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Ford Taurus SHO

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Ford Taurus SHO
Overview
ManufacturerFord Motor Company
Model years1989–1999
2010–present
DesignerJack Telnack
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size (1989–1999)
Full-size (2010–present)
RelatedFord Taurus

The Ford Taurus SHO (Super High Output[1]) is the high-performance variant of the Ford Taurus. It was originally produced by the Ford Motor Company from 1989 until 1999. It returned in 2009 for the 2010 model year.[2]

The SHO (originally spoken as individual letters, as of 2010, pronounced "show") was built by the same team that produced the Ford Mustang SVT Cobra. It was originally created as a limited production model for 1989. However, the car proved to be very popular and sold 15,519 units in its first model year,[3] leading Ford to order more engines and begin series production.[4] The SHO would go on to be produced for ten years in three generations, totaling 106,465 vehicles as of late 1999.[3]

Production ended after the 1999 model year because of plummeting in popularity, in which Ford decided that there would be no SHO version of the fourth generation Taurus; in 1999, just over 3,000 SHOs were sold, which was only a sixth of the SHO's sales numbers from ten years prior.[3]

First generation (1989–1991)

First generation
Overview
Model years1989–1991
AssemblyHapeville, Georgia (Atlanta Assembly)
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutFF layout
PlatformFord Dn-5 platform
RelatedFord Taurus
Mercury Sable
Powertrain
Engine3.0 L SHO V6
Transmission5-speed MTX-IV manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase106.0 in (2,692 mm)
Length188.4 in (4,785 mm)
Width70.8 in (1,798 mm)
Height54.1 in (1,374 mm)
Curb weight3,285 lb (1,490 kg)

The SHO differed from the normal Taurus on the exterior by having a Mercury Sable hood, different bumpers, side cladding, and fog lamps. The interior also differed, with sports seats and an 8000 rpm tachometer. The SHO had a Yamaha Built V-6 engine that redlined at 7,000 RPM and became the only Taurus to feature a manual transmission since the 4-cylinder MT-5 was discontinued in that year.[1] The transmission was designed and manufactured by Mazda and had the following gear ratios with a final drive ratio of 3.74:

Taurus SHO Manual Transmission Gear Ratios
Gear Ratio mph per 1,000 rpm Max Speed (@ 7000 rpm)
1st 3.21 6.2 44
2nd 2.09 9.5 67
3rd 1.38 14.5 101
4th 1.02 19.6 137
5th 0.74 26.8 143 @ 5350

The first generation Taurus SHO can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds[5] with a quarter mile time of 15.0-15.2 seconds. Car and Driver reported in their December 1989 issue a top speed of 143 mph (230 km/h).

A special edition of the SHO called the Plus package became available in 1991. It came as part of option package #212A and contained different styling cues from the standard SHO, including a plastic 'Power Bulge' hood, chrome window trim, a plastic spoiler without the 3rd brake light, body colored stripe in the lower cladding, black mirrors, black B and C pillars, rod shifter upgrade, and a body color TAURUS badge. There were also some SHO's that came with only part of the package options known in the community as a 'partial plus'. White painted pluses had the option of white painted "slicer" wheels. The 1991 slicer wheels were "Canadian" or non-directional, meaning the wheels on the right of the car would point a different direction than the ones on the left of the car.[citation needed] 1991 was the only year that a "Mocha Frost" color option was offered. Also in 91 a green called "Deep Jewel Green Clearcoat Metallic" was available, but only with the plus option.[6]

Second generation (1992–1995)

Second generation
Overview
Model years1992–1995
AssemblyHapeville, Georgia (Atlanta Assembly)
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutFF layout
PlatformFord DN-5 platform
RelatedFord Taurus
Mercury Sable
Powertrain
Engine3.0 L SHO V6
3.2 L SHO V6
Transmission4-speed AX4S automatic
5-speed MTX-IV manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase106.0 in (2,692 mm)
LengthSedan:192.0 in (4,877 mm)
Width71.2 in (1,808 mm)
HeightSedan: 54.1 in (1,374 mm)–55.4 in (1,407 mm)
Curb weightMTX: 3,309 pounds (1,501 kg) - 3,395 lb (1,540 kg)
ATX: 3,450 pounds (1,560 kg) - 3,505 lb (1,590 kg)

The SHO was redesigned in 1992, although it continued with the same powertrain as before: The Yamaha Built V-6 engine and 5-speed manual transmission. The second generation SHO borrowed from the Mercury Sable's front fenders, hood, and headlights, but used a different bumper, fog lamps, and no middle lightbar.[7] The SHO also got unique seats, side cladding, dual exhaust, as well as a unique rear bumper. The 1992 version can be visually identified by not containing a rear trunklid spoiler, having downturned exhaust tips, and only a driver's side airbag (later models have both driver's and passenger airbags). In 1993, the rear brakes on the SHO were converted to solid discs, replacing the vented discs of almost identical dimensions that were used in the 1989–1992 model years.

