When Ford kicks off the advertising campaign for Taurus on Aug. 4, they'll do so with an a "new" Microsoft "tag" system letting consumers point their camera phones at bar codes printed next to technology features in Taurus ads for more in-depth information. Once it captures an image of the tag it will load animations, additional information and images of that particular technology directly to the consumer's
mobile device.

Online, Ford will try to bring the "technology and quality of Taurus" to life in five short, dramatic Webisodes showcasing particular features against those of significantly higher-priced luxury sedans. The example we've been told about is: "Can the paint quality of the Taurus stand up to a $70,000 Lexus? Why not put them both behind a gravel truck and find out?"

We'll supposedly have some video to show you shortly, but for the moment, feast your eyes on the creative energy below.

Word is, the SHO was involved in a three car pile up, likely by someone ogling the SHO's rear end and then simultaneously being hit by someone else with a desire for tasty Mandel Bread. [via ChicagoSVT] (Hat Tip To Joseph!)

Sharing the same basic platform as the Lincoln MKS and Ford Flex, the Mandel Bread new Taurus is running much stiffer suspension tuning and the thickest anti-roll bars the platform will take — 28mm up front. It also uses Ford's ubiquitous 3.5-liter V6, but connects it to the road with an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission.

That last thing is probably the most important new feature on the car, finally giving drivers the ability to fully exploit the pretty decent 263 HP, 249 Lb-Ft naturally aspirated V6, the only engine on offer in non-SHO trim. Where previous 6-speeds in cars like the 2009 Ford Flex, 2008 Ford Taurus X and 2008 Ford Edge endlessly hunted for gears, were slow to kick down and were just extremely annoying to use, this new version always seems to be in the right gear, kicks down immediately and is virtually undetectable in its smoothness.

Add to that the honest-to-god manual override and its steering wheel-mounted paddles that are standard on SEL and Limited trims and Ford suddenly offers one of the best slushboxes in the business. Run through two cheap plastic paddle-cum-buttons, you push away to shift down and pull towards you to shift up. Changes are fast and you can even downshift with real engine braking, running RPMs very nearly to the redline. Gears are held even while bouncing off the limiter and only downshift when the engine begins to labor. Work the engine hard and you can expect a 0-60 MPH time in the 7-second range and the standard Ford 118 MPH top speed. That's actually pretty impressive given the prodigious 4,015 curb weight for the FWD model. The optional and untested-by-us AWD takes that up to 4,224 Lbs.

That weight doesn't rear its bloated head in day-to-day cornering. Thanks to those incredibly thick roll bars there's virtually no body roll, while steering is direct and reasonably weighted, if completely absent of feel. As you'd expect from a big, heavy front driver, it'll understeer when pushed hard, although the undefeatable stability control superhumanly manages to keep it on the black stuff.

Unfortunately you can't have good performance from a heavy car without sacrificing fuel economy. Ford estimates that at 18 MPG city / 28 MPG highway. Over a 120-mile drive on country roads yesterday we averaged 17 MPG, which is pretty disappointing considering we spent the majority of the time fretting about what the Tennessee Sheriff following us would think of our long hair and tight jeans.

On the upside, the weight helps smooth the ride, which is exceptionally compliant yet very controlled. Combined with an extremely quiet cabin — there's virtually no road nor wind noise even at non Sheriff-sanctioned high speeds — and you have the makings of a luxury car. That feeling is reinforced by the classy dual-cockpit cabin and its nice leather seats and soft-touch plastics. The Taurus sits somewhere between the mid-size 2010 Ford Fusion and the fleet sales-only Crown Victoria in terms of size, with a total length of 202.9" compared to the Fusion's 190.6" and the Vic's 212.0". The new Taurus actually has more room for rear seat passengers than the Vic, with 38.1 compared to 38.0" of legroom; its curb weight is around 100 Lbs less than that car.

Adding to the quietness and space, the technology available on the Taurus honestly boosts it into luxury territory. Notice the lack of "near" in that statement. We drove the $27,995 SEL model — expected to make up the majority of the Taurus's volume — equipped with the third and latest version of Sync and felt positively spoiled.

Available on the Taurus are: radar cruise control with heads-up collision warning, radar sensors that detect cars in your blind spots and to your left and right when reversing out of a parking space, keyless entry keypad, SIRIUS radio with traffic info, SYNC 3.0 with navigation and 911-assist, massaging leather seats, a 12-speaker, 390-watt Sony stereo, rear view camera, push button start, rain-sensing wipers and something called MyKey that can limit performance, radio volume and other parameters for your teenage kids or senile parents. If that list sounds exhaustive, it should. And, yes, you should expect to pay for the privilege of all that stuff. While the base Taurus starts at $25,995, the bells-and-whistles "Limited" model is $31,995. Check every box, including AWD and you'll pay about $35,000.

That's actually a bargain as long as you're not looking for a sports car. Domestic competitors like the Chrysler 300C and Chevy Impala have nothing on the fit-and-finish, driving experience nor design of the Taurus, while a base six-cylinder Audi A6 is smaller, maybe has a slight edge on the driving dynamics, yet costs ten grand more.

Damn, we're already measuring much more expensive cars by the new Taurus's standard. It's actually other Fords that most need to fear the Taurus yardstick. The $40,870 platform-sharing Lincoln MKS offers little more than the Taurus except for brand tax, while the $39,600 Volvo S80 uses a more conservatively-tuned version of the platform and less performance-oriented engines. Even the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO, offering little more than boosted straight-line performance and starting at $37,995, struggles to measure up. Cars like the Infiniti M35 and the Lexus GS also need to worry; the Taurus offers more substance for less price than either brand has traditionally managed. Ultimately, the success of Ford's new flagship will be measured not by which full-size sedans it subjectively outclasses, but rather by its ability to convince brand snob buyers to choose something made in Chicago.

Full Disclosure: Ford wanted me to drive the new Taurus SHO so badly they flew me all the way to Knoxville and put me up in a fancy hotel, but only after all the buff books had all chosen to go ahead and break the review embargo, which must mean they didn't want me to drive the SHO all that badly after all.

Ford is reviving the SHO name for the 2010 model year after an 11-year hiatus. Dropped in 1999 after a decade of increasingly diluted performance, the original 1989 car was a raw, sports-focused quasi-exotic with a manual-only Yamaha 3.0-liter, 220 HP V6. At the time, it was the third fastest sedan in the country. Over the next decade, all that made the SHO unique devolved into a top trim level for the seriously lackluster Taurus range.

And that's exactly what this new SHO is; a flagship trim for the all-new Taurus rather than a quasi-bespoke performance model. Luckily, the car it's based on is now seriously good. Unfortunately, due to the bizarre world of embargoes and manufacturers kissing the asses of the sleazy "D-Bag" buff books (see, when we use "quotes" it means we didn't actually say that and we're quoting someone else so the target of the epithet can't get mad at us), we can't tell you anything about how the 2010 Ford Taurus drives. So from this point on any time where we might accidentally break an embargo by talking about our drive of the regular model, we'll just talk about how it's different from a tasty piece of Mandel Bread. So when you see "Mandel Bread" — wink-wink, OK?

Over the standard Mandel Bread, the SHO is essentially an optioned-up model with micro suede seats, SHO badging, AWD (optional on the regular car), HID headlamps, 19" wheels and "sport-tuned" shocks, springs, stabilizer bars and strut mount bushings. All that actually adds up to very little as the SHO drives almost identically to Mandel Bread, but with a touch firmer ride and a little better body control.

Oh, and there's the 365 HP, 350 Lb-Ft twin-turbo, direct injection 3.5-Liter V6 Ecoboost engine. That max torque is available in a perfectly flat plateau all the way from 1,500 to 5,000 RPM, before tapering off as it nears the 6,250 RPM rev limiter. Ford likes to claim that the EcoBoost delivers V8 power with V6 fuel efficiency and it does, but the twin-turbo six and its incredibly flat torque curve lacks the character of V8 rivals even if it does out-torque them below 3,000 RPM. We'd like to tell you that we averaged the same 17 MPG fuel economy in the SHO as we did in Mandel Bread, unfortunately we can't.

