcoBoost V6 makes it to the Lincoln MKS later this year.

meh...hennessey :/ sigh all i gotta say

[Donas64]

Hennessey = expensive. 70K Taurus here we come! But at least it will put out monstrous power.

[Mazda3]

Hennessey = expensive. 70K Taurus here we come! But at least it will put out monstrous power.

Yeah.....sounds cool, but for that kind of dough there's other cars I would look at.

[mikeyb]

Yeah.....sounds cool, but for that kind of dough there's other cars I would look at.

Corvette Z06, Porsche Cayman S, Nissan GT-R, BMW M3, Audi RS5, and MB C63 AMG. Even a BMW 550i.

[meGrimlock]

a Fusion SHO would have more in common with the Taurus SHO that everybody remembers and loves. but this just goes to show you that Ford is being a little brave...shall i say "bold" in their decision to bring out a high performance version of their flagship. for all the reasons that it could be an epic fail, they still wanted to bring its loyal buyers a go-fast version.