When the Taurus SHO hit showrooms back in 1989 it proved to be a refreshing change from the generally lifeless family sedan. Where most 4-door sedans on the road i.e. the Ford base Taurus and Honda Accord offered just enough guts  to get from point A to point B, the SHO variant of the Taurus boasted a high revving V6 from Yamaha, capable of giving many sport cars of its time a run for their money. As the SHO evolved in subsequent years, however, it slowly became watered down- becoming heavier, slower, and eventually lost its standard manual gearbox. In effect, the SHO became the very thing that it had originally aspired not to be: another ho-hum family sedan. Being discontinued after '99 due to understandably low sales, the SHO is back after a 10 year hiatus with an even more impressive spec sheet. Can the all new SHO shake up the industry like it did back in 1989?

The 2010 Ford Taurus SHO (SHO stands for S.uper H.igh O.utput) is a full-size AWD sedan that is geared for those who don't want to trade good performance for four family-hauling doors. Where the regular Taurus receives an already beefy 3.5-liter V6 making 263 horsepower, the SHO variant gets a twin turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 making a massive 365 horsepower at an accessible 5,500 RPM and an equally impressive 350 lb.-ft of toque at just 3,500 RPM. To put his power in perspective, Ford's V8 powered Mustang GT makes only 315-horsepower and 325 lb.- ft of torque. Sadly, though, the SHO's powerful engine can only be teamed with a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shift levers on the steering column: no manual gearbox is available.

Styling:

Like the original SHO, the 2010 model doesn't deviate far from the styling of the base Taurus. Aside from a few small SHO badges, gigantic wheels, dual exhaust, and a rear lip spoiler there isn't much in the way of visual cues to pick a SHO out in a sea of regular ole Ford Taurus's, giving the SHO true sleeper status. I, for one, am not one hundred percent in love with the Taurus's new design. While the new SHO sports an attractive enough wedge shape coupled with tasteful character lines and less body overhang than last year's frumpy Taurus, Ford has managed to destroy an otherwise good looking sedan with its recent addiction to shiny chrome appliques: a common problem that can be witnessed on most new Ford models. Examples of said plastic chrome can be found at virtually every angle of the new SHO. Up front the otherwise swooping front fascia of the SHO is broken by a big plastic chrome grille and its otherwise elegantly styled profile suffers from an all too common styling faux pas: chrome air vents on the fenders- eek. Perhaps the worst offence can be found at the SHO's rear-end where Ford has connected the SHO's two cheap-looking tail lights with a swath of this shiny plastic. Overall the SHO (and the entire Taurus line-up for that matter) rates as a better looking sedan than last year's re-badged Ford Five Hundred, however the SHO doesn't stand out from its competitors: it certainly doesn't fit the visual description of a car with a base price nearing the 40K mark.

Performance:

Acceleration:

Thanks to the SHO's twin turbocharged V6 making a whopping 365 horsepower and 350lb-ft , this is easily the most powerful 4-door sedan to ever come from Ford's workshop. Think your 1996 SHO is fast? You'll likely be humbled after driving the new model. Suffice it to say, the new SHO is a fast sedan, and despite weighing over two tons there is more than enough power on tap to make up for its outrageously chunky curb weight. Stab the SHO's throttle to the floor and its moves with all the prowess of many V8 powered sedans in its price range, i.e. Hyundai's Genesis and Chrysler's 300C and thanks in part to all-wheel-drive, toque steer and tire squeal are both absent at full throttle take-off. I especially appreciate how accessible the SHO's power is. Despite having a relatively small V6, the SHO's engine provides gobs of power right at idle and freely revs to its 6,250 RPM redline without complaint.  
 
The SHO's engine can also claim to be incredibly refined. Because Ford isn't exactly famous for making turbocharged engines, I was expecting at least some noticeable turbo lag. Refreshingly, there is no noticeable lag from the SHO's dual turbos. Whether the SHO is driven in town or on the freeway, a simple stab to the throttle results in instantaneous throttle response: if there is any turbo lag it is on a level such that it is not felt by the driver. While the SHO offers acceleration comparable to a big V8, it certainly doesn't sound like one: this could be a good or bad thing depending on your tastes for engine acoustics. Around town the SHO is as quiet as any refined V8, but as revs climb the lack of a throaty engine note serves as a signifier that the SHO is sporting 6 cylinders rather than 8.


Transmission:

One of the SHO's biggest underpinnings from 1992-1999 was its automatic transmission, not just because of common mechanical failures but because it was, right of out of the box, an ill refined transmission that wasn't the least bit sporty. Thankfully, this isn't the case with the new SHO's automatic. Communication between the SHO's engine and its 6-speed automatic transmission is seamless- stab the throttle and the transmission instantly shifts into a gear suited for the task at hand with no fuss. This transmission is also incredibly smooth: up-shifts and down-shifts are virtually undeletable. Because the new SHO isn't offered in a manual you'll have to make due with paddle shifters (small levers on the steering wheel that allow you to control gearing, somewhat like a manual gearbox). These paddle shifters work well allowing the driver to keep the transmission in any gear until redline, but as most auto enthusiasts know, even the best paddle shifters are no match for a true 6-speed manual gearbox: something Ford should have at least optioned out for the new SHO.

