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2009 Chicago Auto Show: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO Spotted in Florida

10-ford-taurus-sho-f34-750.jpg

An alert reader over at The Car Lounge spotted what looks to be a pair of 2010 Ford Taurus SHO prototypes testing in Florida recently. Larger wheels and tires, some slightly revised bodywork and a dual exhaust setup suggest that Ford's new twin turbocharged V6 could be lurking under the hood.

This doesn't come as much of a surprise, although we can't help but wonder what kind of market there is for such a sedan. We like the new look of the Taurus, but it's a big car with front-wheel drive roots. Even if this SHO uses all wheel drive to put down all that Ecoboost power, it's not going to be much of a sport sedan. Ford doesn't list a curb weight for the 2010 Taurus that debuted at the Detroit Auto Show, so it's safe to assume it's not surprisingly light. We'll see soon enough as it's expected to make its debut at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show in a few weeks. 

10-ford-taurus-sho-rear-750.jpg

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28 Comments

dougtheeng says:

07:09 AM, 01/20/09

Its an attractive vehicle. I'm looking forward to seeing it in person - whether it be an SHO model or just a regular Taurus.

albook says:

07:50 AM, 01/20/09

Wow. I wasn't that pleased by the Taurus at first, but this sport model just grew a whole lot on me. As for it not performing, the Maxima has very good handling for a Fwd sedan. Ofcourse, Ford didn't put as much effort into this because that's not necessarily the crowd this car appeals to, but if they put forth a decent amount of effort into tuning it, this car should drive nicely.

roar02ram says:

08:44 AM, 01/20/09

Good grief, that thing looks monstrous...

skankaway says:

10:01 AM, 01/20/09

I like ti but the tail lights are no my top choice, and they should do some more work and maybe flare the exhaust tips some or something. They look like the typical large tips and a small exhaust. Otherwise a very attractive car.

rick8365 says:

10:10 AM, 01/20/09

Agreed on the tail lights and tips....a little more imagination would be nice. Overall a nice car though - good effort from FOMOCO.

greenpony says:

10:41 AM, 01/20/09

Did they drive all the way from Michigan? It would explain the road salt caked to their exteriors and what looks to be a Michigan tag.

daytona_500 says:

10:43 AM, 01/20/09

Not as cool looking as the Crown Victoria Sport, but a solid car nonetheless.

Also agree on the taillights, they should have made them bigger for such a large car.

lococrzy says:

10:51 AM, 01/20/09

I agree with you guys the rear end could use some work. It looks Chunky IMHO.

Over all the car looks really good though, now maybe California police might be able to replace the boring old Crown Vic's

firstwagon says:

11:50 AM, 01/20/09

Somehow I think this thing will weigh as much as the Dodge Charger but without the cool looks or attitude.

Looks like something that will be lined up by the rental desk at the airport.

AJT123 says:

12:01 PM, 01/20/09

My first car was a 93 SHO, and it was in the shop every week. Let's hope this one is a tad more reliable.

alman08 says:

12:12 PM, 01/20/09

am I the only person who likes the current Taurus better? I saw the picture of this new model from the side view and the rear quarter just isn't too attractive. I would even say it's out of place. However, I will reserve my judgement until I see the car in person.
It's just too bad that the interior of the current car isn't really up to par (center deck was nice until I saw that little thingy for the plug-in on the lower right corner). Power isn't all that great especially felt in mid-range passing. Personally I do think the exterior design is better looking than most competitors.

alman08 says:

12:16 PM, 01/20/09

AJT, I have a 2002 Explorer and the car is considered reliable. Other than the cracked rear panel and a rear axle leaking problem (they fixed the seal several times and eventually replaced they whole thing), I really didn't have any problem.

smilez says:

12:36 PM, 01/20/09

Personally, I like the looks. I'm just hoping this isn't MERCURY MARUADER PART II.
I think Ford will reserve all of the attitude for the Mustang and the new Fiesta (SVT Fiesta?).

Also, I think dual pipes is being very overplayed these days. The HP gain is minimal. It looks good, but unless they can get more power out of it, they should spend their time re-designing the single pipe exhaust.

Just an opinion.

rick8365 says:

01:05 PM, 01/20/09

nice rims - esp for Ford OEMs

ricardoxavier says:

01:41 PM, 01/20/09

Buying a Taurus is like walking around in sweats: It tells the world you've just given up.

carfreak8394 says:

02:13 PM, 01/20/09

"Buying a Taurus is like walking around in sweats: It tells the world you've just given up."

Wow. That's a very.. different opinion. I think this new Taurus looks really nice, and I wouln't mind owning one.

dino6 says:

02:37 PM, 01/20/09

Yes, its probably going to have AWD and be heavy. Today's market for that cost segment is going to demand it. Its not going to be a flingable sport sedan (but neither is the M5 anymore) and be more like the poor man's version of a Mercedes AMG or even more accurately an Audi S or RS due to the AWD. With the way the economy is going, poor man's versions of any Euro sports sedan are much welcomed.

banhugh says:

02:37 PM, 01/20/09

"we can't help but wonder what kind of market there is for such a sedan"

The same market that the fully loaded Accord V6 is addressing not to mention the fully loaded V6 Altima, Camry or Mazda6...

Any other questions?

banhugh says:

02:41 PM, 01/20/09

Also the same market as the late CHRYSLER 300 or Toyota Avalon...

firstwagon says:

04:27 PM, 01/20/09

"the late CHRYSLER 300"

Know something Chrysler doesn't?

billt9 says:

05:14 PM, 01/20/09

This car is awesome.
The Ford Taurus is _the_ one and only car of the future.
I want one, and so should you.

firstwagon says:

05:46 PM, 01/20/09

Sarcasism is so hard to tell in print. One might think you're serious.

bbechtel16 says:

02:55 PM, 01/21/09

"Also, I think dual pipes is being very overplayed these days. The HP gain is minimal. It looks good, but unless they can get more power out of it, they should spend their time re-designing the single pipe exhaust."

I agree. It adds nothing but needless weight and complexity. If it's a TRUE dual setup on a V8 or even a sporting V6, fine. Otherwise don't waste it.

billt9 says:

04:35 PM, 01/21/09

your buttoned up collar and tie doesn't make you perform better. It's choking off circulation to your brain. You don't get more power out of it. Don't bother wearing a shirt and tie.

firstwagon says:

08:41 PM, 01/21/09

"your buttoned up collar and tie doesn't make you perform better..........................."

????????????????

carnage says:

09:53 PM, 02/ 8/09

I've got to say, I really hope they're not putting the EcoBoost in this thing - we'll never see it if they do. It's already been slated for what, 5 or 6 different vehicles already? About half of the engines Ford makes would have to be EcoBoost V-6's at this rate just to satisfy. What i'd like to see is a 4-valve 4.6 liter V-8 with cylinder-deactivation and no less than 350 to 360 horsepower. Or a 4-valve 5.4 liter V-8 pushing 400 ponies or better.

thegrocer says:

07:06 AM, 02/ 9/09

Considering they already canceled the V-8 for this platform...I wouldn't hold my breath. Ford is putting in two lines for the Ecoboost, I believe.

Seeing as the MKS FWD weighs ~4,100 lbs. the Taurus may loose 50 or 100 but there's no way it's a light weight...I suspect the SHO with AWD and turbo hardware will be pushing 4,700 or so.

smilez says:

01:12 PM, 02/ 9/09

I will take this time to whole-heartedly agree with firstwagon in regards to billt9's comment:

?????????????

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