Ford Taurus SHO guns it with Performance package

Laps around Grattan Race-way near Grand Rapids, Mich., revealed little hint of fade, which was outstanding considering that the car weighs nearly 4,40.

For 2013, Ford not only freshened the Taurus with a new grille, fascia and reworked rear end—including updated LED taillights (“Big Brothers,” Autoweek, April 30)—but the high-end SHO model is fortified with a Performance pack.

It touches several aspects of the car, including tires, brakes, suspension and gearing but centers on an improved cooling system with a larger radiator and auxiliary transmission and oil coolers. This cools the power transfer unit (PTU) and the rear differential for when the car is being pushed. The system drops the PTU operating temperature by nearly 80 degrees. The unit routes power from the transmission to the ground in the torque-sensing AWD car.

High-performance semimetallic brake pads are more resistant to fade, and 18-inch brake calipers help improve stopping power. The pistons in the calipers are stainless steel, with silicone seals adding to the heat dissipation. The rotor size grew from 12.8 inches to 13.9 inches, and the number of cooling fins in the discs went from 30 to 52. Plus, the rear rotors are now vented rather than solid. All of the changes improve thermal management by 53 percent, Taurus chief engineer Bill Gubing said.

The package also includes stiffer springs and dampers, and the electronic power steering was tuned for increased resistance, better turn-in feel and improved on-center dynamics at speed. There also are 20-inch machined and painted SHO-specific wheels fitted with 245/YR-20 Goodyear performance tires, though for anyone driving a Performance package-equipped SHO in the snow, winter tires will be a must. The AdvanceTrac electronic stability control can also be completely turned off.

While nothing was done to the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 that makes 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, the final drive ratio was changed from 2.77:1 to 3.16:1. This gives the car a quicker snap off the line, and the six-speed automatic can keep the engine in the powerband sweet spot from 1,500 rpm to 5,250 rpm.

Finishing off the pack is an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel. The pack costs $1,995, and it appears to be a bargain, for the increased brake performance and the extra cooling.

Laps around Grattan Raceway near Grand Rapids, Mich., revealed little hint of fade, which was outstanding considering that the car weighs nearly 4,400 pounds. Ford execs say 30 percent of all Tauruses built are SHO models, and that dealer orders for the Performance package are running at near 50 percent. 

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While nothing was done to the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 that makes 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, the final drive ratio was changed fro.

Finishing off the pack is an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel. The pack costs $1,995, and it appears to be a bargain, for the increased brake performa.

High-performance semimetallic brake pads are more resistant to fade, and 18-inch brake calipers help improve stopping power..