Handling & Braking

The SHO has always been more about its engine than its ability to zoom around turns, and the same can be said about the 2010 models. Though the SHO variant of the Taurus sports a re-calibrated sport-tuned suspension and mine came with optional all-season 245/45 VR rated tires wrapped around gigantic 20" wheels (19" wheels are standard) , the Taurus doesn't feel like a sport sedan when tossed around sharp bends in the road. Drive the SHO aggressively on twisty roads and it feels much like any other full-size sedan: big with plenty of body roll and understeer. While the SHO's steering does provide good feel with decent feedback (especially compared to its American competitors), the overall consensus here is that the SHO just isn't much fun to drive on twisty roads, at least no more so than your run of the mill Toyota Avalon. Ford does offer performance package for $995 (not included on my test vehicle) that includes performance tires and re-calibrated steering better feel, however I'm confused as to why this isn't standard on an already premium priced sedan. The SHO does offer good braking, however. Though I have read of some meek 60-0 times, I found the SHO's 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS to be plenty powerful with no fade or vibration under heavy use.

On the highway:

Despite having a relatively taut suspension, the SHO's ride is still soft enough as to not jar its occupants over rough road surfaces. Does it provide a cushy ride like the Toyota Avalon? Not even close, but compared to cars like the Maxima, Acura TL, Pontiac G8 etc. the SHO offers an equally solid ride quality, never feeling overly harsh. The new SHO can also claim to be a quiet sedan. Even at high speeds post 70 MPH, the SHO exhibits no noticeable wind or engine noise, and despite having wide tires road noise is never an issue.

Though the new SHO tips the scales at a massive 4,200 lbs., its relatively small 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 has no problems tackling steep inclines or making quick passing maneuvers around big semi trucks. The SHO's engine tackles aforementioned driving situations with ease, with no audible inclination of engine strain.

Gas Mileage:

Being a big full-size sedan with an engine boasting more horsepower than most V8 powered cars on the market, the SHO still receives acceptable fuel economy. According tot he EPA, the SHO should get 17 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway: certainly not the best fuel economy in this class, but acceptable numbers nonetheless. Ford claims that this relatively good fuel economy is due to the SHO's Ecoboost engine, a catchy name for twin turbo's and direct injection, which according to Ford provides the power of a V8 with more "V6-like" fuel economy. However most V6s in this class, i.e. the 3.5 in the Avalon get better fuel economy than the SHO as does some V8 powered sedans i.e. the one in the Hyundai Genesis. That said, is there really an advantage having twin turbo V6 rather than a big V8? I'm skeptical. One should definitely take note hat although the SHO can apparently run on regular ole petrol, it's recommended that premium fuel be used , so expect to pay an extra 20 cents per gallon at the pump.

Interior:

Styling/ layout:

The Taurus SHO doesn't just outwardly look like the standard Taurus, its interior also doesn't deviate far from the styling of the base models. With the exception metal accents, carbon fiber overlays on the center stack, and unique leather/suede seat fabric, there isn't much stylistically to separate the SHO's cabin from the cabins of its lesser counterparts. This isn't a complaint by any means, as Ford has done a remarkable job with the 2010 Taurus's interior. Even with Ford heavy hand with aluminum accents, the overall presentation of the SHO's interior is upscale, tasteful, and even, dare I say it- stylish. Ford has also done a good job keeping all the SHO's switchgear logically positioned. This is a car with a lot of gadgets and amenities so it's good to see that Ford has kept the driver in mind here. Get behind the SHO's steering wheel and all of the swsitchgear and controls are completely accessible from the driver's seat with easy-to-read blue-lit gauges.
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Quality:

With a starting MSRP just north of $37,000, I understandably had some high expectations of the SHO's interior quality. The SHO, for the most part, doesn't disappoint. With the exception of some low scale carbon fiber plastic overlays around the center stack and center console, the SHO's interior is crafted well enough to compete with any entry level luxury sedan. Ford has utilized soft touch plastics and high quality materials throughout the SHO's cabin while keeping gaps between interior panels to a minimum. The acoustics of the SHO's cabin materials are also worth noting. Unlike many Ford products of the past, nothing in the SHO's cabin sounds cheap: the center console, the glove ,etc. all emit a solid thud when closed and nothing in the cabin creaks or rattles over rough pavement. This sort of attention to detail is usually ignored by Ford Motors, so it's refreshing to see that Ford has pulled out all the stops in creating a high quality interior for its new Taurus.

