Here are some shots of Ford's invigorated 2010 Taurus, caught testing in Detroit. This new Taurus is what the car should have been all along, according to Ford's CEO Alan Mulally. Although the car is very heavily camouflaged, the prototype definitely looks related to the camera phone shots of a purported Taurus clay model, which leaked earlier this year. We think we can see some differences on the front bumper—around the fog lights—suggesting that the finer points of the 2010 Taurus' design were still in flux at the time the photo was snapped inside Ford's Design Center.

We have seen photos two different prototypes—with single exhaust and dual exhaust. The dual exhaust set-up likely points to the Ecoboosted 3.5L V-6, which will produce 340-hp in the Lincoln MKS.

Some of you may have caught wind of something going on in the Chicago area recently.

Well, it has happened, and here is a quick review:

Some weeks ago I was contacted by a representative at Ford about an upcoming Focus group in Chicagoland about the next generation Taurus.

They wanted specific input and information from SHO enthusiasts.

I was asked to give them about a dozen names of people from the LOCAL area (there are good reasons for this I will go into later) for this focus group.

I was asked to keep it quiet till after the event and asked those that I contacted to do the same, and for the most part, that was accomplished. The one thread that was on SHOforum about this, was not anything specific, and didn't really cause any problems, but it was deleted just to be sure. So if you saw that and wondered what it was about, that is what happened.

Last night (Monday, 5th of May) a dozen SHO enthusiasts met at a hotel in Schaumburg for a 2+ hour focus group session. Here is what we did NOT see: We saw NO prototypes. we saw NO drawings, we saw NO parts of any new car, the entire session was video taped.

Here is what we DID see: A Chrysler 300, A dodge Charger and an Chevy Impala, all in the same shade of silver with all identifying marks taped over.

Here is what we did:

We sat at a table across from a very friendly and skilled interviewer that led a fairly free flowing exchange of information. We were asked about our own history with the SHO, we were asked about what we liked about the SHO, and didn't like, what made a SHO, a SHO, and also what we might like to see in any future SHO or Ford sedan. After a while, several representatives of the new Taurus program came into the room and we gathered around the cars assembled. When asked which one appealed to us, almost all said the Charger. This seemed to surprise the interviewer since we claimed "stealth" as one of the main factors attracting us to the SHO. But I think we answered that by several of us stating that although we can appreciate the Charger in that group of three, it is maybe too up front for what we would like to see in the SHO. Also, great styling need not be so "in your face" as the Charger.

The Ford staff assembled were given a chance to ask us specific questions about their individual area of expertise, as in wheels, seats, paint colors etc.

Then we were let loose on the assembled Ford people to just talk and mingle. In talking with one rep, he was floored that virtually every one of us put ROAD/ TRACK performance over straight line/drag performance. He had somehow gotten the opinion that the original SHO was all about the drags. Glad we caught that one. Drags are fun, but track days and overall handling is much more important.

Of course engines and drivelines were discussed, and here the group was less of a single mind, with likes running from 400+ hp twin turbo revvers, to 5.4L torque monsters with and without blowers! I commented that with $4 a gallon gas soon to be reality, maybe something in the 280-300 hp range with GREAT handling, style and quality and decent MPG would be relevant. I think most of us agreed that gimmicks were less desired over things like great brakes, suspension, gauges, seats (gen 1 and II style seats with bolsters were a big request) and a unique engine to the SHO at least in the Taurus/Sable line were high points and things like "I-Drive" GPS and other tech things were down on the list. Trying to keep weight down was also a big point with most people. Oddly, we left out a big desire of the previous early focus groups, a hand emergency brake. Maybe it isn't important anymore?

Man I can sympathize with anyone trying to create a new car these days...."Hey, give us luxury ride, Lotus handling, Ford GT performance, and OH, 40+ mpg, room for five and luggage, make it stand out, and be something police won't see....and under $30 grand would be great!" LOL

Some suggested maybe a two tier car with the "nice" version for more average buyers, and a lighter, lower content "performance" version for the gung ho, like most of us!

Most everyone wanted a car with "three pedals" but if an auto was part of it, steering wheel buttons or paddles are less important than a good shifter and proper programming for quick up and downshifts when called for, and maybe even blipping the throttle on manual downshifts.

The FWD, AWD, RWD question came up, and I think most wanted RWD, with AWD as the second option, but a few would be just as happy with FWD as in the past for safety and also cost.

Defeatable Stability/traction control was another big request, as was a factory accessory, modification parts program with actual performance parts, suspension parts etc available at dealers or through Ford, and included in the factory warranty.

Though no one is claiming that there is a direct connection between the two, Ford has apparently cancelled the "Take Your Child To Work Day" this year due to the leaks according to Brenda Priddy, spy photographer of the car stars. So our question is — why does Ford hate the children?

...a site with a big consumer side like Edmunds' Inside Line's able to just beat back those big bullies and take those "big" threats and file them in the "idle" category. Sadly, all we've got is Gizmodo. Not that they're anything to sneeze at, we're just sayin.' Anyway, we're just happy to have blazed the trail for the consumer car sales-lead giant because if there's one thing we can be sure of — that's definitely the 2010 Ford Taurus.

...TaurusClub's site have been taken down, along with the post. But what we do know are the rumors we'd heard to expect an all new design for 2010 and we've been told other sites 'round the net have received take-down notices for the photo. So is it the new Taurus? You be the judge. [TaurusClub via GMInsideNews]

CRASH-TESTED FORD TAURUS SHOWS SAFETY LEADERSHIP

NEW YORK, March 18, 2008 - Most cars at auto shows are highly polished and gleaming, except one - a Ford Taurus that crashed into a 1 million pound wall at 35 mph en route to the Jacob Javits Convention Center. Deliberately.

Ford wants New York International Auto Show visitors to see how the Taurus - rated 'Top Safety Pick' by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) - fared in a 35 mph crash test. Positioned in the same place occupied by the seated crash-test dummy, showgoers view video of the actual crash test.

"We want people to see what happens in the blink of an eye," said Stephen Kozak, North American safety chief engineer for Ford Motor Company. "We want to open people's eyes that not all cars are created equal when it comes to safety. There is a difference and we want to show why Taurus is the safest rated large sedan sold in America."

A car crash can literally happen in the blink of an eye - 100 milliseconds, or about a tenth of a second, from start to finish. In that brief span of time, safety belt pretensioners tighten the belt, frontal air bags are inflated to the appropriate level, and the forces of the crash are being deflected by the structure of the vehicle designed specifically to help protect occupants inside.

The crashed Taurus test car is expected to be a popular display at the show - and not just because it looks so different from all the other vehicles. More than 50 percent of car buyers call safety a major purchase consideration.

The crash test was conducted at Ford's testing facilities in Dearborn, Mich., prior to the show. The company conducts hundreds of crash tests and thousands more simulated computer tests on a yearly basis for its vehicles.

"A crash can happen to the best of us, and it may happen before you have time to react," Kozak said. "So we believe the best way to react is to buy the car equipped to help protect you when the unexpected happens."

Taurus models equipped with optional AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control have earned the highest available rating of five-stars for rollover resistance from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Taurus earned five-star ratings from NHTSA for both driver and front passenger in a frontal crash test and five stars for both the driver and rear-seat passenger in a side impact crash test.

The IIHS also gives Taurus top marks - "Good" ratings - for frontal, side and rear impacts.

Key features of the Ford Taurus safety story include:

* Safety CanopyTM, Ford's exclusive side impact protection system, featuring side curtain airbags that helps protect front and rear outboard passengers in both rollovers and side impact crashes. The curtains are designed to slip between the occupant and the side window. The Safety Canopy is designed to stay inflated for several seconds, as rollover crashes often last much longer than side impact crashes.
* SPACE, Ford's Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement architecture. SPACE is designed to help protect occupants using a complex configuration of strategically placed long steel rails and square tubes under the car body, along the vertical door posts (or "B pillars"), in between the front and rear seats, and along the roof lines (or "A pillars"). The rails are designed to bend and the tubes compress in a severe crash; this creates 10 different "crush zones" all over the car to help channel crash forces away from the occupants inside.
* AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control system can predict the vehicle's intentions using a sensor to detect and measure oversteer and yaw by monitoring the vehicle's speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When the system senses wheel slip, engine torque is reduced and braking is applied where needed to help keep the car tracking safely on its intended path.
* Ford's Belt-Minder®, a safety belt reminder technology for the driver and front passenger that takes over after the initial safety belt reminder stops chiming. If the driver or front passenger remains unbuckled, the system chimes and flashes a warning lamp for six seconds every 30 seconds for five minutes or until the driver buckles up, whichever comes first.
* Personal Safety SystemTM, a suite of seven protection technologies working together as a system to help protect occupants, including dual-stage front air bags and occupant classification.

# # #

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 245,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

# # #

Ted Krygier, one of the Ford fan-boys over there, did a quick p-shop that you can see above and which we're totally digging. But I kind of feel like our commenters may be able to do better. Anyone care to take a stab at a new whip for Officer Murphy? If you're looking for p-shop fodder, you may want to try here or here. [via Blue Oval News]

And therein lies the Taurus X's damning fault. Ford hopes it will appeal to people who don't want an SUV, but the company still decided to make it look and act as much like one as possible. It's at least 4 inches higher than it should be and simply doesn't need the optional all-wheel-drive. What you're left with is a car that feels like it could and should be a simple, practical station wagon that costs $5,000 less. By failing to take this risk and hoping to latch on to what little of the SUV-craze is left, Ford has made a vehicle completely bereft of a unique selling point. I can't be the only person out there with a soft spot for big station wagons.

It does, however, deliver on the seating capacity. Adult passengers can sit in comfort in all three rows, whether equipped with the three-seat bench in the middle or the two captain's chairs. The raised third row even offers a decent forward view, and the back gets its own climate controls. With all three rows full, luggage capacity isn't great, but the 15.8 cubic feet of space should be plenty for a shopping trip or morning school run.

It's simply not good enough for a manufacturer to just build a car anymore. They need to build a good car. Anyone who's driven Ford Europe's S-Max — a 7-seat MPV that's good to drive, good looking and economical — knows the company can do better. They desperately need to.

If we were in the market for a 7-seat Ford we'd wait until summer, when the company plans to release the Flex. Ostensibly a minivan without sliding doors, it will compete directly with the Taurus X on price and the number of seats, but features such a unique and appealing look — part 1950s wagon, part Scion xB (trust us, it works) — that it looks set to define an entire new category of vehicle: the stylish, desirable minivan. It should be quite a combination.

This concludes our review of the Taurus X. Parts 1-3 are available below and can always be found under the Jalopnik Reviews tag at the top of the front page.

Day One, Day Two, Day Three

Photo Credits: Cydney Goldberg, Grant Ray

Ford claim the AWD Taurus X achieves 15mpg in the city, 22 on the highway. We're averaging 18 through a mix of highways, rural roads and city driving. This is pathetic considering it barely has enough acceleration to get out of its own way. Ford's new 3.5L Duratec V6 fails to offer either performance or economy, while mated with a new 6-speed automatic that specializes in always being in the wrong gear. The result is a frustrating driving experience. Ford Europe's 7-seat S-max is only 300lb lighter, but since it's equipped with the company's 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine, that car manages a combined average of 32.2mpg with an automatic transmission.

The big Taurus does drive better than its taller cousins. Ford's Edge is equipped with the same engine and feels smaller, but is outclassed by the Taurus X on the road. The Volvo underpinnings are evident, delivering a vehicle that feels safe in any condition. Gone is the Edge's scary waywardness on high-speed highway off-ramps. But mere competence is hardly the pinnacle Ford should be trying to achieve. We can't help but wonder what might be possible if its center of gravity was just a few inches lower.

Somehow, Car and Driver managed to squeeze a 7.7 second 0-60 time out of this thing. We haven't hooked the Taurus X up to timing gear, but in the real world, it's not that quick. This is largely due to the gearbox, mash the accelerator to pull into a gap in highway traffic and you have to wait 3-4 seconds for it to shift down two or three gears before the meaningful acceleration kicks in. By the time you're up to speed, the gap you were aiming for is gone.

Day One, Day Two

Photo Credits: Cydney Goldberg, Grant Ray

This is the same engine that will be launched with the Lincoln MKS and should be good for 340 horsepower and 340 lb. ft of torque. If you don't want to sit through the lecture about EcoBoost fast forward to about 6:40 into the video.[YouTube via AutoBlog]

At first glance, the Taurus X's interior looks like a decent load hauler. Both of the back rows split in the middle and fold flat, the front passenger seat can join them, giving an overall load bay length of 9 feet.

The seats aren't removable, though, and even while flat, severely impinge on luggage capacity. For instance, the third row eats up 10 inches of the trunk's depth. The trunk opening also is oddly shaped; in fact, the whole rear feels a bit pinched in the middle, further compromising the car's ability to haul large, oddly shaped loads.

Ray's set of 7-foot-tall closet doors filled the car's capacity, they would have virtually disappeared into an Expedition's cavernous interior. You couldn't haul a couch in here.

We also regret to report that Ray is woefully inept with a screwdriver, we're afraid we can't recommend him as the friend to call when you need help moving.

Photo Credit: Cydney Goldberg


Day One

The Taurus X looks like the spiritual successor to the big wagons of yore. Sharing a platform with the Volvo XC90, it sits lower but retains the same three-row seating capacity and penchant for occupant safety, with side-curtain airbags running all the way back.

My family jumped on the SUV bandwagon from the beginning, lured by the romance of their adventurous image. But our Jeep only went off-roading once, resulting in my driving privileges being promptly revoked. Like the vast majority of SUV drivers, Mom and Dad simply didn't have any need for the weight, complication and subsequent cost that comes with the ability to traverse large boulders. Waking up to this fact, a string of sedans and small wagons have served the emptied nest of my parents since the late '90s — none of which have had the sheer utility of that gargantuan Caprice wagon.

