Gen 4 SHO Tested

[joesho_gb]

As a proud owner of a Gen 2, and a SHO enthusiast since 89; I (like many other people) was excited to hear that Ford was coming back out with the SHO.

Looked a few of them, and have been waiting for some time to finally get one on the road. Well, yesterday, I got the opportunity to finally give one a shake down. A good friend of mine works for a Ford dealership, and she knew that I have just been foaming at the mouth to drive one. Well, yesterday afternoon, I got the call "The boss is gone for the day, the SHO is yours!"

The one I drove was a fully loaded Red one, with AWD, navigation, and a $46,000 price tag. The only thing I was told is "You wreck it, it's yours. Period!"

With the keys in my hand, a smile that went ear to ear, I walked over to it; knowing full well that it was about to get the tires torn off.

First Impression
I applauded Ford for coming back to the SHO name plate. The first thing I couldn't get over was just how big the car is, especially with my Gen 2 parked next too it.
I started it up, walked around it for a bit. The exhaust note was decent. Trunk is huge, back seat is big; front seats were decent.
But, with all of this, one thought that never left my mind, "This this is HUGE!"
Even the decals & striping on the trunk are big. Too big in my opinion.

If the "Ford" logo on the trunk lid gets much bigger, they will just need to design the trunk lid as an oval.

And the curb weight doesn't lie. At 4,300lbs, this motor has a lot of mass to move around. That's about a 1/2 ton more than my SHO.

Sitting inside, everything seemed solid. Door closed with a nice, solid "whump!". Putting it into drive, and pulling out, everything seemed nice, but that was about to change.

Driving
In Wisconsin, we got a pretty decent amount of snow this past week, and as of yesterday, a lot of the roads were still snow covered. Gave me a good chance to test the AWD.
In city driving, it was responsive, the AWD held, didn't slip much. Was actually a very tame driver.

On the highway, you stomp it, it moves! Almost zero turbo lag (remember, it has twin turbo's). On the highway, it felt very composed. Made a night engine / exhaust note on wide open throttle.

I drove it for about 45 min, in the city, highway, and country. After bringing it back to the dealership; my friend asked me "Well, how did you like it?"

I had to think about it for a few moments, and finally came up with this answer. "It's a good car, don't get me wrong, but it's no SHO".

I want to elaborate on that thought. With yesterday included, I have now driven all flavors of SHO's. Gen 1, Gen 2 ATX and MTX, Gen 3; and now Gen 4.

Every gen has it's own pro's and con's. The Gen 4 is no exception.

In my opinion, the gen 4 is missing what made the SHO a SHO. That "unsophisticated" sophistication. That motor that just wanted to tear out the front of the car on wide open throttle. The feeling that at any second, something will let loose. The engine noise when that Yamaha opened the secondary intakes. The snap of the driver (or passengers) into their seats when you stomp it.

Don't get me wrong, the EcoBoost is a ****'uva motor. It goes, has a good noise. But this motor is pulling too much mass, too much weight to be great.

Take this into consideration. I'm going to compare my Gen 2 to certain aspects of the Gen 4.
Gen 2 Power to Weight Ratio - 15.3/lbs per 1hp
Gen 4 Power to Weight Ratio - 11.9/lbs per 1hp.

The EcoBoost has a 145hp advantage over the Yamaha V6. One would think that it would walk all over previous gen SHO's,
And in a 0-60mph test, the official numbers state just that.
Then Gen 2 states 6.6 seconds, Gen 4 4.8 seconds. A second and a half it a lot of time.

But, my grief goes beyond the numbers. I would rather take an extra second or so to hit 60, just to hear the motor. When you hit a gen 2, the car comes alive. It roars, It creaks, sometimes it just feels like you're going to die.

The Gen 4, not so much. It feels too civilized. To grown up. Too mainstream.

When Ford started building the SHO in 89, they knew that this car was a specialty type of car. They knew that this car wasn't for everyone; only certain drivers would go for it. And they were right. Not everyone wanted a SHO, or even knew what one is. It was meant as a drivers car.

The Gen 4 feels like an "everyone's" car. They main-streamed the car too much. To me, Ford built the new SHO for the masses, or at least the masses that could afford the price tag.
The AWD feels secure, but never feels like it wants to let go. The tires are too big, and the whole car is too heavy to smoke the tires. Too many computers taking away from the joy of driving the SHO.