Seats:

Unlike past SHO's , which received sportier front bucket seats than the standard models, the new SHO receives the same basic front bucket seat shape as those in the lesser trim levels. This being the case, I would have liked to have seen more aggressively bolstered seats for the SHO. As it stands the SHO's front buckets are udnerbolstered and allow for too much body movement when driving aggressively on twisty roads. Ford has, however, done an excellent job with seat comfort. The SHO's buckets are nicely textured with a soft Miko suede/leather fabric (unique fabric for the SHO model) and there is plenty of seat cushioning for extended drives. Adding to the comfort level, Ford has given the SHO optional heated/cooled front and rear seats (part of the rapid spec 402 package) and optional front massagers ( a $600 option). These seats also allow for an easy-to-find driving position, boasting standard 10-way power driver and front passenger seat adjustments (with memory).

Room:

Being a massive 202" long (1" larger than last year's Taurus), the SHO is a huge sedan, boasting larger physical dimensions than most cars in its class, including the 300C and Toyota Avalon. Despite the SHO's huge size, interior room is merely average for this class. Up front there is more than enough room for most adults, but curiously there isn't much room in the rear, no more than, say, a smaller Honda Accord. This isn't to say that the rear of the cabin is a tight fit, but compared to the Avalon or even the Chrysler 300C the Taurus's interior feels significantly smaller.

Storage space , on the other hand, is excellent. Inside the cabin you'll find big glove box, a good-sized center console, front and rear door map pockets with bottle holders (8 cup holders/bottle holders total), and a few small cubbies on the center stack for smaller items. Where the Taurus impresses most, however, is how massive its trunk is. With over 20 cubic ft. of rear cargo space the Taurus easily swallow a weeks worth of groceries for just about any size family. The SHO does feature 60/40 split rear seats that fold down, however the passthrough into the cabin is somewhat small making it good for narrow items only.

Equipment:

The SHO may not boast a Lincoln or Lexus badge, however Ford has given its SHO all the luxuries that one would expect to find with a premium nameplate. Standard on all SHO's comes push button ignition, dual automatic climate controls, power everything (including 10-way power seats), a 6- disc CD changer with 7 speakers, a multi informational trip computer, adjustable interior lighting, an aux jack, Ford's SYNC voice activated command system, leather/suede seating and leather steering wheel, cruise control, three 12-volt power outlets, and much more. Safety features also haven't been scarified. All SHO's come with front/side/curtain air bags, 4-wheel ABS brakes, traction and stability control, and blind spot indicator lights on the rear view mirrors. Though the SHO's standard equipment list will be sufficient for most consumers, tech junkies will likely want the "Rapid Spec 402A" package (add $3,700), which upgrades the SHO with a excellent 390 watt 12-speaker Sony brand sound system, a back-up camera, adjustable foot peddles with memory, a sunroof, heated and cooled front and rear seats, a rear power sunshade, and auto rain sensing wipers. With all this being said, if you want a big sedan with a lot of luxury and performance the SHO has got it: by no means does the less than glamorous Ford insignia mean "bare bones." For more information on standard and optional equipment, you can visit Ford's official website at fordvehicles.com

Price/Warranty:

At just over $37,000 the SHO is one of the most expensive sedans to ever bear the Ford logo and puts the SHO in a price range of many entry level luxury sedans, i.e. the Lexus IS350, Infiniti G37, etc. It should be noted that the SHO's $37,170 price tag is its base price with no options. With options the price of Ford's SHO can easily rise, all the way to just under $48,000 when fully loaded with all options, or about he same price as a base BMW 5 series or Infiniti M35. My SHO, with the Rapid Spec 402 package, 20" wheel package, massaging contoured seat package, Adaptive cruise package, and the optional navigation system raised the sticker price to just over $45,000: a remarkably huge price to pay for a so called bread and butter family sedan. Though the SHO retails at a premium price tag, Ford doesn't give the SHO any better of a warranty than it gives its lowly Focus. The SHO gets a measly 3-year/ 36,000 miles bumper-bumper warranty and a 5 year/60,000 mile warranty on powertrain components with roadside assistance.

Overall:

The new Taurus SHO is a lot of car, both literally and figuratively. Ford's new SHO offers a powerfully refined engine, tons of technology, and a cabin with interior comfort and refinement that is able to rival many luxury cars. The SHO, however, also has its fair share of underpinnings. The SHO isn't much fun to drive, its interior doesn't offer nearly as much room as its huge exterior suggests, and it sports a sticker price that is normally reserved for premium luxury brands. Weighing the pros and cons, I do recommend the SHO for those who need a big and powerful family sedan with a ginormous trunk, however there are more entertaining sedans on the market, i.e. the Infiniti G37/M35 or even the Pontiac G8.
Amount Paid (US$): 45,000
Condition: New
Model and Options: SHO 6-speed auto Rapid Spec 402A package