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The first generation Taurus SHO can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds<ref name="Ford Media">{{cite web|url=http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=29856|title= Super High-Output Heritage: New Taurus SHO Revives Performance Model From 1989-1999 |work=Media.Ford.com |date=February 11, 2009|accessdate=2009-04-01}}</ref>
The first generation Taurus SHO can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds<ref name="Ford Media">{{cite web|url=http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=29856|title= Super High-Output Heritage: New Taurus SHO Revives Performance Model From 1989-1999 |work=Media.Ford.com |date=February 11, 2009|accessdate=2009-04-01}}</ref>
with a quarter mile time of 15.0-15.2 seconds. Car and Driver reports in their December 1989 issue a top speed of 143 mph and 220hp. More power can be realized by replacing the restrictive factory y-pipe, with the rear cylinder bank entering into the catalytic converter at an exact 90 degree angle.
with a quarter mile time of 15.0-15.2 seconds. Car and Driver reported in their December 1989 issue a top speed of 143 mph.


A special edition of the SHO called the Plus package became available in 1991. It came as part of option package #212A and contained different styling cues from the standard SHO, including a plastic 'Power Bulge' hood, chrome window trim, a plastic spoiler without the 3rd brake light, 24V DOHC badges, body colored stripe in the lower cladding, black mirrors, and a body color TAURUS badge. White painted pluses had the option of white painted "slicer" wheels. A green called "Deep Jewel Green Clearcoat Metallic" was also only available with the plus option.<ref name="SHO Club">{{cite web|url=http://shoclub.com/SHO%20History/shoplus.html|title=The SHO PLUS Option|publisher=SHO Club|accessdate=2009-03-24}}</ref>
A special edition of the SHO called the Plus package became available in 1991. It came as part of option package #212A and contained different styling cues from the standard SHO, including a plastic 'Power Bulge' hood, chrome window trim, a plastic spoiler without the 3rd brake light, 24V DOHC badges, body colored stripe in the lower cladding, black mirrors, and a body color TAURUS badge. White painted pluses had the option of white painted "slicer" wheels. A green called "Deep Jewel Green Clearcoat Metallic" was also only available with the plus option.<ref name="SHO Club">{{cite web|url=http://shoclub.com/SHO%20History/shoplus.html|title=The SHO PLUS Option|publisher=SHO Club|accessdate=2009-03-24}}</ref>

Revision as of 17:21, 2 October 2009

Ford Taurus SHO
1994 Ford Taurus SHO
Overview
ManufacturerFord Motor Company
Production1989-1999
2010-present
DesignerJack Telnack
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size (1989-99)
Full-size (2010-present)
RelatedFord Taurus
Mercury Sable

The Ford Taurus SHO (Super High Output [1]) is a mid size performance sedan trim level on the Ford Taurus that was originally produced by the Ford Motor Company from 1989 until 1999, and will return starting in the 2010 model year.[2]

The SHO was originally created as a limited production model to use up engines that Ford ordered from Yamaha under contract for use in a two-seater competitor to the Pontiac Fiero that was canceled while still in development.[3] Ford had intended to only produce the SHO for the 1989 model year,[3] and initially advertised it as a limited production vehicle.[4] However, the model proved to be very popular, selling over 15,000 units in its first year,[5] leading Ford to order more engines and begin series production. The SHO would go on to be produced for ten years in three generations, totaling 106,465 vehicles as of late 1999.[5]

Production ended after the 1999 model year due to a decline in popularity, in which Ford decided to not produce a SHO version of the fourth generation Taurus; in 1999, just over 3,000 SHOs were sold, which was nearly a sixth of the SHO's sales numbers from ten years prior.[5] Today, the SHO enjoys a cult following among performance car enthusiasts, due to its relation to the Taurus, which classifies it as a "Sleeper".

First generation (1989-1991)

First generation
1991 Ford Taurus SHO with the "Plus" package
Overview
Production1989–1991
AssemblyHapeville, Georgia
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutFF layout
PlatformFord D186 platform
RelatedFord Taurus
Powertrain
Engine3.0 L SHO V6
Transmission5-speed MTX manual
5-speed MTX-IV manual
Dimensions
WheelbaseTemplate:Auto in
LengthTemplate:Auto in
WidthTemplate:Auto in
HeightTemplate:Auto in
Curb weight3,285 lb (1,490 kg)

The SHO differed from the normal Taurus on the exterior by having different bumpers, side cladding, and fog lamps. The interior also differed, with sports seats and an 8000 rpm tachometer. The SHO became the only Taurus to feature a manual transmission since the MT-5 was discontinued in that year.[1]

The first generation Taurus SHO can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds[6] with a quarter mile time of 15.0-15.2 seconds. Car and Driver reported in their December 1989 issue a top speed of 143 mph.

