Ford launched its Super High Output (SHO) Taurus in 1989 when they placed a 220 horsepower Yamaha built V6 into their family sedan. The SHO model lasted ten years and sold roughly 100,000 examples. At that time, the SHO was all about power, and starting this August, the power will return via a 365 hp, 350 ft-lb twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6.

The 3.5 liter EcoBoost boasts direct gasoline injection which provides improved throttle response, reduced emissions, better fuel economy, and of course, more power. The engine is mated to a six speed 6F55 SelectShift automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters if you want to time the shifts yourself. Unlike many manumatics, this Ford won’t upshift automatically in manual mode when you hit the rev limiter. There is one exception, if you floor the throttle it will downshift to the appropriate gear without your input. All this power is delivered through the Haldex all-wheel-drive system with four-wheel ABS and Electronic Stability Control. 19 inch wheels are also standard issue on the SHO. Expect the SHO to reach 60 mph in around 6 seconds. We expected slightly faster acceleration with the 365 hp engine, but the SHO must tug around a hefty 4,368 lbs, which is the car’s only obvious downside. The EPA estimates the SHO will get 20.6 mpg in combined city/highway driving.

The SHO gets upgraded from the base Taurus and includes a suspension with stiffer springs, larger anti-roll bars and improved damping. Steering is also upgraded with electronic speed-sensing power steering. All this helps to reduce body roll in corners and create a more involved feel. Ford is also offering an optional track package with 20 inch wheels, bigger brakes, and the ability to completely defeat the electronic stability control.

Base price for a 2010 Taurus SHO will be $37,995 when in goes on sale in August 2009.

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