If Ford Was to Re-Do the SHO, Would You Buy It?

[YSSMAN]

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There is a small contingent of enthusiasts, myself included, who would love to see the SHO badge return for a lucky Ford product. Being that it was originally used on a high-performance variant of the Taurus, it would make sense that the newly renamed 2008 Ford Taurus be first in line. Unfortunately, what was once the best-selling mid-size family sedan in the U.S. is now a certified Large Car by the EPA. Not exactly the most ideal canvas for a sports sedan.

We've shown you renderings in the past of what a resurrected Taurus SHO might look like, and while it could look good, damn good actually, anyone who's driven the new Taurus (it's currently in the Autoblog Garage, we'll have a review up soon) will tell you that it's entirely ill suited to be a SHO. BringBackTheSHO.com, a website that holds vigil for the return of my favorite car, has produced most of the late-model Taurus SHO renderings we've shown you, and they've produced their most interesting batch yet.

What about a Taurus SHO Coupe? Built on a shortened wheelbase, it would weigh less than the sedan, while still incorporating a serious motor (TwinForce anyone?) and all-wheel drive. We've got plenty of pics in the gallery below for you to consider. Some will still hate the idea, but I'm behind any plan that brings back the SHO.

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Well, my vote would be a "maybe" at the moment. The problem largely centers around the question of whether or not we get the Falcon if we had something like this. But that being said, if we don't get the Falcon, there isn't any reason why we shouldn't have this...

The thought of a mid-size AWD coupe with 300-400 BHP for less than $35K would be very appealing, and it would be very cool if Ford would ever consider doing it. The Photoshop really is an impressive one, and it really shows off a shape that I think could work, that is, if Ford ever would get around to it.

I dunno. Use the V8 out of the S80/XC90, keep the 6-speed slushbox, and it would seem as though it would be easy to do with parts already on the shelf. But, as they said, the twin-force turbocharged V6 and AWD would be awesome!

 

[rotary_freq]

You know ice, as that concept stands, I wouldn't get it cause it's a 2-door.

 

[V1P3R]

No...

 

[Rotary Junkie]

Yes.

I like big coupes.

And using the S80/XC90 V8 would continue the Yamaha motor tradition.

 

[Kent]

While I would like to say YES, the fact of the matter is, I've I had too many friend buy Fords only to have the transmissions fail (or other parts).

Ford just never seems to provide an honestly reliable product. It always seems like Fords break-down before other cars.

Sad in my opinion since I've really got no beef with Ford other than first hand experiences of F150s, Rangers, and Mustangs breaking-down prematurely (compared to other American and Japanese cars).

 

[Keef]

It's got the headlights and grille from the trucks...

The idea of a new SHO is great. Hell, it doesn't even have to be the Taurus. Use the Fusion instead! But it must have a cool, tiny Yamaha V8.

 

[Rotary Junkie]

While I would like to say YES, the fact of the matter is, I've I had too many friend buy Fords only to have the transmissions fail (or other parts).

Ford just never seems to provide an honestly reliable product. It always seems like Fords break-down before other cars.

Sad in my opinion since I've really got no beef with Ford other than first hand experiences of F150s, Rangers, and Mustangs breaking-down prematurely (compared to other American and Japanese cars).

Yet my family sees the opposite. We had an ESCORT of all the ungodly things go 400k miles. Of course, we had a Taurus kill a trans before 100k (Damned AXOD can't keep its cool. My old man can fix that, unfortunately, another family member took it to a trans shop and paid 1800 bucks for a minor rebuild. Car's still moving under it's own power, but my cousin has it.) and my dad has only had a 1987 Turbo Coupe (that he never drove) and now a 1997 F-150 that lost the first motor at 160k and lost the Jasper reman job 15k later. Picked it up non-running for 700 bucks. It lost the timing chain on one bank, so we lost that side. Going to dig up a core soon.

As to the Fusion getting the SHO package: HELLS YESSES!

Mmm... 350+hp AWD sedan... And coupe...

Dang you all! Now I want one!

 

[YSSMAN]

There has been a lot of talk about Ford building a Fusion Coupe, so equipping it with a high-output V6 and AWD isn't too far-off of a concept... Questions of the transmission should be limited, for those who ask, as GM is the one who co-developed them with Ford, so it should be good to last a long time (given GM's reputation with transmission development). Although, I do highly doubt that the new transmission would match up with the Yamaha V8, much less fit in the Fusion altogether.

