SPORTY 2011 FORD TAURUS SHO OFFERS 365-HP ECOBOOST V-6, AWD, SELECTSHIFT SIX-SPEED GEARBOX

•The Taurus SHO version of Ford's flagship sedan offers premium performance and fuel economy with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ V-6. This advanced engine delivers normally aspirated V-8 levels of power, without compromising its V-6 fuel economy

•The 2011 Taurus SHO features an enhanced SelectShift Automatic™ six-speed transmission with control paddles mounted on the steering wheel

•Taurus SHO has an advanced torque-sensing all-wheel-drive system, specifically tuned suspension and unique interior appointments

Taurus SHO is back for 2011, powered by a Super High Output (SHO) EcoBoost twin-turbocharged engine. Building on the legacy of the original model, Taurus SHO has again been embraced by the automotive enthusiast community, being named Esquire magazine's first-ever 'Car of the Year.'

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 models were sold.

In 2010, the Taurus SHO made its dramatic return.

EcoBoost twin-turbocharged power

The foundation of the 2011 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.-lb. of torque at 3,500 rpm, resulting in significantly improved power, torque and fuel economy compared with larger, normally aspirated engines.

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 lowering the likelihood of knock.

The results are improved throttle response, reduced cold start emissions 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 naturally aspirated V-8 power without compromise to the V-6 fuel economy.

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 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 result is linear power delivery across a broad torque band from 1,500 to 5,500 rpm. Peak torque building quickly 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 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 and economical 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 the option of manual 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, 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. The standard all-wheel drive allows the Taurus SHO to efficiently deliver its high performance to the pavement under a wide variety of conditions.

SHO dynamics

Taurus SHO features an advanced Electric Power Assist 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 road-holding, cornering agility and steering responsiveness available in a Ford full-size sedan.

Taurus SHO takes full advantage of the multilink SR1 rear suspension design. Named for the 1:1 shock absorber ratio, this configuration provides an inherently stable base 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® with ESC (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. The car also features a uniquely finished interpretation of the Ford signature three-bar grille with SHO-specific parking lamp bezels.

The 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.

New colors for 2011 are Kona Blue Metallic and Sterling Gray Metallic.

Technology and connectivity features

Standard and available 2011 Ford Taurus SHO technology features include:

•SYNC® voice-activated communications and entertainment system with Traffic, Directions & Information

•SIRIUS® satellite radio with initial six-month subscription

•Voice-activated navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link™ and HD Radio®, including iTunes song-tagging ability

•Multi-Contour seats with Active Motion

•Intelligent access with push-button start

•Integrated Blind Spot Mirrors for better blind-spot visibility

•Rear View Camera System to aid rear visibility while backing up

•Easy Fuel® Capless Fuel-Filler System

•Ambient lighting allowing drivers to change interior lighting color palette

•Steering wheel audio controls

Safety technologies

Standard and available 2011 Ford Taurus SHO safety features include:

•Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement (SPACE) Architecture® comprised of a hydroformed cross-car beam embedded in the floor between the door frames, providing additional strength in the side of the vehicle

•Personal Safety System® consisting of sensors that note right front occupant weight, seat belt usage, outboard seat belt tension and seating position to optimize airbag deployment force for occupant safety

•AdvanceTrac with ESC

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

•MyKey™ programmable vehicle key

•Tire Pressure Monitoring System

•LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether anchors for CHildren) system on rear seating positions

The 2011 Ford Taurus SHO is built at Ford's Chicago Assembly

by Ford

Introduced in December 1985 as a 1986 model, Ford unveiled the Taurus with its smooth, jellybean-like body. One of the slickest vehicles in the world, the Taurus had an aerodynamic drag coefficient of only 0.29. Instantaneously winning over thousands of fans, the Taurus was a huge success. The name Taurus came from the Latin word meaning ‘bull'. During its 20 years of production, Ford sold nearly 7 million Taurus's throughout its lifetime. Most Taurus's were built in either Chicago, Illinois and in Atlanta, Georgia.

A bold new step in US automobile design, this was the first time in many decades that an American manufacturer was building a world class car. Inspired by successful European designs, which were making huge steps in the US premium sedan market, Ford took a huge gamble in basing its main profits on this vehicle.

Weighing in around 3,200lbs, the front-wheel-drive midsize Taurus rode on a 106-inch wheelbase. All models except the LX featured the base engine, a four cylinder of 2.5 liters and 90 horsepower. Most buyers chose the optional 3.0-liter V6 that put out an impressive 140 horsepower. Transmission options were either a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic, while the V6 only came with a four-speed automatic gearbox.

In 1988 a larger 3.8-liter V6 engine became optional for all Taurus's and all Sables. Rated at the same horsepower as the standard 3.0-liter V6, the bigger engine produced more torque and was better off-the-line response, which was helpful in drag races.

