The Gen 1/2 changes were more sigificant than just lights and bumpers. Along with the bumpers and lights, the interior changed quite a bit too. The trunks, fenders, hood, and basically the entire car structure changed. The Gen 2 also grew longer. The addition of the automatic tranny, the 3.2 V-6, the revised suspension and wheel bearing assemblies up front also made note of a newer Generation.
Think about it like this. The 1996-1999 SHOs and regular Taurii of the same years share the same unibody structure from the windshield to the back of the car as the 2000-2007 models. Same doors, windows, underbody, suspension, etc. Would we have called the SHOs in the years 2000-2007 (if they were actually produced that is) a Gen 4 or a Gen 3.5?
This is a great debate nonetheless, whatever they are called. I'm thankful that Ford has stepped up to the plate and did what they did. I think it's probably a little too early for this kind of change to the car, but they know what they're doing. Whatever Generation we may call it, let's be glad that we are able to have this kind of debate. Maybe Ford will keep the SHO in the lineup longer than they did before. :thankyou: