cocojoe53: “Yet another winner from Ford. Their products get better and better.” Yep.

JakeK66: My favorite Large Sedan is the A8.

mayer_ray_nagin: Speak Latin or die!

SoCalFiveO: “they need to make a 2 door coupe with a sportier look.” The only two-door “Taurus” I can recall was in NASCAR.

Bankruptcy2009: “But back to the NEW 2010 Ford Taurus! This is an exciting Product.” you’re exaggerating, but I gt your point.

leftwingagenda: “this kind of quality needs to be spread throughout their lineup…” yep.

save saab: “Ford is making sweet products right now. Except the Taurus X, Escape, Ranger and Focus.” I disagree on the Escape, which only recently has been dethroned by the Vue as the best cute-ute evr. I actually considered buying a Freestyle, but it was overpriced and didn’t have the utility I was looking for.

athens: “No hybrid version?” Who cares? There should be a clean-diesel. “But can it compete, dollar for dollar, with the Hyundai Genesis?” good question.

TL: “It’s not elegant as it’s Japanese competitors.” Which competitors would those be?

l.sanchez: “you’d have an entry level ES350″ Which is a Gussied up camry.
“I’m no longer in support of import brands. I truly don’t believe they are built any better.” very few are, at least compared to GM and ford, unless you’re spending a lot more money.

pennst8: “As far as the 300 is concerned, well Chrysler is going to have to deliver big time with that model.” You’re right. GO BLUE!

06/22, 9:43 PMPOSTED BY:
Blakkarr

Blakkarr: “truth is if you don’t have the skills the car is not going to make up for it.” yep.

sharpie: You said “Gauge.” I like her.

Blakkarr: “I would hope their next Charger looks more like a Charger.” By that, do you mean a two-door?

Bankruptcy2009: “AWD is absolutely SUPERIOR TO A OLD FASHIONED RWD CAR those are the Facts.” Not sure I understand your sentence structure, but I agree that AWD can in some circumstances be better than RWD.

“And to be honest in wet weather conditions I would not value my life in something as chintzy as the corvette.” What’s your problem with a Corvette?

Blakkarr: “What you see as fish-tailing is the driving failing to control the car’s ability to turn it very fast.” yep.

Bankruptcy2009: corvette is a great car. Anyone with his eyes open knows that. i’ve Chosen a GT-R as my mid-life crisis car. Or an R8.

No the GT-R is faster I have one parked across the Street at the Nissan Dealer right now. Its Jet Black and its got I eat Corvette’s for Breakfast written all over it!

Its a Dead even match on Dry Pavement – still beats the vette 0-60 and, V SPEC Bests the ZR1 at the Ring,, The Next Generation will LEAVE NO DOUBT in your MIND AS WHO IS FASTER. GT-R! RULES!

First comment) like I said. A Razor’s edge. The real limit is like anything else, not for trainees, wanna-bes, and worthless hacks. Besides racing would be no fun without running such a fine line and the risk of total failure.

Responses

1) It still works. The old adage “Why fix what’s not broken?” applies here. Especially since you don’t need AWD for good all weather traction. If you don’t know or want to believe it, that’s on you .

2) You obvious have no idea what the GT-R35 drive train looks like. Maybe not. The GT-R35 took six to ten years to develop. With RENAULT holding the purse strings, that car was likely on a shoestring budget for the whole time. I’ll give NISSAN that much, time and patience, not a moon shot. Like I said before, Nothing nobody else has ever done before. The only difference. NISSAN did all in one car. Go figure.

You can stop trying to yank me, punk. You aren’t my type. You already know the searing truth. the ZR-1 is quicker, faster, and more agile. If you want to pretend differently that’s on you again. Not my problem anymore.

But then here’s something to keep you up nights. The CORVETTE is famous for being a moving target. The ZR-1 today will be a vastly different beast form the model two years from now. But you won’t know because your too busy looking elsewhere until it happens and then you’ll be playing the same denial games all over again. The 300ZX was when it came out the only car out of Japan that could beat the C4 CORVETTE. Then the C4 ZR-1 and later GS hit and that was the end of that. The ZR-1 is on the upgrade and their is a new GS coming. The GT-R35 better not fall prey to the Japanese MO of “build and leave it” or it won’t last more whole three years.

I’d be willing to bet the GT-R35 gets left as is after this year and never even touches the VIPER ACR and the VETTE keeps chugging along leaving yet any other would-be to flash bright and fade away.

