I will put the goodies out there up front.

3.5 EcoBoost V-6
365 hp
350 ft-lbs
AWD
6 speed automatic
New suspension
$37,995

No idea on the weight and the price might be a little high for a "Taurus," but damn, show me where else you can get this size and value for the price. The closest competitor I see is the TL SH-AWD (short 65 hp) or the G8 (Up on hp, but No AWD)

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/officia...-sho/1#comments















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God Damn!!

While I dont know the weight, and the suede on the seats irks me a little, this is a hell of a car for the price.

I would rock this Ford, even before the G8. Why? Well, AWD for one and the interior on this Ford looks a LOT nicer than any G8. Plus once the tuners get their hands on it, you could probably get 400/390 with a reflash.

Can't argue with that.

Great job Ford, Great job.

 

It has awd, but the auto only is a bit of a turn off. 360hp is a lot for a sub $40k awd sedan, and the new body certainly looks better.

The closest car i can think of is a chipped Legacy GT or a Passat CC V6 awd, but it doesn't have the power - less than 300.

 

It's not hideous but no manual option and AWD standard would take it off my list...besides the fact it's a Ford...they build turds. Last Ford I owned was my 03 Cobra and it had a wonderful engine/tranny but was surrounded by sub-par crap and creaked and rattled from the day I drove it off the lot. Also, seems a bit high priced to be branded a Taurus...I would have changed the name.

 

Not bad. I wonder about the niche segment burners when nobody has any money. Make me question the engineering needed to make the new engine fit and add AWD but whatever.

At $37k they won't fly off shelves but they will sell some to the loyal Ford buyers. I'd rather get a 3 series for a little more or the legacy for a lot less, even if it is not as fast.

 

That interior really does look sharp. I always wait to see it in person (ever notice how EVERY car interior looks at least decent in photos?) but they've really upped the ante with this car. The exterior is worlds better and that's a monster motor as well.

That said, I'd never pay $38K for a Taurus. If I was going AWD, I'd rather get a G37x that is going to absolutely murder it in handling, looks better, and probably will be about as quick anyways. Or, even better, a G37 Sport 6MT (yeah, RWD, but I don't need AWD in Texas) that will be quite engaging and again, probably about as fast.

Heck, I can get an STi or Evo X MR for that kind of money. Not as big but if I don't need the size, they're going to be quicker, more fun, and better looking to boot.

 

I'll say it: Ford has hit a home-****ing-run with this car.

 

I guess my big point is that you can get a luxury or near-luxury vehicle for $38K if you want power and nice interior. The Taurus isn't a near-luxury vehicle, period.

 

I wouldn't be so sure of that. The 1st gen SHO's were fantastic handling cars for the day.

 

That was six years ago, before Ford started building quality interiors.

 

Stupid not to put this package in its platform-mate, the MKS which then might have a shot at finally competing with Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, Infiniti, and the like. Instead, Ford chooses to limit itself to an ever shrinking niche. Nobody's gonna buy a car like this, at this price point, with a Ford Taurus moniker and option packages. Better to throw it on a vehicle with more luxury features like the MKS, even if you have to increase the price by a couple grand.