The lack of an automatic transmission had hurt sales, which was a situation that Ford rectified in 1993. A 3.2 L version of the Ford SHO V6 engine was introduced for automatic-equipped SHO, which still had 220 hp (164 kW), but now boasted 215 lb⋅ft (292 N⋅m), a 15 lb⋅ft (20 N⋅m) increase over the 3.0 L version.[8] It was later discovered by enthusiasts that Ford had put a less aggressive intake cam in the 3.2L motor to maintain the same horsepower rating as the 3.0L, while still having more torque. The 1993 to 1995 automatics use the AX4S (previously named AXOD-E) transmission with these ratios:

Gear Ratio
1st 2.771
2nd 1.543
3rd 1.000
4th 0.694
Reverse 2.263

In 1993, Ford did a minor redesign of the SHO interior, updating the center console. Other changes for 1993 included a trunklid spoiler, with integrated center high mount stop lamp, and "Italian" or directional Slicer wheels. With the addition of Italian slicers the SHO now had right and left specific wheels.[7]

The 94-95 model years featured very subtle changes. They no longer came with chrome trim around the windows, the door handles were now painted body color, and black was no longer offered as an interior color.

By request of Car and Driver magazine, a SHO station wagon was created by the Car and Driver staff with the help of Ford engineers.[9] They started with a production Taurus wagon, and from there installed SHO bodywork, including its unique front end. They then replaced the stock engine and drivetrain with SHO drivetrain. Inside, the interior was replicated of that of a high spec SHO sedan, including its sport seats, steering wheel, and included most of the SHO's equipment.[9] The staff then tested it, and took it on a cross country trip. The model became nothing more than a one off special, and the Car and Driver staff as well as Ford admitted that the SHO wagon was created "just for fun", and was never meant to be a serious production vehicle.[9]

This generation of SHO has become prominent in American pop culture due to comedian Conan O'Brien using a green 1992 model that he personally owns in a number of comedy sketches. He would later facetiously claim to be the main influence behind Ford's decision to revive the model in a 2009 sketch when he "reviewed" the 2010 SHO with a Ford employee.

Third generation (1996–1999)

Third generation
Overview
Model years1996–1999
AssemblyHapeville, Georgia (Atlanta Assembly)
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutFF layout
PlatformFord DN-101 platform
RelatedFord Windstar
Ford Taurus
Mercury Sable
Powertrain
Engine3.4 L SHO V8
Transmission4-speed AX4N automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase108.5 in (2,756 mm)
Length197.5 in (5,016 mm)
Width73.0 in (1,854 mm)
Height55.1 in (1,400 mm)
Curb weight3,329 lb (1,510 kg)

For 1996, the SHO was redesigned. Unlike its predecessors, this SHO was more refined and used less radical bodywork. It differed from the normal Taurus with different seats, wheels, bumpers, drivetrain, as well as a fin being put on the driver's side windshield wiper, to keep it on the windshield at high speeds. This SHO model sold in lower numbers than the previous SHO generations, with sales peaking at 9,000 units in 1997.[3] As a result, Ford cut the SHO when redesigning the Taurus for its fourth generation. It was also the only Ford Taurus generation with a V8 engine. The 1996 and later models got the AX4N transmission, which has the same gearsets (and thus the same gear ratios) as the AX4S used in the 1993 to 1995 SHO, but had improved torque capacity and shift quality, such as 3-2 downshifts.

The last one rolled off the assembly line on June 18, 1999

Engine

Main article: Ford SHO V8 engine

A 235 hp (175 kW) aluminum 3.4 L V8 engine with heads from Yamaha and block from Cosworth was specified for the SHO model, but it was given the same four speed transmission as the LX: the manual gearbox option was no longer offered on the SHO.[10] Separation of the camshaft from its sprocket has been implicated in a growing number of engine failures, at around 50,000 miles (80,000 km).[11] This problem can be rectified by having the camshafts welded.[11] The number of engines with failure has been documented at about 1,200 out of about 20,000 engines.[12] Other undocumented cases very likely exist. There was no SHO for the 2000 model year, some believed that the then President of Ford Motor Company Jac Nasser influenced the designers not to design a SHO model for he was focusing on the Premier Automotive groups that consisted of Lincoln, Jaguar, Volvo and other premium automobiles built under that umbrella and the SHO would detract sales to that division of Ford Motor Company.

