The original Taurus SHO had the definitive look of sporty nailed. It had the ground effects package that gave it that low to the ground race type theme. On the inside, the manual transmission made it even more of a thrill as one climbed through the gears. The car felt heavy, but very competent and able to perform as one might expect from the letters that stand for Super High Output (SHO).

The attraction then was carried on to this new version, the 2nd generation Taurus SHO and Ford once again made the SHO a success. It has the same comforting features, speed characteristics, and agile handling that one would expect from a sports car.

This new version however, is a bit more stealthy than the older models. It has more of a sleeper effect, with less prominent ground effects or body modifications that would indicate it to be as powerful as it is.

The Ford Taurus SHO has made an impact on the enthusiast community and aftermarket industry, with a significant support infrastructure where owners can meet other owners and share information about the vehicle. These forums originating online have led to tech sessions and other events, all contributing to the passion behind the SHO.

Perhaps the most famous owner of an SHO being Conan O’Brien who often spoke of his awesome Ford Taurus and swore that he’d never own anything better. This personal relationship is what all Ford Taurus SHO owners should be able to expect and appreciate.

Has the world gone mad? How could it be that an American sedan not only stands toe-to-toe with its high-priced European counterparts, but also actually exceeds them in quality, craftsmanship, performance and efficiency? When it comes to full-size four-doors, there’s world class, and there’s the new 2010 Taurus, Ford’s most surprising (re)introduction ever.

When it was introduced nearly 20 years ago, the Ford Taurus was something of an industry groundbreaker, bringing a healthy dose of innovation and affordability to a segment in dire need. Though it fell by the wayside during the SUV era, Ford has not only revived the Taurus for 2010, it has reinvigorated the spirit of possibility and progress that the Taurus embodied throughout its run. The latest iteration, in SE, SEL, luxurious Limited and performance-oriented SHO trims, not only challenges some of the world’s most prestigious (and expensive) sedans, it surpasses them.

Ford’s newest Taurus brings the vehicle’s identifiable athletic design well into the 21st century and beyond. A wide, commanding stance is complemented by thick, elongated lines that stretch the length of Ford’s creation. Clean paneling, a power dome hood and sculpted fender flares ensure a muscular, modern appearance while available 20-inch aluminum alloys set a firm foundation.

In the front, Ford’s new tri-bar chrome grille is flanked by narrow jeweled projector beam headlamps and a sleek, ground-hugging lower body design. A sweeping roofline leads to a handsomely tailored backend, complete with twin chrome exhaust tips, a subtle rear decklid spoiler and wraparound incandescent taillamps. Even the paint itself has been specially engineered to resist and reduce chipping and scratching.

Beneath the hood, the 2010 Taurus continues to modernize the segment with a choice of powerful and surprisingly efficient engines. Its base engine is a 3.5-liter DOHC Duratec® V6, an all-aluminum and exceptionally enjoyable powerplant that makes 263 hp and 249 lb/ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission in the SE trim. Despite its heavy dose of power, the Taurus V6 delivers a remarkable EPA-estimated 28 mpg highway.

The 2010 Taurus is also the first (and only) vehicle in its entire class to feature the available 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ V6, a huge advancement for the company, as well as the car. Ford’s direct-injected, twin-turbocharged engine efficiently replicates the power and performance of a V8 without the increased emissions, reduced fuel efficiency and, well, additional two cylinders. In fact, Ford’s groundbreaking V6 generates an astounding 365 hp and 350 lb/ft of torque through a quick shifting, low-lag six-speed automatic with dynamic paddleshifters. In testing, the Taurus new EcoBoost™ V6 bested the Audi A6’s V8 off the line over and over again.

Like its Fusion cousin, the new Taurus features Ford’s available all-wheel drive system, which delivers fully automatic traction and power for all four wheels on slippery or otherwise difficult surfaces. The available sport-tuned suspension system takes handling to new heights, upgrading shocks, springs and struts to ensure a decidedly race-inspired drive. Electronic traction and stability control systems, which help ensure confident vehicle control through tight corners, come standard.

