Ford Taurus SHO

Ford Taurus SHO
Overview
Manufacturer Ford
Model years 1989–1999
2010–present
Designer Jack Telnack
Body and chassis
Class Mid-size (1989–1999)
Full-size (2010–present)
Related Ford Taurus

The Ford Taurus SHO (Super High Output)[1] is the high-performance variant of the Ford Taurus. It was originally produced by Ford 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]

In 1984, executives of the Yamaha Motor Corporation signed a contract with the Ford Motor Company to develop, produce, and supply a compact 60° DOHC V6 engine based upon the existing Vulcan engine for transverse application.[5][6]

There has been some confusion about the original intended use of the engine. It was thought this engine was first intended to power a mid-engine sports car, that project (known internally as GN34) was canceled. Patents have been found and pictures of prototype SHO powerplants installed in the Taurus show that the original intent was for the larger FWD setup and the GN34 would have come later.[7] There were a few GN34 prototypes produced, most with standard Vulcan engines and a few other factory swaps, a SHO Ranger being one.

Production of the SHO came to an end after the 1999 model year due to plummeting sales. 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] The SHO was revamped with the Sixth Generation Taurus for the 2010 model year.[8]

First generation (1989–1991)

First generation
Overview
Model years 1989–1991
Assembly Hapeville, Georgia (Atlanta Assembly)
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door sedan
Layout FF layout
Platform Ford Dn-5 platform
Related Ford Taurus
Mercury Sable
Powertrain
Engine 3.0 L SHO V6
Transmission 5-speed MTX-IV manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 106.0 in (2,692 mm)
Length 188.4 in (4,785 mm)
Width 70.8 in (1,798 mm)
Height 54.1 in (1,374 mm)
Curb weight 3,285 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 (mph) @ 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[9] 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. [10] 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.[11]

Second generation (1992–1995)

Second generation
Overview
Model years 1992–1995
Assembly Hapeville, Georgia (Atlanta Assembly)
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door sedan
Layout FF layout
Platform Ford DN-5 platform
Related Ford Taurus
Mercury Sable
Powertrain
Engine 3.0 L SHO V6
3.2 L SHO V6
Transmission 4-speed AX4S automatic
5-speed MTX-IV manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 106.0 in (2,692 mm)
Length Sedan:192.0 in (4,877 mm)
Width 71.2 in (1,808 mm)
Height Sedan: 54.1 in (1,374 mm)–55.4 in (1,407 mm)
Curb weight MTX: 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.[12] 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 the 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.[13] 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.[12]

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.[14] 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.[14] 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.[14]

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 years 1996–1999
Assembly Hapeville, Georgia (Atlanta Assembly)
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door sedan
Layout FF layout
Platform Ford DN-101 platform
Related Ford Windstar
Ford Taurus
Mercury Sable
Powertrain
Engine 3.4 L SHO V8
Transmission 4-speed AX4N automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 108.5 in (2,756 mm)
Length 197.5 in (5,016 mm)
Width 73.0 in (1,854 mm)
Height 55.1 in (1,400 mm)
Curb weight 3,329 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, V8 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.[15] 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).[16] This problem can be rectified by having the camshafts welded.[16] The number of engines with failure has been documented at about 1,200 out of about 20,000 engines.[17] 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 Group that consisted of Lincoln, Jaguar, Volvo, Aston-Martin and Land Rover built under that umbrella and the SHO would detract sales to that division of Ford Motor Company.

Fourth Generation (2010–present)

Fourth generation
Overview
Production June 15, 2009–present[18]
Assembly Chicago, Illinois (Chicago Assembly)
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door sedan
Layout AWD
Platform Ford D3 platform
Related Ford Taurus
Powertrain
Engine 3.5 L Ecoboost V6 Twin-turbo
Transmission 6-speed 6F55-automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 112.9 in (2,868 mm)
Length 202.9 in (5,154 mm)
Width 76.9 in (1,953 mm)
Height 60.7 in (1,542 mm)
Curb weight 4,388 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.[8]

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,[19] mated to Ford's 6F55 [20] six-speed SelectShift 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.

A 2012 SHO was featured in the film Men in Black 3 as the MIB's official car.[21]

Visually, the differences from the regular Taurus are subtle. The 2010-2012 models were even more subtle, sporting a chrome wide-toothed grill and polished steel 5-spoked wheels. The 2013-current model employs a dark grey grille with small honeycomb-shaped/mesh-like look; a finish that matches the 20" darker looking wheels. They all have a decklid spoiler, dual polished stainless steel exhaust tips, new parking lamp bezels, an EcoBoost rear logo, and an SHO C-Pillar logo.[2][22]

Awards

The 2010 Taurus SHO was named Car of the Year by Esquire magazine.[23]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Birth of the Ford Taurus SHO". Official SHO Shop.
  2. 1 2 Ben Wojdyla (2009-02-11). "2010 Ford Taurus SHO: The Sleeper Awakens!". Jalopnik. Retrieved 2009-02-11.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "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. ↑ "SHO n Tell". Jon Mikelonis and Matt Wilder. Retrieved 2008-04-04.
  6. ↑ Ford Motor Company (2007-07-19). 1989 Ford Taurus SHO commercial. Ford Motor Company.
  7. ↑ McTaggart, Bryan (25 Nov 2014). "A Stalled Experiment: The Ford GN34 Program". BangShift.com.
  8. 1 2 Paukert, Chris (11 Feb 2009). "Chicago 2009: SHO Starter - Ford Taurus SHO kicks off Chicago". AutoBlog.
  9. ↑ "Super High-Output Heritage: New Taurus SHO Revives Performance Model From 1989-1999". Media.Ford.com. February 11, 2009. Retrieved 2009-04-01.
  10. ↑ Burry, Jeff (10 Jul 2008). "Modern Classics: Ford Taurus SHO, 1989 – 1999". Trader Corporation. Autos.CA.
  11. ↑ "The SHO PLUS Option". SHO Club. Retrieved 2009-03-24.
  12. 1 2 "Generation 2 Spotters Guide". Taurus Car Club of America. 2006-12-18. Archived from the original on 2006-11-19. Retrieved 2007-02-13.
  13. ↑ "1990–1995 Ford Taurus Review". Consumer Guide. Retrieved 2007-02-13.
  14. 1 2 3 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.
  15. ↑ DiPetro, John (2003-04-18). "Inside Line: Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable". Edmunds. Retrieved 2006-05-29.
  16. 1 2 "What We Know, What Ford Does Not Want You to Know, & Who Is To Blame". V6SHO.com. Retrieved January 26, 2006.
  17. ↑ "Cam Failure Links". V6SHO.com. Retrieved October 5, 2011.
  18. ↑ "2009 Order Cutoff - 2010 Startup" (PDF). ARI. June 29, 2009. Retrieved 2009-07-06.
  19. ↑ "Ford Media".
  20. ↑ "Ford Media EcoBoost 6F55" (PDF).
  21. ↑ Elmer, Stephen (2012-05-23). "Men in Black 3 Stars Ford Taurus SHO". AutoGuide.com. Retrieved 2012-05-24.
  22. ↑ "2010 Ford Taurus SHO Announced". Automoblog.net. February 20, 2009.
  23. ↑ "2010 Ford Taurus SHO named Esquire Car of the Year". Autoblog. June 10, 2009.

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