LOS ANGELES — The 2010 Ford Fusion is a key to Ford Motor Co.'s bid to become an industry leader in fuel efficiency.
Ford made many changes when it restyled its flagship mid-sized sedan. But the styling and ride and handling improvements pale next to the emphasis on stretching dollars at the fuel pump.
It's a two-pronged approach: A new hybrid version of the Fusion boasts a fuel economy rating of 41 mpg city/36 highway. The conventional four-cylinder Fusion with a six-speed automatic transmission is rated at 23 city/34 highway. The current Fusion with a four-cylinder engine gets 20 mpg city/29 highway.
"This is an opportunity for us to take share from imports," Frank Davis, Ford executive director of North American car and truck programs, said at a press event here. "We think we can rally around fuel economy."
Ford says the new Fusion, which goes on sale in March, will be America's most fuel-efficient mid-sized sedan for hybrid and conventional versions.
The basics: Besides the hybrid, Ford is adding a performance model. The Fusion Sport is powered by a 263-hp, 3.5-liter V-6. Ford reduced wind and road noise and improved ride and handling, reducing body roll.
Notable features: The four-cylinder and 3.0-liter V-6 versions have electronic power-assisted steering, which improves steering, helps fuel economy and shrinks the turning radius. The hybrid features a digital instrument panel display that coaches drivers to maximize fuel efficiency. One portion of the display shows a digital tree that grows vines and leaves as fuel economy improves.
Design: Ford restyled the Fusion's front end in search of a sportier look and improved aerodynamics. Exterior sheet metal, except for the roof and doors, was changed. A new interior strives for a high-tech look.
Compromises and shortcomings: For all the styling changes, the exterior design is similar to the outgoing model. If you didn't like that model, the 2010 Fusion won't grab your attention, either. A more striking design departure would have helped draw attention to the car's many improvements.
The market: Ford executives are looking for the revamped Fusion to win market share from the segment-leading Toyota Camry. Fusion pricing starts at $19,995. The Fusion Hybrid starts at $27,995. Both prices include shipping.
The skinny: Ford packed a lot of improvements and technology into the 2010 Fusion. The new hybrid is an impressive performer. Ford has a genuine fuel economy story to tell with this makeover.
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Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Ford takes the high ground in the midsize-sedan war.
Ford hasn’t taken taxpayers’ bailout money yet, and one look at the soon-to-arrive 2010 Fusion says why. A thorough rework of the 2006 model, the latest midsize Ford builds on the excellent Fusion chassis, adding fresh, hard-hitting powertrains, a wisely updated interior, cutting-edge electronic options and sporty new trim. There’s also a superb new Fusion Hybrid. All in all, the new Fusion line delivers on Ford’s promise to build a world-class midsize sedan.
Trim Choices
Starting this spring, the 2010 Fusion hits blue-oval showrooms in four trim levels: S, SE, V-6 SEL and the V6 Sport, which is actually its own model. All are 4-door sedans sharing sleeker lighting, a larger 3-bar grille and a streamlined rear treatment. To varying degrees, they are bolder to state their increased technology and greater fun-to-drive quotient.
The entry-level S is a straight 4-cylinder front-wheel-drive car. Ditto the well-equipped SE, except it offers a 3.0-liter V6 option, while the fully laden SEL is available in 4-cylinder or V6 guise, and offers optional all-wheel drive. Only the Sport boasts the larger 3.5-liter V6.
Comfortable describes the S trim. Seating is manual with cloth upholstery, and the seat structures have been upgraded for good support. Power door locks and mirrors are standard, as is a slick tilt and telescoping steering wheel, front and side-curtain airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners and an MP3 4-speaker sound system. The base Fusion includes speed-sensitive wipers, a rear window defroster, a rear center armrest, a one-touch driver’s window and a 6-speed manual transmission. Standard tires are P205/60VR-16 blackwalls.
Major trim upgrades in the SE are a 6-way power driver’s seat, 6-speaker sound, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and 17-inch wheels. The 3.0-liter V6 is also optional, as is a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Leather trim and all-power seating set the tone in the SEL. Puddle lights, dual-zone climate control and mood lighting are other clues to its luxurious nature. The SEL rolls on 225/50VR-17 all-season radials.
Sport buyers also enjoy leather luxury, extra chrome exterior accents, 18-inch aluminum wheels and 225/45VR-18 tires. But the main attractions are its sport-tuned suspension and the big 263-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine.
Under the Hood
Impressive mechanicals give the Fusion newfound thrust and economy. Both the manual and automatic transmissions are now 6-speeds — key to the Fusion’s combined power and economy gains. The three engines — a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, plus the 3.0 and 3.5-liter V6s — are upgrades of existing Ford mills. All boast twin, variable camshafts, and the two smaller engines have four valves per cylinder. Numerous detail developments, such as electric power steering and crafty cam timing phasers, make these engines smoother, quieter and more efficient.
Gaining 14 horsepower and 16 lb-ft of torque from last year’s 2.3-liter engine, the 175 horsepower 2.5-liter kicks the base Fusion into the traffic mainstream while the 3.0-liter engine is up 19 horses and 23 lb-ft of torque to post a healthy 240 ponies. New to the Fusion, the Sport’s 3.5-liter engine offers 263 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque.
Even better, all Fusion engines run on regular gasoline. Official Environmental Protection Agency mileage estimates were not available at press time, but the 2.5-liter engine has gained 10 percent fuel economy, or our estimate of 22 city/30 highway. Likewise, the 3.0-liter engine should see 20 city/28 highway; the 3.5-liter engine a tick less. All significantly better than the Japanese competition.
All-wheel drive is available with the V6s only in the SEL and Sport. Also, the Sport is an automatic-only model.
Inner Space
Smartly upscale and tech savvy is where Ford took the Fusion interior, going all the way to the dash support structure to achieve the sophisticated shapes and mounting points they desired. Likewise, the seats are more supportive, with softer trim and contrast stitching on up-market versions. Themes vary with the trim level — the SEL offering a touch of wood, the Sport being more anodized, for example.
All Fusions wear a new backlit instrument cluster. It’s easy to read, but the colors seem enthusiastically vibrant in contrast to the more elegant dash treatment.
Where Ford truly leapfrogged the competition is electronically. Naturally, there is Sync, Ford’s voice-activated communications and entertainment connectivity suite (which uses technology built by Microsoft, MSN’s parent company), but it now also includes automated 911 calls or the ability to phone home to Dearborn, Mich., to report on the vehicle’s health. Other options include voice-activated navigation in conjunction with an 8-inch touch-screen; SIRIUS Travel Link for real-time weather and traffic; a reverse camera; customizable interior accent lighting; and a radar-operated Blind Spot Information System. Active while backing, the BLIS calls out vehicle traffic within 65 feet, just the thing to spot parking-lot Grand Prix artists before they tag your quarter panel.
On the Road
In 2.5-liter form, the 2010 Fusion is light, spunky and quick to please. With less weight over the front tires, the 4-cylinder models maximize the Fusion’s excellent chassis. The electrically assisted steering is direct and intuitive, especially for a front-wheel-drive car, and the balanced handling is a highlight. The only limit is the lack of performance tires.
We especially enjoyed the low-effort and precise manual transmission. Acceleration was good through the midrange, trailing off only as the engine approached its lofty redline with something of an industrial busyness. Driven typically, the 4-cylinder is quiet and could well be our powertrain favorite. Ford expects 70 percent of Fusion sales to be 2.5-liters.
No 3.0-liter V6 cars were at Ford’s press intro, but our time in the 3.5-liter Sport demonstrated ample, torquey thrust that was especially easy to use in real-world driving. Its Select Shift automatic transmission was sportier than expected, but those looking for a pure sports sedan experience a la the long-departed Taurus SHO will find the Sport agreeable but tending too much toward luxury to be wholly satisfying. The same is true of the AWD option; it’s a godsend in poor weather, but weighty the rest of the time.
Kudos, too, for the long telescoping steering column distance and ample legroom; the Fusion puts its midsize dimensions to full use in accommodating larger people.
Is it Right for You?
Ford clearly has a winner in the Fusion. It’s been driving circles around its vaunted competition in the crowded midsize market in handling, and will now do the same in power and fuel economy, too. Fusion quality is also top-rated in consumer surveys, and the pricing is competitive. At $19,270 the Fusion S competes with economy cars, followed by the 4-cylinder SE at $20,545 and SEL at $23,975. Expect approximately $25,000 for the 3.0-liter SEL, and a larger jump to $27,435 for the AWD V6 SEL. Fans of the V6 Sport are looking at $25,825 in 4WD and $27,675 in AWD configurations.