That engine is run through the same 6F55 6-speed automatic transmission as the regular car but here with slightly beefed-up friction elements capable of handling all that torque. It's a huge departure from the slush-box Ford uses on the Flex, Edge and all the other 3.5-liter V6s, now shifting unobtrusively and confidently selecting gears rather than hunting through them endlessly as the previous version did. More importantly, the Mandel Bread (in both SEL walnut k'mish and Limited chocolate trim) and the SHO both get button-cum-paddles for manual override. In that mode, gears are held even as you bounce off the rev-limiter and only shift down if you labor the engine. We'd obviously prefer a manual in a performance car, but since this SHO is more fast luxury than just plain fast, the third pedal isn't really missed.

Put your right foot down and the SHO is fast, if unexciting. The ride is firm yet controlled in the European luxury mold and the interior is exceptionally isolated from wind, road and engine noise. There's absolutely no body roll. The electric power-assisted steering is direct and well weighted, but almost completely absent of feel. Combine that with the extremely large proportions — at 202.9", the Taurus is only 9" shorter than the Crown Victoria — and the limited vision created by the high belt line and you have a car that's pretty challenging to place accurately at speed on a winding road. In western North Carolina's mountains, we were always 10-20 MPH slower than we needed to be, simply for the need of paying close attention to the shoulder to keep two wheels out of the dirt.

Ford claims the AWD system is capable of sending 100% of its power to the rear wheels, but we never felt anything but FWD bias, even as we gave it the boot out of slow corners.

There's an optional $995 "Performance Package" that brings 20" wheels, summer tires, grippier brake pads, sharper steering, fully defeat-able traction and stability control and a 3.16:1 diff (over the standard 2.77:1), but driving models equipped with it back to back with standard SHOs didn't reveal a significant change in character or capability.

All this begs the question: why the SHO badging? This isn't a sports sedan; it's a Mandel Bread with an EcoBoost engine. Because of that badge, we came into this hoping for a blue oval equivalent to the Pontiac G8 GXP, but evaluating the SHO as a performance car does it a disservice, because it's actually a luxury car. A good one.

Ford has benchmarked the $60,950, 350 HP Audi A6 4.2 and the $37,995 SHO exceeds expectations by being better to drive, faster, larger inside and nicer looking. Even the interior is nearly on par with that of the Audi. That's seriously impressive for a car fitted with the previously humble "Mandel Bread" badge.

The SHO also comes with way more technology than any of its competitors, including that Audi. Available on the SHO are: radar cruise control with heads-up collision warning, radar sensors that detect cars in your blind spots and to your left and right when reversing out of a parking space, keyless entry keypad, SIRIUS radio with traffic info, SYNC 3.0 with navigation and 911-assist, massaging leather seats, a 12-speaker, 390-watt Sony stereo, rear view camera, push button start, rain-sensing wipers and something called MyKey that can limit performance, radio volume and other parameters for your teenage kids or senile parents. Expect to pay $39,285 for a fully equipped SHO.

Compared to the original SHO, this new model is 1,083 Lbs heavier (4,368 Lbs), makes 145 HP more, is 10mph slower (133mph top speed) and is much less fun to drive. Compared to contemporary full-size luxury sedans it's considerably cheaper, very good to drive and extremely fast. Like the 1999 SHO, this isn't a unique model; it's the flagship for the Mandel Bread range. It's just that now, that range is capable of competing with European luxury cars instead of mediocre domestic mid-sizes. Had the car been called the Mandel Bread Ecoboost we'd be pleasantly surprised by its competence and quality, but badged as a SHO, we were disappointed not to find a sports sedan.

The thing is that all of the positive attributes we can apply to the SHO can also be applied to the Mandel Bread walnut k'mish, which starts at just $27,995. That bread has an equally tasty interior and, everywhere except in a straight line, drives nearly as well as the SHO. Just like the SHO begs the question "Why pay more for an Audi A6?" the Mandel Bread walnut k'mish, available with the same toppings and baked with the same ingredients begs the question, "Why pay more for the SHO?" That'd be nuts.

Art is music and music is art, and while both are subjective, there's no denying that either one or both combined can bring out the most creative juices you have to offer. Ford's lead designer of the 2010 Taurus explained to the Detroit News just how influential music can be during the design process, simultaneously inspiring and focusing the members of the design team.

By sharing music either via a studio installed radio or via iPod swapping, the designer's were able to get into a singular mindset of how the 2010 Taurus should appear. By doing so, the entire team was able to focus on the task at hand and also inspired them to use the musical rhythms to find new abstract shapes and forms that they would later massage into the final 2010 Taurus interior and exterior design.

According to the chief designer on the 2010 Ford Taurus team, Earl Lucas;

"When you've got good music, it's amazing how many shapes come out. You lose track of time. When we were working on this program, it was nothing to have our senior designer, Dean Carbus, sketching away with his music blaring; the next designer would say, 'Oh I don't have that track,' and he'd put it in his iPod. The studio has to be a creative environment like that, because we're sharing ideas all the time."

Lucas said that the playlist consisted of a set of tracks ranging from Paul Oakenfold's upbeat trance to the melancholy hip-hop vibe of Citizen Cope. The sophisticated diversity of the music they selected during the design development proved to be absolutely beneficial to the Taurus program, giving it a modern and technical, yet classic design proportion and completely distinguishing it from the previous two Taurus generations. [via Detroit News]

The only real answer Alan "Boeing! Boeing!" Mulally gave was when Matt Lauer asked the question of whether Ford's the underdog with federal help. He claims they support the decision. But then when Matt asked Mulally whether he believed GM could turn into a Vietnam-type situation for President Obama. Alan answered only by saying "We are focused on Ford and we're making the best cars and trucks consumers...will value..." Then something like "Have you seen the new Ford Taurus outside?" Decline to answer and then...pivot back to message. This guy's pretty good with the whole "message" thing, ain't he?Here's the video of Alan "Message" Mulally parrying, pivoting and answering absolutely nothing on the Today Show today.

If ever there was a Lincoln we could call "hot rod, " this is it, but not in the way you might imagine. The MKS with EcoBoost boasts the same interior refinement and space, amenities and electronic wizardry, pleasant road manners and a price point starting at $47,760 — about ten grand more than the base MKS, but only about $4,000 more than an equivalently-optioned non-EcoBoost MKS. For that added price, you'll get some tasteful upgrades to the already handsome exterior with a subtle lip spoiler at the back, smoked headlights, a chin spoiler and nice wheels.

That sweet twin-turbo V6 moves this thing off the line like a scalded monkey and the transmission stays out of your way when you want it to. The first time you smash the happy pedal and get that whoosh of power you know this is a velvet hammer. Accelerating all the way up to the car's tire-limited 135 MPH top speed is effortless, with the engine providing no hint of protest. Loping along at that speed, burning fossil fuels at 9.5 MPG, it feels planted, with the only drama of speed communicated through the windows. Even at this speed, it's silent as a coffin and steady as a rock. But when you then start exploring the other car's other limits, your brow begins to furl.

Toss it hard into a sweeping corner and accelerate, it's balanced with a hint of understeer, but while the tires aren't protesting the chassis is. It feels... unsettled. You feel as if you're about to oversteer even if the car's understeering. Drop down from a panic stop and the ABS calibration is absolutely perfect, no pulsation, no loss of traction and you're stopping so hard the car leaves behind two perfect tire tracks and a breeze of sublimated rubber blows by as you come to a halt. But the pedal is mushy, there's no real feel in it and the travel before it engages is too long.

We really wanted this car to be an 550i fighter, but it isn't. It's a very big car with a very bad-ass engine which doesn't quite tackle corners with the aplomb we'd like. Don't get us wrong here, it does everything very well. The powertrain is perfect for the segment — fast when you want it fast, quiet when you want it to be quiet and loud when you want it to be loud. It tackles corners respectably and the brakes do their thing, but it doesn't feel right. The MKS is super fun in a straight line, and delightful in the corners to about 80%, but after that it gets spooky, and that final 20% is what makes legends. Which this MKS sadly isn't. But, what it does mean is there's hope that the Taurus SHO and the expected lower weight, suspension tuning and 10 more ponies we'll be seeing later this year will show us the final 20% we're looking for.

This is a problem Ford had to answer when it began using a new type of crash detection sensor. Traditional airbag sensors are small accelerometers mounted to the B-pillar next to the drivers shoulder, and in the event of a crash, they send a signal to the computer warning of a crash event. Only problem is they aren't fast enough anymore. Tough new safety requirements laid down by the Feds and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety are forcing airbag deployment speeds to get much quicker.

