When I drove the new Ford Taurus SHO in 2009, I was impressed with the car overall - however, I felt that while the massive 3.5 liter twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost was powerful, the steering was lifeless, the braking was subpar and the 4,361 weigh-in was too much. But things have changes for the Taurus SHO and for other members of Taurus family.

The new 2013 Ford Taurus SHO is better looking, better performing, and features some nice new interior upgrades. Ford says that the new 2013 Taurus SHO is the sportiest model yet to wear SHO badge – let’s take a look at what they mean.

2013 Ford Taurus SHO Specifications:

• Style: Sedan.
• Seating Capacity: 5.
• Base Price: $32,000.
• Price as Tested: $45,285.
• Engine: 3.5 liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6  – 365-hp at 5,500 rpm and 350 lb-ft of torque at 1,500 rpm.
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
• 0 to 60 mph: 5.2 seconds.
• Top Speed: 133 mph.
• Curb Weight: 4,350 lbs.
• Fuel-economy: 17/25 mpg (city/highway).

Exterior:

The 2013 Ford Taurus lineup as a whole has received several upgrades with a brand-new facelifted front fascia and an upgraded rear profile. One thing the Taurus SHO continues to due well for the 2013 model year is that it remains a sleeper. There are still subtle differences when it comes to design of the SHO from the rest of the Taurus family.

However, there are some unique design ques to the SHO that set it apart. Those include a black mesh grille, SHO-specific side view mirrors, a unique decklid-mounted spoiler and high-intensity discharge headlamps. There are also subtle SHO badges on the front wheel openings and on the a fender-mounted scallop.

The Taurus SHO rides on 19-inch premium painted wheels wearing standard P255/45VR-19 all-season tires. If that isn’t cool enough for you, you can opt for 20-inch machined and painted wheels.

Overall, I feel the new Taurus gets a front fascia that makes it look compelling when standing next to its German and Japanese competitors.

Interior:

On the inside, the 2013 Ford Taurus SHO gets some sportier touches along with new Ford technology.

Step inside and you’ll be welcomed by a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-trimmed sport seats with SHO graphics, unique woven aluminum trim and adjustable aluminum pedals with memory.

One thing you definitely notice over the 2010 model year Taurus SHO is that there is a better use of soft touch materials along with leather trim around the center dash. Those little things make you feel just a little better about dropping a starting price tag of $39,200 for a Taurus.

Also included in that starting price of $39,200 is Ford’s new MyFord Touch driver connect technology powered by SYNC. Of course the MyFord Touch system has been upgraded to perform better – however, little glitches and hiccups remain.

Nevertheless, the 2013 Ford Taurus SHO interior manages to be sporty and comfortable at the same time, a big plus in our book.

Performance:

When it comes to performance, you’ll definitely notice a difference over the 2010 model year Taurus SHO. While the 2013 model year Taurus SHO continues to be powered by a 365-hp 3.5 liter twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost, overall performance has been improved with better steering, handling and braking.

For 2013, the Ford Taurus SHO also adds on a new Performance Package that has been engineered to provide better handling and power delivery under sportier driving condition. Think of it as a track package for a family sedan… weird huh?

The SHO Performance Package includes a sport-tuned suspension with unique dampers and springs, performance brake pads and unique track-tuned calipers, Recalibrated EPAS, Electronic Stability Control track mode with true off, 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio for enhanced off-the-line acceleration, enhanced extreme-duty cooling system and 245/YR20 performance summer-compound tires wrapped around 20-inch wheels. If all that sportiness is very important for your purchase of a $40,000 Taurus, get prepared to cash out an extra $1,995 for the Performance Package.

The engine of the 2013 Ford  Taurus SHO is still mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission allowing for a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 133 mph. Fuel-economy comes in at 17/25 mpg (city/highway) – I managed to average 21 mpg over my 4 days with the SHO.

Overall:

So yes, the 2013 Ford Taurus SHO is definitely a huge improvement over the 2010 model year when it comes to looks and performance – but the price tag is one thing that really blows us away. Prices start at $39,200 but when you add a bunch of optional extras like our test car, the price can hit close to $45,000 – which is quite a bit of money for a Taurus or for a Ford alone.

Either way, if you’re a Taurus SHO enthusiast, then that price tag might not scare you away.

All Photos Copyright egmCarTech © Omar Rana.

- By: Omar Rana