I dunno. You look at the GMPD efforts with the 300 BHP W-Body cars, completely full-size, and actually perform pretty well. Granted, AWD could have easily changed the attitude of say, the Grand Prix GXP greatly, but it just wasn't in GM to do it that way. Truthfully, the only real competitor to what could possibly be the next Taurus SHO (assuming it uses the current Taurus as its basis) would have been the recently departed Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS.

I like the idea a lot, and if they build it, I really don't think they'd have too tough of a time selling them. Problem is, I know they won't build it the way I'd want it exactly, but I'd be willing to give up a few things.

...Or better yet, Ford builds a large RWD coupe like they should have years ago...

 

[crimson_menace]

The Taurus lives!


...and good time were had by all... *Yay!*

 

[toyomatt84]

No. Even if you were to take away the fact that the performance would be mild at best, it's still ugly.

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

-> A 2-door Taurus in which is originally based on the Five Hundred platform is just a waste of good money. Plus if its going to be a FWD, it WILL look stupid. Why make a full-size coupe, when they can just import the Falcon from kiwiland, Ford is just wasting their time and money building THAT stupid Taurus.

-> But I'd rather see SVT version of the Fusion, than a SHO Taurus. The SVT deserves its respect back, and I don't see why. If boss Mullaly cares about the Ford glorious past, then a SVT return would cause a big impact (in a good way) for the company.

SVT > SHO
FPV > SHO
SVT = FPV

 

[Tornado]

-> A 2-door Taurus in which is originally based on the Five Hundred platform is just a waste of good money.

You know, the new Taurus was enough of a turnaround for the 500 that I've even dropped my cynicism against the car. It is on the same level as the Japanese competition now, which is something even the Fusion doesn't manage (though it is close). I personally think it should stay a 4 door, but that is just because of SHO tradition.

Plus if its going to be a FWD, it WILL look stupid.

Explain.

The SVT deserves its respect back

That's ignoring how the SHO Taurus originally went after the best of Europe. None of the SVT cars ever did, badged as such or otherwise (no, I'm not counting the Ford GT, and I'm ignoring the SVT Contour).

Although, I do highly doubt that the new transmission would match up with the Yamaha V8, much less fit in the Fusion altogether.

Ford used a 6 speed Aisin transmission in the Five Hundred V6. That tranny is also used in the Volvo S80 V8. So Ford does have a 6 speed auto for the Taurus if they wanted to use the V8, just not the GM-Ford one.
That being said, as crazy as it sounds, putting the V8 in the Taurus would make it a Volvo competitor, so I see light-pressure turbochaging as more likely.

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

You know, the new Taurus was enough of a turnaround for the 500 that I've even dropped my cynicism against the car. It is on the same level as the Japanese competition now, which is something even the Fusion doesn't manage (though it is close). I personally think it should stay a 4 door, but that is just because of SHO tradition.

^ I just go by by those illustrations based on the provious post, if Ford will ever build the SHO, it should be a 4-door.

Explain.

^ Well first, past Taurus' are leaner, lighter, and FWD. I've checked out the the 500 or the new Taurus for that matter, and boy they looked bloated with lard and take note a lot heavier. It will take a lot of hard-earned development dollars to make a platform like that to handle to keep up the best of Europe, if not, the Pontiac G8 GT. If this SHO becomes a reality, most people will say "it has gone soft from the previous SHO", just like the total failure 2008 Subaru WRX.

That's ignoring how the SHO Taurus originally went after the best of Europe. None of the SVT cars ever did, badged as such or otherwise.

^ Have you forgotten the Focus SVT? Although its a weakling compared to the RS from Europe, it did a good job of manhandling the competition here in the US.

 

[YSSMAN]

If this SHO becomes a reality, most people will say "it has gone soft from the previous SHO", just like the total failure 2008 Subaru WRX.

I'll answer to that with a photo:

Yes. The proposed new "SHO" would be a shockingly good replacement with either the twin-turbo V6 or the Yamaha V8.

 

[ND4SPD]

Yes.....V8 and AWD 350+hp would be super.

 

[Tornado]

If this SHO becomes a reality, most people will say "it has gone soft from the previous SHO", just like the total failure 2008 Subaru WRX.

As YSSMAN said, the final Taurus SHO, whether you liked the styling or not, was a total failure on the same scale as the current Subaru Impreza (as was the entire Taurus range). If they were to do the same with the next SHO, no one would be that disappointed. If they were to take back to the original and first revision Taurus SHO, all would be in harmony. Ford really has nothing to lose with using the SHO name now that they already wrecked it.

