NEW FOR 2011:

– Engine block heater standard on SHO
– Exterior colours: Kona Blue Metallic, Sterling Grey Metallic and Bordeaux Reserve Metallic added; Cinnamon Metallic, Atlantis Green Metallic and Steel Blue discontinued

Redesigned for 2010, the Ford Taurus is unchanged for 2011, except for exterior colours and a new standard block heater on the SHO.

The Taurus uses a 3.5-litre Duratec V6 engine, with six-speed automatic in SE trim, and six-speed SelectShift automatic with manual shift mode and paddle shifters in all other trim lines. The Taurus SHO uses a 3.5-litre Ecoboost V6 engine, with twin turbochargers, and the six-speed with manual shift mode. The Taurus comes as the SE, SEL and Limited, while the SHO is a single trim line that builds on the Limited. The SE is front-wheel drive; the SEL can be optioned with all-wheel drive; and the Limited and SHO are exclusively all-wheel drive.

Features on the SE include 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, six-way power driver’s seat, CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input, auto up/down driver’s window, black power mirrors, MyKey owner controls, SecuriCode invisible keypad, tire pressure monitoring system, 60/40 fold-flat rear seat, second-row reading lamps, illuminated vanity mirrors, floor mats, message centre with compass, cruise control, tilt and telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, and automatic headlamps.

The SEL adds 18-inch painted alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, six-way power passenger seat, Sirius satellite radio, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, leather-wrapped steering wheel, outside temperature display, and supplemental parking lamps.

The Limited adds 19-inch chrome-clad wheels, eight-way power heated and cooled leather multi-contour Active Motion seats with memory, heated rear seats, premium six-CD/MP3 stereo, SYNC, ambient lighting, bright sill plates, cargo mat, leather-wrapped and wood steering wheel, power rear sunshade, auto up/down front windows, auto-down rear windows, garage door opener, chrome-accented heated mirrors with puddle lamps, and reverse sensing system.

The SHO adds 20-inch painted alloy wheels, electric power-assisted steering, sport-tuned suspension, leather-trimmed seats with Miko Suede inserts, power-adjustable pedals, Sony surround sound system, power sunroof, auto high beam headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert, rear spoiler, and rear-view camera.

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