In my opinion, the Gen 4 SHO is a few fixes away from being an awesome sleeper, an awesome SHO.

1) Go on a diet. Loose some weight, especially on the rear. Feels too heavy going into corners.
2) Turn off ESC/TCS/AWD - If Ford wants to compete with the EVO, WRX, and the other tire burners out there; allow the driver to control what's going on with the car. Let us shut the ESC off. Let me shut the traction control off. Let me choose if I want the AWD drive on or off. Let me turn off the "mom" controls, so I can drive it!
3) Better Seats - One thing I noticed while driving, I couldn't get the drivers seat to secure me. The lumbar / side supports were almost non-existent. Going around a corner, I almost slid out of the seat.
4) Drop the Price! - $46,000 is too much!

It's a good car, but not great. Ford has done wonders with the Taurus nameplate since they brought it back from the Five-Hundred. I can see what Ford is trying to do, and applaud them for sticking their necks out. With everyone going to the Eco-Boxes, I can only think that it took someone's job being on the line for the SHO to come back.

Good car, and a few revisions short of being great.

 

[PonySHO]

The Gen 4 feels like an "everyone's" car. They main-streamed the car too much. To me, Ford built the new SHO for the masses, or at least the masses that could afford the price tag.

The new SHO in this respect may be a product of the never ending battle between the bean counters and the car guys in the design. You have to consider the current condition the auto industry is in, it's in survival mode. That being the case, the bean counters have the upper hand. They're going to build a car that appeals to the most people in order to make the most profit.

I agree with you on the weight of the SHO, it's heavier than a lot of 1/2 ton pickups. I don't know where all that weight comes from. I didn't realize how huge it was until I pulled it into my garage. I remember when I first looked at it in the showroom. It was right next to a Fusion and I was thinking, I didn't realize how small the Fusion is! The point I'm trying to make is that the new Taurus, to me, hides it's size until you have something to compare it to.

 

[joesho_gb]

Good point about the bean counters, I guess I didn't think of it that way.

But you're right too about the weight. I don't know where it comes from, either.
Imagine how good that car would be if it shed even 500lbs off the skin.

Or take the motor and the suspension / steering setup from the Taurus, and threw it in the Fusion body? Now, THAT would be a b*tchin' SHO!

 

[PonySHO]

Or take the motor and the suspension / steering setup from the Taurus, and threw it in the Fusion body? Now, THAT would be a b*tchin' SHO!

I looked at the Fusion Sport after I got serious about getting the SHO, but it was kinda lame from a performance aspect. It's more of a cosmetic thing. I would have liked to have waited for the 2.0L EcoBoost engine to come out, I imagine that's going into a version the Fusion. If they could have shoe horned the 3.5L into it, holy rocket sled Batman!

 

[joesho_gb]

That's what I mean. I've driven the Fusion Sport, and although I liked the Chassis and other aspects, I thought the motor was a letdown.

But, Fusion Sport + 3.5L EcoBoost = driving from the back seat when you floor it! That's what I want(ed) to see with the SHO.

Like I said, it's an awesome car. I love the look of it, the stance, and the build quality.
I just didn't feel the "Ticked off, car with a bad attitude wanting to let it's aggression out through the front tires" that I get with mine.

If I had the cash flow to afford one, I might strongly consider it. But,for now, I guess I'll stick with my Gen 2.

If I could get my grubby little fingers on that motor / trans to slam into my SHO..... ooooh baby!

 

[PonySHO]

If I could get my grubby little fingers on that motor / trans to slam into my SHO..... ooooh baby!

I'm sure someone out there has their calculator out and some pencils sharpened. I remember seeing a Vanquish motor for sale at Kar Kraft. Probably won't be long before someone out there wipes out an SHO leaving the motor and tranny in tact.

 

[_JR_]

Working at a ford dealer, i get to drive both of those cars. I love the sport fusion and it would be a great car to mod. I'm sure you could get pretty good power out of that car, and starting with the 263hp it has, that aint bad.

