We Drive it! The 2010 Taurus SHO

Ford Puts Us Behind The Wheel And We Let All 365hp Loose

Two days in the Kentucky and North Carolina hills has us impressed. Read our blog to hear more about Ford's top sedan for 2010.

We recently had the opportunity to drive an EcoBoost powered Lincoln MKS while in Michigan. It was an impressive ride, but we spent maybe 10 minutes in the car. So we were happy to accept when Ford came calling asking us if we wanted to get some lengthy seat time in their new full size sedan flagship, the 2010 Taurus. When we heard we'd also get plenty of time to check out the new 365hp EcoBoost powered SHO model we didn't hesitate to reply!

Our first day of driving was in the base Taurus (a Limited and SEL model respectively); and while we freely admit we first felt like we would have to "suffer" through driving these non EcoBoost models we were indeed pleasantly surprised at the base car's capabilities in power, handling, and much improved braking. If you can't swing the cheddar for an SHO, don't hesitate to look down the line a bit at one of the other Taurus offerings.

Before we get on to the SHO itself we do want to comment on the Taurus as a whole. Ford has decided to take the Taurus a bit more upmarket than the previous models wearing the Taurus badge. With cars like the Fusion and Milan going head to head with the Camry, Accord, et al, the Taurus is now Ford's largest passenger sedan (only 9-inches shorter than the previous full size/full frame Crown Victoria, which is only available as a police/taxi package now) the Taurus is aimed squarely at more luxury and performance sedans. Even Ford's marketing materials shown to us listed the Audi A6 and Lexus models as "competitors", and with far fewer features for much more money we might add. The 2010 Taurus really takes on these competitors with great features like BLIS (BLind spot Information System), which helps aid the driver by announcing vehicles in your blind spot with an LED on the side view mirror and a warning in the message center. Other features include front and rear radar systems for the new Taurus' Collision Warning System and Adaptive Cruise Control (which slows the car when you approach slower traffic, then resumes your set speed after the slower traffic clears). Let's not forget things like the awesome Microsoft SYNC, Ford's new MyKey feature, voice-activated nav, rear view camera, Active Motion seats (that inflate and deflate the lumbar randomly to stimulate the driver and passenger's blood flow, reducing fatigue) and more that take the new Taurus (including the SHO) to the next level.

While the SHO model has a few subtle touches on the outside (different badging, body color mirror caps, dual exhaust, HID lamps, and rear decklid spoiler) it's what's under the hood that makes the SHO. Ford's 3.5L EcoBoost is already in the Lincoln MKS and soon to be in the Flex crossover, but neither have the performance and transmission calibration that the SHO does. With 365hp and 350 lb-ft of torque (with a torque curve so flat you could use it as a table), the SHO really delivers, giving the car a feel of a much lighter vehicle than it really is. The electric assist power steering is weighted more for better handling, and the revised dampers and suspension elements make the car really stick. Of course we drove one of only two SHO Performance Package models available to the media (think Mustang Track Pack), which includes 20-inch wheels and a summer tire compound, a 3:16 final drive, and performance brake pads.

The EcoBoost's water cooled turbos are but six-inches across; almost laughable when you think about all the huge turbos we've seen in racing applications, but then you have to come down to earth and realize this is a production car-a TWIN TURBO production car, no less, from Ford Motor Company! With direct injection and 100hp per liter! That's no laughing matter, especially for those Audi and Lexus owners. Then Ford throws in decent fuel economy on top of all that too! Who'd a thunk it that this 3.5L EcoBoost gets 10 percent BETTER fuel economy than a Dodge Hemi in cylinder deactivation mode!

So when the new Taurus hits your local showroom later this summer, do yourself a favor and take a test drive. This isn't the Taurus you remember, but a new Taurus ready to make new history. Check it out.