SHO ultimate family sedan?

[SilverSH0]

That might be true with the performance package, but not without it. If this car is faster around an auto cross track or road course than any "sporty" car (without PP), than you're probably surrounded by a bunch of people who don't know how to drive.

PP vs nonPP has little to no difference in AutoX. It's not about power and a better axle ratio. Also, yes there are people who cannot drive but I'm right there. I just really started this year and I've grown up on the drag strip not the track. So I wouldn't consider myself a good driver.

The point is that it's not as terrible of a car as you think. It's not the best but it's not the worst. It's simply competent and still fun. But I still feel it's taking the car and doing something that isn't it's primary design.

But I'll reiterate that I can see your point and why you personally are disappointed with the car. There are other well priced options that would probably meet your mold better than the SHO.

 

[Chris Horner]

Granted, I don't have the performance package and I know that makes a difference. However, that's another shortcoming with this car. Why would you need a "performance package" to drive a performance car the way it was designed to be driven? I could understand offering a "track package" with tires, brakes, gearing and cooling upgrades. But every SHO should come with the traction control button. The main reason to buy this car is its performance. Yet you need a performance package (and give up other options) to access all of the cars performance. That's kinda foolish.

Wow dude. Seriously? If you're going to blast the SHO for offering a performance package, better also ask BMW and Mercedes and Ford re the Mustang the same question, and frankly most other auto makers.

I've driven a G8. One of the biggest disappointments ever.

 

[Sgtmeatsauce1]

I loved my G8 for what it was, and it looked great, with 127800 miles it drove like new with probably 5000 1/8th mile races too. They are different cars, g8 was a 4 door corvette, after poly suspension and gxp struts 50 50 weight ratio locking rear differential and v8 hp and sound....I will forever miss that car. I have literally a thousand pictures of it. But I bought my SHO for what it is, comfortable safe luxobarge with a kick and cheap to go 12s while getting decent mpg with AWD versatility. ....and down my wife loves it....

 

[Butcher]

I can see why your expectations have been let down. You bought this car thinking it was a 4 door sports car like your G8 and it's not. I would also be disappointed if I bought a car thinking it was something it wasn't designed for.

The G8 is like a 4 door muscle car. It's raw and unrefined but that not what it's designed purpose. The SHO is designed more around being a more refined and comfort car with some pep. It's pretty obvious it's not a 4 door sports car when you look at the mods and money you have to sink into it and still only reach mid 11s. So I can see your disappointment as you thought this was a Ford version if the G8 and it's not.

What?!? Do you really think the G8 is a 4 door sports car?!? That's crazy. The G8 GXP would be a sports car, but not the G8 GT. Just because it has a V8 that doesn't make it a sports car. The difference is that a G8 feels more "connected" to the road, the SHO feels vague or numb. That's not a bad thing, some people prefer that. I would say the G8 is more like a BMW and the SHO is more like a Merecedes.

 

[Butcher]

Wow dude. Seriously? If you're going to blast the SHO for offering a performance package, better also ask BMW and Mercedes and Ford re the Mustang the same question, and frankly most other auto makers.

I've driven a G8. One of the biggest disappointments ever.

First of all, I don't like the way Ford options their cars, but that's a whole different can of worms. As for BMW and Mercedes, I wasn't aware that you needed to get a "performance option" on an M5 or an E63 to unlock it's driving potential. Could you provide a link to those "required" performance options?

I'm not blasting Ford for offering a performance option. I'm blasting Ford because you need to get that performance option to be able to drive the car to its potential. Non PP cars don't allow you to turn off the active handling.

 

[Butcher]

The acronym SHO stands for Super High Output. I was under the impression that related to the performance of this model. Are you guys telling me the Super High Output relates to the luxury aspect of the car, or does that relate to the daily drivability of the car? The SHO is the high performance version of the Taurus. That puts it in the same genre as the G8 GXP, the M5, the E63, the CTS-V etc. Now, obviously the SHO doesn't compete with those cars and most of those cars cost twice what the SHO costs. But don't tell me that there is a reason to buy an SHO other than its performance. I'm pretty sure all of the options on the SHO (excluding the drivetrain) are available on other versions of the Taurus. If you wanted a good AWD car for the winter, you could get a Subaru for less money.

 

[Butcher]

PP vs nonPP has little to no difference in AutoX. It's not about power and a better axle ratio. Also, yes there are people who cannot drive but I'm right there. I just really started this year and I've grown up on the drag strip not the track. So I wouldn't consider myself a good driver.

The point is that it's not as terrible of a car as you think. It's not the best but it's not the worst. It's simply competent and still fun. But I still feel it's taking the car and doing something that isn't it's primary design.

But I'll reiterate that I can see your point and why you personally are disappointed with the car. There are other well priced options that would probably meet your mold better than the SHO.