The SHO is pretty quick but its as heavy as a whale. When we did a charity event where people could drive random Ford vehicles, the sales manager paired me with the 2010 SHO. He knows i love Ford's, i had just bought my '95 SHO from them, and i wouldnt be an idiot driving it. It was a nice comfy ride with some gusto. The people that took the vehicle on a test drive absolutely loved them. Only two people knew that the SHO existed before 2010. Everyone else was comparing the SHO to a BMW. They commented how smooth/comfortable/powerful the vehicle was and that it felt like driving a BMW.

I'm sure Ford built this car to improve their brand/quality image and to compete with higher end vehicles. You can get that BMW feel but for less. Not to mention Ford has loaded the SHO with a lot of features BMW's dont have.

It's just business on Ford's side. It's a smart move and i hope they can show people that buying domestic can be better then a luxury import. Plus, i'm sure they will bring about some good changes when they change it inn 2013 or w.e. was being whipped around the rumour mill.

 

[Huntervf]

Just curious... did you have any chance to exercise the SHO on dry, clear roads?

And the perf package with the retuned suspension and Eagle F1 rubber makes a noticeable difference--IMO it's a must for folks wanting something with a harder performance edge.

 

[joesho_gb]

Just curious... did you have any chance to exercise the SHO on dry, clear roads?

Yea, I did. It was nice, because I got to drive it in basically all conditions, dry and clear to slippery as ice.

I think if you get the SHO without AWD, that'd save a few hundred lbs, and possibly make the car more of a performance getter.

The fact that some of the people compared it to BMW, that's pretty good for anyone, especially Ford!

I'm sure once more SHO's get on the road, there will be more performance mods.
I even saw on these forums that someone has a 12 second SHO. For a 4,300lb, 4 door car with a V6, that's just impressive.

Betcha with a little weight reduction, that sucker could probably hit 11 or below.

 

[2010sho]

The SHO is ONLY AWD

 

[joesho_gb]

I know that.

 

[sperold]

I too would be most interested in a 2010 SHO with 2 wheel drive (preferably rear) a little less engine; and way less weight. I think you could get better performance with a simpler system. It is not going to happen, but what a nice thought.

 

[NiNeTy Fo SHO]

Just being a nit picker...where did you drive a Gen 1 ATX? It must have been one of those uber special ones.

I agree with PonySHO...the more you sell, the more you make. Gotta market to the masses. If the new SHO sells well..I think we will see more variations. ECOboost is new too...give the engineers time to tinker and justify more options.

Based on your review, I think the performance pack would be more up your alley. Me personally, I would take the options and comfort. You can get more HP...obviously seen from Beefcake.

 

[joesho_gb]

Woops lol. Fingers got ahead of my brain. Shouldn't have said ATX Gen 1 (I know, didn't come out until Gen 2).

Maybe I should see if I can find one with the Performance Pack, see if that changes my opinion.

 

[roadhammer]

Just my .02. Just traded off my 2006 mercedes s500 amg sport for 2010 sho.
was looking at the new cls 550, price is no object, but after driving both, the ford is just the better overall car, quite and refined, electronic options european cars can only dream of, but goes like crazy when asked too. The feeling that makes the car comparable to the merc IS the heavy feel. I think this car is a better overall car yhan my last 3 cars: 2004 jag xjr, 2005 BMW 745, and the afore mentioned s500, KUDOS FoMoCo!

 

[Huntervf]

The performance pack really dials in the handling IMO, makes it feel much smaller and lighter than it really is. Not sure how those Eagle F1s are going to handle snow though

Should Ford ever decide to do a 2WD model, I would definitely hope it's rear-wheel. 4000 lbs + 365 hp + FWD = epic fail. However, its competition is about equal in weight, so for the size, it's really not out of line. As for SHOs hitting 11s, I suspect that will happen very soon without weight reductions--guys are already into 12s with just a tune.

I agree, a 3.5 EB in a Fusion would be insane, and I told Mulally as much back in the summer at a Ford ride and drive at the proving grounds. Keep SVT for the specialty two doors, and make SHO the high-performance monkier for the four doors--Taurus SHO and Fusion SHO

 

[thepawn]

Eagle F1's don't handle in the snow... I've tried this with my Lightning.

I know buying my '10 SHO that it wasn't the same SHO of the past, but that's actually also a reason I bought it. I already have an asphalt ripper, I was looking (like others have mentioned) for something that was a bit more refined, had nice options and yet was not full of wuss. To me, the 2010 seems to be executing that quite well so far.

 

[joesho_gb]

Should Ford ever decide to do a 2WD model, I would definitely hope it's rear-wheel. 4000 lbs + 365 hp + FWD = epic fail.
I agree, a 3.5 EB in a Fusion would be insane, and I told Mulally as much back in the summer at a Ford ride and drive at the proving grounds. Keep SVT for the specialty two doors, and make SHO the high-performance monkier for the four doors--Taurus SHO and Fusion SHO

I agree that a RWD with this motor & setup would be an awesome car. In the 4 door rocket class, Chrysler has the 300 (C & SRT8), Ex-Pontiac had the G8, BMW has the M Series, and Mercedes has the AMG line. The SHO line for Ford would be cool as a Performance based family hauler.

But, I don't see Ford going that route, at least not with RWD performance cars. Excluding the Truck/SUV/Van line, Other than the Mustang, the only other RWD setup that Ford has (that is available State Side, and that I can think of) is the Crown Vic/Merc; which is well past it's prime.
Both the Mustang and Crown Vic use a Live Axle setup. To be competitive in the field, they would need to design a new independent setup, new chassis to handle the drive train, which is considerable $$$. Sure, the Mustang could use the rear setup to help offset the cost, but I think the "bean counters" wouldn't want a 4-door car to out perform their flagship Mustang.

So I guess right now, it's just a pipe dream.

 

[Huntervf]

As long as some version of the Mustang--in this case the GT500--remains top dog, then I don't see Ford being concerned about building other vehicles faster than their bread-and-butter Mustang GT. After all, the 99-04 SVT Lightning would blast comparable Mustang GTs into next week, and they'd even give the Cobra guys something to think about, at least until the underrated 03-04 Terminators came out. If people (and Ford) were okay with a truck being one of the fastest vehicles in the FoMoCo line up, I don't see any "pride" issues with a fast four-door.

Nor do I see the SHO as being a full-on performance car like the 300 SRT-8, G8 GXP, or an M5 (which frankly shouldn't even be classed with the SHO), at least not in its current form. Those cars are the high-performance models of the high-performance models, and that's a level the SHO has yet to reach. I'll be very curious to see what happens to the Taurus for 2012 or 2013; I'd love to see a standard Taurus SEL, Taurus SHO, and a Taurus SHO ST with a weight redux and a retune to about 420 horsepower; that should still place it behind the GT500 in 1/4 performance, but not much.

Ford WAS concerned back in 1989 about the SHO outperforming the Mustang GT, and I think that was the reason for some questionable engineering decisions like the 55mm MAF or the straight 90 degree corner into the catalytic converter, but in the past 20 years people--and manufacturers--have come to appreciate performance in multiple genres so I think there's less of a stigma about sedans being as fast or faster than dedicated performance cars.

Good discussion btw

 

[joesho_gb]

I remember seeing a TV show a few weeks back, called SPEED Test Drive - 6 vs 8 Showdown at Loveland Pass - They compared the Lincoln MKS (I think, it's the one with the Eco Boost, higher end model) against V8 BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and a Masarati Quadaporte.

If memory serves me right, The Eco Boost came in second, on mostly an uphill run.

I think this test would be cool with the SHO. On a performance aspect, it'd be cool to see the AWD and how it handles the weight and power transfer.

FoMoCo has an almost winner with the SHO. I think the chassis on the new Taurus offers a lot, especially compared with the previous versions. It does feel solid, whatever flavor you drive. The lines are stunning, and with the exception of a few questionable interior plastic choices, feels higher end than most other cars in the field.

And with the price range of the SHO, or even the higher end Taurus', Ford seems to be trying to take on some of the more luxury brand, trying to get the whole "Ford Taurus = Rental or Fleet Car" mentality. I think they have made great strides into that direction.

I just hope that by the time the Mid-Life refresh comes through that the bean counters and engineer's can see a little more eye to eye. Make it a car that people not only want to drive, but yern to drive!
They are sooooooooo close now, and with a few tweaks here and there, they could have the segment leader!

And very good discussion.