Inside, the newest Taurus features luxury and innovation on par with the best Europe has to offer. The cabin itself is as beautifully and carefully crafted as the vehicle’s exterior, combining premium materials with stylish design and ideal arrangement. Ample interior space is complemented by an emphasis on elegant, soft-touch surfaces, like the available stitched leather of the heated, cooled and massaging seats. Gauges and controls are modern and clean, and the center stack flows beautifully from the dash down. Highlighted by soft Ice Blue™ ambient lighting, the cockpit has been specially engineered with tight seals and thick glass to be exceptionally quiet (more so than the higher-priced Acura RL).

Like its predecessor 20 years ago, the newest Taurus is a marvel of modern innovation. Beyond intelligent keyless entry and push-button ignition, the 2010 Taurus is filled to the brim with the latest technology. An available Blind-Spot Information System (BLIS) alerts you to the presence of an object or vehicle out of your range of vision while an adaptive cruise control system automatically brakes and alerts you of vehicles slowing down in front of you. Bluetooth hands free phone, navigation and the optional Sony premium CD audio system are all voice-activated and easily controlled through Ford’s available, intuitive new SYNC® system. The Taurus offers SYNC’s 911 Assist™ and available SIRIUS Satellite Radio as well.

So, has the world gone mad? Perhaps, if they’ve spent far more money on a high-priced imported sedan.

They once roamed the freeways and turnpikes in huge numbers. They were once the most popular cars in America. “They” were full-size sedans. As more car buyers moved to minivans, SUVs and crossovers, those stalwarts of the American highway began to fade. For a variety of reasons, buyers stopped choosing “traditional” full-size sedans.

The 2010 Ford Taurus is about to change that. Having introduced the successful Fusion midsize sedan, Ford moved the Taurus up in size, room, comfort and luxury while maintaining its renowned value. This was no small task.

With modern design and engineering, a full-size sedan no longer needs to drive like the “land yachts” of the past to offer comfort and room for up to five adults. The first thing to know is what defines “full-size.” It does not mean a huge, hulking road beast that guzzles gasoline. That might have described some models in the 1960s and 1970s, but nobody wants that now. Car “size” is determined by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines.

A car with 120 cubic feet or more of total interior volume (passenger space plus trunk capacity) qualifies as a full-size car. The 2010 Ford Taurus offers 122.3 cubic feet of interior volume with 20.1 cubic feet for the trunk. That’s larger than the trunk in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, for example. Interior headroom, legroom, hip room and shoulder room are generous front and rear.

Roomy on the inside doesn’t have to mean boxy and boring outside. The 2010 Taurus combines a rakish profile and low roofline in a way that still preserves interior roominess. The design details, such as the powerdome hood, pronounced fenders and distinctive Ford three-bar grille, convey a new boldness for the American sedan.

Inside, a forward-leaning center stack, home to the climate controls and audio system, flows in a continuous unbroken form through the instrument panel and down into the center console. The smooth lines of the interior hint at the seamless quality and craftsmanship found throughout the new Taurus.

Like all Taurus models going back to the original in 1986, the 2010 model is front-wheel drive. This newest Taurus SE model is also equipped with standard AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control with antilock brakes (ABS) and all-speed traction control. This technology helps provide surefooted traction in all kinds of weather.

That’s just one part of the Taurus safety story. Standard dual front and front seat-mounted side airbags are augmented by the Safety Canopy® system of side-curtain airbags. The new Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement (SPACE®) vehicle structure helps assure even greater protection in a side impact.

It’s roomy, comfortable, stylish and safe, but what is the 2010 Taurus like to drive? Whether you’ve driven other full-size sedans recently or not, the 2010 Taurus will surprise you with its tight handling and smooth, quiet ride that rivals some luxury models. If that sounds like hype, consider that Motor Trend magazine in its August 2009 issue said the new Taurus has a “sublime, near-luxury drive.”