Ford has been chief among domestic profiteers of the SUV boom, capitalizing on the best-selling ability of its pickups to release a string of successful trucks like the Explorer and Expedition. The company delivered on the promised utility, with capacious interiors offering huge load- and people-lugging capabilities. But fuel prices have increased and environmental responsibility has come into fashion; meaning Ford's focus on trucks has stuck them with vehicles buyers are beginning to turn their noses up at.

Enter the Taurus X. By aiming to deliver the utility and versatility of an SUV in a package more like a normal car, it hopes to attract buyers looking for a better image, better economy and a better drive.

The Taurus X will be in Jalopnik's garage for the next week. Expect regular updates as we use it day-to-day, discovering if it delivers on its promised utility and user friendliness. We can already report on its image, pulling up outside my girlfriend's house this morning she told me I looked like "a dad."

Photo credit: Grant Ray

The airbag deployed but the man managed to still hit his head in a way that knocked him unconscious. This was probably a good thing as it kept him still as the rescue workers were figuring out just how to get him out. It's also good because it sort of sounds like a suicide attempt and didn't get a chance to jump out of the car. The man made it to the hospital, but his condition is unknown. The Taurus is listed in serious, but stable condition. [AP via Macon Telegraph

And the engine was more or less complete, too. You don't see a whole lot of these in the junkyard, and I admit that thoughts of a sleeper government-issue, refrigerator-white Taurus (or, better yet, Sable) had me tempted to grab that little 220-horse DOHC Yamaha beauty. Imagine the fun of torque-steering your way into trouble, back out of it, and then lurching back into trouble... and that's just getting out of your driveway! I ended up passing on this engine, since of course I need to save my pennies for my Econoline Dekotora project. But still, good to know it's possible to do a junkyard-swap sleeper Taurus.

"I borrowed a friends car yesterday so I could get some work done on mine. On my way home from the mall I decided to charge my cell phone. The moment I plugged in my charger a zap and some smoke came from behind the stereo, within 25 seconds flambes and melting plastic engulfed the entire dash I pulled over and bailed out with just enough time to grab my new sneaks and my rented dvd. The best part was having the tires explode and the gas tank rupture when I had the owner on the phone. By the time the fire trucks arrived the car was toast. On the brite side there is one less Taurus in the road. So anyway that was my monday night."

We swear — the dad in the new commercial for the all-new Ford Taurus looks exactly like Mark Fields, mullet and all. Take a look at the commercial above and the gallery below for reference and then you tell us. What do you think — uncanny, isn't it? – Ray Wert

Related:
Bold Mullets: Still Happening Every Day; It's Sort Of Official: Introducing The Ford Taurus, Taurus X And Mercury Sable; Bold Mullets: They Happen Every Day?; The Ford Taurus Is Back...Online; Jalopnik Music Videos: Five Hundred , I Hate Your Name... [internal]

There's a tremendous sense of irony to fusing the face of a 1950 Studebaker Business Coupe to a 1987 Ford Taurus Wagon. A mashup like this is the best confluence of whimsy, spare parts and cheap used cars we've seen in a really, really long time. [Thanks to Ryan for the tip.] – Mike Spinelli

1950 Other Makes Studebaker Taurus [eBay]

Related:
Nooooooooo! Mustang Cobra Mashup [internal]

We just noticed the folks at FoMoCo replaced the Five Hundred with the Taurus on the FordVehicles website. Although we're told it happened after Chicago, but it's news to us and oh hey, now it's got pricing information, too! The base model will be starting at $23,245. But really we're mostly just excited about the name change because, in case you didn't realize — Five Hundred, we hated your name. – Ray Wert

[2008 Ford Taurus]

Related:
Jalopnik Music Videos: Five Hundred , I Hate Your Name...; Jalopnik Music Videos: The Wreck of The Alan Mulally [internal]

Ford To Debut Flex Crossover, Aiming To Redefine Minivan [CNN.com]

Related:
Flex Your Minivan Muscle, Ford! [internal]

"mills with both TwinForce and Yamaha are being tested...the only thing I'm worried about is that it may not reach production...more of a feasibility test, but we shall see."

"Not sure if this is Mulally news but Taurus will get the Twin Force engine. Not sure if it will be called SHO though."