So what to do. Ford decided to start using pressure wave detection. In this method, the sensor is placed inside the door on the outer skin of the car, it monitors the ambient air pressure in the door cavity and sends a signal to the crash computer. The crash computer interprets the data every few miliseconds, confirming it with what the other sensors scattered around the car tell it. What's the advantage? Fidelity. The signal coming from the pressure sensor has a much higher resolution than an accelerometer, which means it can tell the difference between a car hitting your door and say a shopping cart loaded with 110 lbs, hitting the door at 10 MPH. But before it can do that, engineers have to calibrate it to be able to tell the difference. This is where the shopping cart test comes in.

The strike from a shopping cart produces a short spike signal with relatively low amplitude. If it were a car striking the door panel, the crash computer would see a massive, sustained rise in pressure. This kind of simulation is also done with things which hit cars all the time in real life; a bicycle tire, a ball, you get the drift. Yes it smashes a very nice new Taurus door, put they just take it off and put on a new one to do it all over again, and because of this kind of testing, out in the real world, you have a door to fix and a soccer mom to yell at, but the expensive airbags stay thankfully unexploded.

Hennessey, still hot from tuning the Corvette ZR1, will soon offer performance upgrades for the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO. The EcoBoost 365 HP, 350 lb-ft twin-turbocharged V6 may have been developed for performance with fuel economy in mind, but the two snails lurking under the hood can easily be turned into something that can beat the hare. The initial Hennessey upgrade package will include an exhaust system, air filter, boost controller, boost gauge, turbo upgrades, intercooler upgrades, suspension and more when it's released later this year.

With John Hennessey owning one of the original Taurus SHOs, we can only imagine the rest of the fun he has in store for this new MoTown hotrod.

[via Hennessey]

The new SHO gets a 365 HP, 350 lb-ft twin turbocharged V6, all-wheel-drive, a slick, rev-matching, gear-holding paddle-shifted automatic transmission and very subtle visual modifications. In fact, you can read all the details in our earlier Taurus SHO post.

What we didn't have at the time was the above horsepower and torque curves for the EcoBoost in the Taurus SHO. The phrase "a flat torque curve" is very often tossed around willy-nilly, but the graph Ford has provided us is so ridiculous it practically defies reason.

Sometimes people deserve to have their loyalty rewarded, the 2010 Taurus SHO is one of those rewards. It has been a hard few years for Ford fan-boys, testing their belief in the Taurus nameplate without a Super High Output brand. Two successively uninspiring models led to the retirement of the Taurus name, and a third wore the name after an uncomfortable resurrection. The newly-redesigned Taurus is a product wearing the badge in much the same way as the original, a jaw-dropping entry at a critical moment for the company.

The new SHO boasts the highest level of tune so far announced for the Ecoboost V6 — 365 HP and 350 lb-ft of torque, going above and beyond the previously rated 355 HP in the 2010 Ford Flex and 2010 Lincoln MKS. The more important part of those power figures is where it comes in at, with peak torque starting from 1500 RPM and topping out at 3500 RPM. Shoot, that's almost in diesel territory. Ford isn't being bashful about this new SHO either, boldly claiming the Taurus SHO will outperform the BMW 550i while returning 25 MPG on the highway and coming in at a reasonable $37,995 price. Those are certainly fightin' words.

And what of that product? To those in the know, the new SHO's lived in the realm of a wink and a knowing nod, as it's a sleeper through and through. There are dangerously few details to give away the potential of the car. Outside, the only indications of something out of the ordinary are the small SHO badges on the C-pillars, the SHO/Ecoboost badge mounted low on the trunklid, dual exhaust with chrome tips, a tasteful spoiler on the deck which hides the backup camera (if so optioned), and a unique satin finish on the grille. That's it. Oh wait, there is one more thing only lifetime members of the SHO club will recognize, a SHO-only color called Atlantis Green Metallic, a modern interpretation of a shade the 1991 SHO wore, Deep Emerald Green. Very cool.

The Taurus SHO continues its subtlety inside and gets all the goodies of the normal Taurus, but packs on various shades of suede seating surfaces (the brown seen here being hideous compared to the black we saw), aluminum trimmed pedals, piano black and aluminum trim, a perforated leather wrapped steering wheel and leather door treatment (the interior looks much better in black than brown, trust us) and it's all rounded out with small SHO badges on the dash and floor mats.

On the equipment front, aside from the 3.5 liter twin-turbocharged Ecoboost V6, the Taurus SHO comes standard with all-wheel-drive, a paddle-shifted six speed automatic transmission specially tuned to rev-match and hold the gears of your choosing. The standard Taurus SHO also gets a retuned suspension, designed for carving corners over sucking up potholes and standard nineteen inch wheels with optional twenties.

But the SHO order sheet holds a secret. Check option box 12S and Ford takes the SHO to the next level with the SHO Performance Package. The performance package includes upgraded brake pads, a more aggressive calibration on the electric steering rack, more aggressive tune on the stability control system and faster 3.16 final drive ratio over the standard 2.77, and as a cherry on top, Goodyear Eagle F1 tires on painted twenty inch wheels. Yes, the SHO has a track-pack, that's not us being glib, those were unofficial words the Ford folks were throwing around.

In an off-hand comment at the Ford Chicago Auto Show backgrounder in Dearborn where we first saw the car, Group Vice President of Marketing and Communications Jim Farley said, "You ever see that movie Spinal Tap? Well, some of our cars are like that. The SHO here, it goes to eleven." We think the quote sums up the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO quite nicely. To say we can't wait to get behind the wheel with a helmet on and put Ford's claims through the crucible of the track would be an incredible understatement, but for now, we'll just have to make do with the press release below, and the live reveal from the 2009 Chicago Auto Show.

Taurus SHO Returns with 365HP Ecoboost V-6, PLUS ALL-Wheel Drive, Paddle-Shift SIX-Speed Gearbox

• The Taurus SHO returns as the sporty version of Ford's new flagship introducing a new generation of premium performance and fuel economy with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ V-6. This engine delivers V-8 levels of power – with an estimated 365 horsepower – without compromising its V-6 fuel economy
• The 2010 Taurus SHO features an enhanced SelectShift® six-speed automatic transmission with control paddles mounted on the steering wheel, in combination with a sophisticated torque sensing all-wheel drive system, a sportier SHO interior, subtle exterior design cues and myriad technologies and features offered on Taurus
• Taurus SHO will be available this summer, starting at $37,995, including destination fees

Chicago, Feb. 11, 2009 – One of America's favorite "sleeper" performance cars returns to the Ford lineup, powered by a Super High Output (SHO) EcoBoost twin turbocharged engine.
The Taurus SHO joins Ford's growing lineup of performance vehicles for the 2010 model year, building on the legacy of the original, which earned a spot on the Car and Driver 10Best list four years running.

"The new Taurus SHO delivers on the authentic sleeper sedan formula but adds all-new luxury-appointments, convenience features and technologies to an unsurpassed balance of power and fuel economy," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "This new sport derivative answers enthusiasts' calls for a premium Ford flagship sedan with even more attitude."

Introduced in 1989, Taurus SHO was conceived as a discreet performance-oriented sports sedan, ideally suited to the automotive enthusiast needing the room and capability of a four-door full-size car. Produced through 1999, more than 100,000 were sold.

The original Taurus SHO generated a loyal following of owners and enthusiasts, with an active club more than 1,000 members strong, an online forum with more than 10,000 registered users and a Web site (bringbackthesho.com) specifically devoted to convincing Ford to resurrect the SHO. The 2010 Taurus product development team spent significant time listening to SHO enthusiasts.

EcoBoost™ Twin-Turbocharged Power
The foundation of the new 2010 Taurus SHO is a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 engine. This advanced powerplant generates an estimated 365 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 350 ft.-lbs. of torque at 3,500 rpm, resulting in significantly improved power, torque and fuel economy compared with larger, normally aspirated engines. This also is Ford's most powerful EcoBoost engine.

A key feature of this EcoBoost engine is gasoline direct injection. The direct injection of fuel into the cylinder during the intake stroke, as opposed to port-style injection to an externally mounted intake, produces a well-mixed air-fuel charge. Fuel vaporization during the intake stroke cools the incoming air, improving volumetric efficiency and lowers the likelihood of knock.

