Ford recently helped to host the 19th annual Taurus SHO convention, held by enthusiast owners of original and new SHO models, and during the event Ford strongly hinted at increased performance being in the cards for the near-future.
Whilst intermingling with proud early and late-gen SHO owners, Ford ’s North American car marketing manager, Steve Ling, revealed some titillating information about the future of the SHO, “The SHO is at the top [of the Blue Oval's sedans] and we’re going to keep it there,” adding, “365 horsepower is good. 400 is better,” according to Autoblog.
Giving a little clarity to the hinted power bump of Ford’s flagship performance sedan, another Blue Oval representative, Brett Hinds, advanced engine design and development engineer, explained that the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine has room for “considerably more power,” a notion that many enthusiasts, consumers and journalists have suspected since its initial release. Autoblog also points out that the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine is due to debut in the F-150 for 2011, meaning a simultaneous power boost for the engine is likely possible for both the SHO and Ford’s first rear-wheel drive EcoBoost application in the F-150.
Speaking to enthusiasts there celebrating the heritage of the SHO, Hinds also suggested that owners of the current generation of the SHO will soon be able to modify their Taurus with parts, namely suspension and brake components, designed for the Police Interceptor Taurus. “Those considering aftermarket upgrades will want to look at the Interceptor. The police package for brakes and suspension is just a little bit better.”
More details on the next-generation Taurus SHO
Among the many Ford executives and engineers in attendance was Earl Lucas, the man in charge of the exterior design for the current and future Taurus. Lucas revealed that the next Taurus SHO would be more true to its performance-based roots, sporting a lower and wider stance, dropping some heft and ditching some chrome – opting instead for a sleeper monochromatic look. These changes will not only help to give the SHO a unique look from the standard models, but it will also pa homage to the original monochromatic design.
References
1.’Ford hints at 400-HP Taurus…’ view
