Road Test: New Ford Taurus SHO Has Awesome performance

07/19/96

Ford calls the new V-8 powered, front drive Taurus SHO an "executive express. I call it a "Q" ship because you can really challenge the big kids at the stop light grand prix. Its a pseudo-family sedan--all the amenities, leather, moon roof, cup holders, big trunk--but it also has a 246 HP, 32 valve, DOHV V8 under the hood . . . the only such animal in its car classification. A few styling cues such as the SHO indentation on the rear quarter panel and a curvy front snout announce a car that is different.

You have got to be a performance oriented person to want a car like the SHO. While Taurus models in their starkest form list out well under 20 grand, the SHO stickers at $26,000, and the one we tested had a list just a shade under $29,000. However, the car is a delight to drive, if you don't think of all the other performance cars you can purchase for 30 thousand bucks. Stop and think, though, about where can you get a ton of room, seating for six, and a lot of luxury touches with this kind of special performance. Tell me.

The car has a four-speed automatic overdrive transaxle, a premium power steering pump, and sport tuned suspension, plus larger front disc brakes to handle the hard driving you are sure to give this car. Another SHO giveaway, styling-wise, is the rear spoiler and big dual exhaust stacks.

It handles like a sports car and acts like one in traffic and on the road, especially if you decide to kick it down a couple of gears to squirt through traffic. When you do so, be sure to hang on as the torque steer problem that comes with a gutsy V8 has not been solved. Just be aware of it coming-atcha, and you're OK.

The guy or gal who buys this car is one who wants a Mustang Cobra but needs room for clients, customers . . . maybe even the kids.

The Taurus competes with the Acura Legend sedan Tl, Lexus Es 300, BMW 3281, Pontiac Bonneville SSei and has more horsepower than all these models save the Pontiac, which has 5 ponies more than the SHO. Fun, fun car to drive.

Engine type & Construction
--------------------------------------------------------------
Fuel injection                       electronic
Engine control system                EEC-V engine controller
Induction system                     Sequential port injection
Battery                              12 volt  72 amp
Cooling                              water....pressurized
Cylinders                            Eight
Cylinder head                        Aluminum
Bore                                 3.24 in/82.4mm
Stroke                               3.13 in/79.5mm
Compression ratio                    10.1
Horsepower                           248 @ 6100 rpm
Recommended fuel                     Unleaded premium

Bill Maloney -- The Auto Channel