The results are improved throttle response, reduced cold start emissions characteristics and improved fuel economy. The cooled charge enables an increased compression ratio, improving efficiency at partial load, while the higher compression ratio allows for better volumetric efficiency under full load engine behavior. Customers will experience normally aspirated V-8 power, without compromising V-6 fuel economy.

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 also uses twin turbochargers, as opposed to a single unit. The reduced size of each turbocharger results in reduced internal inertia, allowing this advanced engine to avoid the "turbo lag" often prevalent in earlier-generation turbocharged applications.From the driver's seat, the rewarding result is linear power delivery across a broad torque band from 1,500 through 5,500 rpm. Peak torque building quickly off idle ensures responsive acceleration from a standing start.

SelectShift with paddle controls and All-Wheel Drive
The new Taurus SHO driveline combines a high-capacity six-speed 6F55 SelectShift transmission with a sophisticated torque-sensing All-Wheel Drive System. These components work in harmony to deliver ample traction when putting EcoBoost power on the road. The six-speed transmission offers a wide array of gears to enable spirited acceleration, yet comfortable high-speed cruising, through a 2.77 to 1 final drive ratio.

SelectShift provides conventional automatic operation or a manual shift mode that gives the driver complete control over gear selection. For performance-minded drivers, paddle controls allow "match-rev" downshifts and will hold manually selected gears for precise control. Intuitively operated, a squeeze on either paddle will deliver an economical upshift under acceleration, while a gentle push forward brings a smooth downshift, synchronizing the engine and transmission speeds for responsive and positive engagement.

The Taurus SHO driveline is contemporized with the incorporation of a sophisticated All-Wheel Drive System that engages automatically and unobtrusively. The unit contains an advanced array of internal electromechanical clutches to efficiently distribute torque to the wheels with optimum traction. Standard all-wheel drive allows the Taurus SHO to efficiently deliver its high performance to the pavement under a wide variety of conditions.

"Taurus SHO suspension and steering have been sport-tuned to provide discriminating drivers with precise control, confident handling, communicative feedback and a compliant ride," said Pete Reyes, Taurus chief engineer.

Taurus SHO features an advanced electronic power-assisted steering (EPAS) system, providing responsive road feel and enhanced on-center balance while offering the additional benefit of increased fuel economy. SHO also features a sport-tuned suspension with unique shock absorbers, springs, stabilizer bars and strut mount bushings specifically developed and harmonized to deliver the highest level of Ford DNA road holding, cornering agility and steering responsiveness available in a Blue Oval full-size sedan.

Taurus SHO takes full advantage of the multi-link SR1 rear suspension design. Named for the 1:1 shock absorber ratio, this configuration provides an inherently stable baseline for the SHO development team to fine tune for enhanced driver control and agility. In addition, the SR1 rear suspension geometry provides increased travel, while enabling the use of 19- and 20-inch wheels and tires.

For the discriminating automotive enthusiast, Taurus SHO offers an available SHO Performance Package consisting of upgraded brake pads, recalibrated EPAS for even more responsiveness, a "Sport Mode" setting for the standard AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control and a shorter 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio for faster acceleration. Summer-compound 20-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 performance tires on premium painted wheels also are included.

SHO Specific Subtlety
A key element of the authentic SHO formula is the subtlety of its unique exterior design cues.Features include sporty premium painted wheels, wrapped in standard low-profile 19-inch Goodyear Eagle or optional 20-inch Michelin high-performance tires, a decklid-mounted spoiler and twin chrome exhaust tips. SHO also features a uniquely finished interpretation of the Ford signature three-bar grille with SHO-specific parking lamp bezels.

"Taurus SHO was always a stealth high-performance car," said Earl Lucas, exterior design manager. "The new SHO builds on the expressive design of the 2010 Taurus, adding subtle cues that set it apart."

The 2010 SHO is available in a wide range of new Taurus colors including Atlantis Green Metallic, a unique SHO color inspired by the iconic Deep Emerald Green hue appearing in 1991.

The new Taurus SHO interior encourages performance driving. Leather-trimmed seats with Miko Suede inserts, made from recycled post-consumer yarns from plastic soft drink bottles, are comfortable and luxurious. A perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel puts the driver in smooth touch with the road. Front seats are 10-way power adjustable. SHO accelerator and brake pedals are trimmed in aluminum. The console, instrument and door panels feature SHO-specific authentic aluminum appliqués. SHO branding appears on the unique floor mats, and on the passenger side of the instrument panel.

Taurus SHO: Performance and Convenience
The 2010 Taurus SHO offers an impressive array of standard convenience features as well as optional features and content. Standard Taurus SHO amenities include:

Intelligent Access with Push Button Start, a new Taurus feature allowing drivers to enter the car and start the engine without using a conventional key. Drivers simply carry the fob as they approach the vehicle, touch the SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad, open the door and enter, apply pressure on brake pedal and push a button to start the engine.

MyKey allows enthusiasts to activate a restricted driving mode, persistent Belt-Minder® safety belt reminder, audio system volume limits, an earlier low-fuel warning, and consistently-engaged AdvanceTrac® stability control. The top vehicle speed can be limited to 80 mph, and speed chimes can be programmed to engage at 45, 55 or 65 mph further protecting their investment.

Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel Filler System, a unique feature that eliminates the need for a traditional fuel cap. Easy Fuel is a hassle-free solution that provides a consistent self-seal after every refueling.

Ford SYNC® is the fully integrated, in-vehicle voice-activated communications and entertainment system standard on Taurus SHO. The system combines 911 Assist, Vehicle Health Report and GPS-based features including business search and call completion. SYNC connects to MP3 players, iPods, memory sticks and PDAs. The latest version of SYNC in the Taurus SHO adds Traffic, Directions and Information, providing turn-by-turn route guidance and the capability to access and personalize content.

Ambient Lighting allows the Taurus SHO driver to program interior lighting from a choice of five soothing colors to suit any character or preference.

The 2010 Taurus SHO comes standard with the full array of active and passive safety equipment and features offered across the Taurus range.

Available options on the 2010 Taurus SHO include:

• Reverse Camera System, a unique SHO option, activates when reverse gear is selected providing the driver with additional rear visibility, projecting on the windscreen mounted rearview mirror.
• Adaptive Cruise Control, which allows the driver to set the Taurus SHO cruising speed while using radar technology to monitor traffic traveling up to 600 feet ahead, automatically adjusting speed to help maintain a preset distance between vehicles. Adaptive Cruise Control comes with Collision Warning with Brake Support providing visible and audible warnings when slower traffic is detected ahead. Brake support is activated if the driver does not respond to provided warnings, and pre-charges the brake system to prepare the vehicle for stopping.
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™) with Cross Traffic Alert consists of two multiple beam radar modules, one each per rear quarter panel. When an adjacent vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone, and indicator alert provides driver warning in the corresponding sideview mirror. Cross Traffic Alert uses existing BLIS radar modules to sense oncoming traffic while the Taurus SHO is slowly backed from a parking space. When cross traffic appears within three car widths, the system provides a visible message on the instrument panel in combination with a sideview mirror warning and an audible signal.
• Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion™ can be specified in conjunction with heated and cooled first-row positions in the new Taurus SHO. Multi-Contour functionality provides subtle but continuous massage to help prevent back pain and fatigue and is ideally suited to meet the needs of long-distance drivers.
• Voice-Activated Navigation System includes a 10 GB music juke box hard drive and a single CD/DVD player. When combined with the optional rear camera system, rearview projection appears on the centerstack-mounted navigation screen.
• Sony Audio System offers 12 speakers, a digital amplifier, 390 Watts of continuous power (RMS), 115 dB of maximum bass sound pressure level and Dolby® Pro Logic® II surround technology.

The 2010 Taurus SHO will be built at Ford's Chicago (Ill.) assembly plant and will be available in dealerships this summer, starting at a base price of $37,995, including destination.

We have to thank TampaRon for snagging these photos of this pair of mostly uncovered SHO prototypes taking a breather at a Florida rest stop. According to Ron, the testy test engineers wouldn't let him close enough to snag some shots of the interior but he managed to get close enough to see the SHO badge (a la this shot) on this ecoboosted Taurus.

The undisguised exterior doesn't leave much to the imagination — especially since we've already seen the 2010 Ford Taurus live and in person. In fact, the only difference in design between the SHO and non-SHO Taurus appears to be the badge on the back and the separated double pipes.