It will take a lot of hard-earned development dollars to make a platform like that to handle to keep up the best of Europe

The platform the Taurus sits on is a Volvo platform that is able to keep up with the best of Europe. They just have to tune the suspension to be less compliant than it usually is on the Taurus. Especially now that they fixed many of the problems that the 500 had. That being said, I also agree that all Ford needs to do with the Fusion to make it SHO-like is put the 3.5 or 3.7L V6 engines in it.

^ Have you forgotten the Focus SVT? Although its a weakling compared to the RS from Europe, it did a good job of manhandling the competition here in the US.

Yeah, it was the standard bearer in America. However, Europe had the Renault Clio RS/182.

 

[JCE]

I would love to see a SHO comeback--and as with tradition stick with a Yamaha sourced engine. AWD is ok, RWD is better. FWD would be not as fun.

You know, the new Taurus was enough of a turnaround for the 500 that I've even dropped my cynicism against the car. It is on the same level as the Japanese competition now, which is something even the Fusion doesn't manage (though it is close). I personally think it should stay a 4 door, but that is just because of SHO tradition.

The Fusion has infact took it to the Japanese and won. I know you don't like it, but don't be blind to the fact that it is a stellar car.

That's ignoring how the SHO Taurus originally went after the best of Europe. None of the SVT cars ever did, badged as such or otherwise (no, I'm not counting the Ford GT, and I'm ignoring the SVT Contour).

You forgot the other best thing to come from SVT:

 

[Tornado]

The Fusion has infact took it to the Japanese and won. I know you don't like it, but don't be blind to the fact that it is a stellar car.

Huh? I was the one who was behind the Ford Fusion. The one who doesn't like it is Doug.
I'm just saying that the Taurus is out in front in it's admittedly less fought over segment, which is large old people's cars, whereas the Fusion doesn't quite manage to beat the Japanese (due to the drivetrain, mostly).

You forgot the other best thing to come from SVT:

Awesome car though it was (both the NA and supercharged one), it never really targeted and European or Japanese cars.

 

[JCE]

whereas the Fusion doesn't quite manage to beat the Japanese (due to the drivetrain, mostly).

But I do think the Fusion meets and beats the Japanese alternatives. Taking the mach3 grille aside its a brilliant car.

Awesome car though it was (both the NA and supercharged one), it never really targeted and European or Japanese cars.

Thats true, it wasn't targetted to compete with Japanese or European rivals--it was mainly here to compete with the Camaro. And for me, even as a Camaro owner, I'd prefer the Cobra hands down over the Z28 or SS. And its a toss-up between the WS6 and the regular NA Cobra. The '03/'04 Cobra on the other hand is definately one bad mofo--which I'd take over any f-body.

 

[YSSMAN]

Huh? I was the one who was behind the Ford Fusion. The one who doesn't like it is Doug.

I don't think "doesn't like" is a strong enough way to describe his distaste for the car; Its more like a loathing, a near-blind hatred of all things Fusion...

 

[JCE]

Which, boggles my mind really. If he hates the Fusion then he hates the Mazda6--and that alone is "fitin' wurds!".

 

[YSSMAN]

His general distaste for anything American, even the good cars, is alarming. He forgets that he is driving an over-glorified Passat sometimes...

Quite honestly, I loved the Mazda6i when I drove it for the first time. I have yet to drive a Fusion, but that pretty much solidified my greater love for Ford, more than had ever existed for them. They're good-looking cars that drive well, are put together better than all the competition (according to JD Power), and don't sell for too bad of a price. All things considered, you get a pretty damn-good car for well-under $20K, with a stick, and they sell them in purple. Sweet!

 

[Tornado]

But I do think the Fusion meets and beats the Japanese alternatives. Taking the mach3 grille aside its a brilliant car.

Then my suggestion in this thread is all the more worthwhile. The only reason I like the MKZ more than the Fusion (other than styling) is that the MKZ has a great drivetrain and the Fusion...not so much.

And for me, even as a Camaro owner, I'd prefer the Cobra hands down over the Z28 or SS.

Same here. I always hated the post '97 4th gen. Camaro. Ironic, as I loved the post '97 Firebird but hated the 1993-1997 cars.

And its a toss-up between the WS6 and the regular NA Cobra.

Same. Though in the end the slightly better performance would probably make me jump at the WS6. But only if it was in black.

The '03/'04 Cobra on the other hand is definately one bad mofo--which I'd take over any f-body.

Freaky. Though I don't know if I'd take it over any F-Body. Living where I do, I've seen some pure awesome 3rd gen cars.

