The 2010 Ford Taurus will make its debut at next month’s Detroit Auto Show, but thanks to our spy photographers, you don’t have to wait three more weeks to see the finished product. Our spies spotted the ‘10 Taurus while it was being transported between two buildings with nothing hiding its identity except for a funky paint job.

The current Ford Taurus was unveiled in early 2007 as the 2008 Ford Five Hundred. It was then renamed to Taurus in an effort to take advantage of the nameplate’s strong mindshare. The car was “facelifted” to give it more style than the original 2005 Five Hundred. Unfortunately, the move was not enough to boost sales or public perception of the model.

As a result, Ford CEO Alan Mulally ordered a complete redesign. Less than six months ago, he told the press the 2010 Taurus would be “the one we should have made originally.”

Ford has decided to combine elements of its “Bold American” and European “Kinetic” design language for the 2010 model. While this isn’t Ford’s all-new design language (which will debut in several years), it is certainly a move in the right direction.

Although previous prototypes have been heavily clad in camouflage, an earlier image leak and our artist’s illustration show what the production Taurus will look like. The basic three-bar grille remains, but it has been grafted onto a trapezoidal opening. A similarly shaped inverted air intake sits below the grille. The headlights have some detailing similar to other American Ford products, but their shape is decidedly European.

The latest shots are of the hi-po model and are packing the 3.5L, twin turbo V6. We hear it should be good for around 350hp. It will be AWD only and will have Ford’s new SR1 (Shock Ratio 1) suspension used in the Lincoln MKS. Expect some special chrome accents on the front end, twin pipes out back and 20 inch wheels on all four corners.

While some think this super-sedan will wear the “SHO” nameplate, a few well-placed sources have told us to expect a euro-inspired “ST” badge. We should know for sure in early 2009.

While this prototype still has a Lincoln steering wheel, the rest of the interior for the Ford appears to be unique when compared to the MKS. We can see several details including an engine start/stop button, Sirius satellite radio, heated seats and a Sony sound system. Chrome ringed gauges and air vents are also clearly visible.

Is it a groundbreaking design? Not especially. Will it allow Ford to compete effectively against its Asian competition? Absolutely — and that’s what counts.