Yesterday’s big sedans needed big V8 engines to move them with any alacrity. However, the 2010 Taurus, powered by a fully modern 263-hp Duratec® 3.5-liter V6, is quicker than those golden oldies. Much credit for this performance goes to the six-speed automatic transmission, which enables the engine to deliver ample acceleration and passing power along with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg highway fuel economy.

The new 2010 Taurus SE starts at $25,170 – the same price as the 2009 base model, but with more class-leading features and new technologies too numerous to detail here.

It took a high level of design and engineering skill to re-imagine the American full-size sedan, and the results are nothing less than extraordinary.

The 2010 Ford Taurus doesn’t simply react in the event of an accident; it attempts to avoid one in the first place. The vehicle stability control feature improves handling and control and along with traction control and antilock brakes, provides a helping hand in poor driving conditions. Safety features also include front-side airbags, side-curtain airbags, active head restraints and airbag occupancy sensors. If an accident should occur, Taurus technology takes over, providing optimum protection for its occupants.

Optional safety features include a blind spot warning system, a traffic information system, a pre-collision warning system, rear parking sensors and a rearview camera. The Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert utilizes rear- and side-aiming radar to alert drivers of potential collisions. Ford’s SYNC now includes a 911 Assist feature that instantly places a call to a local emergency operator upon deployment of the airbags.

For travelers, Ford offers Travel Link, a SIRIUS data service that sends traffic, weather, gas prices and even sports scores to the information screen on the dash. The Taurus is equipped with an ignition disable device that will prevent the engine from starting if a key other than the correct original manufacturer key is used. Automatic high beams and rain-sensing wipers come in handy, and for convenience, the Taurus has keyless entry with push-button start. Optional features include a navigation system with a hard drive music storage system and a Sony sound system.

In the overhaul, the Taurus receives a stronger, boron steel body structure to provide the most protection possible for occupants in the event of a collision. Last, but not least, the Taurus offers MyKey as standard, which allows its owners to set seatbelt reminders, stereo volume limits and stability control settings. For those who enjoy going the extra mile in their Taurus, multi-contour seats with a massage function will be an option. Ford certainly hasn’t left anything out. In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration testing, the Taurus is expected to earn five out of five stars across the board, and top scores are also predicted in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing.

The interior of the Taurus is as sophisticated as its safety features. It has user-friendly controls and a fresh design that contributes to its new upscale image. It has a twin-cowl dash constructed using high-quality materials. With technology such as a six-way power driver’s seat, power passenger’s seat and tilt-and-telescoping steering column, it’s comfortable and refined. As a full-size five-passenger sedan, the Taurus provides plenty of front-seat and rear-seat room. The SYNC electronics interface, a voice-activated technology, is optional on every trim except for the base.

This year, the Taurus SHO, a performance-oriented model, makes a comeback. Ford fans may recall the early 90s when the Taurus SHO was a favorite, but the driving experience is now better than ever. The Taurus SHO boasts a 3.5-liter V6 engine that churns 365 hp. The Taurus SE, SEL and Limited models are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 263 hp and 249 lb/ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. On all trims except for the SE, the transmission features manual shift control with downshift rev-matching capability. Front-wheel drive is standard on every Taurus and all-wheel drive is available on SEL and Limited trims.

On the outside, the three-bar chrome grille that has long been a trademark of the Taurus now sports a new design. The fenders have been sculpted, and the headlights wrap around with high-tech lighting. The Taurus gains a more modern look overall, one that’s certainly as appealing as its interior.

The Taurus driving experience is much more engaging thanks to the recent overhaul. Road & Track says, “With available all-wheel drive, a huge, quiet and well-appointed cabin, best-in-class trunk volume and a 263-hp V6, the Taurus does everything expected of a modern large sedan.” Add to that the long list of safety features and the Taurus soars to the top of its class.