A special edition of the SHO called the Plus package became available in 1991. It came as part of option package #212A and contained different styling cues from the standard SHO, including a plastic 'Power Bulge' hood, chrome window trim, a plastic spoiler without the 3rd brake light, 24V DOHC badges, body colored stripe in the lower cladding, black mirrors, and a body color TAURUS badge. White painted pluses had the option of white painted "slicer" wheels. A green called "Deep Jewel Green Clearcoat Metallic" was also only available with the plus option.[7]


Second generation (1992-1995)

Second generation
Ford Taurus SHO
Overview
Production1992–1995
AssemblyHapeville, Georgia
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutFF layout
PlatformFord D186 platform
RelatedFord Taurus
Powertrain
Engine3.0 L SHO V6
3.2 L SHO V6
Transmission4-speed AX4S automatic
5-speed MTX-IV manual
Dimensions
WheelbaseTemplate:Auto in
LengthSedan:Template:Auto in
WidthTemplate:Auto in
HeightSedan: Template:Auto in–Template:Auto in
Curb weight3,472 lb (1,575 kg)

The SHO was redesigned in 1992, although it continued with the same powertrain as before: The Yamaha-developed 3.0L V6 and 5-speed manual transmission. The second generation SHO borrowed from the Mercury Sable's front fascia, but used a different bumper, fog lamps, and no middle lightbar.[8] The SHO also got unique seats, wheels, side cladding, dual exhaust, as well as a unique rear bumper.

The lack of an automatic transmission had hurt sales, which was a situation that Ford rectified in 1993. A 3.2 L version of the Ford SHO V6 engine was introduced for automatic-equipped SHO, which still had 220 hp (164 kW), but now boasted 215 ft·lbf (292 N·m), a 15 ft·lbf (20.3 N·m) increase over the 3.0 L version. [9]

In 1993, Ford did a minor redesign of the SHO interior, updating the center console. Other changes for 1993 included a trunklid spoiler, with integrated center high mount stop lamp.[8]

By request of Car and Driver magazine, a SHO station wagon was created by the Car and Driver staff with the help of Ford engineers.[10] They started with a production Taurus wagon, and from there installed SHO bodywork, including its unique front end. They then replaced the stock engine and drivetrain with SHO drivetrain. Inside, the interior was replicated of that of a high spec SHO sedan, including its sport seats, steering wheel, and included most of the SHO's equipment.[10] The staff then tested it, and took it on a cross country trip. The model became nothing more than a one off special, and the Car and Driver staff as well as Ford admitted that the SHO wagon was created "just for fun", and was never meant to be a serious production vehicle.[10]


Third generation (1996-1999)

Third generation
1998 Ford Taurus SHO
Overview
Production1996–1999
AssemblyHapeville, Georgia
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutFF layout
PlatformFord D186 platform
RelatedFord Taurus
Powertrain
Engine3.4 L SHO V8
Transmission4-speed AX4N automatic
Dimensions
WheelbaseTemplate:Auto in
LengthTemplate:Auto in
WidthTemplate:Auto in
HeightTemplate:Auto in
Curb weight3,329 lb (1,510 kg)

For 1996, the SHO was redesigned. Unlike its predecessors, this SHO was more refined and used less radical bodywork. It differed from the normal Taurus with different seats, wheels, bumpers, drivetrain, as well as a fin being put on the driver's side windshield wiper, to keep it on the windshield at high speeds. A 235 hp (175 kW) aluminum 3.4 L V8 engine with heads from Yamaha and block from Cosworth was specified for the SHO model, but it was given the same four speed transmission as the LX: the manual gearbox option was no longer offered on the SHO.[11] Separation of the camshaft from its sprocket has been implicated in a growing number of engine failures, at around the 50,000 mile (80,000 km) mark.[12] The standard warranty on this model was 36,000 miles (58,000 km). This problem is oft attributed to cost saving measures taken by Ford in the manufacturing of this vehicle, which included a new method of manufacturing camshafts that produced them with a lower degree of quality. This problem can be rectified by having the camshafts welded.[12] This SHO model sold in lower numbers than the previous SHO generations, with sales peaking at 9,000 units in 1997.[5] As a result, Ford cut the SHO when redesigning the Taurus for its fourth generation. It was also the only Ford Taurus generation with a V8 engine.


