[ZTWsquared]

Drivesthebeast,Jun 28 2009, 08:40 AM Wrote:I think the new SHO is going to be a great car to add to it's segment. Ford hasn't had an interesting fullsize in a while, and I agree that it's intent is to use it to replace the Crown Vic/Grand Marquis, and let the Fusion take care of the midsize duties (btw, I was talking to some staff at a dealership not too long ago, and they said that the 2009 Fusion is the best selling midsize sedan in Canada and the US right now, along with the Escape being no.1 in small SUV's. They said they can't keep the 09's in stock, and the 2010's are going to sell like crazy too).

I agree with what OAC and DP had to say too...
[right][snapback]290266[/snapback][/right]

^^QFT - IMO.

I'm pretty sure Ford doesn't intend for this car to compete on the track with the likes of Subies, Foci, or any other hot hatch - and come to think of it they don't even really see the Mustang in that role, either.

On the other hand, this new SHO just might attract a BMW 5-series intender, or someone shopping an Acura TL, who likes the idea of a domestic luxo boat with balls and firm suspenders.

I had the occasion to drive a new gen-1 SHO for two weeks as a loaner - and as much as I liked the engine I also hated the transmission ... and truth be told the only thing it did with style was shred the front tires - it didn't really handle much better than a regular Taurus and it had the same amenities ... for every day driving I prefered my loaded Taurus wagon LX 3.8 which actually had more torque than the SHO, and at way lower RPM.

However, this new SHO IMO is Ford's perfect answer (on paper anyway) to what a lot of people have complained Ford lacks ... a "higher performance" luxury sedan ... this car answers that need and with a nice dollop of high-tech Euro to make it interesting.

I just hope that Ford doesn't go redneck-crazy and label their NASCA entry the Taurus SHO - if they did, right after I took back everything I said above I think I'd puke.

In the meantime I'm prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt - I'm really hoping the new Taurus is closer to a Mondeo than to the old car.