 

[YSSMAN]

Keep in mind they didn't make the Mustang worth a damn until after the Camaro was dead. Leave the options to the 35th Anni SS or the SVT Cobra (S/C), I'd still take the SS. Call be biased, because I know I am, but I just find the car that much more appealing.

 

[High-Test]

I don't think "doesn't like" is a strong enough way to describe his distaste for the car; Its more like a loathing, a near-blind hatred of all things Fusion...

Doug can't possibly hate the fusion more than the Kia Sedona.
I'm all for it. It would be a nice adrenaline jolt in the lineup.

 

[JCE]

His general distaste for anything American, even the good cars, is alarming. He forgets that he is driving an over-glorified Passat sometimes...

I don't have any problems with Doug, and actually I like him as a person. And being German I love his preference to German (and generally European) cars. But, I think the people that hate the Fusion should check it out with an open mind.

Quite honestly, I loved the Mazda6i when I drove it for the first time. I have yet to drive a Fusion, but that pretty much solidified my greater love for Ford, more than had ever existed for them. They're good-looking cars that drive well, are put together better than all the competition (according to JD Power), and don't sell for too bad of a price. All things considered, you get a pretty damn-good car for well-under $20K, with a stick, and they sell them in purple. Sweet!

The Mazda6 is brilliant, and frankly looks 5x better. BUT, I prefer the extra room in the Fusion due to the 4" stretch on the 6 frame. And, actually, the Fusion equipped with the D30 V6 has more power.

Then my suggestion in this thread is all the more worthwhile. The only reason I like the MKZ more than the Fusion (other than styling) is that the MKZ has a great drivetrain and the Fusion...not so much.

The MKZ is a decent car, I would still prefer the LS over any other saloon Ford has or will ever have.

Same here. I always hated the post '97 4th gen. Camaro. Ironic, as I loved the post '97 Firebird but hated the 1993-1997 cars.

I understand you perfectly. The 1993-1997 Camaro definately looks better than the redesigned fish mouth bumper grille they added. And the Firebird/Trans-Am (especially the TA) got BETTER looking towards the end of its life. And truth the told, for me the Firebird/Trans-Am have never looked ugly--and I truely mean that.

Same. Though in the end the slightly better performance would probably make me jump at the WS6. But only if it was in black.

Its a tough choice for me choosing between a WS6 and a Mustang-anything. The WS6 is just one of the most badass cars ever--and I mean ever.

I mean, this:

Plainly says: "get the **** out of my way you brigand!" and then proceeds to eat the car and its babies for lunch.

Freaky. Though I don't know if I'd take it over any F-Body. Living where I do, I've seen some pure awesome 3rd gen cars.

A properly done 3rd gen f-body with the right drivetrain and paint is one of the best looking cars of all time in my book. Even in stock form they look brilliant. This is one of the only convertables that I'd ever want to own next to an SL or CL Merc...

Keep in mind they didn't make the Mustang worth a damn until after the Camaro was dead. Leave the options to the 35th Anni SS or the SVT Cobra (S/C), I'd still take the SS. Call be biased, because I know I am, but I just find the car that much more appealing.

Of course being biased as *I* am I'd still take the Cobra. 👍

 

[Tornado]

The MKZ is a decent car, I would still prefer the LS over any other saloon Ford has or will ever have.

Well, of course. But taken by itself, the MKZ is great.

 

[Turbo Lag]

If you look at this side view of the SHO in first post, look at the headlights. They look awfully like the RS4 lights and the FPV GT lights too.

 

[YSSMAN]

I don't have any problems with Doug, and actually I like him as a person. And being German I love his preference to German (and generally European) cars. But, I think the people that hate the Fusion should check it out with an open mind.

I love Dougie too, I think we all do. I think deep down inside he knows how awesome American cars are, he just won't admit it.

When I first started driving Volkswagens I had to question my preferences towards GM, but it goes away after a while. I still love my VWs, BMWs, and Mercedes-Benzes, but if the General has got something good too, well, then things get difficult.

In summation: Passat > A4, Doug rocks, Fusion isteh ROXORZ!

 

[a6m5]

I like Fusions, too. Fusion's whole lot better than the car it replaced.

I would fully support the "Re-Do" of SHO, but not on the current "Five Hundred" Taurus form, and certainly not as a coupe, or with ridiculous looking Mustang stripe kit. If they are coming out with SHO now, I feel it should be on the Fusion(or "6") platform. But that will screw up the model naming, so I think they should wait.

Or they can call the Fusion SHO, a Taurus SHO, and confuse people like with the American Accord vs JPN/Euro Accord(TSX).