Sportiest Ford Taurus SHO So Far Gets New, Enhanced Dynamics, Bigger Brakes and Performance-Inspired Design
•New Ford Taurus SHO sedan is sportiest model yet to wear SHO badge, offering unique, performance-inspired design and road manners to match
•Improved driving dynamics, larger brakes, torque vectoring control and specially calibrated electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) deliver superior performance
•Taurus SHO Performance Package adds new brakes, 20-inch wheels with summer performance tires and enhanced heavy-duty cooling system for more serious driving
NEW YORK, April 19, 2011 – The new Ford Taurus SHO is the sportiest Taurus yet to wear the coveted performance badge. With its unique blend of the award-winning, fuel-efficient EcoBoost™ engine, enhanced driving dynamics and performance-inspired design, the new Taurus SHO shows it means business. An unprecedented combination of horsepower, technology and fuel economy takes this acclaimed sporting sedan to a whole new level.
'The Taurus SHO has always followed the original formula of stealthy sleeper, and the new model is no exception,' said Gordon Platto, chief designer. 'We wanted to keep the subtle, understated, yet sporty elegance, but at the same time we knew it was time to even more fully differentiate the Super High Output model from other Taurus series models.'
Inspired by SHO buyers and club enthusiasts, the design team knew just what to do.
'Listening to SHO buyers and enthusiasts encouraged us to strengthen the design and the driving quality for the new 2013 model,' said Platto. 'For us, this was a clear indication that SHO customers have passionate feelings about aesthetics and design as well as performance.'
Distinctive design, signature technology
For the new Ford Taurus SHO, subtle differentiation from the other members of the Taurus family starts up front, with a performance-inspired grille in black mesh – unique to the SHO – flanked by series-specific high-intensity discharge headlamps. Behind the front wheel openings, a fender-mounted scallop contains a subtle SHO badge.
Únique 19-inch premium painted wheels wearing standard P255/45VR-19 all-season tires fill out the openings, giving SHO a muscular, athletic look. Buyers can choose 20-inch machined and painted wheels.
SHO-specific sideview mirrors – also in contrasting black – are heated, have memory functionality and contain downward-facing puddle lamps; the driver's side features auto-dimming. In the rear, Taurus SHO features a unique decklid-mounted spoiler.
Inside, the new Taurus SHO communicates its sporty characteristics with a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-trimmed sport seats with embroidered SHO graphics, unique woven aluminum trim and adjustable aluminum pedals with memory.
Signature Ford technology is also a key attribute of the new Taurus SHO, with the addition of standard MyFord Touch™ powered by SYNC® driver connect technology and the replacement of several traditional knobs and controls with clear, colorful LCD screens and five-way buttons. These screens can be personalized to display information relevant to each individual driver using voice command, a simple button click or touch-screen tap.
MyFord Touch is powered by the latest generation of Ford's award-winning SYNC, including sophisticated voice control for vehicle functions, connected Bluetooth® devices, MP3 players and a wide variety of external media.
Enhanced powertrain, refined dynamics
The new Taurus SHO drivetrain continues to use the award-winning and fuel-efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, delivering 365 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a six-speed high-capacity 6F55 SelectShift Automatic™ transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)
Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters enable the Taurus SHO to match revs for smooth, quick, manually selected downshifts. For the new model, these have been reconfigured for more intuitive operation, with one paddle for upshifts and the other for making smooth, matched-rev downshifts.
SHO dynamics have been enhanced with larger brakes, torque vectoring control – using slight braking to provide the effect of a limited-slip differential – and unique sport-tuned suspension.
Specially calibrated electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) has been further optimized for enthusiast-pleasing road feel and direct, communicative response. In addition to helping Taurus SHO deliver up to 25 mpg highway, EPAS enables the car to park itself with active park assist.
Taurus SHO brake system upgrades include a larger master cylinder, revised booster tuning for improved pedal feel, larger front rotors with 19 percent more thermal mass and 67 percent more swept area to help brakes run cooler. Now vented, the rear disc brakes offer 53 percent more thermal mass.
As with the previous edition, all Taurus SHO models come standard with an advanced torque-sensing all-wheel-drive system to help deliver optimum traction in all weather conditions and to enable the vehicle to efficiently deliver ample torque through all four driven wheels when driving in a sporty, enthusiastic manner.
Loyalist input brings new customers
Direct, unfiltered feedback from the Taurus SHO enthusiast community and input from buyers of this reinvented icon reinforced the idea that evolving the SHO was a very good thing indeed.