Do you have a non PP car? The biggest problem with a non PP car is that you can't turn off the active handling. If you go around a corner quickly and then step on the accelerator, the throttle won't open. The car won't accelerate. I would think that might have a negative effect on lap times at an auto cross meet. But, I could be wrong.

 

[SHOdded]

The SHO provides the highest level of comfort + power + handling in the Taurus line. That has not changed in concept since the introduction of the SHO in MY 1989. The difference is now that there are TWO trim levels for a SHO (as far as an enthusiast is concerned). For people that really want to beat on it day in/day out, the Performance Package is perfect. Of course, the package means more in 2013+ than 2010-12 because of the addition of the coolers and changes in the braking system etc. Regular maintenance on an "updated" SHO with 400+ AWHP is also rather minimal, all things considered. If you drive a performance car, but don't want to take care of it, that's on you.

SHO
Equipment Group 400A
Includes select Limited features, plus:
Mechanical
3.5L EcoBoost® V6 engine
6-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission
with paddle shifters
All-wheel drive (AWD)
Electric power-actuated steering with drift control
Silver-painted brake calipers
Sport-tuned suspension
Seating
Leather-trimmed seats with “SHO” graphics embroidered
on front seat backs
Interior
Adjustable brake and accelerator pedals with memory
Aluminum pedal covers
Intelligent Access with push-button start
(2 key fob transmitters)
Power-tilt/-telescoping steering column
“SHO” branded front floor mats
Top grain leather-wrapped steering wheel
Exterior
19" premium Luster Nickel-painted aluminum wheels
with P255/45R19 LRR all-season tires
Dual exhaust with chrome tips
High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps
LED supplemental park lamps with piano black bezels
Piano black mesh grille
Piano black, power, heated sideview mirrors with memory,
security approach lamps, auto-dimming driver’s side and
integrated blind spot mirrors
Rear spoiler
“SHO” branded side fender vents

Available Package
SHO Performance Package includes performance friction
brake pads, sport-calibrated steering, AdvanceTrac® electronic
stability control “Sport Mode” setting, 3.16:1 final drive ratio,
Alcantara® suede-trimmed steering wheel, 20" machined and
painted aluminum wheels with P245/45R20 Performance
Summer Tire Compound and tire sealant/inflation kit (n/a with
adaptive cruise control)

 

[SilverSH0]

That puts it in the same genre as the G8 GXP, the M5, the E63, the CTS-V etc. Now, obviously the SHO doesn't compete with those cars and most of those cars cost twice what the SHO costs.

That's exactly why I never looked at those other vehicles. I wasn't willing to spend 2x the price. So it doesn't matter if they perform 100x better at everything when they aren't comparable because they're not even in the same price ballpark. I do consider the G8 GT a sports car just like I consider a Mustang GT or a Challenger R/T a sports car. Just because it's not the GXP/Cobra/SRT8 version doesn't mean it's not a sports car. There's still plenty of performance there just not the highest available.

But don't tell me that there is a reason to buy an SHO other than its performance. I'm pretty sure all of the options on the SHO (excluding the drivetrain) are available on other versions of the Taurus. If you wanted a good AWD car for the winter, you could get a Subaru for less money.

I guess I make a distinction between performance and power. I wanted something peppy and fun and knew the handling aspect of the car wasn't its strong point (I wouldn't expect it from a 4,400 lbs car). I didn't want a Subaru because I didn't want to replace head gaskets or work on the boxster engine.

Do you have a non PP car? The biggest problem with a non PP car is that you can't turn off the active handling. If you go around a corner quickly and then step on the accelerator, the throttle won't open. The car won't accelerate. I would think that might have a negative effect on lap times at an auto cross meet. But, I could be wrong.

I do have a non-PP car and have never noticed that issue at all. Maybe it's something that changed between my 2010 and your 2013. I can go around a corner and smash the gas and it will take off and squeal the tires. If it starts to slide it will start to limit but I can go all the way up to that point w/out any issues.

 

[shobote]

Didn't SS get bad reviews from motor trend and others? Also lacks AWD for the majority of US that gets inclement weather.

Ummm, Absolutely NOT, the SS was just reviewed (Randy Pobst at the helm) who fell in love with the car on track and street, also compared to the benchmark M5. http://www.motortrend.com/cars/chevrolet/ss/2016/ The SS is a true drivers car, with all the go fast goodies, real track cred's, and everyday drivability. I drove one 2 weeks ago and nearly signed off on one..... just couldn't stop smiling afterward. Only 415 hp ? LS3 has more upgrades out there than about anything on the planet, and regarding AWD, handling is worse with most AWD due to added front weight and push in corners, also dedicated winter tires on a RWD car actually do work better than all season tires with AWD, a common misconception.

