[Shotimes] Sorta OT: Ford to replace Taurus with Futura

Wed, 16 Apr 2003 14:12:11 -0400

I don't really understand why the dealers hate the SHO so much. I mean yeah
they are a pain to work on, but at the same time they really aren't that
bad. I'd say that if they were smart and did a SHO, the only offer it at
select dealers like they do with the SVT stuff, unless that has change now
too. I remember back in 98-99 or so I was looking at the contour SVT's and
only 2 dealers in Albany were "certified" SVT dealers. You couldn't get an
SVT from a non SVT dealer. Which made sense cause the techs at the dealer
had additional training on how to maintain and work on teh different SVT
platforms. The same could be said or should be said about a SHO. I think the
market is more primed now for a car like a Taurus SHO then it was 10-15
years ago, casue now many ppl consider performance into a sensiblemobile.
I'm only 27 and I wanted 4 doors and performance, over the traditional
sports car look. It would prolly be easier for Ford to offer a SVT'd Taurus
that has numbers and a feel like a SHO (#'s adjusted for todays HP/TQ
market), cause it would prolly be based on the Duratec, which ain't a bad
engine, especially the Mazda version in the 6s. Just needs some refinements,
more HP and TQ, and that satisfying 4000rpm punch and it would be all good.

I'd settle for a Yamaha tuned Duratec, in an SVT package. That would be SHO
enough for me. I think the 6 platform could revitalize the Taurus, and draw
in a new crowd of buyers looking for a nice mix of performance and
sensability. Lord knows at least offer it in a 5 or 6 speed, cause the mazda
5-speed in the 6s is soooooooo smooth. Its the only part of the 6 that I
really want in my SHO, well that and the heated perf'd leather seats.

Bruce
94 Opal Frost MTX
94 Deep Emerald Green ATX - w/90k gonna be parted

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ron Porter" <ronporter@prodigy.net>
To: "Bruce Malachuk" <bmalach1@nycap.rr.com>; <shotimes@autox.team.net>
Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2003 1:31 PM
Subject: RE: [Shotimes] Sorta OT: Ford to replace Taurus with Futura

> Be happy if they do an SVT version. I don't believe the SHO name will ever
> be on a Ford product again......or at least as long as the current dealers
> and salespeople have a say. Ask a dealer what they would think about
having
> the SHO back. Don't take a young child, as you will have to cover their
> ears. For the dealers, SHO = Edsel.
>
> I suspect the reason that GM is bringing back the name GTO is that their
> dealer body wanted it. FWIW, I found the AutoWeek story a few weeks ago
> rather interesting. It's where the GTO enthusiast website hates the new
GTO
> (gee, GM enthusiasts happen to agree with my assessment)!), and they were
so
> ticked off that they posted pictures of the new Mustang on their GTO
site!!
>
> Ron Porter
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: shotimes-admin@autox.team.net
> [mailto:shotimes-admin@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of Bruce Malachuk
> Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2003 1:03 PM
> To: shotimes@autox.team.net
> Subject: Re: [Shotimes] Sorta OT: Ford to replace Taurus with Futura
>
>
> One can only hope that perhaps they'll rename it a Taurus, and offer
either
> an SVT version, or better yet a SHO version. After driving my dad's new
> Mazda 6s around for a few days, I have to say I like the way it drives, it
> has some decent power down low, but in needs my Yamaha shoved under the
> hood.
>
> The best thing that Ford could do is offer a SHO version again, how many
of
> us loyal SHO ppl would love that, and there are 10 times more ppl out
there
> that still drive SHOs and have no idea about the forums or lists. I met 2
> today when I went to Sears for a long 1/4 drive extention and then
Starbucks
> for my espresso fix. Both owners had never heard of anyplace online for
the
> cars, and both said they planned to run them till they died. hehe I then
> proceeded to pitch them on having me do thier valve lash, and possibly
other
> work.
>
> I'd buy a new SHO if they put one on that 6 design. Give it a 250-280hp V6
> with the exact same asthetics appeal of the 3.0/3.2's. Hell, jsut update
the
> engine for EEC-V and give it an extra 30-50hp. Think of the possibilities
of
> buying a "new SHO" engine that might just fit into the gen I/II bodies.
>
> Bruce
> 94 Opal Frost MTX
> 94 Deep Emerald Green ATX - w/90k gonna be parted
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <mkelley1@gt.rr.com>
> To: <shotimes@autox.team.net>
> Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2003 11:30 AM
> Subject: [Shotimes] Sorta OT: Ford to replace Taurus with Futura
>
>
> > I'd have to see the actual car and not an artists rendition but it
doesn't
> > look bad:
> >
> > http://tinyurl.com/9nx3
> >
> > Mark
> >
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