'The SHO enthusiast clubs and dedicated online forums were supportive resources for us,' said Amy Marentic, group marketing manager. 'In the interim, our relationship with the enthusiast community has continued to evolve, inspiring us to deliver an even better SHO with the next generation.'
SHO builds on a platform of customer satisfaction.
'Initial Quality Study data from J.D. Power and Associates showed that the 2010 Taurus SHO gained phenomenal acceptance, as 92 percent of customers were satisfied with their vehicles,' said Marentic. 'In addition, Taurus SHO delivered new customers to the Ford showroom at an incredible rate. Roughly half of 2010 SHO customers had not previously considered nor shopped Ford. We frequently see high-end sedans – 3- and 5-Series BMWs and Acura TLs – as trade-ins.'
Taurus SHO is drawing new shoppers to the Ford showroom, based on its unmatched combination of 365 twin-turbocharged EcoBoost horsepower, torque-sensing all-wheel drive, available technologies and up to 25 EPA-rated mpg on the highway.
SHO Performance Package
For discriminating automotive performance enthusiasts demanding the ultimate in uncompromised dynamics and response, the 2013 Taurus SHO offers a new Performance Package that is engineered to deliver greater handling responsiveness, power and durability under more sporting driving conditions.
The SHO Performance Package includes:
•Package-specific sport-tuned suspension with unique dampers and springs
•Performance brake pads and unique track-tuned calipers
•Recalibrated EPAS
•Electronic Stability Control track mode with true off
•3.16 to 1 final drive ratio for enhanced off-the-line acceleration
•Enhanced extreme-duty cooling system
•20-inch machined and painted wheels
•245/YR20 performance summer-compound tires
The new Taurus SHO will be produced at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant.
Signature Ford technology is also a key attribute of the new Taurus SHO, with the addition of standard MyFord Touch™ powered by SYNC® driver connect technology and the replacement of several traditional knobs and controls with clear, colorful LCD screens and five-way buttons. These screens can be personalized to display information relevant to each individual driver using voice command, a simple button click or touch-screen tap.
MyFord Touch is powered by the latest generation of Ford's award-winning SYNC, including sophisticated voice control for vehicle functions, connected Bluetooth® devices, MP3 players and a wide variety of external media.
Enhanced powertrain, refined dynamics
The new Taurus SHO drivetrain continues to use the award-winning and fuel-efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, delivering 365 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a six-speed high-capacity 6F55 SelectShift Automatic™ transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)
Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters enable the Taurus SHO to match revs for smooth, quick, manually selected downshifts. For the new model, these have been reconfigured for more intuitive operation, with one paddle for upshifts and the other for making smooth, matched-rev downshifts.
SHO dynamics have been enhanced with larger brakes, torque vectoring control – using slight braking to provide the effect of a limited-slip differential – and unique sport-tuned suspension.
Specially calibrated electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) has been further optimized for enthusiast-pleasing road feel and direct, communicative response. In addition to helping Taurus SHO deliver up to 25 mpg highway, EPAS enables the car to park itself with active park assist.
Taurus SHO brake system upgrades include a larger master cylinder, revised booster tuning for improved pedal feel, larger front rotors with 19 percent more thermal mass and 67 percent more swept area to help brakes run cooler. Now vented, the rear disc brakes offer 53 percent more thermal mass.
As with the previous edition, all Taurus SHO models come standard with an advanced torque-sensing all-wheel-drive system to help deliver optimum traction in all weather conditions and to enable the vehicle to efficiently deliver ample torque through all four driven wheels when driving in a sporty, enthusiastic manner.
Loyalist input brings new customers
Direct, unfiltered feedback from the Taurus SHO enthusiast community and input from buyers of this reinvented icon reinforced the idea that evolving the SHO was a very good thing indeed.
'The SHO enthusiast clubs and dedicated online forums were supportive resources for us,' said Amy Marentic, group marketing manager. 'In the interim, our relationship with the enthusiast community has continued to evolve, inspiring us to deliver an even better SHO with the next generation.'
SHO builds on a platform of customer satisfaction.
'Initial Quality Study data from J.D. Power and Associates showed that the 2010 Taurus SHO gained phenomenal acceptance, as 92 percent of customers were satisfied with their vehicles,' said Marentic. 'In addition, Taurus SHO delivered new customers to the Ford showroom at an incredible rate. Roughly half of 2010 SHO customers had not previously considered nor shopped Ford. We frequently see high-end sedans – 3- and 5-Series BMWs and Acura TLs – as trade-ins.'
Taurus SHO is drawing new shoppers to the Ford showroom, based on its unmatched combination of 365 twin-turbocharged EcoBoost horsepower, torque-sensing all-wheel drive, available technologies and up to 25 EPA-rated mpg on the highway.