3) All car companies are lazy. Do you honestly think that if NISSAN had not purchased PRINCE motors there would be a GT-R at all to day? But lazy is relative. The amount of work that goes into these cars may not be obvious to your biased eye but to me I see so much more. Just because a car does not have the mechanical density of a Swiss watch, does not mean it does not represent the same level of work. Maybe less by quality but the same over all.

Last comment) I don’t cry over cars, child. Maybe you do which is why you expect it of others.

Those are the reason guy. Read it and Weep.

Okay, My mistake.

There is nothing old fashioned about RWD. The fact that you think so simply shows your lack of knowledge of the cars in general and lack of understanding of how cars work on a case by case basis. Ideally RWD is the best drivetrain for performance and racing driving. The fact that the fastest cars in the world are mostly RWD only cars is proof of that. The fact that 99% of all on-road Racing is RWD is proof of this as well.

I’ll just give you the short of it. The GT-R35 does NOTHING every other automaker could do if they so wished. GM is upgrading the ZR-1I’m sure it is a result but only to enhance it’s grip under power. What the GT-R35 doe is manhandle its way around with AWD. It’s handling is actually pretty tame and without the AWD would not fair well against dedicated RWDs with their more aggressive technique to turn in and go. You ever watch F1, those cars turn on a dime and handle like slot cars but it’s a razors edge and yet these are the basis for the fastest cars in the world.

What you see as fish-tailing is the driving failing to control the car’s ability to turn it very fast. Controlling grip and drift are critical to driving a RWD to its limits. Most luxury cars, like BMW and MERCEDES, do this for you, with computers and automation, and thus lock away much of it’s real potential for the sake of comfort and false superiority for the unskilled. No doubt why you have this utterly asinine fervor for the GT-R35. It can’t drive for you yet you seem to think it can.

On your hypothetical 90mph turn, stop watching TRON already. I really don’t think you have the foggiest idea what you are talking about most of the time. Seriously do you just dream this stuff up or can you proof one wit of it. If you are so sure of your information, give me a source. Video games do not count. Again the ZR-1 is faster at Nurburgring. If you still doubt then here:

http://www.supercars.net/PitLane?viewThread=y&gID=3&fID=0&tID=10073

Who is faster?

As for the Taurus with AWD, I’m sure you do believe it would “own” a ZR-1. That is a fact. Everything else you have blathered is strictly your own fantasy.

The V12 in the F1 was definitely made by BMW. The F1 was conceived–I believe–at a time when McLaren and BMW had an F1 partnership. Regardless, BMW definitely made the engine.

The S550 weights 420 more pounds (curb weight).
The S550 gets 14/22 mpg vs this Taurus’s 17/25 (according to EPA’s 2009 estimates).
Ford isn’t advertising this to kids out of high school and college as their “media model”. That car would be the Fusion, hence the more aggressive styling, the hybrid powertrain and the slightly more performance oriented driving. Not to mention the price difference of five grand

If you don’t believe me try and any AWD car VS a RWD and you will see their is NO Comparison. And it is Real World Driving that counts. The Corvette ZR1 could not even come close to holding its own with a GT-R in rain, sleet, or snow. And yeah I can’t tell you the number of times that people when its raining are doing over 90 Miles per hour. And to be honest in wet weather conditions I would not value my life in something as chintzy as the corvette besides the fact it would fish tail out of control with just a little twist in the road over 90 MPH and GT-R will Hold it like FLY PAPER. Those are the facts you can’t REFUTE! But don’t date try that in a ZR1 and If Told you the number of Deaths for 5 cents on Corvettes that I know about I could eat very good for several Months; then that alone should tell you something.
But believe as you wish.

And since we are talking the battle of superior traction and performance, the New SHO is due to be out in
just a month or two. I will definitely take one for a test drive. And I encourage for you to do the same. even though I know deep down you hate not only imports you hate Ford as well. But I think your going to find this car will out perform every absolutely everything in its class hands down- not of all its techno goodies but for its AWD, Traction control, and ABS system.
And I am sure this NEW TAURUS would even OWN A ZR1 under wet weather conditions. FACT!

You sure? At any rate my point then was that McLaren did not use their own engine. Heck they did not have their own engine.

Yeah the Taurus is a good deal less stylized than the 300C and I’m not having that cartoon angry face from the Charger. I would hope their next Charger looks more like a Charger.

As for this car, I think its a decent looking car, better than the avalon, but I’ll wait for the next 300C/Charger.

Seriously can’t you come up with a better retort than essential “Nuh-uh the GT-R just is better.”

