2009 Chicago Auto Show: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO
Published Apr 15, 2009
CHICAGO — Ford unveiled its 2010 Taurus SHO, hyping the return of what it calls a "sleeper" performance-oriented sedan with a V6 and "V8 levels of power," at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show this week. The Taurus SHO will be on the market this summer at a starting price of $37,995, including destination.
The SHO version of the Taurus originated in 1989. Ford says more than 100,000 Taurus SHO sedans were sold during its decade-long existence.
The new SHO has a 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6 engine with gasoline direct injection. It makes 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and standard all-wheel drive.
Ford says it has tuned the SHO's suspension and steering for a sportier feel and better handling. An optional SHO Performance Package upgrades the brakes, shortens the final-drive ratio for better acceleration and offers a Sport Mode setting for the standard electronic stability control system. The Performance Package also offers 20-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 performance tires mounted on painted wheels, an upgrade from the 19-inch wheels and tires on the standard SHO.
Exterior styling cues to distinguish the SHO, which Ford says are deliberately kept subtle, include a deck lid spoiler and twin chrome exhausts. Inside, there are leather-trimmed seats with suede inserts — made in part from recycled soft-drink bottles — plus a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminum trim on the pedals, door panels and console. SHO logos are found on the floor mats and instrument panel.
Optional equipment includes a reverse camera system, adaptive cruise control and two high-tech safety features: a Blind Spot Information System and Cross Traffic Alert. Other electronic options are voice-activated navigation and a Sony 12-speaker audio system.
Inside Line says: A classic Ford name comes back into the fold. — Laura Sky Brown, Correspondent