updated 12/18/01
While at the Chicago International Auto Show I ran across an interesting design concept from mother Ford. The rep who was "guarding" this vehicle told me that it was a possibility for the new SHO. I will wait to see if that ever happens. It doesn't even have a Yammhammer! Here are the specs...
3.0 Liter 24V Supercharged Duratech V6 Engine/4-Speed automatic transmission
255HP 240 ft/lbs torque/3.98 axle ratio
Personal Safety System (Dual Stage Front Airbags, Impact Severity Sensor, Driver Seat Position Sensor, Seat Belt
Pre-pensioners Energy Management Retractors and Optional Side Impact Head/Chest Airbags)
Available optional Power Adjustable Pedals
Suspension Lowered 1" Front and Rear
Borla dual exhaust
Monochromatic French Blue exterior
18 X 8.5" Momo Status Wheels
255/40/R18 Goodyear Eagle F1 GS
Black front grille with unique Catz front projector headlamps for superior visibility
Unique front and rear body colored bumper fascias and styled rocker moldings
Unique roof spoiler
Unique deck lid appliqué and integrated spoiler for improved airflow
Combination Ebony Black Sutton leather and Quattro cloth sport bucket seats
Brushed aluminum accents in steering wheel, instrument cluster, door handles, integrated control panel bezel, A/C vents, console trim, scuff plates, and speaker bezels
Ebony Black leather steering wheel
Shadow grid aluminum door switch plates
French Blue lighting for instrument cluster gauges, audio, climate control and door markers
Woven square design for front and rear floor mats
Unique brushed aluminum brake/accelerator pedals with rubber insert accents
Ebony Black headliner and plush Lati carpet for added sound comfort.
This vehicle would not be possible without the support form our Aftermarket Equipment
Manufacturer's
Wheels/Shifter: Momo
Tires: Goodyear
Exhaust: Borla
Floor mats: Visscher-Caravella
Headlamps: Catz
Interior Aluminum Door Bezels: Angel
Integrated Control Panel: Visteon
Powertrain: Development Ford Advanced Powertrain Design & Watson Engineering
Design Execution: Visteon Global Aftermarket Operations/Design Grant
Custom Builder: Rousch Industries, Inc.
Tim,
Just going over V8sho.com to see what you have been
doing lately, and read the article about the "Next" SHO.
I would like you to put the following as a P.S. to that story.
"About the above: At the Chicago Auto Show in 2000, I talked to the man
that designed the new Thunderbird, was mainly responsible for the 1989 SHO and
is high up in Ford's design department. I asked him to get someone to pop the
hood of the "supercharged" Taurus that was stuck in a deep dark corner
of Ford's display. He said it wouldn't do any good because it was just a 3.0 24V
motor, no mods at all. This was (IMO) a study to see what kind of reaction they
would get to the word "supercharged" on a Taurus. The goal to possibly
come out with something to combat the Grand Prix with a supercharger.
Since they hid the car and didn't release any information to the press, you can
bet they didn't get too much response.
This isn't the "next" SHO, and actually I am glad. A true SHO should
be non-boosted and make its power the old-fashioned way, with good design!
Don Mallinson, President
SHO Club
http://www.shoclub.com