Once upon a time, the Ford Taurus->ke2299 was one of the Blue Oval's most popular models. But over the years, the line has been trumped by a lot of other makes, both from Ford->ke31 and from competitors that have unfairly relegated the Taurus in the shadows.

Ford, of course, is looking to change that. In bringing back some luster to the name, the American automaker is getting ready to introduce the newest version of the Taurus SHO at the New York Auto Show. Coming with a refreshed facelift that speaks well of the car's new looks, the 2013 Taurus SHO is primed to get back into the meat of the competition and return to its old prominence.

While it would've been better if the car actually had an engine upgrade - the engine remains the same, much to our dismay - we're certainly not complaining about the facelift done. It looks a lot more up-to-the-times with the sporty and aggressive look, which for a mid-size sedan is a very important element. And even if the engine remains the same, it's still powerful enough to deliver well over 300 horsepower.

UPDATE 05/15/12: Ford has released a new driving video of the all-new Taurus SHO. The video is narrated by Ford Vehicle Integration Engineer, Robert Kay. It's as good a watch as you'll have to get you up-to-speed on the Taurus SHO.

Details on the Ford Taurus SHO after the jump.

ford-taurus-sho

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: ford-taurus-sho
Pros
Cons

2013 Ford Taurus SHO

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Ford Taurus SHO
  • Engine/Motor: 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine
  • Horsepower: 365 horsepower
  • Torque: 350 lb/ft of torque
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

The new Ford Taurus SHO offers plenty of styling modifications to make up for the retained engine. For starters, the new Taurus SHO comes with a unique mesh grille in the front to go along with a rear spoiler in the back. Additionally, the exhaust pipes have been tipped in chrome, giving it a more polished finish compared to the standard model. Then there’s the ubiquitous set of 19” dark flower-looking alloy wheels wrapped in 255/45 ZR19 tires. The wheels actually serve as a great complement to the black finish used on both the mirrors and the body trim. Inside the car, there’s a redesigned dashboard with a new instrument panel. Together with an equally new steering wheel and center console, the materials used for these parts are of higher quality compared to previous models. At least that’s what Ford is saying.

Performance

The only bummer quality about the new Ford Taurus SHO is that despite all the styling tweaks done on it, the car’s engine remains the same, meaning we still get the same 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that produces 365 horsepower and 350 lb/ft of torque. It’s still got power to pack a punch, but we expected a little more. The good news is that the Taurus SHO still has a new performance package that includes a revised suspension tuning that features new dampers and springs, a tuned-up electronic steering system, the addition of performance brake pads with “track-tuned” calipers, and a 3.16:1 final drive ratio that further enhances the car’s acceleration capabilities.

Pricing

No word yet on the pricing, but we expect Ford to come out with the figures real soon. Expect it to hit the same range as the 2010 model, which is selling for a base price of $37,995.

Competition

A competitor that has the same engine as the Ford Taurus SHO is the Lincoln MKS. While it is technically classified as a luxury sedan, the MKS actually has a lot in common with the Taurus SHO, especially the same 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that powers both cars.

As a lighter car relative to the MKS, the Taurus SHO is a little faster than the Lincoln, but where it lacks in oomph, it makes up for in luxury amenities, which it has a big leg up on the new high-powered Ford sedan.

When the new Taurus SHO is released - it's a matter of 'when', not 'if - expect the two cars to compete for consumers' hearts. Both have great appeal, most definitely. It's just a matter of what you prefer out of your car: the sporty and powerful Taurus SHO or the luxurious and equally powerful MKS.