SLegacy99

I was under the impression that the Taurus carries with it more luxury features and ammentities.

LexFather

True and we both know people that want BMWs, Benz's Lexus will buy them with less tech, equipment etc compared to a Taurus SHO for a multitude of reasons. That is their choice.

Ford poses another problem to less established brands where their badge doesn't hold half as much weight.

Whats funny if you can get a loaded F-sport IS 250 for the price of a Taurus SHO. Its amazing how today so many vehicles now cross paths.

We also both know it won't go for MSRP. Unless Ford sticks to its guns, there will be discounts on this vehicle.

IS-SV

I am not a bit surprised about that, since the Mustang is supposed to "resemble" a traditional pony car.

IS350jet

Plus, the huge price difference. The Taurus does seem awfully expensive. 45k is swimming in some pretty serious performance sedan territory. A 5 series starts at 45,800. The G8 GT cleaned its clock. Imagine what the GXP could do, and it still costs less than the Taurus. Although, I'm sure the Taurus is much better equipped.

LexBob2

I read that the Lincoln version of the SHO (MKS, AWD, TT) will go for something north of $50K.

SLegacy99

FYI the SHO starts at $37k.

$45k gets you heated and cooled seats, moonroof, rear sunshade, 12 speak Sony system, auto high beams, blind spot warning, rain sensing wipers, adjustable pedals.

blessed

I really get what your are saying, but hear lately it has been reported that Ford initial and lasting quality has been right up there with Toyota and like I said one reviewer said that the interior is as good as or almost as good has the AUDI A6. I would hope that people could see past the name Ford and look at what that car has to offer. I don't want to seem like a Ford boy I just want to see the American car companies do well and the only way they can do that is by making cars that can compete with Lexus, Benz, BMW, and any other car company the makes quality cars. I like them all to be honest, but my next one might be a Ford I am for buy American, but you have to give me something to choose from and it looks like Ford and some GM models are trying to at least compete.

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

I understand and sympathize with some of what you are saying but to think that Ford needs to compete with Audi, Lexus, and BMW to be competitive is pretty unrealistic...for several reasons.

Until the last year or so, Ford wasn't even competitive with Toyota or Honda, so Lexus and Audi are a clear long shot past that.

Second, luxury marques have never been Ford's target or competitors so I don't really think they need to try to benchmark the 5 series or GS- it's irrelevant. Shoot high? Yes. That high? No, IMO. Gunning for Toyota and Honda is high enough right now.

They are making great strides none the less...very impressive!

blessed

You know that the SHO is a bit quicker the Audi A6 in performance, but I hope that Ford does not fall victim to what Volkswagen did with the Pheaton or something like that it was a very good car but people did not what to pay that kind of money for a Volkswagen. I see what you are saying though.

FKL

^VWoA has since lamented that it was a mistake to drop the car from the American market after only two years. The face lifted Phaeton that dropped in Europe last year actually significantly boosted sales. The car wasn't a completely flop across the spectrum as VW is going to build a second generation of the car but I can clearly see what you are trying to say - that Americans were not ready for an executive luxury saloon from VW that approached $100K, even IF the vehicle was essentially a toned down Bentley Continental; it didn't matter. I fear the pricy Taurus may fall victim to the same trap as the $38K REGULAR VW Passat VR6 had in 2006-2008. The car was pretty much competitive with the similarly sized Acura TL and Lexus ES ( I'd argue better), but it was often overlooked simply for being a VW and a Passat. The CC has stood a much better chance given that it actually has a very striking design, but Ford is going to face the same wind the Passat had. The car may help it gain respect in the industry and showcase what the company IS capable of, but it may have been better off leaving the $45K top trim model to Lincoln.

mmarshall

Ford may (?) have set the SHO price where it is because they know that, with Pontiac likely going out of buisness, the G8 GT will be only temporary competition for the first year. And new-car-fever often allows first-year, high-performance cars to get top dollar.

mmarshall

You mean the limited-production, W8-powered Passats, don't you? VW only sold those for a year or two. They generally sold for 40K and up....more, of course, than most people were willing to pay for a Passat.