Trim Choices
Starting this spring, the 2010 Fusion hits blue-oval showrooms in four trim levels: S, SE, V-6 SEL and the V6 Sport, which is actually its own model. All are 4-door sedans sharing sleeker lighting, a larger 3-bar grille and a streamlined rear treatment. To varying degrees, they are bolder to state their increased technology and greater fun-to-drive quotient.
The entry-level S is a straight 4-cylinder front-wheel-drive car. Ditto the well-equipped SE, except it offers a 3.0-liter V6 option, while the fully laden SEL is available in 4-cylinder or V6 guise, and offers optional all-wheel drive. Only the Sport boasts the larger 3.5-liter V6.
Comfortable describes the S trim. Seating is manual with cloth upholstery, and the seat structures have been upgraded for good support. Power door locks and mirrors are standard, as is a slick tilt and telescoping steering wheel, front and side-curtain airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners and an MP3 4-speaker sound system. The base Fusion includes speed-sensitive wipers, a rear window defroster, a rear center armrest, a one-touch driver’s window and a 6-speed manual transmission. Standard tires are P205/60VR-16 blackwalls.
Major trim upgrades in the SE are a 6-way power driver’s seat, 6-speaker sound, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and 17-inch wheels. The 3.0-liter V6 is also optional, as is a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Leather trim and all-power seating set the tone in the SEL. Puddle lights, dual-zone climate control and mood lighting are other clues to its luxurious nature. The SEL rolls on 225/50VR-17 all-season radials.
Sport buyers also enjoy leather luxury, extra chrome exterior accents, 18-inch aluminum wheels and 225/45VR-18 tires. But the main attractions are its sport-tuned suspension and the big 263-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine.
Under the Hood
Impressive mechanicals give the Fusion newfound thrust and economy. Both the manual and automatic transmissions are now 6-speeds — key to the Fusion’s combined power and economy gains. The three engines — a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, plus the 3.0 and 3.5-liter V6s — are upgrades of existing Ford mills. All boast twin, variable camshafts, and the two smaller engines have four valves per cylinder. Numerous detail developments, such as electric power steering and crafty cam timing phasers, make these engines smoother, quieter and more efficient.
Gaining 14 horsepower and 16 lb-ft of torque from last year’s 2.3-liter engine, the 175 horsepower 2.5-liter kicks the base Fusion into the traffic mainstream while the 3.0-liter engine is up 19 horses and 23 lb-ft of torque to post a healthy 240 ponies. New to the Fusion, the Sport’s 3.5-liter engine offers 263 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque.
Even better, all Fusion engines run on regular gasoline. Official Environmental Protection Agency mileage estimates were not available at press time, but the 2.5-liter engine has gained 10 percent fuel economy, or our estimate of 22 city/30 highway. Likewise, the 3.0-liter engine should see 20 city/28 highway; the 3.5-liter engine a tick less. All significantly better than the Japanese competition.
All-wheel drive is available with the V6s only in the SEL and Sport. Also, the Sport is an automatic-only model.
Inner Space
Smartly upscale and tech savvy is where Ford took the Fusion interior, going all the way to the dash support structure to achieve the sophisticated shapes and mounting points they desired. Likewise, the seats are more supportive, with softer trim and contrast stitching on up-market versions. Themes vary with the trim level — the SEL offering a touch of wood, the Sport being more anodized, for example.
All Fusions wear a new backlit instrument cluster. It’s easy to read, but the colors seem enthusiastically vibrant in contrast to the more elegant dash treatment.
Where Ford truly leapfrogged the competition is electronically. Naturally, there is Sync, Ford’s voice-activated communications and entertainment connectivity suite (which uses technology built by Microsoft, MSN’s parent company), but it now also includes automated 911 calls or the ability to phone home to Dearborn, Mich., to report on the vehicle’s health. Other options include voice-activated navigation in conjunction with an 8-inch touch-screen; SIRIUS Travel Link for real-time weather and traffic; a reverse camera; customizable interior accent lighting; and a radar-operated Blind Spot Information System. Active while backing, the BLIS calls out vehicle traffic within 65 feet, just the thing to spot parking-lot Grand Prix artists before they tag your quarter panel.
On the Road
In 2.5-liter form, the 2010 Fusion is light, spunky and quick to please. With less weight over the front tires, the 4-cylinder models maximize the Fusion’s excellent chassis. The electrically assisted steering is direct and intuitive, especially for a front-wheel-drive car, and the balanced handling is a highlight. The only limit is the lack of performance tires.
We especially enjoyed the low-effort and precise manual transmission. Acceleration was good through the midrange, trailing off only as the engine approached its lofty redline with something of an industrial busyness. Driven typically, the 4-cylinder is quiet and could well be our powertrain favorite. Ford expects 70 percent of Fusion sales to be 2.5-liters.
No 3.0-liter V6 cars were at Ford’s press intro, but our time in the 3.5-liter Sport demonstrated ample, torquey thrust that was especially easy to use in real-world driving. Its Select Shift automatic transmission was sportier than expected, but those looking for a pure sports sedan experience a la the long-departed Taurus SHO will find the Sport agreeable but tending too much toward luxury to be wholly satisfying. The same is true of the AWD option; it’s a godsend in poor weather, but weighty the rest of the time.
Kudos, too, for the long telescoping steering column distance and ample legroom; the Fusion puts its midsize dimensions to full use in accommodating larger people.
Is it Right for You?
Ford clearly has a winner in the Fusion. It’s been driving circles around its vaunted competition in the crowded midsize market in handling, and will now do the same in power and fuel economy, too. Fusion quality is also top-rated in consumer surveys, and the pricing is competitive. At $19,270 the Fusion S competes with economy cars, followed by the 4-cylinder SE at $20,545 and SEL at $23,975. Expect approximately $25,000 for the 3.0-liter SEL, and a larger jump to $27,435 for the AWD V6 SEL. Fans of the V6 Sport are looking at $25,825 in 4WD and $27,675 in AWD configurations.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Residuals reduced on GM, Chrysler brands
Automotive Lease Guide is slashing projected residual values of 2009 models sold by all of Chrysler LLC's brands and half of General Motors' brands. The cuts reflect the brands' uncertain futures, the guide company says.
Automotive Lease Guide predicts what cars and trucks will be worth in 36 months — the length of a typical vehicle lease. Those forecasts affect lease rates and used-vehicle prices and help shape consumer attitudes toward brands and vehicles.
Starting next month, the guide company is cutting by as many as 5 percentage points its residual predictions for the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Saturn, Saab and Hummer brands and several Pontiac models. Those cuts are in addition to other adjustments the company makes, up or down, to the values of individual brands and models.
GM executives say the automaker plans to emphasize Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC. Hummer is for sale. Pontiac is to become a niche brand with a smaller lineup. GM plans to shed Saab and is studying what to do with Saturn.
Like GM, Chrysler is accepting emergency federal loans to stay in business while it restructures.
Value Judgement
Automotive Lease Guide is lowering its predictions of what many General Motors and Chrysler vehicles will be worth in 3 years. Residual values are expressed as the percentage of original sticker price that each brand's 2009 models are projected to retain after 36 months.
James Clark, editorial director of Automotive Lease Guide, said the company forecasts "additional risk" for the brands it has downgraded.
"We can't model exactly what the future holds," Clark told Automotive News, "because we don't know."
Automotive Lease Guide expresses its residual-value projections as a percentage of a vehicle's original sticker price. For example, the company predicts that a 2009 Pontiac Torrent crossover with two-wheel drive will be worth $8,037 in three years — 31.5 percent of its suggested new-vehicle retail price. The comparable 2008 Torrent has a projected 36-month residual of 40.0 percent.
With the across-the-board downgrades, Hummer's brand residual will fall to 38.6 percent next month, down 9.1 points from March 2008. Automotive Lease Guide is assigning Saab a residual of 36.1 percent, down 7.1 points from March 2008. Saturn's new residual is 41.3 percent, down 7.0 points from March 2008.
A residual of 50 percent or more is considered desirable for a brand or vehicle. Low residual projections make it harder for automakers to offer attractive consumer lease deals.
