The Ford Taurus SHO (Super High Output) is a full-size performance trim level sedan trim based on the Ford Taurus. To really appreciate an SHO, one needs to know a bit of its history. The SHO was originally produced by the Ford Motor Company from 1989 until 1999, and has returned in the 2010 model year.
The original 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 likes of the Pontiac Fiero, but that project was canceled while still in development. Because of the limited number of engines available, Ford had intended to only produce the SHO for the 1989 model year, and initially advertised it as a limited production vehicle. However, the model proved to be very popular, selling over 15,000 units in its first year which lead 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. Production ended after the 1999 model year due to lack of demand.
SHO returns in 2010 as the sporty version of Ford’s flagship introducing a new generation of premium performance and fuel economy with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine. The 2010 SHO combines a unique power train and chassis that features subtle exterior design cues and a sportier interior that reflects its performance character.
The foundation of the 2010 Taurus SHO is a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 engine, Ford’s most powerful EcoBoost, generating an estimated 365 hp at 5,500 rpm and 350 ft.-lb. of torque at 3,500 rpm. The Yamaha in the original SHO was 3.0 liter and produced 220 hp. The new EcoBoost engine’s impressive power and torque are comparable with larger normally aspirated engines, yet with uncompromised V-6 fuel economy. A key feature is gasoline direct injection, which results in improved throttle response, reduced cold start characteristics and improved fuel/economy. Twin turbochargers help to avoid the “turbo lag” often prevalent in earlier turbocharged applications.
Mated to the twin turbocharged EcoBoost is a six-speed Selector Shift automatic with steering wheel mounted control paddles. The original SHO came with a manual transmission. Enhancing the SHO’s performance is an automatically engaging torque sensing, all wheel drive systems that uses internal electronics to distribute torque to the wheels for optimum traction in a variety of conditions.
Sporty premium painted wheels with standard low-profile 19 inch Goodyear Eagle or optional 20-inch Michelin high performance tires, a decklid mounted spoiler, and twin chrome exhaust tips round out the SHO’s exterior eye candy. The interior was obviously designed with the enthusiast driver in mind: leather trimmed seats with suede inserts to keep you from slipping during cornering, perforated leather wrapped steering wheel and aluminum trimmed accelerator and brake pedals.
The SHO has long enjoyed a cult following among performance car enthusiasts who classify it as a “Sleeper.” A wolf in sheep’s clothing if you will. We consider the 2010 SHO not only a worthy, but also a beautiful successor.
STATS:
- Horsepower: 365 hp / 350 lb. ft. of torque
- Mileage: 17 city/ 25 highway
- Price as tested: $44,935.00
- Seating capacity: five
- Recommended fuel: 87-octane unleaded (minimum) / premium (recommended)
