Taurus ST To Land In 2010

new June 7, 2008

For the last few weeks, the internet has been abuzz with rumors about the possible return of a performance-oriented Ford Taurus for the 2010 model year, when the large sedan will receive a major redesign. So, is a hotter version of the 2010 Taurus really coming?

SHO enough.

First things first. You may not actually see the return of the "SHO" nameplate. Sources indicate to us that Ford may very well take a cue from across the pond and adorn the sedan with an "ST" badge.

The regular 2010 Taurus that Alan Mulally said they "should have made originally," is confirmed to debut at NAIAS 2009 and on sale a few months later. We feel pretty confident that the ST model will also debut in Detroit. However with NAIAS more than half a year away, things could certainly change. We wouldn't be shocked to see the ST model held over to debut at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show.

When the ST does debut, it's going to be packing Ford's new 3.5-liter, twin turbo, V6 motor. Previously known as the "Twin Force" motor, Ford has now re-branded it with the much more sedate "EcoBoost" name. Even with its less aggressive name, this forced-induction V6 will be tuned to produce 350 horsepower. This will put the Taurus in a heated battle with Chrysler's 340hp 300C, and will far exceed Chevy's 303hp Impala SS, if falling a little short of the Pontiac G8 GT's 361hp. We've been told to expect a zero to 60 time in the low-to-mid 6-second range.

Suspension-wise, the ST will feature a sport tuned version of Ford's new SR1 (Shock Ratio 1) suspension. The SR1 setup is a new independent rear suspension that will debut on Lincoln's MKS. Inside sources tell us not to expect huge hood scoops and massive spoilers. Rather, the ST will continue its role as a "sleeper," rolling on 20s and sporting a few moderate chrome accents in the front and rear fascia.

At the factory, Ford will be hoping for a return to the cult following that the SHO enjoyed in the '90s. Roughly 12-15% of the 2010 Tauruses that come down the production line will wear ST badges.

The last major nugget we hear about the ST concerns the drive wheels. If you're like us, 350hp to the front wheels sounds like a supremely bad idea. We're talking Crystal Pepsi bad. Instead of having you spin your tires through first and second gear, the ST looks ready to come with an AWD setup only. If not, we anticipate a fresh hole in the ozone layer solely from Taurus ST tire smoke.

Look for the Taurus ST to be available by next summer.

Words by Chris Doane.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/ford-tau...html#more-7531

*Ed Note: We attempted to Contact Chris for his permission to reprint his article - he never responded*
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350 HP... AWD... I like what I hear. Throw in an MTX... I am anxious to see what it looks like, but this may very well be my next car. What I am concerned about is the size. 0-60 in 6 seconds with 350 horses suggests that the car is going to be large (or they didn't build it/ drive it right). My brothers' S4 is heavy, has 340 horses and is getting to 60 in 5 seconds.
Seth
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Sounds an awful lot like the Chicago focus group meeting did.
Excellent.......:-D

Eric Lehmann
97 Ebony 42k Welded - With the Angels Now so that I don't have to be.
Long Live the Garage Queen !
97 Ebony 182k Resurrected, Welded, Experiment in progress
96 Medium Willow Green Metallic 103k Resurrected, Welded, Eaton M90 inside
96 Rosemist 72k 2006 Best Of SHO, Popular Vote, 2007 Best Gen 3, Welded
96 Medium Graphite 120k - Resurrected, Welded
97 Pacific Green - Parting this one Out
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Personally I do not believe the 350 hp figure. With gas prices what they are, I don't think Ford will take that gamble. Would be fun if they did. Also, if they make it lighter than my 340 hp 300C, it would be faster even with less HP. If they make it drive as well as the SHO, then they could have something.

Don Mallinson
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I agree with 350 hp it should be a second or more quicker. It is not going to keep up with a FWD 303 hp Imp SS if those numbers are right.

A twin turbo should get better MPG than a NA engine putting out 350 hp.
Robert M
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Direct injection twin turbo to be precise.
Ford calls it "EcoBoost".
Search youtube for ecoboost you will find some videos as released from Ford.

Scott aka Beaker
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Don’t hold your breath for an MTX. IMHO that’s why the 0-60 is in the 6-second range.

Ron Porter (in his best VOD)
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