GM and Chrysler have cut back greatly on leasing in the past year. Last month, 3.3 percent of Chrysler's new-vehicle sales were leases, down from 24.7 percent in January 2008, according to Power Information Network. GM's lease rate in January was 2.8 percent, down from 18.3 percent in the year-ago month.
Joanne Krell, a spokeswoman for Hummer and Saab, says both brands seek to enhance their value to buyers with high-quality products and service.
"The things we can control, we'll do to the best of our ability — and better than the competition," Krell says.
Chrysler LLC spokeswoman Carrie McElwee declined to comment on the changes in brand valuations by Automotive Lease Guide, saying the automaker was unfamiliar with them.
Automotive Lease Guide predicts what cars and trucks will be worth in 36 months — the length of a typical vehicle lease. Those forecasts affect lease rates and used-vehicle prices and help shape consumer attitudes toward brands and vehicles.
Starting next month, the guide company is cutting by as many as 5 percentage points its residual predictions for the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Saturn, Saab and Hummer brands and several Pontiac models. Those cuts are in addition to other adjustments the company makes, up or down, to the values of individual brands and models.
GM executives say the automaker plans to emphasize Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC. Hummer is for sale. Pontiac is to become a niche brand with a smaller lineup. GM plans to shed Saab and is studying what to do with Saturn.
Like GM, Chrysler is accepting emergency federal loans to stay in business while it restructures.
Value Judgement
Automotive Lease Guide is lowering its predictions of what many General Motors and Chrysler vehicles will be worth in 3 years. Residual values are expressed as the percentage of original sticker price that each brand's 2009 models are projected to retain after 36 months.
James Clark, editorial director of Automotive Lease Guide, said the company forecasts "additional risk" for the brands it has downgraded.
"We can't model exactly what the future holds," Clark told Automotive News, "because we don't know."
Automotive Lease Guide expresses its residual-value projections as a percentage of a vehicle's original sticker price. For example, the company predicts that a 2009 Pontiac Torrent crossover with two-wheel drive will be worth $8,037 in three years — 31.5 percent of its suggested new-vehicle retail price. The comparable 2008 Torrent has a projected 36-month residual of 40.0 percent.
With the across-the-board downgrades, Hummer's brand residual will fall to 38.6 percent next month, down 9.1 points from March 2008. Automotive Lease Guide is assigning Saab a residual of 36.1 percent, down 7.1 points from March 2008. Saturn's new residual is 41.3 percent, down 7.0 points from March 2008.
A residual of 50 percent or more is considered desirable for a brand or vehicle. Low residual projections make it harder for automakers to offer attractive consumer lease deals.
GM and Chrysler have cut back greatly on leasing in the past year. Last month, 3.3 percent of Chrysler's new-vehicle sales were leases, down from 24.7 percent in January 2008, according to Power Information Network. GM's lease rate in January was 2.8 percent, down from 18.3 percent in the year-ago month.
Joanne Krell, a spokeswoman for Hummer and Saab, says both brands seek to enhance their value to buyers with high-quality products and service.
"The things we can control, we'll do to the best of our ability — and better than the competition," Krell says.
Chrysler LLC spokeswoman Carrie McElwee declined to comment on the changes in brand valuations by Automotive Lease Guide, saying the automaker was unfamiliar with them.
TAURUS SHO RETURNS WITH 365-HP ECOBOOST™ V6, PLUS ALL-WHEEL DRIVE, PADDLE-SHIFT SIX-SPEED GEARBOX
One of America’s favorite “sleeper” performance cars returns to the Ford lineup, powered by a EcoBoost™ twin-turbocharged engine. The Taurus SHO joins Ford’s growing lineup of performance vehicles for the 2010 model year, building on the legacy of the original
“The new Taurus SHO delivers on the authentic sleeper sedan formula but adds all-new luxury appointments, convenience features and technologies to an unsurpassed balance of power and fuel economy,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “This new sport derivative answers enthusiasts’ calls for a premium Ford flagship sedan with even more attitude.”
Introduced in 1989, Taurus SHO was conceived as a discreet performance-oriented sport sedan, ideally suited to the automotive enthusiast needing the room and capability of a four-door full-size car. Produced through 1999, more than 100,000 were sold.
The original Taurus SHO generated a loyal following of owners and enthusiasts, with an active club more than 1,000 members strong, an online forum with more than 10,000 registered users and a Web site (bringbackthesho.com) specifically devoted to convincing Ford to resurrect the SHO. The 2010 Taurus product development team spent significant time listening to SHO enthusiasts.
EcoBoost™ Twin-Turbocharged Power
The foundation of the new 2010 Taurus SHO is a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine. This advanced powerplant generates an estimated 365 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 350 lb-ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm2, resulting in significantly improved power, torque and fuel economy compared with larger, normally aspirated engines [need affidavit with supporting data]. This also is Ford’s most powerful EcoBoost engine.
A key feature of this EcoBoost engine is gasoline direct injection. Direct injection and turbocharging delivers higher performance, better fuel economy and fewer emissions than a naturally aspirated engine. Higher performance because improved transient response enabled by the direct injector reduces “turbo lag” which overcomes the traditional disadvantage of downsizing and boosting; better fuel economy because increased compression ratio enabled by direct injection air charge cooling and less “knock” tendency; fewer emissions because reduced emissions are enabled by increased heat to the catalyst.
The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 also uses twin turbochargers, as opposed to a single unit. The reduced size of each turbocharger results in reduced internal inertia, allowing this advanced engine to avoid the “turbo lag” often prevalent in earlier-generation turbocharged applications. From the driver’s seat, the rewarding result is linear power delivery across a broad torque band from 1,500 through 5,500 rpm.
SelectShift with Paddle Controls and All-Wheel Drive
The new Taurus SHO driveline combines a high-capacity six-speed 6F55 SelectShift transmission with a sophisticated torque-sensing All-Wheel-Drive System. These components work in harmony to deliver ample traction when putting EcoBoost power on the road. The six-speed transmission offers a wide array of gears to enable spirited acceleration, yet comfortable high-speed cruising, through a 2.77 to 1 final drive ratio.
SelectShift provides conventional automatic operation or a manual shift mode that gives the driver complete control over gear selection. For performance-minded drivers, paddle controls allow “match-rev” downshifts and will hold manually selected gears for precise control. Intuitively operated, a squeeze on either paddle will deliver an economical upshift under acceleration, while a gentle push forward brings a smooth downshift, synchronizing the engine and transmission speeds for responsive and positive engagement.
The Taurus SHO driveline is contemporized with the incorporation of a sophisticated All-Wheel-Drive System that engages automatically and unobtrusively. The unit contains an advanced array of internal electromechanical clutches to efficiently distribute torque to the wheels with optimum traction. Standard all-wheel drive allows the Taurus SHO to efficiently deliver its high performance to the pavement under a wide variety of conditions.
“Taurus SHO suspension and steering have been sport-tuned to provide discriminating drivers with precise control, confident handling, communicative feedback and a compliant ride,” said Pete Reyes, Taurus chief engineer.
Taurus SHO features an advanced electronic power-assisted steering (EPAS) system, providing responsive road feel and enhanced on-center balance while offering the additional benefit of increased fuel economy. SHO also features a sport-tuned suspension with unique shock absorbers, springs, stabilizer bars and strut mount bushings specifically developed and harmonized to deliver the highest level of Ford DNA road holding, cornering agility and steering responsiveness available in a Blue Oval full-size sedan.
Taurus SHO takes full advantage of the multi-link SR1 rear suspension design. Named for the 1:1 shock absorber ratio, this configuration provides an inherently stable baseline for the SHO development team to fine tune for enhanced driver control and agility. In addition, the SR1 rear suspension geometry provides increased travel, while enabling the use of 19- and 20-inch wheels and tires.
For the discriminating automotive enthusiast, Taurus SHO offers an available SHO Performance Package consisting of upgraded brake pads, recalibrated EPAS for even more responsiveness, a “Sport Mode” setting for the standard AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control and a shorter 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio for faster acceleration. Summer-compound 20-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 performance tires on premium painted wheels also are included.
SHO-Specific Subtlety
A key element of the authentic SHO formula is the subtlety of its unique exterior design cues. Features include sporty premium painted wheels, wrapped in standard low-profile 19-inch Goodyear Eagle or optional 20-inch Michelin high-performance tires, a decklid-mounted spoiler and twin chrome exhaust tips. SHO also features a uniquely finished interpretation of the Ford signature three-bar grille with SHO-specific parking lamp bezels.