Related:
SHO Me The Bold Moves! Enthusiasts Create Web Site Asking Ford To "Bring Back The SHO" Taurus; SHO on the Block: Conan Gets His Taurus Appraised [internal]

In 1989, Ford took their sales leading Taurus and took it from sedan for the mere mortal to a sports sedan for the gods. Turning a management mis-fire into a minor miracle, Ford execs took engines from a dead deal with Yamaha and inserted the 3.0-liter V6's into their pedestrian four-door and watched as the performance boosted up to 220 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque when coupled with the 5-speed MTX-IV manual tranny. They called this special sports sedan the Super-High Output, or SHO. Other than the SHO one-off wagon for Car und Driver the only real change to the SHO came in 1996, when we saw the death of the SHO's manual tranny but it also received an upgraded 3.4-liter V8 and saw its power output pop to 235 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque. Yes, yes, I know what you're thinking — this is all well and good, but why should I care right now? You should care because a small group of FoMoCo enthusiasts is all hard-up over the recent re-naming of the five hundred to the vaunted Taurus nameplate. They're so gung-ho over the decision, they've gone and created a web site urging FoMoCo to bring back the SHO — they've even put together some concept sketches of what a new SHO Taurus could look like in the gallery below. So if you're interested in seeing a high-po fo'-door in Ford's future, head on over and have your voice heard. – Ray Wert

[BringbacktheSHO]

Related:
SHO on the Block: Conan Gets His Taurus Appraised [internal]

Now that Ford has decided to re-christen (rather than feed) the Five Hundred, it's no surprise that the Blue Oval Boyz are set to launch a new marketing campaign around its retro-monikers. In advance of that mind-boggling campaign, Ward's had a chin wag with the Cisco Kid (that's Cisco Codina, Ford's group vice president, North America Marketing, Sales and Service). Mr. Codina stressed that bringing back the Taurus, Taurus X (nee Freestyle) and Sable (nee Montego) nameplates was not, as reported, CEO Alan Mulally's idea. "What Alan has done is create an environment all around the company, and people are willing to speak frankly and openly, and that's wonderful. So out of that, one of our guys from marketing said, 'What about bringing back Taurus?'" One? Which one? The Roll Call of Automotive Infamy needs a name dammit! Meanwhile, the Cisco Kid offered a piercing (if not exactly bold) glimpse into the glaringly obvious: "We have not put out a number yet, but I would expect sales to go up. Otherwise this (rebadging) was for nothing." Ya think? – Robert Farago

Ford to Launch Taurus, Sable Marketing Campaigns [Ward's Auto]

Related:
Ford's New Bull Is Official: Exit The Five Hundred, Enter The Taurus [internal]

No more Five Hundred, sayonara Freestyle. Ford unveiled its new, three-row Taurus, Taurus X (nee Freestyle) and Mercury Sable models in Chicago. Master of ceremonies was none other thanFord's Cisco "Systems" Codina, group vice president North America sales and service ampersand spong whapcaplet looseliver vendetta and prang (brush up on your Monty Python, children). The new models will hit dealerships this summer, ahead of several more years of snide comments from automotive enthusiasts. – Mike Spinelli

FORD TAURUS, TAURUS X, MERCURY SABLE RETURN AS UPGRADED 2008-MODELS DEBUT THIS SUMMER

CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2007 - Ford Motor Company today announced it is bringing back the well-known Ford Taurus name, introducing a new name - Taurus X - for its three-row crossover and returning the Mercury Sable to the lineup as upgraded 2008-model versions of all three vehicles go on sale this summer.

"Taurus has been an icon for Ford's family sedan for more than two decades, and it's time to return this powerful name to where it belongs," said Mark Fields, Ford's President of The Americas, at the Chicago Auto Show. "Consumer awareness of the Taurus name is double the Five Hundred that it's replacing, and awareness of Sable is triple that of Montego.

"By giving these vehicles the names that consumers recognize at the same time we're making significant upgrades, we're confident that even more people are going to be attracted to these great products in the future," Fields added.

The 2008-model Taurus sedan will go on sale this summer, replacing the Ford Five Hundred. The new Taurus features a Ford Fusion-inspired exterior design, a new powertrain with 60 more horsepower, a new all-wheel-drive system, more standard safety features - including standard electronic stability control - and other refinements to make it more distinctive, quieter, faster and safer.

The 2008-model Taurus X crossover will go on sale late this summer - replacing the Ford Freestyle - with the same design, powertrain and safety upgrades, as well as three row of seats, one-touch flip-and-fold second-row seating and an available power rear liftgate.

The 2008-model Mercury Sable also goes on sale this summer - replacing the Mercury Montego - with extensive design, powertrain and safety upgrades, as well as unique touches that make it a Mercury. They include Mercury's signature satin aluminum waterfall grille, jeweled projector beam headlamps, distinctive LED tail lamps and a two-tone interior trim with unique accents. Customers preferring a technical appearance can opt for Cyber Carbon - a deep, high-gloss accent resembling carbon fiber. More traditional sophistication is available from two modern wood grain accents - Guitar Maple and San Macassar.

