2011 FORD TAURUS SHO
In the wake of its much-anticipated return to the marketplace for 2010, the Taurus SHO model came back with a vengeance for 2011 packing even more available performance. The 2011 SHO (Super High Output) carries over the same 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged Ford EcoBoost V-6 engine that was introduced in the 2010 SHO. This advanced powerplant generates an impressive 365 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 350 foot-pounds of torque at 3,500 rpm, all while offering the fuel-economy of smaller-displaced naturally aspirated engines.
The SHO also features Ford’s SelectShift six-speed automatic transmission along with a torque-sensing all-wheel-drive system. SelectShift offers either a fully automatic operation or a selectable manual shift mode for a more performance-oriented driving experience. Once the manual mode is selected, up-shifts and down-shifts are controlled by paddles located just behind the steering wheel, allowing the driver to select desired shift points along with a rev-matching downshift throttle blip. In addition to the SelectShift transmission, the Taurus SHO features an all-wheel-drive system that continually monitors and distributes torque to the wheels that have the most traction, based upon a system of internal electromechanical clutches.
In addition to all of the standard SHO features, a new SHO Performance Package was made available for performance-oriented enthusiasts. The SHO Performance Package includes upgrades such as a sport-tuned suspension (employing unique shocks and springs), high--performance brake pads, a selectable ESC (Electronic Skid Control) track mode, a 3.16:1 final drive axle ratio, and 20-inch wheels with performance Summer-only rated compound tires.
Finally, the 2011 Taurus SHO also offered two new color options: Kona Blue Metallic and Sterling Gray Metallic.