 

[SilverSH0]

also dedicated winter tires on a RWD car actually do work better than all season tires with AWD, a common misconception.

It might work better for you but it certainly doesn't work better for me. I have dedicated winter tires for my Jeep and my wife's Kia. When it snows I cannot get up my driveway in my Jeep w/out switching it to 4wd. I do not have snow tires for my SHO but it gets up my driveway in all season tires. For my scenario, RWD with winter tires is not better than AWD with all seasons as RWD leaves me walking 1/4 mile through the snow to get home.

 

[steelgiant5]

Ultimate family sedan has to be the Chevy SS. Aussies at Holden know how to build solid, fast V8's. Great chassis with excellent handling, big Brembo's, smooth riding, LS3, , 6 sp, manual, and magnetorheological susp. and is even a better track car than the new Camero SS.

Cool, but rwd... I love the awd feature with all the power. I live where it snows also


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[Butcher]

It might work better for you but it certainly doesn't work better for me. I have dedicated winter tires for my Jeep and my wife's Kia. When it snows I cannot get up my driveway in my Jeep w/out switching it to 4wd. I do not have snow tires for my SHO but it gets up my driveway in all season tires. For my scenario, RWD with winter tires is not better than AWD with all seasons as RWD leaves me walking 1/4 mile through the snow to get home.

Well, instead of winter tires, maybe you should buy a snowblower to clear your driveway in the winter. That might solve your problem.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

 

[steelgiant5]

Ummm, Absolutely NOT, the SS was just reviewed (Randy Pobst at the helm) who fell in love with the car on track and street, also compared to the benchmark M5. http://www.motortrend.com/cars/chevrolet/ss/2016/ The SS is a true drivers car, with all the go fast goodies, real track cred's, and everyday drivability. I drove one 2 weeks ago and nearly signed off on one..... just couldn't stop smiling afterward. Only 415 hp ? LS3 has more upgrades out there than about anything on the planet, and regarding AWD, handling is worse with most AWD due to added front weight and push in corners, also dedicated winter tires on a RWD car actually do work better than all season tires with AWD, a common misconception.

Winter tires make a huge difference, I would still rather have the awd though. Swapping tires, extra rims, or paying every year to swap tires back and forth sucks..


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[Butcher]

I will say, I get plenty of snow where I live. The SHO is the first FWD/AWD car I've owned. With good tires, and knowledge of how to drive, I've never had an issue with winter driving. Now, if a person doesn't know how to drive in snow, or they make bad decisions, then all bets are off. I will say, the AWD is nice in heavy snowfall, but it wasn't nearly as "sure footed" as I thought it would be. I'll see if my new all season tires make a noticeable difference this coming winter.

 

[SilverSH0]

Winter tires make a huge difference, I would still rather have the awd though. Swapping tires, extra rims, or paying every year to swap tires back and forth sucks..


Sent from my iPhone

Keep in mind that AWD only helps you avoid getting stuck. I have snow tires for my 4wd Jeep because the snow tires give you dramatically more traction for stopping and turning. If I drove my SHO regularly in the winter I would have a set of winter tires for it as well. Having the extra traction to stop and avoid one accident more than pays for a set of rims and tires.

 

[steelgiant5]

If I lived somewhere it snowed all the time I would put winter tires on, but for the amount we get in PA I'm not spending the money. Yes I agree about stopping also. 90% of the time if you pay attention to what you are doing you will be fine


Sent from my iPhone

 

[Chris Horner]

First of all, I don't like the way Ford options their cars, but that's a whole different can of worms. As for BMW and Mercedes, I wasn't aware that you needed to get a "performance option" on an M5 or an E63 to unlock it's driving potential. Could you provide a link to those "required" performance options?

I'm not blasting Ford for offering a performance option. I'm blasting Ford because you need to get that performance option to be able to drive the car to its potential. Non PP cars don't allow you to turn off the active handling.

I don't have time to go looking at the M5 or E63 build pages, but on an M3/4 it's listed as the Competition Package. Btw they're not required; that's why they're called options.

 

[Chris Horner]

Do you have a non PP car? The biggest problem with a non PP car is that you can't turn off the active handling. If you go around a corner quickly and then step on the accelerator, the throttle won't open. The car won't accelerate. I would think that might have a negative effect on lap times at an auto cross meet. But, I could be wrong.

Not sure how you're driving yours but that doesn't happen on mine. And I don't disable the stability systems.

 

[brucelinc]

Not sure how you're driving yours but that doesn't happen on mine. And I don't disable the stability systems.

Yes, it pretty much has to break traction before the stability control kicks in. I have taken corners on dry pavement and had all 4 tires squealing (but not sliding) and not had it engage. On the other hand, I have attempted to powerslide around corners on snow and it the the stability control will absolutely take over.