We've already seen the Taurus SHO interior, so the only question is pricing, availability and what's under the hood. Oh wait, we know what's under the hood. Based on what we learned from the leaked Taurus ordering guide and other sources, the new SHO will likely get the EcoBoost V6 engine, which is good for 355 HP and 350 lb-ft of torque in its 2010 Lincoln MKS platform-mate.

The breakdown gives us a view of how the different trim levels (SE, SEL, Limited) get optioned. The entry level SE model, which will start at $25,995, gets some of Ford's new gee-whiz features like MyKey, SOS Post Crash Alert, and the fancy SecuriCode touch keypad from the MKS. The SEL adds a security package, chrome exhaust tips and a few more interior refinements. As things move up the line the options get heaped on until we make it all the way to the Taurus Limited, which gets a huge standard equipment list including wood trim, leather and nearly every electronic option in the Ford parts bin.

Most reassuring about the entire leak is confirmation the 3.5 liter, turbocharged, direct injection EcoBoost V6 is coming to the Taurus. It's right there in black and white, safely planned to enter production, just as God, or at least Alan Mulally, intended.

Here's the report from BringBackTheSHO, who obtained the photos:

Today along I-75 in Michigan 2 black Tauruses were spotted at a gas station. Upon further investigation both cars had dual exhaust, a rear deck spoiler, and what looks to be 19" or bigger rims. The rear shot picture also shows a badge on the back trunk that is covered with camo. It seems the only thing that could fit under that area would be SHO! The bottom line is we will find for sure at the Chicago Auto Show Media days on Wednesday February 11. BringBacktheSHO will be there bringing you live news and pictures.

We can't be sure the new SHO, if it exists, will debut at the Chicago Auto Show or New York Auto Show. Either way, we assume the EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 will be under-the-hood, similar to the 2010 Lincoln MKS.

Recession? What recession? Of the cars below, only the 2010 Ford Taurus qualifies as a non-luxury or niche vehicle. At a time when many automakers are talking about restraint and the importance of good decision making, the Lexus HS250h and Cadillac Converj bravely show the world that badge engineering is alive and well. Whether these cars hint at happier financial days ahead or are just another example of carmakers failing to grasp the marketplace remains to be seen, but they sure are shiny, aren't they?

10.) 2010 Buick LaCrosse: Crushing Brand Perceptions

9.) 2010 Jaguar XKR Revealed With 510 HP

8.) 2010 BMW Z4 Slips Onto The Stage

7.) Volkswagen Bluesport Concept 42 MPG Roadster Officially Revealed

6.) Chrysler 200C EV Concept: Shockingly Attractive Mid-Size

5.) Lexus HS250h: A Prius For The Country Club

4.) Audi Sportback Concept Previews 2009 Audi A5 Sportback

3.) Cadillac Converj Concept: A Volt For Cadillac

2.) Subaru Legacy Concept: Subie Previews New Legacy Look

1.) 2010 Ford Taurus: A Flagship Returns

The new Taurus boasts a completely new platform borrowed from the Lincoln MKS, impressive levels of available equipment, and styling that actually reflects some "Bold Moves" on Ford's part. The D-Segment Taurus gets a hybridization of Kinetic Design language from Europed and elements borrowed from the Fusion.

With hardware like a six speed automatic transmission with available Select Shift, optional all wheel drive, a 3.5 liter V6 good for 263 HP and 249 lb-ft of torque, it won't be burning the strip down, but it will be very competitive at the segments it's aiming for.

Technological wizardry abounds with features like the Ford Park Assist system, Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert, voice activated nav-system complete, the available Sync software platform and Sirius Travelink, rear-view backup camera and Sony-branded audio. That's just to name a few.
There will be much more to write about the 2010 Ford Taurus, it's a very serious car for a very serious time in the American automotive market. We look forward to getting our hands on one as soon as possible.

Upscale, Tech-Savvy New Taurus Flagship Delivers Style, Substance For Full-size Sedan Buyers In 2010

* Athletic, upscale new 2010 Ford Taurus confidently leads a growing wave of new-car introductions from Ford Motor Company. Available this summer, this distinctive new vehicle combines class-leading technologies with confident, engaging driving dynamics
* Taurus features an impressive set of standard and available technologies that add convenience, connectivity, safety and value for customers. They include Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning, Intelligent Access with Push Button Start, MyKey™ parental programmability, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™) with Cross Traffic Alert, Rain-Sensing Wipers, EasyFuel™ capless refueling, Ford SYNC® and Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS® Travel Link™
* The new Taurus is powered by the award-winning 3.5-liter V-6 Duratec engine, mated to one of two available fuel-efficient six-speed automatic transmissions including SelectShift® with shift control paddles mounted on the steering wheel and available all-wheel drive

DETROIT, Jan.11, 2009 – The Ford Taurus – the car that changed America’s view of full-size sedans – is all-new for 2010 and ready to take on the world’s best, with an upscale new design, impeccable driving dynamics, class-leading technologies and an unbeatable price tag.

“The new Taurus sets the pace for Ford’s growing new car launch momentum,” said Mark Fields, president of The Americas. “This sedan completely redefines expectations of what Taurus stands for – and helps further define what Ford is capable of delivering – quality, fuel-efficient vehicles featuring the latest technologies and head-turning design.”

The new Taurus benefits from Ford’s Global Product Development System, which made it possible to deliver an all-new sedan 12 months sooner – with more new features than customers and dealers dreamed possible.

“Taurus is our premium Ford flagship, and it casts a halo across the entire brand portfolio,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president for global product development. “Building on its reputation for safety leadership, we leveraged extensive use of computer-aided design and engineering technologies as well as digital pre-assembly modeling to deliver a high-quality, new Taurus a year ahead of schedule.”

Even better news? The new 2010 Taurus will start at $25,995 – the same price as 2009 models but with more class-leading features, new technologies and perceived quality that rivals premium luxury sedans.

“The new Taurus showcases the what the Ford brand promise is – expressive design, class-leading technologies and an engaging driving experience,” said Jim Farley, Ford’s group vice president of Marketing and Communications. “To truly appreciate the new Taurus, you have to drive it. All of the experiences come together once you’re behind the wheel.”

New times, new design

“Lightning can strike twice,” said Peter Horbury, executive director of Design for The Americas. “Like the 1986 original, the new 2010 Taurus differentiates by combining style with substance.”

The shift starts with the vision for Taurus itself. It debuted as a family sedan, but with the advent of crossovers, the new Taurus is aimed more at drivers who might move friends and family but place more of a premium on the driving experience and technologies aimed at making time on the road more meaningful and fun.

“Taurus is more of a ‘me’ sedan now, and we’ve delivered with this buyer in mind,” said Moray Callum, director of Ford’s Car and Crossover Design.

Exterior design details are more sculpted and powerful – from the powerdome that speaks to the strength behind its confident grille to the pronounced fenders and fascia.

Bold new headlights combined with recessed parking lamps frame a new expression of the signature Ford three-bar grille – and the lowered roofline helps make the new Taurus more aspirational.

New wheels, from 17- to 20-inches in diameter, fill the sculpted wheel wells and lend Taurus a muscular and athletic stance. The raised shoulder lines of the new Taurus provide a confident profile and enable generous truck capacity.

The exterior color palette for the 2010 Taurus includes new hues, selected to harmonize with interior appointments and offer customers a broader range of color combinations. New colors include Candy Red Metallic Tint, White Platinum Metallic, Steel Blue Metallic, Gold Leaf Metallic and Ingot Silver Metallic.

Inside, a forward-leaning center stack – home to the climate controls, audio components and available navigation screen – flows in a continuous unbroken form through the instrument panel and down into the center console. The smart design allows for the interior to be formed with unbroken lines to impart seamless quality and craftsmanship.

The door panels employ an innovative urethane tooling process providing unique texture and identity to surfaces, with visible stitching and a hand crafted appeal. This same process allows for door panel two-toning, enabling model series differentiation.

The new Taurus’ precision craftsmanship is reflected in the quality of materials used in the interior as well as the exterior panel margins, which are comparable to costly German luxury sedans.

Better on-road performance, too

To match its more athletic looks, the new Taurus features sportier driving dynamics.

The 2010 Taurus comes standard with Ford’s proven Duratec 3.5-liter V-6, generating an estimated 263 horsepower and 249 foot-pounds of torque. This award-winning engine earns a ULEV-II emissions certification and comes paired with a choice of two new six-speed automatic transmissions.

