On the eve of the New York auto show, Ford has unveiled the 2013 version of its full-size Taurus sedan, with tweaked styling, a new four-cylinder turbo engine option and a host of other improvements.
You might ask, as we did: Didn’t Ford just introduce the new Taurus for 2010? What’s with the face lift now? According to Ford’s head product man, Derrick Kuzak, it’s because Ford is “not just a carmaker, we’re also a technology company and continuous improvement is part of our culture.” Oh. Okay. Surely, though, it’s no coincidence that Ford’s cross-town competitors recently began shipping re-worked Chrysler 300s and Dodge Chargers to its dealers.
An Engine Technology Company
The biggest news for the ’13 Taurus is the addition of an optional turbocharged, direct-injection—alright, EcoBoost—2.0-liter four-cylinder. We’ll first see the four-cylinder this fall when it becomes available in the Explorer and Edge SUVs. In the Taurus, the four-banger will make 237 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. Bolted to a six-speed automatic, it should return at least 31 mpg on the highway, by Ford’s guess. As in the Explorer and Edge, buyers will have to pay a yet-unspecified premium for the little turbo compared to the base 3.5-liter V-6.
The fuel-economy benefit had better measure up to Ford’s predictions, as the addition of variable valve timing on both its intake and exhaust cams brings the 3.5 an additional 27 hp for 2013. It now produces a class-competitive 290 hp and 255 lb-ft. Again, a six-speed automatic is the only available transmission. The SHO’s 365-hp twin-turbo V-6 will be unchanged for 2013.
Other mechanical changes for all 2013 Taurus models include a function that uses the brakes to provide an effect similar to a limited-slip differential, an electric-assist steering system with a quicker ratio, a larger brake master cylinder—as well as revised booster tuning to improve brake-pedal feel—and a sportier suspension tune. The interior will use more soft-touch materials and benefit from a more comprehensive sound-deadening package.
Ford also will upgrade the Taurus with the company’s full array of electro-wizardry, including the not-universally-loved MyFord Touch infotainment system and Curve Control, a sort of predictive stability control that slows the car should the driver enter a corner too quickly. As is the fashion these days, Ford is adding LED taillights.
Looks Like a Bull, Smells Like a Bull
Visual differences are slight, just a re-worked face, including a trapezoidal grille and a lumpier hood. Stung by criticism that the high-performance SHO was virtually indistinguishable from the standard models, however, Ford will give the speedy Taurus some unique trim for 2013. It starts with a blacked-out mesh grille that gives the SHO’s nose at least a passing resemblance to the Shelby GT500, and includes black side-mirror housings, (optional) black-and-silver 20-inch wheels, and a trunk-mounted spoiler. In addition to the upsized brake master cylinder from the standard ’13 Taurus, the SHO adds larger front rotors, and the rear discs are now vented—welcome news, as we noted significant brake fade in the last SHO we tested.
Sound good? You’ve got plenty of time to decide, as Ford’s updated big boy won’t go on sale for about a year.
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