Fourth generation (2010-)

Fourth generation
2010 Ford Taurus SHO
Overview
AssemblyChicago, Illinois
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutAWD
PlatformFord D3 platform
RelatedFord Taurus
Powertrain
Engine3.5 L Ecoboost V6
Transmission6-speed 6F55-automatic
Dimensions
WheelbaseTemplate:Auto in
LengthTemplate:Auto in
WidthTemplate:Auto in
HeightTemplate:Auto in

A month after the introduction of the sixth generation Taurus, Ford unveiled the much-awaited return of the SHO at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show.[14]

After skipping two Ford Taurus generations, the resurrected sport sedan is all-wheel drive. It features a 3.5 liter direct-injected twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 producing 365 hp (272 kW) at 5500 rpm and 350 lb⋅ft (475 N⋅m) of torque at 3500 rpm, mated to Ford's 6F55 six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with a paddle- or console-activated Manual mode.

The new SHO comes with Ford's new SR1 suspension setup with MacPherson front struts and a multi-link set up in the rear. This includes SHO-specific shock absorbers, springs, stabilizer bars and strut mount bushings. An optional Performance Package offers better brake pads, recalibrated steering, a "Sport Mode" for the stability control and shorter 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio.

Visually, the differences from the regular Taurus are subtle. It is encompassed by a dark grey grille finish that matches the larger wheels, a decklid spoiler, dual chrome exhaust tips, new parking lamp bevels, an EcoBoost rear logo, and an SHO C-Pillar logo.[15][2]

Awards

The 2010 Taurus SHO was named Car of the Year by Esquire magazine.[16]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Taurus/Sable Spotter's Guide (Generation 1, 1986-1991)#1989". Taurus Car Club of America. Retrieved 2008-04-04.
  2. ^ a b Ben Wojdyla (2009-02-11). "2010 Ford Taurus SHO: The Sleeper Awakens!". Jalopnik. Retrieved 2009-02-11.
  3. ^ a b "SHO n Tell". Jon Mikelonis and Matt Wilder. Retrieved 2008-04-04.
  4. ^ Ford Motor Company (2007-07-19). 1989 Ford Taurus SHO commercial. Ford Motor Company.
  5. ^ a b c d "Taurus/Sable Encyclopedia (SHO numbers)". Taurus Car Club of America. Retrieved 2008-04-04.
  6. ^ "Super High-Output Heritage: New Taurus SHO Revives Performance Model From 1989-1999". Media.Ford.com. February 11, 2009. Retrieved 2009-04-01.
  7. ^ "The SHO PLUS Option". SHO Club. Retrieved 2009-03-24.
  8. ^ a b "Generation 2 Spotters Guide". Taurus Car Club of America. 2006-12-18. Retrieved 2007-02-13.
  9. ^ "1990–1995 Ford Taurus Review". Consumer Guide. Retrieved 2007-02-13.
  10. ^ a b c Phillips, John. "The Billy Wagon. Strong as hog's breath, our one-of-a-kind family hauler amazed little leaguers. Sorry, you can't have one". Car and Driver (April 1993): 36–41.
  11. ^ DiPetro, John (2003-04-18). "Inside Line: Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable". Edmunds. Retrieved 2006-05-29.
  12. ^ a b "What We Know, What Ford Does Not Want You to Know, & Who Is To Blame". V8SHO.com. Retrieved January 26, 2006. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dateformat= ignored (help)
  13. ^ "2009 Order Cutoff - 2010 Startup" (PDF). ARI. June 29, 2009. Retrieved 2009-07-06.
  14. ^ "Chicago 2009: SHO Starter - Ford Taurus SHO kicks off Chicago". Autoblog. February 11, 2009. Retrieved 2009-07-06.
  15. ^ "2010 Ford Taurus SHO Announced". Automoblog.net. February 20, 2009.
  16. ^ "2010 Ford Taurus SHO named Esquire Car of the Year". Autoblog. June 10, 2009.
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