What does the current Ford Taurus (formerly Ford Five Hundred) look like? Homer Simpson, according to the company’s product development boss, Derrick Kuzak. The top executive made the comparison during a presentation to industry insiders on the company’s plan to redesign the Taurus.
As reported last week, CEO Alan Mulally has stated the redesigned Taurus will be the “one we should have made originally.” He characterized the updated car as “fabulous.”
During his part of the presentation, Mr. Kuzak didn’t just focus on the road ahead — he also took time to reflect on the current state of affairs. He showed a slide with Homer Simpson beside the current Ford Taurus , juxtaposed to the images of Superman and Mr. Incredible beside sketches of the redesigned model.
“As you walk from a Homer Simpson design to a Superman design, it’s all about millimeters matter,” Kuzak told top analysts at the meeting, according to the Associated Press.
Rather than a mere mid-cycle facelift, the new Taurus is getting a comprehensive redesign. It will feature a lower roof, tighter gaps between the wheel wells and the tires, and improved surface detailing.
The 2008 Taurus was introduced a year ago — first as the Five Hundred and then renamed — and already it will see major changes.
The new model will debut next year, Ford says.