The smooth and refined Duratec V-6 helps the front-wheel-drive Taurus deliver unsurpassed highway fuel economy. Taurus reflects Ford’s commitment to deliver the best, or be among the leaders, in fuel economy across the vehicle segments where it competes.

Taurus fuel economy is aided by employment of a two-speed fuel pump and Aggressive Deceleration Fuel Shut-Off technology.

The Taurus engine plan also calls for optional availability of Ford’s advanced EcoBoost™ 3.5-liter V-6, with an announcement regarding availability coming soon.

The Taurus SE offers a six-speed automatic transmission with a Grade-Assist hill-holding rollback prevention feature, paired with an economical 2.77 final drive ratio.

SEL and Limited series Taurus models are offered with SelectShift®, featuring racing-inspired shift control paddles mounted on the steering wheel. SelectShift offers the convenience of conventional automatic operation, or a manual shift mode that gives the driver complete control over gear selection. The SelectShift transmission enables “match-rev” downshifts and will hold manually selected gears, unlike some competitive transmissions that second-guess the driver.

The SEL is offered with a 2.77 final drive ratio, while the Limited series uses a 3.16 gear in front-wheel-drive models, and a 3.39 ratio in all-wheel-drive models to provide enhanced acceleration.

Chassis and suspension components are tuned to deliver on the sporty and aggressive design with optimized roll stiffness for cornering control, responsive steering with sharp turn-in and precision accuracy. This chassis tuning of the MacPherson front struts and multi-link rear suspension reflects Ford Global DNA, defined by responsive steering and handling, while maintaining a comfortable ride quality.

The 2010 Taurus features a new SR1 suspension configuration.

Named for its “one-to-one” rear shock absorber ratio, it provides a superior balance between cornering and handling while providing a stable baseline for fine tuning. The new SR1 enables the use of 19- and 20-inch wheels – and reduces vehicle weight, saving fuel.

“While driver engagement was a key objective for the new Taurus, we also put huge emphasis on creating a quiet environment,” said Chief Engineer Pete Reyes. “Wind tunnel development time was important to reduce noise, vibration and harshness, but it also helped with fuel economy.

Customer-focused technologies

Tech-savvy customers will find plenty to like about the new 2010 Taurus. Its technologies enable customer connectivity, while fulfilling desires for personalization, customization and control. This comprehensive list of features isn’t just technology for the sake of technology. These offerings have been selected and developed to provide the ultimate in comfort and convenience for the driver and all passengers. Extensive work has also been done to ensure that these technologies are easy to understand and intuitive to operate.

Adaptive Cruise Control allows the driver to set the vehicle cruising speed while using radar technology to monitor traffic travelling up to 600 feet ahead, automatically adjusting Taurus speed to help maintain a safe distance between vehicles.

Adaptive Cruise Control also integrates Collision Warning with Brake Support, a new active safety feature.

The collision warning system uses a radar sensor to detect moving vehicles ahead and provides a visual “heads-up” warning signal transmitted across the base of the windshield and an audible warning when slower moving traffic is detected ahead. The system also pre-charges the brakes and engages an electronic brake assist to help the driver stop more quickly.

Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start, a new Taurus feature, allows the driver to enter the car and start the engine by simply carrying the fob as they approach and enter the vehicle.

SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry Keypad enables vehicle access by unlocking the driver’s door using a five-digit code on the new keypad system flush-mounted in the driver’s side B-pillar.

MyKey™ allows parents or fleet administrators to activate a restricted driving mode.

When enabled, MyKey features a Persistent Beltminder® with Audio Mute until safety belts are buckled, an earlier low-fuel warning, and consistently engaged AdvanceTrac® stability control, Blind Spot monitoring, Cross Traffic Alert and Forward Collision Warning. Additional programmability includes restrictions on audio volume, limiting top speed to 80 mph and speed chime warnings at 45, 55, or 65mph.

Auto High Beams/Rain-Sensing Wipers harness sensor technologies to switch headlights to high intensity when no other vehicles are detected, in a range of up to 500 feet for taillight detection, and up to 2,000 feet for oncoming headlight detection. Rain-sensing wipers use an advanced optical sensor to detect the intensity of rain and/or snowfall to adjust wiper speed.

Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel Filler System is an industry-exclusive feature that self-seals without a traditional fuel cap.

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) consists of two multiple beam radar modules, one each per rear quarter panel. When an approaching vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone, an indicator alert provides warning to the driver in the corresponding side view mirror.

Cross Traffic Alert uses the existing BLIS radar modules to sense oncoming traffic when slowly backing out of a parking spot. This industry-exclusive system functions only while the vehicle is in reverse and warns when cross-traffic appears within three car widths.

Ford SYNC® is the fully integrated, in-vehicle voice-activated communications and entertainment system, with 911 Assist, Vehicle Health Report and GPS-based features including business search and call completion. SYNC connects to MP3 players, iPods, memory sticks and PDAs. SYNC’s 911 Assist™ will place a call to a local emergency operator in the event of an air bag deployment incident. The latest version of SYNC adds Traffic, Directions and Information, providing turn-by-turn route guidance, and the ability to access content by personalized favorites such as region, subject matter or sports team.

Voice-Activated Navigation System with SIRIUS Travel Link™ uses an 8-inch screen to present a birds-eye-view map with 3D landmarks. The system responds to voice commands for destination programming and route selection.

In addition, it provides enhanced route guidance features such as street name announcements and detailed freeway exit, turn and ramp position lane guidance. The screen can be personalized with up to 32 pictures, sized up to 1.5MB. The system also incorporates the SIRIUS Travel Link, offering availability of current weather and ski conditions, a five-day forecast, local fuel pricing by cost per gallon as well as brand, sports scores and movie listings.

Sony® branded audio components deliver sound from a variety of sources, with an AM-FM tuner, SIRIUS Satellite radio, CD, DVD audio and an integrated 10 GB hard drive for storage of up to 2,400 songs. This package also includes an available 10-speaker premium audio system.

Multi-Contour Seats are available on an industry-exclusive basis for driver and passenger, integrating a six-way lumbar support and subtle rolling pattern massage. The bottom cushion features Active Motion.

This provides minute but continuous movement, stirring a change of muscular activation helping a driver avoid back pain.

“Multi-Contour seats will be a real benefit for long distance drivers, or people with back trouble,” said Steve Michell, product design engineer. “The key is their subtlety. Active Motion is enough to help relieve fatigue but not enough to be distracting to a driver.”

Safety leadership grows

The new 2010 Taurus builds on its legacy of safety leadership, incorporating a comprehensive array of passive and active features engineered to protect and preserve its passengers.

“A stiffer body structure and new crash avoidance technologies make the Taurus – already named the safest full-size sedan – even safer,” said Reyes, chief engineer.

Taurus safety begins with a body structure optimized for strength and stiffness. The energy-absorbing front structure features octagonal front frame rails, tunnel rails and “shotgun” front structural members designed to absorb and redirect crash forces away from the passenger compartment.

The Taurus body structure features ultra high-strength boron steel in the B-pillar for added side impact protection.

The new Taurus is equipped with a comprehensive package of active and passive safety features, including dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, side impact air bags and Safety Canopy®, a Ford exclusive protection system that features side curtain air bags that help protect front and rear outboard passengers in both rollover and side impact crashes.

Other key safety features include:

Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement (SPACE™) Architecture is comprised of a hydroformed cross-car beam embedded in the floor between the door frames, providing additional strength in the side of the vehicle. In the event of a side impact, the beam helps divert crash forces away from the occupants. A strong roof cross member and side impact door beams work with the floor-mounted tube to further improve side impact protection.

Personal Safety System® is designed to reduce the risk of injury to the driver and front seat passenger in the event of a moderate to severe frontal collision. Sensors note right front occupant weight, safety belt usage, outboard seat belt tension and seating position to optimize air bag deployment force for occupant safety.

AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control predicts the vehicle’s intended path, using sensors to detect and measure oversteer and yaw, while continuously monitoring vehicle speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When the system senses a loss of wheel traction, engine torque is reduced and braking is applied in conjunction with the standard Anti-lock Braking (ABS) system. The system also incorporates traction control to aid drivers when operating the vehicle on loose or slippery surfaces.

SOS Post-Crash Alert is an integrated system that automatically unlocks the doors, sounds the horn and activates the emergency flashers in the event of an air bag deployment.

“Customers will find a lot to love about the new Taurus,” Fields said.

