[Shotimes] Re: If Ford asked you to build the next Taurus SHO

[colin cooney]

Wow, they should have a contest!  One thing that I humbly suggest that Don 
may have left out is to have the engine designed, engineered , and tweaked 
by Yamaha again. Surely one of the main reasons that we all continue to 
enjoy and invest our time in these cars is their mostly "bulletproof" 
powerplant. (My alternate vote would be for the 4.0l V8 from the Jaguar XJ8)

I've grown so used to looking for replacement stuff on the internet for the 
interior, radio, center console, etc that frankly none of that worries me. I 
think I'd miss the process too much. Just put in a good driver's seat and 
I'll figure something out. (That should keep weight down and under the $30K 
sticker target)

Great seats ARE important, maybe include a spare shift knob in the glove 
compartment from the factory. A full size spare tire would be nice. 
Cupholders situated NOWHERE near the radio/tape deck. Seat heaters standard. 
Stereo controls on the steering wheel. And have the carpeting scotchguarded 
from the factory. Take the climate control system from the Volvo S80. (I'll 
miss looking for EATCs with hard buttons, sob, but I'll forge on). Michelin 
or Dunlop tires standard (Firestone THIS!) on 17" slicers (updated but still 
slicers y'know?) Oh, and the rotunda tool kit in storage next to the jack, 
bottle style, not scissor.

I walked outside to take a look at mine (92 MTX) and the styling cue I'd 
most like to see put in a new version is that little bit of chrome around 
the windows on the sides. I think it harkens back to the heritage of the 
great cars of the 60s and early 70s while still accenting the up-to-date 
design.

Ideally, if I were picking one up brand new from the dealer, I'd want a free 
alignment while I wait and watch them, a driver's seat, engine, body, 
climate control and airbag systems. I would then promptly go home and put on 
cadmium rotors, new windshield wipers, and a proper exhaust. I believe its 
silly to ask for the car to come TRULY kitted out, because some accountant 
in Dearborn would just trim the" fat" out of the project before or during 
production to increase profits, and I'd end up on the ground under it, 
getting bit by red ants, SWEARING that I should have bought a Volkswagon. If 
I knew I was going to replace, or rather, install stuff, I'd probably even 
smile at the Murray's checkout girl while I got my FUNCTIONAL windshield 
wipers.

And if its the Blarney you'll be havin', theres more where that came from...

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