Using the all-weather argument really makes no difference, when NO ONE except suicidal lunatics and anime characters race in the rain. Hydroplaning will get and AWD just as fast as a RWD, magic drivetrain or not. It’s all in the technique and the tires. AWD is not a cure-all, I’ve watched GT-R35s go sliding off the track, into guard rails, and into phone poles.

“He just made a mistake” or “He did not know what he was doing”. Easy retorts but the truth is if you don’t have the skills the car is not going to make up for it. Don’t bemoan a car you have to be at least “this skillful to drive to its limit” and you know that you are not.

As for the VEYRON and SSC Ultimate AERO, unless you have real experience or proof of their ride quality, you may not want to place bets. If you don’t know do go shooting your mouth off, you may have to take a bullet for it. It is unlikely the that the Veyron will get boosted to 2000hp. It already get less than 5mpg. Anymore and you’ll have to tow/haul the thing to the next gas station. Even the mega-rich do not like having to stop at literally every other gas station just to get across town. But if they do, I’m sure it’ll be a hoot.

As for the SSA UA TT’s interior, hey I would rather comfortable over fancy anyway. Look s down right cozy in that car. the VEYRON, not so much. A bit busy and fussy for my tastes.

Now back the TAURUS…

Example of how to do this right? See the new Buick LaCrosse.

Sorry to disappoint you again, chum, however the terms of “production” is not set by a set minimum number of units made each year. the SSC is still in production and let’s be fair the car cost slight south of $700K, though truthfully I think most large manufacturer would knock this one out of less than half. You can make only 10 cars a year, the Bugatti Veyron and SSC ULTIMATE AERO each for example, and it still counts. Or just 10 a year for one year and it still counts as production, though dubiously. The SSC is still in production if you are wondering.

I am sorry if you think so poorly of a Corvette engine. But that is your imperfection not mine. Mind you many of the fastest cars in the world use someone else’;s engine. the Veyron is a VW engine. The McLaren F1, still one of the fastest production cars ever and they made maybe 100 of those, was a Mercedes Engine. The Koenigsegg CC8S and likely the CCX uses a FORD 4.6L V8 modded nearly beyond recognition. Lotus uses TOYOTA engines regularly. Just because you disapprove of the source engine or the car it is in does not grant credence to disallow the truth that the SSC ULTIMATE AREO has a CONFIRMED top speed of 257mph. The VEYRON’s was never confirmed but was said to be about 254mph.

Your trying to split hairs again with the price and at odd angles. It would not matter anyway. The “Standard” C6 CORVETTE as fast as the GT-R35, the Z06 is faster and less expensive than the GT-R35 and trying to conveniently cut off the price at $69K means you know just who is faster AND costs less. C6 CORVETTE is flat out faster again. Trying to cut it off so the ZR-1 at $107K would not count… wait the VIPER ACR costs about $90K even and it IS faster the the Vspec, which by your own settings can not be counted because it goes for $160K and it isn’t really any faster than the standard GT-R35.

You can backtrack and say “fastest at NURBURGRING” for the money range YOU set but then the VIPER ACR beats that argument with a tire iron. 7min 22sec… Yes, I know the VIPER ACR’s time is unofficial but it is still real.

“Fastest in the rain”? Who races streetcars in the rain, except in anime and dumb@ss fools with a deathwish?

PLEASE check ALL your data, caveats and all. You keep missing wide on details and now you’re just missing wide.

Sorry, chum, but THAT is how it is.

The new Ford does have a better interior than the current G8 and 300

Anybody expecting 100k sales, expect to be disappointed.
The first year will get close, than it will settle into about 60-70k a year.
I think the next 300 will steal any thunder this Ford has.
It’s nice, just not that nice.

And it has a Ford’s big heffer ass!
LOL!
DrFill

And an S550 is nearer to 4600lbs +. So is the new 7 series…even heavier.

I have driven the SHO…it is a sporty luxocruiser and is great at it! Good power, very linear, no dead spot in the powerband. Ride is firmer than you’d expect from Ford Taurus for sure. Handled very nicely without alot of roll and transitioned from grip to slip very neutral fashion. The model I drove didn’t even have the “Performance Package” that will give it taller gearing, stiffer suspension, and some more trans/steering tuning.

For the price of a loaded LTD, you’d have an entry level ES350 or an Avalon (Talk about unoriginal styling!). Personally, I’m not longer in support of import brands. I truly don’t believe they are built any better and after seeing the interior on this car, I know so. And LLN just posted more stats to back that. Start supporting your countries manufacturers! I never see anyone here pick apart any imports they way we do American cars. The Taurus is a huge stup up from the 500 which had such a short life because Ford recognized what a fuck up it was. Why can’t anyone praise them for acting so quickly. Man! No love here!