“Taurus SHO was always a stealth high-performance car,” said Earl Lucas, exterior design manager. “The new SHO builds on the expressive design of the 2010 Taurus, adding subtle cues that set it apart.”
The 2010 SHO is available in a wide range of new Taurus colors including Atlantis Green Metallic, a unique SHO color inspired by the iconic Deep Emerald Green hue appearing in 1991.
The new Taurus SHO interior encourages performance driving. Leather-trimmed seats with Miko Suede inserts, made from recycled post-consumer yarns from plastic soft drink bottles, are comfortable and luxurious. A perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel puts the driver in smooth touch with the road. Front seats are 10-way power adjustable. SHO accelerator and brake pedals are trimmed in aluminum. The console, instrument and door panels feature SHO-specific authentic aluminum appliqués. SHO branding appears on the unique floor mats, and on the passenger side of the instrument panel.
Taurus SHO: Performance and Convenience
The 2010 Taurus SHO offers an impressive array of standard convenience features as well as optional features and content. Standard Taurus SHO amenities include:
Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start, a new Taurus feature allowing drivers to enter the car and start the engine without using a conventional key. Drivers simply carry the fob as they approach the vehicle, touch the SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad, open the door and enter, apply pressure on the brake pedal and push a button to start the engine.
MyKey™ allows enthusiasts to activate a restricted driving mode, persistent Belt-Minder® safety belt reminder, audio system volume limits, an earlier low-fuel warning, and consistently engaged AdvanceTrac® stability control. The top vehicle speed can be limited to 80 mph, and speed chimes can be programmed to engage at 45, 55 or 65 mph, further protecting their investment.
Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel Filler, a unique feature that eliminates the need for a traditional fuel cap. Easy Fuel is a hassle-free solution that provides a consistent self-seal after every refueling.
Ford SYNC® is the fully integrated, in-vehicle voice-activated communications and entertainment system standard on Taurus SHO. The system combines 911 Assist™, Vehicle Health Report and GPS-based features including business search and call completion. SYNC connects to MP3 players, iPods, memory sticks and PDAs. The latest version of SYNC in the Taurus SHO adds Traffic, Directions and Information, providing turn-by-turn route guidance and the capability to access and personalize content.
Ambient Lighting allows the Taurus SHO driver to program interior lighting from a choice of five soothing colors to suit any preference.
The 2010 Taurus SHO comes standard with the full array of active and passive safety equipment and features offered across the Taurus range.
Available options on the 2010 Taurus SHO include:
Reverse Camera System, a unique SHO option, activates when reverse gear is selected, providing the driver with additional rear visibility, projecting on the windshield-mounted rearview mirror.
Adaptive Cruise Control, which allows the driver to set the Taurus SHO cruising speed while using radar technology to monitor traffic traveling up to 600 feet ahead, automatically adjusting speed to help maintain a preset distance between vehicles. Adaptive cruise control comes with Collision Warning with Brake Support, providing visible and audible warnings when slower traffic is detected ahead. Brake support is activated if the driver does not respond to provided warnings, and precharges the brake system to prepare the vehicle for stopping.
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross-Traffic Alert consists of two multiple-beam radar modules, one each per rear quarter panel. When an adjacent vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone, an indicator alert provides driver warning in the corresponding sideview mirror.
Cross-Traffic Alert uses existing BLIS radar modules to sense oncoming traffic while the Taurus SHO is slowly backed from a parking space. When cross traffic appears within three car widths, the system provides a visible message on the instrument panel in combination with a sideview mirror warning and an audible signal.
Multicontour Seats with Active Motion™ can be specified in conjunction with heated and cooled first-row positions in the new Taurus SHO. Multicontour functionality provides subtle but continuous massage to help prevent back pain and fatigue and is ideally suited to meet the needs of long-distance drivers.
Voice-Activated Navigation System includes a 10GB music jukebox hard drive and a single-CD/DVD player. When combined with the optional rear view camera, rearview projection appears on the center-stack-mounted navigation screen.
Sony® Audio System offers 12 speakers, a digital amplifier, 390 watts of continuous power (RMS), 115 dB of maximum bass sound pressure level and Dolby® Pro Logic® II surround technology.
The 2010 Taurus SHO will be built at Ford’s Chicago (Ill.) assembly plant and will be available in dealerships this summer, starting at a base price of $37,995, including destination.
* The Taurus SHO returns as the sporty version of Ford's new flagship, introducing a new generation of premium performance and fuel economy with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ V6. This engine delivers V8 levels of power – with an estimated 365 horsepower – without compromising its V6 fuel economy1
* The 2010 Taurus SHO features an enhanced SelectShift automatic six-speed transmission with control paddles mounted on the steering wheel, in combination with a sophisticated torque-sensing All-Wheel-Drive System, a sportier SHO interior, subtle exterior design cues, and myriad technologies and features offered on Taurus
* Taurus SHO will be available this summer, starting at $37,995, including destination fees
“The new Taurus SHO delivers on the authentic sleeper sedan formula but adds all-new luxury appointments, convenience features and technologies to an unsurpassed balance of power and fuel economy,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “This new sport derivative answers enthusiasts’ calls for a premium Ford flagship sedan with even more attitude.”
Introduced in 1989, Taurus SHO was conceived as a discreet performance-oriented sport sedan, ideally suited to the automotive enthusiast needing the room and capability of a four-door full-size car. Produced through 1999, more than 100,000 were sold.
The original Taurus SHO generated a loyal following of owners and enthusiasts, with an active club more than 1,000 members strong, an online forum with more than 10,000 registered users and a Web site (bringbackthesho.com) specifically devoted to convincing Ford to resurrect the SHO. The 2010 Taurus product development team spent significant time listening to SHO enthusiasts.
EcoBoost™ Twin-Turbocharged Power
The foundation of the new 2010 Taurus SHO is a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine. This advanced powerplant generates an estimated 365 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 350 lb-ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm2, resulting in significantly improved power, torque and fuel economy compared with larger, normally aspirated engines [need affidavit with supporting data]. This also is Ford’s most powerful EcoBoost engine.
A key feature of this EcoBoost engine is gasoline direct injection. Direct injection and turbocharging delivers higher performance, better fuel economy and fewer emissions than a naturally aspirated engine. Higher performance because improved transient response enabled by the direct injector reduces “turbo lag” which overcomes the traditional disadvantage of downsizing and boosting; better fuel economy because increased compression ratio enabled by direct injection air charge cooling and less “knock” tendency; fewer emissions because reduced emissions are enabled by increased heat to the catalyst.
The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 also uses twin turbochargers, as opposed to a single unit. The reduced size of each turbocharger results in reduced internal inertia, allowing this advanced engine to avoid the “turbo lag” often prevalent in earlier-generation turbocharged applications. From the driver’s seat, the rewarding result is linear power delivery across a broad torque band from 1,500 through 5,500 rpm.
SelectShift with Paddle Controls and All-Wheel Drive
The new Taurus SHO driveline combines a high-capacity six-speed 6F55 SelectShift transmission with a sophisticated torque-sensing All-Wheel-Drive System. These components work in harmony to deliver ample traction when putting EcoBoost power on the road. The six-speed transmission offers a wide array of gears to enable spirited acceleration, yet comfortable high-speed cruising, through a 2.77 to 1 final drive ratio.
SelectShift provides conventional automatic operation or a manual shift mode that gives the driver complete control over gear selection. For performance-minded drivers, paddle controls allow “match-rev” downshifts and will hold manually selected gears for precise control. Intuitively operated, a squeeze on either paddle will deliver an economical upshift under acceleration, while a gentle push forward brings a smooth downshift, synchronizing the engine and transmission speeds for responsive and positive engagement.
The Taurus SHO driveline is contemporized with the incorporation of a sophisticated All-Wheel-Drive System that engages automatically and unobtrusively. The unit contains an advanced array of internal electromechanical clutches to efficiently distribute torque to the wheels with optimum traction. Standard all-wheel drive allows the Taurus SHO to efficiently deliver its high performance to the pavement under a wide variety of conditions.
“Taurus SHO suspension and steering have been sport-tuned to provide discriminating drivers with precise control, confident handling, communicative feedback and a compliant ride,” said Pete Reyes, Taurus chief engineer.