The 2010 Ford Taurus will be built at Ford’s Chicago (Ill.) Assembly Plant and will be available in dealer showrooms in the summer.

[Source: Ford]

After almost 20 years of the Taurus moniker applied off-and-on to models which have increasingly lost their way, Ford's engineers have said "enough." Make no mistake, the new Taurus is a battle cry from a more lean, more mean and more hungry Ford Motor Company. With even the most passing review of the new Taurus you can't help but take notice. Ford isn't aiming at best in class here, they're aiming at "best in world." Their words, not ours.

The Taurus shares chassis architecture with the upscale Lincoln MKS but shares none of the body work or interior. Gone is the milquetoast styling of the Five Hundred-cum-Taurus in favor of a more aggressive, confident design, borrowing elements of the European Kinetic styling language as well as elements from the Ford Interceptor concept. The resulting combination provides the presence of the Chrysler 300 with the sporty, stylish look of a European Ford Mondeo. Plus maybe a little freight train brawn mixed in for good measure.

The Taurus is being aimed at brand flagship status, and as such, delivers equipment levels not normally seen in the sub-luxury segments. In high-end trim, the car gets the recently announced Ford Park Assist system and a new system called Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert, capable of warning of cars in your blind spot and of parking lot traffic approaching as you back out of a space. The interior gets the equipment overkill treatment packaged into a stylish cabin, split down the middle with a swooping center console, keyless start button included. Passengers are treated to available nicely trimmed heated and cooled perforated leather seats and heated seats at the rear. The rear seat folks even get a power rear sun shade. It's bristling with techno-gadgetry, voice activated nav-system complete with the Sync software platform and optional Sirius Travelink, rear-view backup camera and a Sony-branded audio system Ford President for the Americas Mark Fields is claiming will rival the best home-based systems. The Taurus also gets a new radar-based speed sensitive cruise control system which also pre-charges the brake system when it senses an impending collision.

Engines on the new Taurus are familiar and expected, with a baseline powertrain being the 3.5-liter V6 with 263 HP and 249 lb-ft of torque, mated to a standard 6 speed transmission (paddle shift optional) driving the front wheels with all-wheel-drive optional. The base motor is fun and all, but we're salivating over the prospect of the twin-turbocharged Ecoboost V6-equipped Taurus SHO. Wheels are controlled with a pretty standard McPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension which Ford claims to have tuned for handling as much ride.

We haven't driven the new Taurus yet, and we've only spent a few hours with it at a Ford backgrounder in Dearborn, but in our short time with the car, talking with the engineers, the stylists and the vehicle line managers, but as far as first impressions go, the new Taurus makes a damn impressive one. The level of fit and finish, styling detail, material choices and overall drama is a huge departure from the current model. The static car is so good it makes maintaining any semblance of objectivity a battle. We'll be bringing you live coverage of the unveil from the floor of the Detroit Auto Show later today.

Upscale, Tech-Savvy New Taurus Flagship Delivers Style, Substance For Full-size Sedan Buyers In 2010

* Athletic, upscale new 2010 Ford Taurus confidently leads a growing wave of new-car introductions from Ford Motor Company. Available this summer, this distinctive new vehicle combines class-leading technologies with confident, engaging driving dynamics
* Taurus features an impressive set of standard and available technologies that add convenience, connectivity, safety and value for customers. They include Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning, Intelligent Access with Push Button Start, MyKey™ parental programmability, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™) with Cross Traffic Alert, Rain-Sensing Wipers, EasyFuel™ capless refueling, Ford SYNC® and Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS® Travel Link™
* The new Taurus is powered by the award-winning 3.5-liter V-6 Duratec engine, mated to one of two available fuel-efficient six-speed automatic transmissions including SelectShift® with shift control paddles mounted on the steering wheel and available all-wheel drive

DETROIT, Jan.11, 2009 – The Ford Taurus – the car that changed America’s view of full-size sedans – is all-new for 2010 and ready to take on the world’s best, with an upscale new design, impeccable driving dynamics, class-leading technologies and an unbeatable price tag.

“The new Taurus sets the pace for Ford’s growing new car launch momentum,” said Mark Fields, president of The Americas. “This sedan completely redefines expectations of what Taurus stands for – and helps further define what Ford is capable of delivering – quality, fuel-efficient vehicles featuring the latest technologies and head-turning design.”

The new Taurus benefits from Ford’s Global Product Development System, which made it possible to deliver an all-new sedan 12 months sooner – with more new features than customers and dealers dreamed possible.

“Taurus is our premium Ford flagship, and it casts a halo across the entire brand portfolio,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president for global product development. “Building on its reputation for safety leadership, we leveraged extensive use of computer-aided design and engineering technologies as well as digital pre-assembly modeling to deliver a high-quality, new Taurus a year ahead of schedule.”

Even better news? The new 2010 Taurus will start at $25,995 – the same price as 2009 models but with more class-leading features, new technologies and perceived quality that rivals premium luxury sedans.

“The new Taurus showcases the what the Ford brand promise is – expressive design, class-leading technologies and an engaging driving experience,” said Jim Farley, Ford’s group vice president of Marketing and Communications. “To truly appreciate the new Taurus, you have to drive it. All of the experiences come together once you’re behind the wheel.”

New times, new design

“Lightning can strike twice,” said Peter Horbury, executive director of Design for The Americas. “Like the 1986 original, the new 2010 Taurus differentiates by combining style with substance.”

The shift starts with the vision for Taurus itself. It debuted as a family sedan, but with the advent of crossovers, the new Taurus is aimed more at drivers who might move friends and family but place more of a premium on the driving experience and technologies aimed at making time on the road more meaningful and fun.

“Taurus is more of a ‘me’ sedan now, and we’ve delivered with this buyer in mind,” said Moray Callum, director of Ford’s Car and Crossover Design.

Exterior design details are more sculpted and powerful – from the powerdome that speaks to the strength behind its confident grille to the pronounced fenders and fascia.

Bold new headlights combined with recessed parking lamps frame a new expression of the signature Ford three-bar grille – and the lowered roofline helps make the new Taurus more aspirational.

New wheels, from 17- to 20-inches in diameter, fill the sculpted wheel wells and lend Taurus a muscular and athletic stance. The raised shoulder lines of the new Taurus provide a confident profile and enable generous truck capacity.

The exterior color palette for the 2010 Taurus includes new hues, selected to harmonize with interior appointments and offer customers a broader range of color combinations. New colors include Candy Red Metallic Tint, White Platinum Metallic, Steel Blue Metallic, Gold Leaf Metallic and Ingot Silver Metallic.

Inside, a forward-leaning center stack – home to the climate controls, audio components and available navigation screen – flows in a continuous unbroken form through the instrument panel and down into the center console. The smart design allows for the interior to be formed with unbroken lines to impart seamless quality and craftsmanship.

The door panels employ an innovative urethane tooling process providing unique texture and identity to surfaces, with visible stitching and a hand crafted appeal. This same process allows for door panel two-toning, enabling model series differentiation.

The new Taurus’ precision craftsmanship is reflected in the quality of materials used in the interior as well as the exterior panel margins, which are comparable to costly German luxury sedans.

Better on-road performance, too

To match its more athletic looks, the new Taurus features sportier driving dynamics.

The 2010 Taurus comes standard with Ford’s proven Duratec 3.5-liter V-6, generating an estimated 263 horsepower and 249 foot-pounds of torque. This award-winning engine earns a ULEV-II emissions certification and comes paired with a choice of two new six-speed automatic transmissions.

The smooth and refined Duratec V-6 helps the front-wheel-drive Taurus deliver unsurpassed highway fuel economy. Taurus reflects Ford’s commitment to deliver the best, or be among the leaders, in fuel economy across the vehicle segments where it competes.

Taurus fuel economy is aided by employment of a two-speed fuel pump and Aggressive Deceleration Fuel Shut-Off technology.

The Taurus engine plan also calls for optional availability of Ford’s advanced EcoBoost™ 3.5-liter V-6, with an announcement regarding availability coming soon.

The Taurus SE offers a six-speed automatic transmission with a Grade-Assist hill-holding rollback prevention feature, paired with an economical 2.77 final drive ratio.

SEL and Limited series Taurus models are offered with SelectShift®, featuring racing-inspired shift control paddles mounted on the steering wheel. SelectShift offers the convenience of conventional automatic operation, or a manual shift mode that gives the driver complete control over gear selection. The SelectShift transmission enables “match-rev” downshifts and will hold manually selected gears, unlike some competitive transmissions that second-guess the driver.

