Fat lady with a girdle
The ride is smooth, controlled and more luxury-car than sports-car minded. Although the specs may say “sport suspension,” I'm more convinced that the performance-oriented P245/45R20 tires on 20” wheels have more to do with the SHO's improved handling over the regular Taurus, which is good to begin with. Weight transfers are evident, but then the car is so tall and bulky that a firmer damping setup would be plain uncomfortable for everyday driving.
Everything about the SHO is uneventful except perhaps doing U-turns. The SHO's turning circle is a few centimetres over 12 metres. Factor in an overall length of 5,154 cm (202.9”) and, well, good luck with that.
Taurus +
Other than the odd “SHO” tag strewn about in the cabin, the SHO's passenger quarters are little or no different than that of a regular Taurus. By default, it simply has every bell and whistle offered in the Taurus catalogue. The overall presentation is very modern and functional and flows nicely front to back, side to side.
The area on which the shifter and multiple storage places sit is on a large centre tunnel. The divider is so wide that it cuts into the front footwells, and its height is almost exaggeratedly pronounced. Regardless of how I attempted to adjust my seat, my right knee would always meet the outside casting line, cutting into my kneecap. Furthermore, even the multiple electronic adjustments of the seats could not help me find a comfortable driving position. I'm a hair under 5'10” with a North American average male build, and so am not an exception.
The rear bench is very accommodating and the trunk is enormous. Should you be in the market for something quick that also needs to double as a large family car, the SHO is certainly a viable option.
Little to SHO
Outwardly, the SHO once again barely stands out from the Taurus lineup, thankfully. That is the essence of the Q-Ship, and that is why today's SHO is not a fail. Take away my tester's optional 20” wheels (I wouldn't), stick to the stock 19” and pick silver or grey as the body colour and no one will ever see you coming.
The ride is smooth, controlled and more luxury-car than sports-car minded. Although the specs may say “sport suspension,” I'm more convinced that the performance-oriented P245/45R20 tires on 20” wheels have more to do with the SHO's improved handling over the regular Taurus, which is good to begin with. Weight transfers are evident, but then the car is so tall and bulky that a firmer damping setup would be plain uncomfortable for everyday driving.
 |
| The ride is smooth, controlled and more luxury-car than sports-car minded. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |
Everything about the SHO is uneventful except perhaps doing U-turns. The SHO's turning circle is a few centimetres over 12 metres. Factor in an overall length of 5,154 cm (202.9”) and, well, good luck with that.
Taurus +
Other than the odd “SHO” tag strewn about in the cabin, the SHO's passenger quarters are little or no different than that of a regular Taurus. By default, it simply has every bell and whistle offered in the Taurus catalogue. The overall presentation is very modern and functional and flows nicely front to back, side to side.
The area on which the shifter and multiple storage places sit is on a large centre tunnel. The divider is so wide that it cuts into the front footwells, and its height is almost exaggeratedly pronounced. Regardless of how I attempted to adjust my seat, my right knee would always meet the outside casting line, cutting into my kneecap. Furthermore, even the multiple electronic adjustments of the seats could not help me find a comfortable driving position. I'm a hair under 5'10” with a North American average male build, and so am not an exception.
The rear bench is very accommodating and the trunk is enormous. Should you be in the market for something quick that also needs to double as a large family car, the SHO is certainly a viable option.
Little to SHO
Outwardly, the SHO once again barely stands out from the Taurus lineup, thankfully. That is the essence of the Q-Ship, and that is why today's SHO is not a fail. Take away my tester's optional 20” wheels (I wouldn't), stick to the stock 19” and pick silver or grey as the body colour and no one will ever see you coming.
 |
| The rear bench is very accommodating. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |