The 2010 Ford Taurus will make its debut at next month?s Detroit Auto Show, but thanks to our spy photographers, you don?t have to wait three more weeks to see the finished product. Our spies spotted the ?10 Taurus while it was being transported between two buildings with nothing hiding its identity except for a funky paint job.
The current Ford Taurus was unveiled in early 2007 as the 2008 Ford Five Hundred. It was then renamed to Taurus in an effort to take advantage of the nameplate?s strong mindshare. The car was ?facelifted? to give it more style than the original 2005 Five Hundred. Unfortunately, the move was not enough to boost sales or public perception of the model.
As a result, Ford CEO Alan Mulally ordered a complete redesign. Less than six months ago, he told the press the 2010 Taurus would be ?the one we should have made originally.?
Ford has decided to combine elements of its ?Bold American? and European ?Kinetic? design language for the 2010 model. While this isn?t Ford?s all-new design language (which will debut in several years), it is certainly a move in the right direction.
Although previous prototypes have been heavily clad in camouflage, an earlier image leak and our artist?s illustration show what the production Taurus will look like. The basic three-bar grille remains, but it has been grafted onto a trapezoidal opening. A similarly shaped inverted air intake sits below the grille. The headlights have some detailing similar to other American Ford products, but their shape is decidedly European.
The latest shots are of the hi-po model and are packing the 3.5L, twin turbo V6. We hear it should be good for around 350hp. It will be AWD only and will have Ford?s new SR1 (Shock Ratio 1) suspension used in the Lincoln MKS. Expect some special chrome accents on the front end, twin pipes out back and 20 inch wheels on all four corners.
While some think this super-sedan will wear the ?SHO? nameplate, a few well-placed sources have told us to expect a euro-inspired ?ST? badge. We should know for sure in early 2009.
While this prototype still has a Lincoln steering wheel, the rest of the interior for the Ford appears to be unique when compared to the MKS. We can see several details including an engine start/stop button, Sirius satellite radio, heated seats and a Sony sound system. Chrome ringed gauges and air vents are also clearly visible.
Is it a groundbreaking design? Not especially. Will it allow Ford to compete effectively against its Asian competition? Absolutely ? and that?s what counts.
Originally posted by: kabob983
What's the the jimmy rigged self destruct button on the dash??
Originally posted by: ElFenix
so the taurus now has more power than the mustang
good job ford
edit: i know it happened with the SHOs against the 5.0 mustangs once the 5.0 was 're-rated' in 1993 to 205. though the '93 cobra was at 235.
Originally posted by: Arkaign
Ford continues to make good moves! Is it just me, or does this look a bit Infiniti-esque.
Originally posted by: Black88GTA
Originally posted by: ElFenix
so the taurus now has more power than the mustang
good job ford
edit: i know it happened with the SHOs against the 5.0 mustangs once the 5.0 was 're-rated' in 1993 to 205. though the '93 cobra was at 235.
2009 Honda Accord V6- 271 hp, 254 ft-lb
2009 Honda S2000 - 237 hp, 162 ft-lb
Good job Honda?
What is your point?
Originally posted by: Black88GTA
Originally posted by: ElFenix
so the taurus now has more power than the mustang
good job ford
edit: i know it happened with the SHOs against the 5.0 mustangs once the 5.0 was 're-rated' in 1993 to 205. though the '93 cobra was at 235.
2009 Honda Accord V6- 271 hp, 254 ft-lb
2009 Honda S2000 - 237 hp, 162 ft-lb
Good job Honda?
What is your point?
Originally posted by: Black88GTA
Originally posted by: ElFenix
so the taurus now has more power than the mustang
good job ford
edit: i know it happened with the SHOs against the 5.0 mustangs once the 5.0 was 're-rated' in 1993 to 205. though the '93 cobra was at 235.
2009 Honda Accord V6- 271 hp, 254 ft-lb
2009 Honda S2000 - 237 hp, 162 ft-lb
Good job Honda?
What is your point?
Originally posted by: oiprocs
Originally posted by: Arkaign
Ford continues to make good moves! Is it just me, or does this look a bit Infiniti-esque.
Looks like an Accord to me.
I swear, American companies just rip off the foreigners.
Originally posted by: ElFenix
Originally posted by: Black88GTA
Originally posted by: ElFenix
so the taurus now has more power than the mustang
good job ford
edit: i know it happened with the SHOs against the 5.0 mustangs once the 5.0 was 're-rated' in 1993 to 205. though the '93 cobra was at 235.
2009 Honda Accord V6- 271 hp, 254 ft-lb
2009 Honda S2000 - 237 hp, 162 ft-lb
Good job Honda?
What is your point?
the s2k doesn't even pretend to be a muscle car.
Originally posted by: postmortemIA
S2000 is very light car, while Mustang and Taurus weight is in same range. S2000 makes up HP difference by great HP to weight ration.
Originally posted by: Thump553
I'm probably in a very small minority but I thought the original Taurus was a really bold and appealing design, kind of a timeless design like the VW bug. I thought they blew it on the redesign. This new design-it just looks any other sedan to me, nothing special.
Originally posted by: Imdmn04
It looks like a Mazda 6, which is a good thing.
But Why does a Taurus need 350HP?
They are aiming for the Accord and Camry market right? People that buys those cars don't care bout HP.
Ford needs to focus on interior, comfort, and reliability.
Originally posted by: oiprocs
Originally posted by: Arkaign
Ford continues to make good moves! Is it just me, or does this look a bit Infiniti-esque.
Looks like an Accord to me.
I swear, American companies just rip off the foreigners.