Taurus SHO features an advanced electronic power-assisted steering (EPAS) system, providing responsive road feel and enhanced on-center balance while offering the additional benefit of increased fuel economy. SHO also features a sport-tuned suspension with unique shock absorbers, springs, stabilizer bars and strut mount bushings specifically developed and harmonized to deliver the highest level of Ford DNA road holding, cornering agility and steering responsiveness available in a Blue Oval full-size sedan.
Taurus SHO takes full advantage of the multi-link SR1 rear suspension design. Named for the 1:1 shock absorber ratio, this configuration provides an inherently stable baseline for the SHO development team to fine tune for enhanced driver control and agility. In addition, the SR1 rear suspension geometry provides increased travel, while enabling the use of 19- and 20-inch wheels and tires.
For the discriminating automotive enthusiast, Taurus SHO offers an available SHO Performance Package consisting of upgraded brake pads, recalibrated EPAS for even more responsiveness, a “Sport Mode” setting for the standard AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control and a shorter 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio for faster acceleration. Summer-compound 20-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 performance tires on premium painted wheels also are included.
SHO-Specific Subtlety
A key element of the authentic SHO formula is the subtlety of its unique exterior design cues. Features include sporty premium painted wheels, wrapped in standard low-profile 19-inch Goodyear Eagle or optional 20-inch Michelin high-performance tires, a decklid-mounted spoiler and twin chrome exhaust tips. SHO also features a uniquely finished interpretation of the Ford signature three-bar grille with SHO-specific parking lamp bezels.
“Taurus SHO was always a stealth high-performance car,” said Earl Lucas, exterior design manager. “The new SHO builds on the expressive design of the 2010 Taurus, adding subtle cues that set it apart.”
The 2010 SHO is available in a wide range of new Taurus colors including Atlantis Green Metallic, a unique SHO color inspired by the iconic Deep Emerald Green hue appearing in 1991.
The new Taurus SHO interior encourages performance driving. Leather-trimmed seats with Miko Suede inserts, made from recycled post-consumer yarns from plastic soft drink bottles, are comfortable and luxurious. A perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel puts the driver in smooth touch with the road. Front seats are 10-way power adjustable. SHO accelerator and brake pedals are trimmed in aluminum. The console, instrument and door panels feature SHO-specific authentic aluminum appliqués. SHO branding appears on the unique floor mats, and on the passenger side of the instrument panel.
Taurus SHO: Performance and Convenience
The 2010 Taurus SHO offers an impressive array of standard convenience features as well as optional features and content. Standard Taurus SHO amenities include:
Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start, a new Taurus feature allowing drivers to enter the car and start the engine without using a conventional key. Drivers simply carry the fob as they approach the vehicle, touch the SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad, open the door and enter, apply pressure on the brake pedal and push a button to start the engine.
MyKey™ allows enthusiasts to activate a restricted driving mode, persistent Belt-Minder® safety belt reminder, audio system volume limits, an earlier low-fuel warning, and consistently engaged AdvanceTrac® stability control. The top vehicle speed can be limited to 80 mph, and speed chimes can be programmed to engage at 45, 55 or 65 mph, further protecting their investment.
Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel Filler, a unique feature that eliminates the need for a traditional fuel cap. Easy Fuel is a hassle-free solution that provides a consistent self-seal after every refueling.
Ford SYNC® is the fully integrated, in-vehicle voice-activated communications and entertainment system standard on Taurus SHO. The system combines 911 Assist™, Vehicle Health Report and GPS-based features including business search and call completion. SYNC connects to MP3 players, iPods, memory sticks and PDAs. The latest version of SYNC in the Taurus SHO adds Traffic, Directions and Information, providing turn-by-turn route guidance and the capability to access and personalize content.
Ambient Lighting allows the Taurus SHO driver to program interior lighting from a choice of five soothing colors to suit any preference.
The 2010 Taurus SHO comes standard with the full array of active and passive safety equipment and features offered across the Taurus range.
Available options on the 2010 Taurus SHO include:
Reverse Camera System, a unique SHO option, activates when reverse gear is selected, providing the driver with additional rear visibility, projecting on the windshield-mounted rearview mirror.
Adaptive Cruise Control, which allows the driver to set the Taurus SHO cruising speed while using radar technology to monitor traffic traveling up to 600 feet ahead, automatically adjusting speed to help maintain a preset distance between vehicles. Adaptive cruise control comes with Collision Warning with Brake Support, providing visible and audible warnings when slower traffic is detected ahead. Brake support is activated if the driver does not respond to provided warnings, and precharges the brake system to prepare the vehicle for stopping.
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross-Traffic Alert consists of two multiple-beam radar modules, one each per rear quarter panel. When an adjacent vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone, an indicator alert provides driver warning in the corresponding sideview mirror.
Cross-Traffic Alert uses existing BLIS radar modules to sense oncoming traffic while the Taurus SHO is slowly backed from a parking space. When cross traffic appears within three car widths, the system provides a visible message on the instrument panel in combination with a sideview mirror warning and an audible signal.
Multicontour Seats with Active Motion™ can be specified in conjunction with heated and cooled first-row positions in the new Taurus SHO. Multicontour functionality provides subtle but continuous massage to help prevent back pain and fatigue and is ideally suited to meet the needs of long-distance drivers.
Voice-Activated Navigation System includes a 10GB music jukebox hard drive and a single-CD/DVD player. When combined with the optional rear view camera, rearview projection appears on the center-stack-mounted navigation screen.
Sony® Audio System offers 12 speakers, a digital amplifier, 390 watts of continuous power (RMS), 115 dB of maximum bass sound pressure level and Dolby® Pro Logic® II surround technology.
The 2010 Taurus SHO will be built at Ford’s Chicago (Ill.) assembly plant and will be available in dealerships this summer, starting at a base price of $37,995, including destination.
* The Taurus SHO returns as the sporty version of Ford's new flagship, introducing a new generation of premium performance and fuel economy with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ V6. This engine delivers V8 levels of power – with an estimated 365 horsepower – without compromising its V6 fuel economy1
* The 2010 Taurus SHO features an enhanced SelectShift automatic six-speed transmission with control paddles mounted on the steering wheel, in combination with a sophisticated torque-sensing All-Wheel-Drive System, a sportier SHO interior, subtle exterior design cues, and myriad technologies and features offered on Taurus
* Taurus SHO will be available this summer, starting at $37,995, including destination fees
Ford Hybrids Recognized by IntelliChoice.com as Best Crossover/SUV Value Under $28,000
-- 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid were named Best Crossover/SUV Value Under $28,000 by IntelliChoice.com.
-- Best Overall Value of the Year (BOVY) Awards recognize vehicles whose cost of ownership are significantly lower than expected compared to competitive models in the same class.
CHICAGO, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid were named Best Crossover/SUV Value Under $28,000 today at the Chicago Auto Show by IntelliChoice.com, a leading source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis.
The Best Overall Value of the Year (BOVY) Awards recognize vehicles whose cost of ownership are significantly lower than expected compared to competitive models in the same class. According to James Bell, editor of IntelliChoice.com, the awards provide consumers with a quick reference to finding vehicles that promise the best return on investment.
"The BOVY Awards are an essential guide at a time when most consumers are carefully watching their wallets," said Bell. "A vehicle's cost of ownership has gone from 'nice to know' to 'need to know' when comparing possible purchases. The BOVY's guide buyers on which car, truck or Crossover/SUV will deliver the most value for their money, especially when that vehicle ages and starts to lose that seductive new car smell."
IntelliChoice.com selects BOVY winners based on the most important factors that determine the long-term costs of a vehicle, says Bell. They include depreciation/retained value, maintenance and repair costs, fuel costs, insurance and state fees. When you look at all of those areas, he says, the Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner came out on top.
"Sometimes the more expensive a vehicle is, the better the value, but in this particular case it's like the perfect storm," he explained. "The Ford Escape Hybrid and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid offer 95 percent of the space and quality of other hybrid SUVs but at a lower price point with a great, readily available dealer network and strong brand value."
Ford Lincoln Mercury Hybrid Marketing Manager David Finnegan agrees.
"The Escape and Mariner Hybrids offer a no-compromise solution for SUV customers - great SUV features and capability all wrapped up in the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the planet," said Finnegan. "The BOVY Award is recognition of that value."
Though the BOVY Awards are strictly data driven and not influenced by editorial opinions, Bell had the opportunity to drive both vehicles and was impressed by the refinements made over the prior models.
"Not only are they smart buys, but the Ford Escape Hybrid and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid are also very rewarding vehicles to drive," he said. "Ford is not taking hybrids lightly, and I think that's excellent."
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company F, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 213,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's wholly owned brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.
IntelliChoice.com
IntelliChoice.com, part of Source Interlink Media, LLC, is the market leader in automotive ownership cost and value analysis. Founded in 1986, IntelliChoice.com is committing to empowering consumers to make better purchase decisions by providing independent and essential automotive information and tools.
SOURCE Ford Motor Company
Copyright 2009 PR Newswire
-- Best Overall Value of the Year (BOVY) Awards recognize vehicles whose cost of ownership are significantly lower than expected compared to competitive models in the same class.
CHICAGO, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid were named Best Crossover/SUV Value Under $28,000 today at the Chicago Auto Show by IntelliChoice.com, a leading source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis.
The Best Overall Value of the Year (BOVY) Awards recognize vehicles whose cost of ownership are significantly lower than expected compared to competitive models in the same class. According to James Bell, editor of IntelliChoice.com, the awards provide consumers with a quick reference to finding vehicles that promise the best return on investment.
"The BOVY Awards are an essential guide at a time when most consumers are carefully watching their wallets," said Bell. "A vehicle's cost of ownership has gone from 'nice to know' to 'need to know' when comparing possible purchases. The BOVY's guide buyers on which car, truck or Crossover/SUV will deliver the most value for their money, especially when that vehicle ages and starts to lose that seductive new car smell."
IntelliChoice.com selects BOVY winners based on the most important factors that determine the long-term costs of a vehicle, says Bell. They include depreciation/retained value, maintenance and repair costs, fuel costs, insurance and state fees. When you look at all of those areas, he says, the Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner came out on top.
"Sometimes the more expensive a vehicle is, the better the value, but in this particular case it's like the perfect storm," he explained. "The Ford Escape Hybrid and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid offer 95 percent of the space and quality of other hybrid SUVs but at a lower price point with a great, readily available dealer network and strong brand value."
Ford Lincoln Mercury Hybrid Marketing Manager David Finnegan agrees.
"The Escape and Mariner Hybrids offer a no-compromise solution for SUV customers - great SUV features and capability all wrapped up in the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the planet," said Finnegan. "The BOVY Award is recognition of that value."
Though the BOVY Awards are strictly data driven and not influenced by editorial opinions, Bell had the opportunity to drive both vehicles and was impressed by the refinements made over the prior models.
"Not only are they smart buys, but the Ford Escape Hybrid and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid are also very rewarding vehicles to drive," he said. "Ford is not taking hybrids lightly, and I think that's excellent."
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company F, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 213,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's wholly owned brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.
IntelliChoice.com
IntelliChoice.com, part of Source Interlink Media, LLC, is the market leader in automotive ownership cost and value analysis. Founded in 1986, IntelliChoice.com is committing to empowering consumers to make better purchase decisions by providing independent and essential automotive information and tools.
SOURCE Ford Motor Company
Copyright 2009 PR Newswire
Four big pickups get low marks in crash tests
WASHINGTON -- Four 2009 full-sized pickups got low marks in side-impact crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a research group for auto insurers.
Crash protection is “poor” in crew-cab versions of the Chevrolet Silverado and Nissan Titan without side-impact airbags, according to test results the institute released today.
The Dodge Ram with standard side-impact airbags got only a “marginal” rating, the institute said. The Titan with optional side airbags also was rated marginal. The Silverado with optional side airbags still was rated poor, the institute added.
The Silverado results also apply to its sibling, the GMC Sierra, the institute said.
The institute’s four rating categories are good, acceptable, marginal and poor.
Although pickups are touted as workhorses, the side-impact crash protection in the tested models is “wimpy at best,” the institute said in a statement.
Three pickups tested earlier got “good” scores in side-impact crash tests, which simulate being struck by another pickup or SUV moving at 31 mph. Those models getting good side-impact scores were the Honda Ridgeline, Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra, all with side-impact airbags.
All of the full-sized pickups tested got good scores in frontal-impact crashes, conducted at 40 mph.
But pickups, which have advantages of size, weight and height, also should do a good job of protecting occupants in side crashes, said David Zuby, the institute’s senior vice president. He contended the Silverado, Titan and Ram “still miss the mark.”
Crash protection is “poor” in crew-cab versions of the Chevrolet Silverado and Nissan Titan without side-impact airbags, according to test results the institute released today.
The Dodge Ram with standard side-impact airbags got only a “marginal” rating, the institute said. The Titan with optional side airbags also was rated marginal. The Silverado with optional side airbags still was rated poor, the institute added.
The Silverado results also apply to its sibling, the GMC Sierra, the institute said.
The institute’s four rating categories are good, acceptable, marginal and poor.
Although pickups are touted as workhorses, the side-impact crash protection in the tested models is “wimpy at best,” the institute said in a statement.
Three pickups tested earlier got “good” scores in side-impact crash tests, which simulate being struck by another pickup or SUV moving at 31 mph. Those models getting good side-impact scores were the Honda Ridgeline, Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra, all with side-impact airbags.
All of the full-sized pickups tested got good scores in frontal-impact crashes, conducted at 40 mph.
But pickups, which have advantages of size, weight and height, also should do a good job of protecting occupants in side crashes, said David Zuby, the institute’s senior vice president. He contended the Silverado, Titan and Ram “still miss the mark.”
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
2009 Chicago Auto Show: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO
There was nothing particularly spectacular about today's introduction of the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO. They rolled out a couple cars, received a rousing response from a group of SHO enthusiasts imported for the reveal and called it a day.
There was no revving of the 365-horsepower twin-turbo V6, or videos of the car burning its tires off the rims. Understandable, really, given that it probably doesn't sound all that mean, and its standard all-wheel-drive setup means it can't really do a burnout without sacrificing the halfshafts.
Still looks good, though, and when it goes on sale later this year it should be one of Ford's best cars in a long time -- even if it can't do a burnout.
There was no revving of the 365-horsepower twin-turbo V6, or videos of the car burning its tires off the rims. Understandable, really, given that it probably doesn't sound all that mean, and its standard all-wheel-drive setup means it can't really do a burnout without sacrificing the halfshafts.
Still looks good, though, and when it goes on sale later this year it should be one of Ford's best cars in a long time -- even if it can't do a burnout.
2010 Ford Taurus SHO
What is it?
2010 Ford Taurus SHO
What's special about it?
It's been 20 years since the first Taurus SHO won over enthusiasts starved for an American performance sedan.
With a sassy-looking new Taurus launching for 2010, Ford thought it was time to revisit one of the bright spots in its recent sedan history and relaunch the high-performance version of the big four-door.
The good news: This new version does not have a dinner platter affixed to its trunk lid like the catfish-shape '96 SHO did. The bad news: Well, there's no manual transmission option as there was for the first two generations of the SHO.
But in place of the four-speed automatic that soiled the third-generation SHO, the 2010 model uses a sophisticated six-speed automatic, which can be shifted manually via steering column-mounted paddles and will even give a little goose to the throttle on downshifts.
This tranny is bolted to — wait for it — a twin-turbo, direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 that makes 365 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 350 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. The engine wears Ford's EcoBoost badge and is a slightly juiced version of the engine that will be available in the Lincoln MKS and MKT this year. Not coincidentally, one platform underpins all three vehicles (as well as the Ford Flex).
For the first time in the SHO's history, the 2010 model will come standard with all-wheel drive, the same Haldex system that will be optional on the standard Taurus. Ford expects this setup to deliver 25 mpg on the highway. Incidentally, the dual exhaust is a true dual, unlike the standard Taurus exhaust, which Ford refers to as "quasi-dual."
Naturally, Ford has toughened up the SHO's suspension with stiffer springs, stiffer antiroll bars and new shocks.
If that doesn't sound like enough performance for you, Ford will offer option 12S Performance package for about $995. The package brings upgraded brake pads, a more responsive tune for the electric power-assist steering, a Sport mode for the stability control system and a 3.16:1 final drive in place of the standard 2.77:1. The 12S package also brings Goodyear Eagle F1 summer tires mounted on painted 20-inch wheels.
The exterior getup is pretty restrained, as the SHO always has been. There's a small SHO badge just behind the rear side windows. Ford has also bolted on a trunk lid spoiler, of course. And the standard Taurus front grille gets a new finish. Inside the new Taurus are unique leather-covered sport seats with synthetic suede inserts made from recycled soda bottles. The SHO also has aluminum trim for the instrument and door panels.
Because the company considers this the flagship of the Ford brand, it's offered with all of the electronic goodies available, including keyless entry and push-button start, rearview camera, adaptive cruise control with collision warning and blind spot detection system.
At $37,995, the SHO will start at $6,000 more than the Taurus Limited model. It'll be in dealerships this summer.
Inside Line says:
The new SHO has the looks and the power to be a genuinely intriguing option. — Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit
2010 Ford Taurus SHO
What's special about it?
It's been 20 years since the first Taurus SHO won over enthusiasts starved for an American performance sedan.
With a sassy-looking new Taurus launching for 2010, Ford thought it was time to revisit one of the bright spots in its recent sedan history and relaunch the high-performance version of the big four-door.
The good news: This new version does not have a dinner platter affixed to its trunk lid like the catfish-shape '96 SHO did. The bad news: Well, there's no manual transmission option as there was for the first two generations of the SHO.
But in place of the four-speed automatic that soiled the third-generation SHO, the 2010 model uses a sophisticated six-speed automatic, which can be shifted manually via steering column-mounted paddles and will even give a little goose to the throttle on downshifts.
This tranny is bolted to — wait for it — a twin-turbo, direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 that makes 365 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 350 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. The engine wears Ford's EcoBoost badge and is a slightly juiced version of the engine that will be available in the Lincoln MKS and MKT this year. Not coincidentally, one platform underpins all three vehicles (as well as the Ford Flex).
For the first time in the SHO's history, the 2010 model will come standard with all-wheel drive, the same Haldex system that will be optional on the standard Taurus. Ford expects this setup to deliver 25 mpg on the highway. Incidentally, the dual exhaust is a true dual, unlike the standard Taurus exhaust, which Ford refers to as "quasi-dual."
Naturally, Ford has toughened up the SHO's suspension with stiffer springs, stiffer antiroll bars and new shocks.
If that doesn't sound like enough performance for you, Ford will offer option 12S Performance package for about $995. The package brings upgraded brake pads, a more responsive tune for the electric power-assist steering, a Sport mode for the stability control system and a 3.16:1 final drive in place of the standard 2.77:1. The 12S package also brings Goodyear Eagle F1 summer tires mounted on painted 20-inch wheels.
The exterior getup is pretty restrained, as the SHO always has been. There's a small SHO badge just behind the rear side windows. Ford has also bolted on a trunk lid spoiler, of course. And the standard Taurus front grille gets a new finish. Inside the new Taurus are unique leather-covered sport seats with synthetic suede inserts made from recycled soda bottles. The SHO also has aluminum trim for the instrument and door panels.
Because the company considers this the flagship of the Ford brand, it's offered with all of the electronic goodies available, including keyless entry and push-button start, rearview camera, adaptive cruise control with collision warning and blind spot detection system.
At $37,995, the SHO will start at $6,000 more than the Taurus Limited model. It'll be in dealerships this summer.
Inside Line says:
The new SHO has the looks and the power to be a genuinely intriguing option. — Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
2009 Auto Shows
The 2009 Chicago and Milwaukee auto shows are coming up. If you live near the area this would be a great thing to check out. Ticket prices range from $4 to $10. The Milwaukee Auto Show is located at the Midwest Airlines Center and will take place from Saturday, February 21 through Sunday, March 1. The Chicago Auto Show is located at McCormik Place and will take place from February 13 through the 22.
There will be a special test drive deal at both auto shows. If you attend the show and give your personal information to a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury Product Specialist they will send you an e-mail for a test drive. Then if you print the e-mail and take it to your local dealership before the expiration date. You will receive a $50 MasterCard in the mail. This is an easy way to check out new Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars and get $50 free.
For more information on the Milwaukee show visit:
http://www.motortrendautoshows.com/milwaukee/generalinfo.jsp
For more information on the Chicago show visit:
http://www.chicagoautoshow.com/
There will be a special test drive deal at both auto shows. If you attend the show and give your personal information to a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury Product Specialist they will send you an e-mail for a test drive. Then if you print the e-mail and take it to your local dealership before the expiration date. You will receive a $50 MasterCard in the mail. This is an easy way to check out new Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars and get $50 free.
For more information on the Milwaukee show visit:
http://www.motortrendautoshows.com/milwaukee/generalinfo.jsp
For more information on the Chicago show visit:
http://www.chicagoautoshow.com/
Test Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion is best gas-electric hybrid yet
By James R. Healey, USA TODAY
OK, let's just get it out there: The 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid is the best gasoline-electric hybrid yet.
What makes it best is a top-drawer blend of an already very good midsize sedan with the industry's smoothest, best-integrated gas-electric power system. It's so well-done that you have to look to the $107,000 Lexus LS 600h hybrid to come close.
Fusion's $28,000 starting price is more or less in reach, the driving feel is good, and the interior has a premium look and feel.
There are three facets to consider in evaluating a gasoline-electric hybrid: the underlying vehicle itself, the hybrid system and the mileage.
Assuming the preproduction Fusion hybrid test car was representative — Ford says it was — the Fusion's scores in those three categories are good, great and adequate, but potentially, very good.
The Toyota Prius crowd will protest. Prius is lower-priced, has about the same room inside, has a handy hatchback configuration, gets better mileage — and most of those attributes could improve when the 2010 Prius goes on sale in a few months — so how could Fusion be the best hybrid?
Simple. Fusion drives better. A car is, after all, a driving machine. Brownie points for saving somewhat more fuel or offering a cargo-friendly hatchback, but driving feel is most important.
And there, Fusion is without equal among hybrids.
Here's a look:
•The car. A slick machine, regardless of powerplant. Smooth looks. Good manners. Adequate space. Comfortable accommodations. Above-average ambience.
Ford launched Fusion as a gasoline-only car in 2005 as a 2006 model.
It's getting a midcycle update for 2010, including a hybrid version for the first time, which will begin arriving at dealers mid-March.
The hood has a wide, demi-dome bulge, and the grille and rump are tweaked a bit.
The grille now looks as if it was done that way on purpose.
A commendable change: The turning circle is 2 feet narrower. No more back-and-forth getting into or out of a tight parking spot at the shopping mall. The change makes the car feel more nimble overall, not just when docking in a narrow slot.
•Hybrid system. The basic four-cylinder gasoline engine is a 2.5-liter, up from a 2.3-liter in previous Fusions. A little more oomph is the welcome result. The aural signature could be better — it comes down on the coarse side when spurred hard — but isn't a deal-breaker. The electric motor delivers more crank than you get from the gas engines in most small cars.
And the miracle is how Ford blends the two. There was no — none, nada, zip — vibration or shimmying in the test car when the gasoline kicked in to help the electric. No other hybrid — not even that $107,000 Lexus — can make that claim 100% of the time.
Fusion's main rivals, Camry and Nissan Altima hybrids, shake a lot when their gasoline engines join the party, Altima especially.
And no, it's not worth accepting the lack of refinement as a price for saving fuel. It'll make you bitter and crazy after a while, wincing in advance knowing that shudder is due any second.
One Ford trick: using the engine's electronic controls to halt the gasoline engine just at the point in the crankshaft rotation where a cylinder is ready to fire again.
There was a distant shudder when the Fusion's gasoline engine restarted after stopping at a red light, as all hybrids do to save fuel. But it was milder than in any other hybrid tested, so minor as to be inconsequential.
The other great thing about the Fusion hybrid is information delivery. You can pick how much hybrid-related data you want on the instrument panel. Regardless of how much you ask for, Fusion delivers it informatively, no scolding or overwhelming you, as other hybrids do.
Yes, there's the "atta way" pictograph of leaves growing into a wreath if you drive just so. But you can shut that off.
• Mileage. Mediocre for a hybrid in the test, but the mileage numbers were continuing to climb even as the test ended. And the car registered 40-plus miles per gallon in a couple of short trips that usually return crummy, not outstanding, mileage.
Best guess: Moderate, but not mileage-obsessed, drivers could get 35 mpg or so in suburban settings. Not the 41 government rating, but impressive for a 3,720-pound midsizer.
Fusion's city mileage rating is better than Camry's 33 mpg, but does it get more in real life? Probably depends more on the driver than the car.
Even if the Fusion gets lower real-world results, it's still much smoother and a whole lot nicer to drive.
More about the 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid
What? Gasoline-electric hybrid version of midsize, four-door, front-drive Fusion that's been updated for 2010 model year. Ford's Mercury brand sells the nearly identical Milan.
