truth about domestics

Ford can celebrate another two awards for the 2010 Urban Autos of the Year.  The winners are the 2010 Taurus SHO and Fusion hybrid.  Both cars have been turning heads since their introductions this year and these awards just add to the already impressive list this due has racked up so far.  For more details, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: Ford)

Ford has had mild success with the newest vehicle to wear the Taurus nameplate.  The new model offers much nicer features than even cars above its price range, but it also has a higher price tag to go along with it.  Now word has come out that dealers are low on the SEL and SHO models, meaning Ford has had to change its production mix.  A similar issue has popped up on the F-150 Double Cab.  This however means that cars are still selling at a fairly rapid clip.  For more details, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: Ford)

I have been lucky enough to drive the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO and I can tell you first hand that it is quite the impressive ride.  The car handles well, really flies off the line, and yet is loaded with the latest in technology.  So how does it stand up to, say, a 1991 example of the original Taurus SHO?  Well, to find out, Autoblog pitted the two against each other in an epic battle of…uhm…Super High Output proportions.  Read on for more details.

(Image source: Ford Motor Company)

Not that it comes as a shock to anyone who follows the auto industry.  The Ford Taurus has earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick for the 4th year in a row.  This is just another in a long list of awards the new Taurus has been racking up in recent weeks, including being named Esquire Magazine’s car of the year for the SHO.  For more details, head on over to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Ford seemed to have a hit on their hands with the 2010 Fusion ads that claimed, “We speak car.”  Well the Fusion is selling at record levels compared to last years numbers, so now the push begins to sell the brand new 2010 Taurus and its sporty, Ecoboost equipped sibling, the Taurus SHO.  The ads focus mostly on the technological goodies that are packed into the Taurus, as well as items not found anywhere else like SYNC.  For all of the details, as well as the comparison graphics, head on over to Jalopnik.

All I can say is…awesome!  The new EcoBoost V6 in the Taurus SHO produces 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.  That’s pretty insane considering it’s only a 3.5L engine.  It looks even more impressive when it’s a bunch of neatly laid parts.  Head on over to Jalopnik for a high res image.

On last night’s first Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien, Conan brought out his 1992 Ford Taurus SHO. Check out the video clip of his experience cruising the streets of LA at Jalopnik.

That is one sweet ride; for SHO! Sorry, I had to say that.

Ford EcoBoost 3.5L V6

Some good news from the auto industry.  Just the thing I need at 7:45 AM on a Friday!  Anyway, Ford has spent $55 million to upgrade the tools at the plant, which has been idle since 2007, to produce the new 3.5L EcoBoost V6.  This engine is probably one of the most advanced in Ford’s history, and will feature gas direct injection (GDI) and turbocharging to produce the power of a V8 with the fuel efficiency of a V6.  The engine is slated to appear in the Ford Flex, Taurus SHO, Lincoln MKS and MKT.  There is also a possibility that the plant might produce other engines from the EcoBoost family sometime in the future (rumors of I4 EcoBoosts come to mind…)  For the full article, and Ford’s official press release, head on over to Autoblog.

2010 Ford Taurus SHO

Ford has decided to use the SHO moniker on it’s 2010 Taurus with Ecoboost.  The moniker was once used on 1989 to 1999 Taurus models, selling over 100,000 copies in the 10 year run.  The Taurus SHO (Super High Output) will be available in dealerships this summer, and features a 3.5L Ecoboost V6 capable of putting out 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, all-wheel drive, and tons of high tech features.  The Ecoboost engine features twin-turbochargers and direct-gas injection to give drivers “V8 power with V6 fuel efficiency.”  Read the full story, plus Ford’s press release at Autoblog.