Ford introduced the Taurus SHO in1989, which was a special treat for driving enthusiasts. Featuring a 220-horsepower, 24-valve, 3.0-liter Yamaha engine along with a sport suspension package, the SHO was a magnificent vehicle. Continuing with the serious, performance-oriented theme of the vehicle, the interior featured a 140-mph speedometer, an 8,000-rpm tachometer with a 7,000-rpm redline, aggressive side bolsters on the front bucket seats along with a console which featured a five-speed manual gearshift as no automatic transmission was available for the SHO. Reaching 0-60 mph in only seven seconds, the SHO received four-wheel disc brakes along with upgraded handling.

The Taurus received a driver's side airbag in 1990 along with a revised instrument panel. Antilock brakes were newly optional on sedans only, and a compact disc player. The three-speed unit that was formerly mated to the 3.0-liter V6 was replaced with a four-speed automatic.

The following year a much-need boost in power was made to the four cylinder engine, bumping it from 90 horsepower to 115. No increase in its output, but the 3.0-liter V6 received sequential fuel injection. The SHO also received a few updates as well that included larger 16-inch tires and wheels while the manual gearbox and clutch were modified for smoother operation.

A larger 3.2-liter version of the DOHC V6 was introduced in 1993 and came with automatic SHOs. Though peak horsepower was the same as the 3.0 motor, more torque down low offset the fitment of the auto gearbox. The SHO also received a decklid spoiler with integrated stop lamp along with chrome dual exhaust outlets. To make the Taurus even more competitive in the tough sportscar market segment, more standard equipment that included AC and a rear window defroster were added to lower-line models.

Every year the Taurus took the title of 'Best-Selling Car in America' from 1992 through 1995. Many changes were introduced for the 1996 Taurus. Under the hood was a new ‘Duratec' 24-valve, DOHC V6 with 200 horsepower. The 3.0-liter V6 gained an additional 5 horsepower bumping it up to 145 horses. The SHO also now had V8 power, a Yamaha-engineered, 3.4-liter, 32-valve unit that pushed 235 horsepower to the front wheels. The SHO no longer had a manual gearbox, along with all other Taurus's as now all vehicles featured an electronically controlled, four-speed automatic transmission handled gear changes. Despite of all of these controversial design changes, the Taurus continued with its 'Best-Selling Car in America' streak for yet another year.

For 1997 engineering was on everyone's mind as a variety of changes occurred for the 3.0-liter V6, and the Taurus didn't lag behind. The V6 motor was modified to run cleaner and even received California's low-emission vehicle status as a result. Along with standard gasoline-fueled version, the 3.0 offered two 'flexible fuel' options. One option allowed the engine to run on mainly methanol while the other ran on mostly ethanol.

The standard engine for the LX and SE models was once again the 145-horsepower V6 in 1998. The SE featured an optional Sport group that put the 200-horsepower Duratec V6 in the engine bay along with a spoiler on the trunk lid. The grille was slightly updated as a horizontal bar was inserted into the ‘mouth', and the orange taillights were replaced with clear lenses. The second generation airbags were replaced with more safe ones that were designed to reduce the chance of airbag related injuries; this debuted on the 1998 models.

For 1999 models safety was the big selling point as both the Taurus and the Sable received the government's highest rating for frontal crash tests. The largest selling point in the sportscar market was that both the sedan and wagon body styles garnered five stars for driver and passenger sides in the frontal impact test.

The following year a set of 3.0-liter V6 engines remained as the source of propulsion. The base version featured 155 horsepower and a higher-output 24-valve twincam unit that produced 200 horsepower. A four-speed automatic sends the power to the front wheels either way. The SHO was discontinued in 2000.

For 2000 the Taurus received yet another redesign as it minimized some of the oval design elements from the 1996 model. A taller roof over the rear-passenger space was featured in the redesign to increase passenger headroom that was sacrificed by the tapered '96 design. Making the vehicle more functional, the taller and roomier trunk also added points.

The interior of the 2000 model was completely replaced for a much more conservative design. A few elements of the interior were kept from the 1996 model, such as the integrated control console which combined the sound system and climate controls into one panel. To appeal to a broader, non-sporting audience, the suspension was also softened. The four-wheel disc brakes along with many other features were eliminated to reduce the price and increase profitability.

For 2002 the Taurus now included extra equipment on every trim level that included a CD player and power driver's seat on the SE, a power moonroof or leather interior on the SES. Both of these luxury options were found on the SEL. Optional on all models now were side airbags and traction control.

The Taurus received minor cosmetic changes to both the front and rear fascias, including an eggcrate grille for 2004. A new instrument cluster and steering wheel were installed for this same year.

Unfortunately the Taurus's days were numbers and for 2005 very little changes were made. Ford replaced the Taurus in commercial markets with the 2005 Ford Five Hundred after facing slumping sales. In January of 2005 the Taurus wagon was discontinued and replaced in the lineup by the crossover Ford Freestyle. Ford stopped selling the Taurus to the public in 2005. Still sold to the Canadian market, the model year 2006 Taurus is sold exclusively to rental fleets, such as The Hertz Corporation. In August 2006, the vehicle ceased production as a 2007 model year vehicle as Ford closed the Atlanta plant.

by Jessican Donaldson