Ford Taurus: An Automotive Icon

The Ford Taurus was a milestone in automotive design when it was introduced in 1985. It was the best-selling car in America for five straight years, starting in 1992. At its peak, Taurus posted annual sales of more than 400,000 units. When production of the original Taurus ended after 21 years on Oct. 27, 2006, nearly 7 million cars had been sold - and an estimated 3.5 million Taurus models remain on the road today

The Taurus name remains powerful today. In fact, it is one of top three most recognized Ford nameplates, behind only the F-Series and Mustang. Consumer awareness of the Taurus nameplate remains at an impressive 80 percent.

"The Ford Five Hundred has been a solid product, and it has one of the highest satisfaction rates in our lineup," said Cisco Codina, Ford's group vice president of North America Marketing, Sales and Service. "Once people discover the vehicle, nearly 60 percent end up buying a one.

"The Taurus will be even better thanks to significant upgrades - and, now, a name that people know. Going forward, we're going to cherish this iconic name with the same clarity, confidence and intensity as we do with F-Series and Mustang," Codina added.

The new Taurus X crossover builds on the strength of its namesake, while underscoring Ford's commitment to leadership in crossover vehicles. Crossovers already have surpassed SUVs in annual vehicle sales, and Ford predicts they will become the largest or second largest segment in the U.S. by the end of the decade - with sales of 3 million units.

The three-row, seven-passenger Taurus X will complement the sporty and popular two-row, five-passenger Ford Edge in the lineup. The two crossovers will be joined by yet another large Ford crossover - based on the Ford Fairlane concept vehicle - which will debut later this year and go on sale in 2008.

"The Taurus and Taurus X draw design cues from the Fusion sedan and Edge crossover. This family relationship will be a huge asset. The Fusion is an unqualified success, and the Edge is off to an even faster start than we saw for the Fusion," Codina said.

Sable Returns to Mercury

The Sable name today maintains an impressive 60 percent consumer awareness level. With the new 2008-model, Sable will offer the same differentiation that already is proving to be a success in the marketplace with the Mercury Mariner and Mercury Milan.

"Our newest Mercurys are attracting new customers and doing a great job at appealing to women," Codina said.

"The Mercury Mariner attracts more new customers today to Ford and Lincoln Mercury than any other nameplate, except the Ford Mustang. And about half of Mercury Milan customers are women, which is a higher rate than for the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry or Volkswagen Passat," Codina added.

Mercury's signature design cues - including satin aluminum accents, high contrast interiors and upscale trim and detailing - will differentiate the new Sable from the Taurus in the same way as the Mariner and Milan.

Related:
It's Sort Of Official: Introducing The Ford Taurus, Taurus X And Mercury Sable [internal]

Yup folks, it's now official. We sent our intrepid young Chi-town connection, Matt Hardigree down to snap some pictures of Mark Fields dropping a load of bull on the crowd. And hey, this time it's actually appropriate to say that — go, us! That gallery's below. There's nothing much more to say other than what the headline on the press release says, so here it is — digest at your own risk. – Ray Wert

FORD TAURUS, TAURUS X, MERCURY SABLE RETURN AS UPGRADED 2008-MODELS DEBUT THIS SUMMER

CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2007 - Ford Motor Company today announced it is bringing back the well-known Ford Taurus name, introducing a new name - Taurus X - for its three-row crossover and returning the Mercury Sable to the lineup as upgraded 2008-model versions of all three vehicles go on sale this summer.

"Taurus has been an icon for Ford's family sedan for more than two decades, and it's time to return this powerful name to where it belongs," said Mark Fields, Ford's President of The Americas, at the Chicago Auto Show. "Consumer awareness of the Taurus name is double the Five Hundred that it's replacing, and awareness of Sable is triple that of Montego.

"By giving these vehicles the names that consumers recognize at the same time we're making significant upgrades, we're confident that even more people are going to be attracted to these great products in the future," Fields added.

The 2008-model Taurus sedan will go on sale this summer, replacing the Ford Five Hundred. The new Taurus features a Ford Fusion-inspired exterior design, a new powertrain with 60 more horsepower, a new all-wheel-drive system, more standard safety features - including standard electronic stability control - and other refinements to make it more distinctive, quieter, faster and safer.

The 2008-model Taurus X crossover will go on sale late this summer - replacing the Ford Freestyle - with the same design, powertrain and safety upgrades, as well as three row of seats, one-touch flip-and-fold second-row seating and an available power rear liftgate.

The 2008-model Mercury Sable also goes on sale this summer - replacing the Mercury Montego - with extensive design, powertrain and safety upgrades, as well as unique touches that make it a Mercury. They include Mercury's signature satin aluminum waterfall grille, jeweled projector beam headlamps, distinctive LED tail lamps and a two-tone interior trim with unique accents. Customers preferring a technical appearance can opt for Cyber Carbon - a deep, high-gloss accent resembling carbon fiber. More traditional sophistication is available from two modern wood grain accents - Guitar Maple and San Macassar.

Ford Taurus: An Automotive Icon

The Ford Taurus was a milestone in automotive design when it was introduced in 1985. It was the best-selling car in America for five straight years, starting in 1992. At its peak, Taurus posted annual sales of more than 400,000 units. When production of the original Taurus ended after 21 years on Oct. 27, 2006, nearly 7 million cars had been sold - and an estimated 3.5 million Taurus models remain on the road today

The Taurus name remains powerful today. In fact, it is one of top three most recognized Ford nameplates, behind only the F-Series and Mustang. Consumer awareness of the Taurus nameplate remains at an impressive 80 percent.

"The Ford Five Hundred has been a solid product, and it has one of the highest satisfaction rates in our lineup," said Cisco Codina, Ford's group vice president of North America Marketing, Sales and Service. "Once people discover the vehicle, nearly 60 percent end up buying a one.

"The Taurus will be even better thanks to significant upgrades - and, now, a name that people know. Going forward, we're going to cherish this iconic name with the same clarity, confidence and intensity as we do with F-Series and Mustang," Codina added.

The new Taurus X crossover builds on the strength of its namesake, while underscoring Ford's commitment to leadership in crossover vehicles. Crossovers already have surpassed SUVs in annual vehicle sales, and Ford predicts they will become the largest or second largest segment in the U.S. by the end of the decade - with sales of 3 million units.

The three-row, seven-passenger Taurus X will complement the sporty and popular two-row, five-passenger Ford Edge in the lineup. The two crossovers will be joined by yet another large Ford crossover - based on the Ford Fairlane concept vehicle - which will debut later this year and go on sale in 2008.

"The Taurus and Taurus X draw design cues from the Fusion sedan and Edge crossover. This family relationship will be a huge asset. The Fusion is an unqualified success, and the Edge is off to an even faster start than we saw for the Fusion," Codina said.

Sable Returns to Mercury

The Sable name today maintains an impressive 60 percent consumer awareness level. With the new 2008-model, Sable will offer the same differentiation that already is proving to be a success in the marketplace with the Mercury Mariner and Mercury Milan.

"Our newest Mercurys are attracting new customers and doing a great job at appealing to women," Codina said.

"The Mercury Mariner attracts more new customers today to Ford and Lincoln Mercury than any other nameplate, except the Ford Mustang. And about half of Mercury Milan customers are women, which is a higher rate than for the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry or Volkswagen Passat," Codina added.

Mercury's signature design cues - including satin aluminum accents, high contrast interiors and upscale trim and detailing - will differentiate the new Sable from the Taurus in the same way as the Mariner and Milan.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 300,000 employees and more than 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.

Related:
It's Sort Of Official: Introducing The Ford Taurus, Taurus X And Mercury Sable [internal]

Yeah, it's amazing how boldly moving FoMoCo was back in 1956. What other auto company could bring out the 80's model of their import-fighter in the mid-1950's? Only The Detroit News thinks Ford's got that kind of innovative thinking — or at least they think they do based on the picture above, attached to the article linked below. [Hat tip to Michael and Pete!] – Ray Wert

Ford Taurus reborn [Detroit News]

Related:
It's Sort Of Official: Introducing The Ford Taurus, Taurus X And Mercury Sable [internal]

FORD TAURUS, TAURUS X, MERCURY SABLE RETURN AS UPGRADED 2008-MODELS DEBUT THIS SUMMER

CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2007 - Ford Motor Company today announced it is bringing back the well-known Ford Taurus name, introducing a new name - Taurus X - for its three-row crossover and returning the Mercury Sable to the lineup as upgraded 2008-model versions of all three vehicles go on sale this summer.

"Taurus has been an icon for Ford's family sedan for more than two decades, and it's time to return this powerful name to where it belongs," said Mark Fields, Ford's President of The Americas, at the Chicago Auto Show. "Consumer awareness of the Taurus name is double the Five Hundred that it's replacing, and awareness of Sable is triple that of Montego.

"By giving these vehicles the names that consumers recognize at the same time we're making significant upgrades, we're confident that even more people are going to be attracted to these great products in the future," Fields added.

The 2008-model Taurus sedan will go on sale this summer, replacing the Ford Five Hundred. The new Taurus features a Ford Fusion-inspired exterior design, a new powertrain with 60 more horsepower, a new all-wheel-drive system, more standard safety features - including standard electronic stability control - and other refinements to make it more distinctive, quieter, faster and safer.