The SEL is offered with a 2.77 final drive ratio, while the Limited series uses a 3.16 gear in front-wheel-drive models, and a 3.39 ratio in all-wheel-drive models to provide enhanced acceleration.

Chassis and suspension components are tuned to deliver on the sporty and aggressive design with optimized roll stiffness for cornering control, responsive steering with sharp turn-in and precision accuracy. This chassis tuning of the MacPherson front struts and multi-link rear suspension reflects Ford Global DNA, defined by responsive steering and handling, while maintaining a comfortable ride quality.

The 2010 Taurus features a new SR1 suspension configuration.

Named for its “one-to-one” rear shock absorber ratio, it provides a superior balance between cornering and handling while providing a stable baseline for fine tuning. The new SR1 enables the use of 19- and 20-inch wheels – and reduces vehicle weight, saving fuel.

“While driver engagement was a key objective for the new Taurus, we also put huge emphasis on creating a quiet environment,” said Chief Engineer Pete Reyes. “Wind tunnel development time was important to reduce noise, vibration and harshness, but it also helped with fuel economy.

Customer-focused technologies

Tech-savvy customers will find plenty to like about the new 2010 Taurus. Its technologies enable customer connectivity, while fulfilling desires for personalization, customization and control. This comprehensive list of features isn’t just technology for the sake of technology. These offerings have been selected and developed to provide the ultimate in comfort and convenience for the driver and all passengers. Extensive work has also been done to ensure that these technologies are easy to understand and intuitive to operate.

Adaptive Cruise Control allows the driver to set the vehicle cruising speed while using radar technology to monitor traffic travelling up to 600 feet ahead, automatically adjusting Taurus speed to help maintain a safe distance between vehicles.

Adaptive Cruise Control also integrates Collision Warning with Brake Support, a new active safety feature.

The collision warning system uses a radar sensor to detect moving vehicles ahead and provides a visual “heads-up” warning signal transmitted across the base of the windshield and an audible warning when slower moving traffic is detected ahead. The system also pre-charges the brakes and engages an electronic brake assist to help the driver stop more quickly.

Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start, a new Taurus feature, allows the driver to enter the car and start the engine by simply carrying the fob as they approach and enter the vehicle.

SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry Keypad enables vehicle access by unlocking the driver’s door using a five-digit code on the new keypad system flush-mounted in the driver’s side B-pillar.

MyKey™ allows parents or fleet administrators to activate a restricted driving mode.

When enabled, MyKey features a Persistent Beltminder® with Audio Mute until safety belts are buckled, an earlier low-fuel warning, and consistently engaged AdvanceTrac® stability control, Blind Spot monitoring, Cross Traffic Alert and Forward Collision Warning. Additional programmability includes restrictions on audio volume, limiting top speed to 80 mph and speed chime warnings at 45, 55, or 65mph.

Auto High Beams/Rain-Sensing Wipers harness sensor technologies to switch headlights to high intensity when no other vehicles are detected, in a range of up to 500 feet for taillight detection, and up to 2,000 feet for oncoming headlight detection. Rain-sensing wipers use an advanced optical sensor to detect the intensity of rain and/or snowfall to adjust wiper speed.

Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel Filler System is an industry-exclusive feature that self-seals without a traditional fuel cap.

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) consists of two multiple beam radar modules, one each per rear quarter panel. When an approaching vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone, an indicator alert provides warning to the driver in the corresponding side view mirror.

Cross Traffic Alert uses the existing BLIS radar modules to sense oncoming traffic when slowly backing out of a parking spot. This industry-exclusive system functions only while the vehicle is in reverse and warns when cross-traffic appears within three car widths.

Ford SYNC® is the fully integrated, in-vehicle voice-activated communications and entertainment system, with 911 Assist, Vehicle Health Report and GPS-based features including business search and call completion. SYNC connects to MP3 players, iPods, memory sticks and PDAs. SYNC’s 911 Assist™ will place a call to a local emergency operator in the event of an air bag deployment incident. The latest version of SYNC adds Traffic, Directions and Information, providing turn-by-turn route guidance, and the ability to access content by personalized favorites such as region, subject matter or sports team.

Voice-Activated Navigation System with SIRIUS Travel Link™ uses an 8-inch screen to present a birds-eye-view map with 3D landmarks. The system responds to voice commands for destination programming and route selection.

In addition, it provides enhanced route guidance features such as street name announcements and detailed freeway exit, turn and ramp position lane guidance. The screen can be personalized with up to 32 pictures, sized up to 1.5MB. The system also incorporates the SIRIUS Travel Link, offering availability of current weather and ski conditions, a five-day forecast, local fuel pricing by cost per gallon as well as brand, sports scores and movie listings.

Sony® branded audio components deliver sound from a variety of sources, with an AM-FM tuner, SIRIUS Satellite radio, CD, DVD audio and an integrated 10 GB hard drive for storage of up to 2,400 songs. This package also includes an available 10-speaker premium audio system.

Multi-Contour Seats are available on an industry-exclusive basis for driver and passenger, integrating a six-way lumbar support and subtle rolling pattern massage. The bottom cushion features Active Motion.

This provides minute but continuous movement, stirring a change of muscular activation helping a driver avoid back pain.

“Multi-Contour seats will be a real benefit for long distance drivers, or people with back trouble,” said Steve Michell, product design engineer. “The key is their subtlety. Active Motion is enough to help relieve fatigue but not enough to be distracting to a driver.”

Safety leadership grows

The new 2010 Taurus builds on its legacy of safety leadership, incorporating a comprehensive array of passive and active features engineered to protect and preserve its passengers.

“A stiffer body structure and new crash avoidance technologies make the Taurus – already named the safest full-size sedan – even safer,” said Reyes, chief engineer.

Taurus safety begins with a body structure optimized for strength and stiffness. The energy-absorbing front structure features octagonal front frame rails, tunnel rails and “shotgun” front structural members designed to absorb and redirect crash forces away from the passenger compartment.

The Taurus body structure features ultra high-strength boron steel in the B-pillar for added side impact protection.

The new Taurus is equipped with a comprehensive package of active and passive safety features, including dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, side impact air bags and Safety Canopy®, a Ford exclusive protection system that features side curtain air bags that help protect front and rear outboard passengers in both rollover and side impact crashes.

Other key safety features include:

Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement (SPACE™) Architecture is comprised of a hydroformed cross-car beam embedded in the floor between the door frames, providing additional strength in the side of the vehicle. In the event of a side impact, the beam helps divert crash forces away from the occupants. A strong roof cross member and side impact door beams work with the floor-mounted tube to further improve side impact protection.

Personal Safety System® is designed to reduce the risk of injury to the driver and front seat passenger in the event of a moderate to severe frontal collision. Sensors note right front occupant weight, safety belt usage, outboard seat belt tension and seating position to optimize air bag deployment force for occupant safety.

AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control predicts the vehicle’s intended path, using sensors to detect and measure oversteer and yaw, while continuously monitoring vehicle speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When the system senses a loss of wheel traction, engine torque is reduced and braking is applied in conjunction with the standard Anti-lock Braking (ABS) system. The system also incorporates traction control to aid drivers when operating the vehicle on loose or slippery surfaces.

SOS Post-Crash Alert is an integrated system that automatically unlocks the doors, sounds the horn and activates the emergency flashers in the event of an air bag deployment.

“Customers will find a lot to love about the new Taurus,” Fields said.

The 2010 Ford Taurus will be built at Ford’s Chicago (Ill.) Assembly Plant and will be available in dealer showrooms in the summer.

[Source: Ford]

Ford's Active Park Assist looks to be much more controlled than the system Lexus debuted on the LS460 and will be available as an option on the 2010 Lincoln MKS and the upcoming 2010 Lincoln MKT crossover that will debut at the Detroit Auto Show next month.

Active Park Assist will accompany Ford's new Electric Power Assisted Steering in the 2010 Lincoln MKS and MKT and will be featured in the rest of Ford's lineup in 2012.

A new six-speed auto-transmission with steering wheel flappy paddle shifters will be available on the 2010 Lincoln MKS and upcoming 2010 Ford Taurus. You'll notice them in the video above if you're paying attention. It's the first time these new shifters have been spotted in the wild.

[YouTube via Ford]