Most Taurus models are front-wheel drive standard, with all-wheel drive optional. Standard power comes from Ford's 263-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6, coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The high-performance variant that powers the Taurus SHO is a 3.5-liter, twin-turbocharged "EcoBoost" V6, which makes 365 horsepower and 350 ft-lb of torque. The engine's two small turbos permit it to make peak torque just above idle. The engine also has direct injection, which Ford claims delivers "the power of a V8 and the efficiency of a V6."
Taurus SHO includes SelectShift paddle shifters, which allow the driver to command the 6-speed automatic transmission's shifts for curves or mountain roads. Torque-sensing all-wheel-drive is standard on the SHO and it employs electromechanical clutches to send torque to the wheels with the most grip. Electronic power steering works with the sport-tuned suspension to handle the power and bring an agile feel.
The SHO gets a number of other performance features designed to help drivers get the most out of the driving experience. The electronic stability control comes with a "Sport Mode," and the SHO rides on Eagle F1 summer performance tires on painted wheels. Inside, the SHO gets "Miko Suede" seat inserts made from recycled materials, plus aluminum-trimmed pedals and aluminum trim throughout. Multi-contour heated-and-cooled seats are available, and there's also a 12-speaker Sony surround sound audio system.
The regular Taurus is offered in three trim levels: SE, SEL and Limited. SEL models get painted aluminum wheels and chrome exhaust tips; they also get supplemental parking lamps and heated exterior mirrors. The top-of-the-line Limited adds power leather seats, a reverse sensing system and a premium sound system that includes the Sync voice-driven interface for phones and portable music devices. Limited models also get showy 19-inch chromed aluminum wheels.
The Taurus is one of the top-rated vehicles in its class in crash tests and comes with a long list of safety features, including stability control, anti-lock brakes, front side airbags, side-curtain airbags, a Post-Crash Alert System and crash severity sensing.
Across the Taurus line, technology features are emphasized, with several features showcased. The Cross Traffic Alert and a Collision Warning system promise to aid safety, while Intelligent Access and a MyKey entry system allow parental control programmability. Sirius Travel Link, a set of features for the navigation system that brings live traffic information, weather forecasts, gas prices, and other info, is also available, as are adaptive cruise control and rain-sensing wipers.
2011 Ford Taurus 4dr Sdn SEL AWD
Transmission
Drivetrain: All Wheel Drive
Trans Order Code: 44J
Trans Type: 6
Trans Description Cont.: Automatic w/OD
Trans Description Cont. Again: SelectShift
First Gear Ratio (:1): 4.48
Second Gear Ratio (:1): 2.87
Third Gear Ratio (:1): 1.84
Fourth Gear Ratio (:1): 1.41
Fifth Gear Ratio (:1): 1.00
Sixth Gear Ratio (:1): 0.74
Reverse Ratio (:1): 2.88
Clutch Size: N/A
Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1): 2.77
Vehicle
EPA Classification: Large Cars
EPA Greenhouse Gas Score: 4
Interior Dimensions
Passenger Capacity: 5
Passenger Volume: 102.2
Front Head Room: 39.0
Front Leg Room: 41.9
Front Shoulder Room: 57.9
Front Hip Room: 56.3
Second Head Room: 37.8
Second Leg Room: 38.1
Second Shoulder Room: 56.9
Second Hip Room: 55.8
Weight Information
Base Curb Weight: 4224
Mileage
EPA Fuel Economy Est - Hwy: 25
Cruising Range - City: 323.00
EPA Fuel Economy Est - City: 17
Fuel Economy Est-Combined: 20
Cruising Range - Hwy: 475.00
Trailering
Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.: 1000
Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.: 100
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.: 1000
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.: 150
Engine
Engine Order Code: 99W
Engine Type: Gas V6
Displacement: 3.5L/213
Fuel System: SMPI
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM: 263 @ 6250
SAE Net Torque @ RPM: 249 @ 4500
Electrical
Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary): N/A
Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps): N/A
Cooling System
Total Cooling System Capacity: N/A
Suspension
Suspension Type - Front: Independent
Suspension Type - Rear: Independent
Suspension Type - Front (Cont.): MacPherson Strut
Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.): Multi-Link
Shock Absorber Diameter - Front: N/A
Shock Absorber Diameter - Rear: N/A
Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Front: 1.14
Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Rear: 0.83
Tires
Front Tire Order Code: TC5
Rear Tire Order Code: TC5
Spare Tire Order Code: N/A
Front Tire Size: P235/55R18
Rear Tire Size: P235/55R18
Spare Tire Size: Compact
Wheels
Front Wheel Size: 18 x -TBD-
Rear Wheel Size: 18 x -TBD-
Spare Wheel Size: Compact
Front Wheel Material: Aluminum
Rear Wheel Material: Aluminum
Spare Wheel Material: Steel
Steering
Steering Type: Pwr Rack & Pinion
Steering Ratio (:1), Overall: 17.0
Lock to Lock Turns (Steering): N/A
Turning Diameter - Curb to Curb: 41.0
Turning Diameter - Wall to Wall: N/A
Brakes
Brake Type: Pwr
Brake ABS System: 4-Wheel
Brake ABS System (Second Line): N/A
Disc - Front (Yes or ): Yes
Disc - Rear (Yes or ): Yes
Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness: N/A
Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness: N/A
Drum - Rear (Yes or ): N/A
Rear Drum Diam x Width: N/A
Fuel Tank
Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx: 19.0
Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx: N/A
Exterior Dimensions
Wheelbase: 112.9
Length, Overall: 202.9
Width, Max w/o mirrors: 85.7
Height, Overall: 60.7
Track Width, Front: 65.3
Track Width, Rear: 65.5
Min Ground Clearance: N/A
Liftover Height: 30.4