The 2008-model Taurus X crossover will go on sale late this summer - replacing the Ford Freestyle - with the same design, powertrain and safety upgrades, as well as three row of seats, one-touch flip-and-fold second-row seating and an available power rear liftgate.

The 2008-model Mercury Sable also goes on sale this summer - replacing the Mercury Montego - with extensive design, powertrain and safety upgrades, as well as unique touches that make it a Mercury. They include Mercury's signature satin aluminum waterfall grille, jeweled projector beam headlamps, distinctive LED tail lamps and a two-tone interior trim with unique accents. Customers preferring a technical appearance can opt for Cyber Carbon - a deep, high-gloss accent resembling carbon fiber. More traditional sophistication is available from two modern wood grain accents - Guitar Maple and San Macassar.

Ford Taurus: An Automotive Icon

The Ford Taurus was a milestone in automotive design when it was introduced in 1985. It was the best-selling car in America for five straight years, starting in 1992. At its peak, Taurus posted annual sales of more than 400,000 units. When production of the original Taurus ended after 21 years on Oct. 27, 2006, nearly 7 million cars had been sold - and an estimated 3.5 million Taurus models remain on the road today

The Taurus name remains powerful today. In fact, it is one of top three most recognized Ford nameplates, behind only the F-Series and Mustang. Consumer awareness of the Taurus nameplate remains at an impressive 80 percent.

"The Ford Five Hundred has been a solid product, and it has one of the highest satisfaction rates in our lineup," said Cisco Codina, Ford's group vice president of North America Marketing, Sales and Service. "Once people discover the vehicle, nearly 60 percent end up buying a one.

"The Taurus will be even better thanks to significant upgrades - and, now, a name that people know. Going forward, we're going to cherish this iconic name with the same clarity, confidence and intensity as we do with F-Series and Mustang," Codina added.

The new Taurus X crossover builds on the strength of its namesake, while underscoring Ford's commitment to leadership in crossover vehicles. Crossovers already have surpassed SUVs in annual vehicle sales, and Ford predicts they will become the largest or second largest segment in the U.S. by the end of the decade - with sales of 3 million units.

The three-row, seven-passenger Taurus X will complement the sporty and popular two-row, five-passenger Ford Edge in the lineup. The two crossovers will be joined by yet another large Ford crossover - based on the Ford Fairlane concept vehicle - which will debut later this year and go on sale in 2008.

"The Taurus and Taurus X draw design cues from the Fusion sedan and Edge crossover. This family relationship will be a huge asset. The Fusion is an unqualified success, and the Edge is off to an even faster start than we saw for the Fusion," Codina said.

Sable Returns to Mercury

The Sable name today maintains an impressive 60 percent consumer awareness level. With the new 2008-model, Sable will offer the same differentiation that already is proving to be a success in the marketplace with the Mercury Mariner and Mercury Milan.

"Our newest Mercurys are attracting new customers and doing a great job at appealing to women," Codina said.

"The Mercury Mariner attracts more new customers today to Ford and Lincoln Mercury than any other nameplate, except the Ford Mustang. And about half of Mercury Milan customers are women, which is a higher rate than for the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry or Volkswagen Passat," Codina added.

Mercury's signature design cues - including satin aluminum accents, high contrast interiors and upscale trim and detailing - will differentiate the new Sable from the Taurus in the same way as the Mariner and Milan.

2008 Sable and 2008 Taurus X [BlueOvalForums]

Related:
You Sort of Called It: Report Says Ford Five Hundred to Be Renamed Taurus [internal]

And just like that, there it is. Automotive News is reporting today Ford indeed will change the name of the Five Hundred to Taurus. Executives will announce the change at the Chicago auto show press days tomorrow, according to a source. The Jalops called it by a slim majority of those who voted on our Question of the Day, yesterday: 59.0% indicated Ford should slap the Taurus badge on the Five Hundred. The company apparently felt decades of brand development outweighs any baggage the Taurus name may carry. And hey, maybe a twin-turbo SHO is in the cards? [Thanks to Frank for the tip.] – Mike Spinelli

Related:
Question of the Day: Should Ford Rename the 500 as a Taurus? [internal]

Gawker Media polls require Javascript; if you're viewing this in an RSS reader, click through to view in your Javascript-enabled web browser.

Vehicle Names Hurt Ford [The Detroit Free Press]

Related:
Detroit Auto Show: 2008 Ford Five Hundred Finally Gets The Horbury Treatment [Internal]

Upon the death of the Taurus, may we share with you what Sajeev from TTAC shared with us? That's right, ladies, the ranch has opened its gate and all 220 horses are rampant. – Davey G. Johnson

SHO On the Block: Conan Gets His Taurus Appraised [Internal]