SHO Performance Package
For discriminating automotive performance enthusiasts demanding the ultimate in uncompromised dynamics and response, the 2013 Taurus SHO offers a new Performance Package that is engineered to deliver greater handling responsiveness, power and durability under more sporting driving conditions.
The SHO Performance Package includes:
•Package-specific sport-tuned suspension with unique dampers and springs
•Performance brake pads and unique track-tuned calipers
•Recalibrated EPAS
•Electronic Stability Control track mode with true off
•3.16 to 1 final drive ratio for enhanced off-the-line acceleration
•Enhanced extreme-duty cooling system
•20-inch machined and painted wheels
•245/YR20 performance summer-compound tires
The new Taurus SHO will be produced at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant.
New Ford Taurus SHO Set to Make Appearance in Screen Gems' 'Think Like a Man' based on Steve Harvey's Best-Selling Book
•The new 2013 Ford Taurus SHO will shine alongside the star-studded cast of Screen Gems' highly anticipated film 'Think Like a Man,' which opens in theaters April 20
•This week Ford launched a co-branded 30-second TV spot highlighting the brand's integration into the film as well as radio spots, digital ads and social media efforts that will live on the Ford Taurus Facebook Page
•In the movie, Romany Malco's character Zeke can be found showing off Ford's SYNC® with MyFord Touch® entertainment system to his love interest Mya, played by Meagan Good
•The new Ford Taurus SHO sedan is the sportiest model yet to wear the SHO badge, offering unique, performance-inspired design, road manners to match – and even more differentiation in the Taurus lineup
The new 2013 Ford Taurus SHO will hit movie screens across the country as part of its integration into Screen Gems' highly anticipated film 'Think Like a Man,' based on Steve Harvey's best-selling book, which opens in theaters April 20.
The new 2013 Taurus, arriving in dealers now, will be part of a scene that features Meagan Good's character Mya and Romany Malco's character Zeke as they get ready to head out for an evening on the town. Moviegoers will be able to watch Zeke use the upgraded MyFord Touch® entertainment system to set the mood for the date in addition to showing off the Taurus SHO's powerful 365-horsepower, 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine.
'This marks not only the first time the new Taurus SHO will appear in a major motion picture, but also a first when it comes to the MyFord Touch entertainment system being spotlighted in a film,' said Crystal Worthem, Ford manager, Brand Content & Alliances. 'This movie integration is a great opportunity for us to showcase the new 2013 Ford Taurus SHO to an audience that has traditionally been a purchaser and enthusiast of the Ford Taurus brand.'
The film, based on Steve Harvey's best-selling book 'Think Like a Man,' follows four interconnected and diverse men whose love lives are shaken up after the ladies they are pursuing buy Harvey's book and start taking his advice to heart. When the band of brothers realizes they have been betrayed by one of their own, they conspire using the book's insider information to turn the tables and teach the women a lesson of their own.
'The Taurus SHO was an ideal match for us because our film showcases progressive and professional guys showing their smarts and savvy while attempting to navigate the dating world,' said Will Packer, producer of 'Think Like a Man.' 'The 2013 Taurus and its features were an organic fit for these characters.'
The film is directed by Tim Story and executive-produced by Steve Harvey, Rushion McDonald, Rob Hardy and Glenn S. Gainor. For more information, visit www.thinklikeaman-movie.com.
As part of promotional efforts tied to the film, Ford launched a co-branded 30-second promotional spot that will air on TNT and TBS in addition to co-branded radio spots that will run on the 'Michael Baisden Show.' In addition to the TV and radio efforts, Ford kicked off its social media activities tied to the film, which will include the chance for Facebook fans to check out exclusive video clips and images from the film online.
'The Ford brand has been integrated into a wide number of films in the past, and this happened to be an amazing opportunity for us to partner with Screen Gems on a movie that made perfect sense for the Taurus brand,' said Worthem. 'Of course, the opportunity to be associated with a film that involves one of our Ford partners, comedian Steve Harvey, made this integration an even more natural fit for us as we look to generate awareness around the new 2013 Taurus in the market.'
New 2013 Ford Taurus SHO
The new Ford Taurus and Taurus SHO deliver more of what large sedan customers really want for the 2013 model year – more power, even better fuel economy, more technology, design refinement, improved craftsmanship and enhanced driving dynamics. Additionally, Taurus is the first car in Ford's North American lineup to offer the advanced 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, combining a turbocharger with gasoline direct injection to deliver projected best-in-class fuel economy.Source - Ford
Related Reading : Ford Taurus History
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....
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