When? Hybrid and gasoline versions begin arriving at dealers in March.
Where? Made at Hermosillo, Mexico.
Why? Pirate some sales from Toyota's Camry hybrid. And burnish Ford's "green" credentials.
How much? Starts at $27,995 ($3,295 more than most similar gas model). With all factory options: $32,435. Midlevel test car: $29,590 (no leather or navigation system). Gasoline model starts at $19,995.
How many? About 20,000 a year, including a few Milans; more if Mikey likes it.
How powerful? Modestly — punch not being the key issue in a hybrid: 2.5-liter gasoline engine rated 156 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 136 pounds-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. Electric motor: 106 hp at 6,500 rpm, 166 lbs.-ft. the moment it begins to turn (an appealing attribute of electric motors). Ford says net combined hp is 191, but declines (like most hybrid makers) to specify net combined torque.
Continuously variable automatic transmission blends power from the gas, electric powerplants.
How fancy? Lots standard, including expected bags, belts, stability and traction controls and power accessories, plus the unexpected: Free six-month satellite radio service (Sirius), 110-volt outlet, six-CD stereo (instead of the typical single setup), dual-zone climate control, auto on-off headlights, auto-dimming mirror, backup alarm. In other words, you actually could abide the base Fusion hybrid.
How big? On the small end of the midsize scale. Fractionally bigger outside than Toyota Camry hybrid, slightly smaller inside, but has a bigger trunk.
Fusion hybrid is 190.6 inches long, 72.2 in. wide, 56.9 in. tall on a 107.4-in. wheelbase.
Passenger space is listed as 99.8 cubic feet, trunk as 11.8 cu. ft. Weight listed as 3,720 lbs. Turning diameter is 37.5 ft.
How thirsty? Rated 41 miles per gallon in town, 36 on the highway, 39 in combined driving.
Test car trip computer showed 27.2 mpg (but was continuing to climb when test period ended) in 300 miles of suburban driving. Registered a remarkable 41.4 mpg in one 5.1-mile suburban trip, 44 mpg in a 3.1-mile hop, driven normally, no nursing.
Tank holds 17 gallons. Regular (87 octane) gasoline is specified.
Overall: Best hybrid.
OK, let's just get it out there: The 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid is the best gasoline-electric hybrid yet.
What makes it best is a top-drawer blend of an already very good midsize sedan with the industry's smoothest, best-integrated gas-electric power system. It's so well-done that you have to look to the $107,000 Lexus LS 600h hybrid to come close.
Fusion's $28,000 starting price is more or less in reach, the driving feel is good, and the interior has a premium look and feel.
There are three facets to consider in evaluating a gasoline-electric hybrid: the underlying vehicle itself, the hybrid system and the mileage.
Assuming the preproduction Fusion hybrid test car was representative — Ford says it was — the Fusion's scores in those three categories are good, great and adequate, but potentially, very good.
The Toyota Prius crowd will protest. Prius is lower-priced, has about the same room inside, has a handy hatchback configuration, gets better mileage — and most of those attributes could improve when the 2010 Prius goes on sale in a few months — so how could Fusion be the best hybrid?
Simple. Fusion drives better. A car is, after all, a driving machine. Brownie points for saving somewhat more fuel or offering a cargo-friendly hatchback, but driving feel is most important.
And there, Fusion is without equal among hybrids.
Here's a look:
•The car. A slick machine, regardless of powerplant. Smooth looks. Good manners. Adequate space. Comfortable accommodations. Above-average ambience.
Ford launched Fusion as a gasoline-only car in 2005 as a 2006 model.
It's getting a midcycle update for 2010, including a hybrid version for the first time, which will begin arriving at dealers mid-March.
The hood has a wide, demi-dome bulge, and the grille and rump are tweaked a bit.
The grille now looks as if it was done that way on purpose.
A commendable change: The turning circle is 2 feet narrower. No more back-and-forth getting into or out of a tight parking spot at the shopping mall. The change makes the car feel more nimble overall, not just when docking in a narrow slot.
•Hybrid system. The basic four-cylinder gasoline engine is a 2.5-liter, up from a 2.3-liter in previous Fusions. A little more oomph is the welcome result. The aural signature could be better — it comes down on the coarse side when spurred hard — but isn't a deal-breaker. The electric motor delivers more crank than you get from the gas engines in most small cars.
And the miracle is how Ford blends the two. There was no — none, nada, zip — vibration or shimmying in the test car when the gasoline kicked in to help the electric. No other hybrid — not even that $107,000 Lexus — can make that claim 100% of the time.
Fusion's main rivals, Camry and Nissan Altima hybrids, shake a lot when their gasoline engines join the party, Altima especially.
And no, it's not worth accepting the lack of refinement as a price for saving fuel. It'll make you bitter and crazy after a while, wincing in advance knowing that shudder is due any second.
One Ford trick: using the engine's electronic controls to halt the gasoline engine just at the point in the crankshaft rotation where a cylinder is ready to fire again.
There was a distant shudder when the Fusion's gasoline engine restarted after stopping at a red light, as all hybrids do to save fuel. But it was milder than in any other hybrid tested, so minor as to be inconsequential.
The other great thing about the Fusion hybrid is information delivery. You can pick how much hybrid-related data you want on the instrument panel. Regardless of how much you ask for, Fusion delivers it informatively, no scolding or overwhelming you, as other hybrids do.
Yes, there's the "atta way" pictograph of leaves growing into a wreath if you drive just so. But you can shut that off.
• Mileage. Mediocre for a hybrid in the test, but the mileage numbers were continuing to climb even as the test ended. And the car registered 40-plus miles per gallon in a couple of short trips that usually return crummy, not outstanding, mileage.
Best guess: Moderate, but not mileage-obsessed, drivers could get 35 mpg or so in suburban settings. Not the 41 government rating, but impressive for a 3,720-pound midsizer.
Fusion's city mileage rating is better than Camry's 33 mpg, but does it get more in real life? Probably depends more on the driver than the car.
Even if the Fusion gets lower real-world results, it's still much smoother and a whole lot nicer to drive.
More about the 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid
What? Gasoline-electric hybrid version of midsize, four-door, front-drive Fusion that's been updated for 2010 model year. Ford's Mercury brand sells the nearly identical Milan.
When? Hybrid and gasoline versions begin arriving at dealers in March.
Where? Made at Hermosillo, Mexico.
Why? Pirate some sales from Toyota's Camry hybrid. And burnish Ford's "green" credentials.
How much? Starts at $27,995 ($3,295 more than most similar gas model). With all factory options: $32,435. Midlevel test car: $29,590 (no leather or navigation system). Gasoline model starts at $19,995.
How many? About 20,000 a year, including a few Milans; more if Mikey likes it.
How powerful? Modestly — punch not being the key issue in a hybrid: 2.5-liter gasoline engine rated 156 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 136 pounds-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. Electric motor: 106 hp at 6,500 rpm, 166 lbs.-ft. the moment it begins to turn (an appealing attribute of electric motors). Ford says net combined hp is 191, but declines (like most hybrid makers) to specify net combined torque.
Continuously variable automatic transmission blends power from the gas, electric powerplants.
How fancy? Lots standard, including expected bags, belts, stability and traction controls and power accessories, plus the unexpected: Free six-month satellite radio service (Sirius), 110-volt outlet, six-CD stereo (instead of the typical single setup), dual-zone climate control, auto on-off headlights, auto-dimming mirror, backup alarm. In other words, you actually could abide the base Fusion hybrid.
How big? On the small end of the midsize scale. Fractionally bigger outside than Toyota Camry hybrid, slightly smaller inside, but has a bigger trunk.
Fusion hybrid is 190.6 inches long, 72.2 in. wide, 56.9 in. tall on a 107.4-in. wheelbase.
Passenger space is listed as 99.8 cubic feet, trunk as 11.8 cu. ft. Weight listed as 3,720 lbs. Turning diameter is 37.5 ft.
How thirsty? Rated 41 miles per gallon in town, 36 on the highway, 39 in combined driving.
Test car trip computer showed 27.2 mpg (but was continuing to climb when test period ended) in 300 miles of suburban driving. Registered a remarkable 41.4 mpg in one 5.1-mile suburban trip, 44 mpg in a 3.1-mile hop, driven normally, no nursing.
Tank holds 17 gallons. Regular (87 octane) gasoline is specified.
Overall: Best hybrid.