They plan on putting this engine in the Flex and MKS, for the record.

While $38k may seem high for a "Taurus" and that you have other alternatives out there like the Infiniti or Bimmer, the latter two are much smaller cars. In terms of interior space, the Taurus is a HUGE car, as seen below:

Passenger Volume (cu feet)
102 Taurus SHO
89 335
99 535
99 G35x

Luggage
20.1 Taurus
12.0 335
14.0 535
13.5 G35x

So, even though it is just a Taurus (although I think its interior in photos is as nice as any Bimmer), I think you would be hard pressed to find a car that could provide everything that it offers (full size, 350+hp, AWD) for less than that. And who knows, handling could be a revelation like previous SHOs.

 

Sure. But that was then, this is now. The old Taurus was fantastic in its day but the recent ones have been mediocre (at best) and horrible (at worst).

No one knows how this one drives or handles so I'm not holding my breath just yet.

It's also probably going to weigh 4000+ lbs, based on how large it is.

 

gauge cluster and steering wheel look terrible...everything else is nice

 

Why, when you can get a 500+ hp V10 M5 used for 40K right now

 

Probable engine overhaul in the near future? Exhorbitant parts costs? New car vs four year old car? Full warranty? 0% financing for ninety-three years? Fuel economy?

 

Right. So since no one's sure, why not give the benefit of the doubt?

 

Cool specs, but that price puts it against some pretty badass sedans that already have good reputations. Also, what's with the bottom of the car being black all the way around? It gives the illusion that the car is higher off the ground than it already is.

 

I laugh at the thought of buying a used BMW anymore - they are getting to be like Ferraris with main costs - especially the Ms.

 

The V10 M5 has been out for 4 years and I haven't read about any grenaded engines (except maybe abuse). Parts cost are 50/50, there is a lot of aftermarket OEM replacement stuff and many online wholesale price parts dealers for BMW. If you can do the work yourself or find an independent it's managable.

Most the 06/07 M5's should still be within warranty anyway and have free scheduled maintenance (get rotors/wear items changed while still in this period). If you have decent credit you can get financed for 5-7%, not that big of a difference in a monthly payment.

Fuel economy is probably not going to be better than 15-17 mpg in that Taurus I bet and the extra 140 hp are worth it. Plus you get a ton of cool tech stuff and you won't be driving a Taurus.

 

Have you driven the new G37s? For the price, their interior is horrible; Cheap plastics, no real design, and terrible leather. The only thing they have going for them is their exhaust note and the exterior.