This car will sell as well as the 2008 Taurus.

I think the car has improved in many ways. However, I find the exterior and interior layout too busy. I also don’t like the steering wheel or the shifter design. It’s not elegant as it’s Japanese competitors.

You might want to reconsider your definition of “Commoner”. Without a doubt $1.3M for a Veyron is not everyday people money, but neither is just short of $73K for a regular GT-R35 for get the $160K for VSpec. Forgetting the huge dealer mark-up and the fact NISSAN on Will make maybe 10-20 VSpec a year. I doubt any of them sold outside Japan will go for less than $200K and almost all of them will either be looked away forever and beaten to death in Dubai and parts thereabouts.

If you are looking for a “Supercar for the Proletariat”, then try looking at cars an actual middle class person would and could buy WITHOUT winning the lotto or some huge lawsuit, or saving on a starvation budget for 10 years just to make the down payment. Being realistic you are going to be looking at the MUSTANG GT500, CAMARO SS, CHALLENGER SRT-8 (Needs suspension tuning bad), the 370Z NISMO (Not as impressive as it looks trust me), RX-8, Lexus IS-F (Probably the ONLY reason why TOYOTA has not yet made a new SUPRA), The Infinti G-37 Coupe (W/ AWD), and fairly extensive list of performance and Sports cars that top out under $50K and you can actually get if you go to the appropriate dealer.

Also, as you are looking at people who work for living and can not afford to have more than one car person, assuming one for the each driver in a household. Driving the crazy-fastest car in the universe is not high on their list. Even if you could buy a GT-R35 or most of the cars I listed, the sad fact is that scarcely a handful of applicable drivers have access to a track of any type where they can drive their car as designed and frankly they don’t care. For the most part, these cars will never be pushed over 50% of what they can do and then only once every other cosmic event.

Sad but true.

Also, the GT-R35 Vspec still is NOT the fastest Production car. That title traditionally goes to top speed champions. The minimum qualifier is 200mph regardless of price. In which case the ZR-1 and the VIPER ACR still beat the car happily. The Z06 is faster as well. The Official Champion is the SSC Ultimate Aero at 257mph, I think. You really need to get familiar with the GT-R35′s actual mission and not the fantasy that lingers around the car like a noxious fume.

A FWD Passat, by comparison, weighs in at around 3400 lbs.

The captains of industry that drive S550s probably aren’t as affected by wildly fluctuating retail fuel prices (50% retail price jump since November) as are consumers shopping cars in the $25,000 price range.

No hybrid version??? That may be unforgivable in the eyes of the younger market segment, assuming that is who Ford is targeting all this “convenience high tech” to. And speaking of “convenience high tech”….Microsoft Sync? So what? FIATs have Microsoft Blue and Me, a far more sophisticated blue-tooth and web browsing technology.

With the silly fender vents (NON-FUNCTIONAL) I’m sure Ford has put together a capable competitor for the Buick Lucerne.

But can it compete, dollar for dollar, with the Hyundai Genesis?

It’s just that the Fusion, can do everything that the new Taurus can, plus one thing the Taurus cannot – achieve 40 mpg in combined cycle driving. And it sports a shape more in line with Ford’s Euro designs. And the Fusion is currently selling quiet well thanks to the hybrid model. Some 12,000 per month even in these tough times.

I’ll esplain it all for you!

The warts you complain of on the rear bumper are the sensors for the rearward and cross traffic assist options when you throw the car into reverse. On the front, the radar cone for the adaptive cruise control sits under that cover.

I have Ford on the line. Their design committee says they have one more spot for a committee member, and also would like to know whether you would like the side creases raised up or the rear logo lowered.

Note the chrome plastic badge bar across the read trunk lid isn’t even aligned with the Honda Accord-like useless indentations in the side doors and rear quarter.

LWA, I think there is a good market in this size/price class. Many older people are rethinking buying that overpriced large car now, you got the 30/40-somethings who still need to tow their brood around, and then you have the young indebted poseurs who can’t afford to pose much more.

And even though I have little need for a sedan, really, I find them cool and although this is big, it is very compelling. It’s huge but the mileage ratings are good, the quality is there, I don’t care about brand, chicks over 25 actually like sedans, and when the folks are out (about 2 months/year) I can haul them around or throw them the keys (omits the chance for a manual). I can do the same thing in a Fusion too, but this thing looks more like a beast in the pics. Plus when I hop in and drive to California it sounds like it will be damned comfortable.

But for 50 Large Id MUCH rather have a CTS 3.6. Period

nice one ford!