Sixth generation (2010–present)

Sixth generation
Overview
ProductionJune 15, 2009–present[13]
AssemblyChicago, Illinois (Chicago Assembly)
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutAWD
PlatformFord D3 platform
RelatedFord Taurus
Powertrain
Engine3.5 L Ecoboost V6
Transmission6-speed 6F55-automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase112.9 in (2,868 mm)
Length202.9 in (5,154 mm)
Width76.9 in (1,953 mm)
Height60.7 in (1,542 mm)
Curb weight4,388 lb (1,990 kg)

A month after the introduction of the sixth generation Taurus, Ford unveiled the much-awaited return of the SHO at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show.[14]

After skipping two Ford Taurus generations, the resurrected sport sedan has all-wheel drive and is largely derived from the Ford D3 platform. It features a 3.5 liter direct-injected Twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 producing 365 hp (272 kW) at 5500 rpm and 350 lb⋅ft (475 N⋅m) of torque at 1500-5250 rpm,[15] mated to Ford's 6F55 [16] six-speed SelectShift semi-automatic transmission with a paddle- or console-activated Manual mode.

The new SHO comes with Ford's new SR1 suspension setup with MacPherson front struts and a multi-link design in the rear. This includes SHO-specific shock absorbers, springs, stabilizer bars and strut mount bushings. An optional Performance Package offers better brake pads, recalibrated steering, a "Sport Mode" for the stability control and shorter 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio.

Visually, the differences from the regular Taurus are subtle. It is encompassed by a dark grey grille finish that matches the larger wheels, a decklid spoiler, dual chrome exhaust tips, new parking lamp bezels, an EcoBoost rear logo, and an SHO C-Pillar logo.[2][17] A 2013 update to the Taurus line brought a unique mesh grille for the SHO, a change to the paddle-shifting mechanism, a new performance package, and larger brakes.[18]

The 2013 SHO was featured in the film Men in Black 3 as the MIB's official car.[19]

Awards

The 2010 Taurus SHO was named Car of the Year by Esquire magazine.[20]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Birth of the Ford Taurus SHO". Official SHO Shop.
  2. ^ a b Ben Wojdyla (2009-02-11). "2010 Ford Taurus SHO: The Sleeper Awakens!". Jalopnik. Retrieved 2009-02-11.
  3. ^ a b c d "Taurus/Sable Encyclopedia (SHO numbers)". Taurus Car Club of America. Archived from the original on 2008-04-11. Retrieved 2008-04-04.
  4. ^ "Ford Taurus SHO | Birth of the Ford Taurus SHO". Shoshop.com. Retrieved 2011-01-31.
  5. ^ "Super High-Output Heritage: New Taurus SHO Revives Performance Model From 1989-1999". Media.Ford.com. February 11, 2009. Retrieved 2009-04-01.
  6. ^ "The SHO PLUS Option". SHO Club. Retrieved 2009-03-24.
  7. ^ a b "Generation 2 Spotters Guide". Taurus Car Club of America. 2006-12-18. Archived from the original on 2006-11-19. Retrieved 2007-02-13.
  8. ^ "1990–1995 Ford Taurus Review". Consumer Guide. Retrieved 2007-02-13.
  9. ^ a b c Phillips, John. "The Billy Wagon. Strong as hog's breath, our one-of-a-kind family hauler amazed little leaguers. Sorry, you can't have one". Car and Driver (April 1993): 36–41.
  10. ^ DiPetro, John (2003-04-18). "Inside Line: Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable". Edmunds. Retrieved 2006-05-29.
  11. ^ a b "What We Know, What Ford Does Not Want You to Know, & Who Is To Blame". V8SHO.com. Retrieved January 26, 2006.
  12. ^ "Cam Failure Links". V8SHO.com. Retrieved October 5, 2011.
  13. ^ "2009 Order Cutoff - 2010 Startup" (PDF). ARI. June 29, 2009. Retrieved 2009-07-06.
  14. ^ "Chicago 2009: SHO Starter - Ford Taurus SHO kicks off Chicago". Autoblog. February 11, 2009. Retrieved 2009-07-06.
  15. ^ "Ford Media".
  16. ^ "Ford Media EcoBoost 6F55" (PDF).
  17. ^ "2010 Ford Taurus SHO Announced". Automoblog.net. February 20, 2009.
  18. ^ "2013 Ford Taurus First Look". Automobile Magazine. April 19, 2011.
  19. ^ Elmer, Stephen (2012-05-23). "Men in Black 3 Stars Ford Taurus SHO". AutoGuide.com. Retrieved 2012-05-24.
  20. ^ "2010 Ford Taurus SHO named Esquire Car of the Year". Autoblog. June 10, 2009.

18. [1] Blind Side verification

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