1996 Ford Taurus SHO First Drive - Motor Trend Nov 1995 V8 Specs & Review
Reference · 1992-1995 TaurusAll 40 brochures & literature
Motor Trend November 1995 first-drive feature on the 1996 Taurus SHO 3.4L DOHC V8 (Yamaha-built), with Tech Data spec sidebar and underhood engine photo.
Part of 1992-1995 Ford Taurus Brochures & Literature
This is a scan of a Motor Trend magazine "First Drive" article (page 106, November 1995 issue) by Jack Keebler covering the 1996 Ford Taurus SHO. The article describes an early drive of an "engineering sign-off" vehicle before regular production began at the Atlanta, Georgia assembly plant. It details the new 32-valve, 60-degree DOHC V-8 developed with Yamaha Motor Corp., including its narrow bank angle, balance shaft, and estimated output of 225-230 hp at a 6000-rpm redline with roughly 225 lb-ft of torque at 4800 rpm. Ford estimated 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds. The article notes the four-speed automatic (no manual option), handling impressions including mild torque steer through the ZF rack and pinion, and styling comparisons to the BMW 5-Series. A photo caption explains the V-8 shares parts with the 2.5-liter Duratec V-6 from the Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique. A Tech Data sidebar lists full specifications: 206.0 ci/3390cc displacement, 3.77:1 axle ratio, 108.5-in wheelbase, 198.3-in length, 3358-lb curb weight, 16.1-gal fuel capacity, 18/26 mpg EPA estimate, MacPherson strut/Quadralink suspension, ABS with vented front discs, 16x8.0 alloy wheels, 225/55VR16 Goodyear Eagle RSA tires, and an estimated base price of $27,000.
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Frequently asked questions
- How much horsepower does the 1996 Ford Taurus SHO V-8 make?
- Ford engineers estimated the 32-valve DOHC V-8 would make between 225 and 230 horsepower at its 6000-rpm redline, with approximately 225 lb-ft of torque at 4800 rpm.
- What engine is in the 1996 Taurus SHO?
- A 60-degree DOHC V-8 with 4 valves per cylinder, 206.0 cubic inches (3390 cc) displacement, developed with Yamaha Motor Corp. It includes a balance shaft and shares many key parts with the 2.5-liter Duratec V-6 used in the Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique.
- Was the 1996 Taurus SHO available with a manual transmission?
- No. The article states there is no manual-transmission option and there probably won't be one in the near future; only a 4-speed automatic was offered.
- How fast is the 1996 Taurus SHO 0-60?
- Ford estimated 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds; instrumented testing was to wait for production hardware.
- What was the estimated price of the 1996 Taurus SHO?
- The Tech Data sidebar lists an estimated base price of $27,000, with the article hinting it would run from the high $20Ks to the low $30Ks depending on options.
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