Ford Taurus (United States of America, 2010-present)

Ford Taurus's sixth generation was unveiled at the 2009 Detroit International Auto Show at Cobo Hall. The new generation's design was inspired by music, according to Ford's design team. It features a more aerodynamic version of the three-chrome bar grille and a rear end similar to the one featured in the Ford Interceptor concept.

Completely redesigned for 2010, Taurus offers a revised color palette for 2012, it adds Ginger Ale Metallic. Bringing enhanced rear visibility, Taurus now features standard integrated blind spot mirrors in the power-assisted sideview mirrors.

Exterior design for the new generation Taurus includes a grille to the pronounced fenders and fascia. Bold new headlights combined with recessed parking lamps frame, a new expression of the signature Ford three-bar grille – and a lowered roofline.

New wheels, from 17 to 20-inches in diameter, raised shoulder lines, a new exterior color palette selected to harmonize with interior appointments and offer customers a broader range of color combinations. New colors include Candy Red Metallic Tint, White Platinum Metallic, Steel Blue Metallic, Gold Leaf Metallic and Ingot Silver Metallic.

Inside, a forward-leaning centerstack – home to the climate controls, audio components and available navigation screen – flows in a continuous unbroken form through the instrument panel and down into the center console.

The 2010 Taurus comes standard with Ford’s Duratec 3.5-liter V6, generating 263 horsepower and 337Nm of torque. It is paired with a choice of two new six-speed automatic transmissions.

Ford Taurus offers the following range of technology:

• Adaptive Cruise Control: allows the driver to set the vehiclecruising speed while using radar technology to monitor traffic travelling up to 600 feet ahead, automatically adjusting Taurus speed to help maintain a safe distance between vehicles.

• Collision Warning with Brake Support: a new active safety feature, enabled by Adaptive Cruise Control. This system uses a radar sensor to detect moving vehicles ahead and provides a visual “heads-up” warning signal transmitted across the base of the windshield and an audible warning when slower moving traffic is detected ahead. The system also pre-charges the brakes and engages an electronic brake assist to help the driver stop more quickly.

• Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start: a new Taurus feature, allows the driver to enter the car and start the engine by simply carrying the fob as they approach and enter the vehicle.

• SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry Keypad: enables vehicle access by unlocking the driver’s door using a five-digit code on the new keypad system flush-mounted in the driver’s side B-pillar.

• Auto High Beams/Rain-Sensing Wipers: harness sensor technologies to switch headlights to high intensity when no other vehicles are detected, in a range of up to 500 feet for taillight detection, and up to 2,000 feet for oncoming headlight detection. Rain-sensing wipers use an advanced optical sensor to detect the intensity of rain and/or snowfall to adjust wiper speed.

• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®): two multiple beam radar modules, one each per rear quarter panel. When an approaching vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone, an indicator alert provides warning to the driver in the corresponding side view mirror.

• Cross Traffic Alert: uses the existing BLIS radar modules to sense oncoming traffic when slowly backing out of a parking spot. This industry-exclusive system functions only while the vehicle is in reverse and warns when cross-traffic appears within three car widths.

• Ford SYNC®: a fully integrated, in-vehicle voice-activated communications and entertainment system, with 911 Assist™, Vehicle Health Report and GPS-based features including business search and call completion. SYNC connects to MP3 players, iPods, memory sticks and PDAs. SYNC’s 911 Assist will place a call to a local emergency operator in the event of an air bag deployment incident. The latest version of SYNC adds Traffic, Directions and Information, providing turn-by-turn route guidance, and the ability to access content by personalized favorites such as region, subject matter or sports team.

• Voice-Activated Navigation System with SIRIUS® Travel Link™: an 8-inch screen that presents a birds-eye-view map with 3D landmarks. The system responds to voice commands for destination programming and route selection. In addition, it provides enhanced route guidance features such as street name announcements and detailed freeway exit, turn and ramp position lane guidance. The screen can be personalized with up to 32 pictures, sized up to 1.5 MB each. The system also incorporates the SIRIUS Travel Link, offering availability of current weather and ski conditions, a five-day forecast, local fuel pricing by cost per gallon and brand, sports scores and movie listings.

• Sony® Audio components deliver sound from a variety of sources, with an AM-FM tuner, SIRIUS Satellite radio, CD, DVD audio and an integrated 10 GB hard drive for storage of up to 2,400 songs. This package also includes an available 12-speaker premium audio system.

• Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion™: for driver and passenger, integrating a six-way lumbar support and subtle rolling pattern massage. The bottom cushion features Active Motion technology, providing minute but continuous movement, stirring a change of muscular activation helping a driver avoid back pain.

The Ford Taurus SHO, Super High Output, is a full-size performance sedan based on the Ford Taurus. Originally produced from 1989 until 1999 it was recovered in 2009 to join Taurus's sixth generation. It was unveiled at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show and replaced the Ford Crown Victoria.