2010 Ford Taurus SHO – Its SHOw Time

During a period of deep recession, when GM and Chrysler were chomping at the bit for government funds and Detroit was looked at as nothing more than an output engine for gas-guzzling cars, Ford was hard at work redesigning their much-loved Taurus and were working on bringing back the legendary high-performance Taurus SHO (Super High Output) for the 2010 model year, but this time, they were doing it with the environment in mind.

There is quite a community of enthusiasts that hold this ’sleeper’ performance vehicle in high regard, including Tonight Show host Conan O’Brian. There are currently 1,000 active club members and 10,000 registered users of an online forum community that share Mr. O’Brian’s passion. They may be somewhat disappointed however, to learn that instead of a V8 engine, Ford opted for a 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine for the Taurus SHO revival.

Before jumping to the conclusion that Ford forgot the SHO’s performance roots and opted instead to franchise the name out to a tree-hugger vehicle, bear in mind that the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost is turbocharged; twin-turbocharged.

Click through to read more and to view our high-res image gallery (at the bottom of the article).

Review: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO:

2010 Ford Taurus SHO Specifications:

• Base Price: $37,170.
• Price as Tested: $41,335.
• Engine: 3.5L V6 twin-turbocharged EcoBoost – 365-hp/350 lb-ft of torque.
• Transmission: 6-speed 6F55 SelectShift Automatic Transmission.
• Curb Weight: 4,361 lbs.
• 0 to 60 mph: 5.2 seconds.
• Top Speed: 133 mph
• Fuel-Economy: 17/25 mpg (city/highway).

Exterior:

The first thing you notice when you see the outside of the 2010 Taurus SHO is that it is enormously large when compared to its competitors. The second thing you notice is that it looks very similar to the standard Taurus; however, that is the very idea behind the car. “Taurus SHO was always a stealth high-performance car,” said Earl Lucas, exterior design manager. “The new SHO builds on the expressive design of the 2010 Taurus, adding subtle cues that set it apart.” With that in mind, the 2010 SHO shares the same tall and bulky profile as the standard Taurus, but with slight modifications.

Some of the slight exterior modifications over the standard Taurus include a deck lid-mounted spoiler, twin chrome exhaust tips, a Ford signature three-bar grille with SHO bezels, standard 19-inch, 5-spoke premium painted wheels, and SHO badging galore.

Though the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO does present a sharper exterior than the standard edition, we expected a lot more, considering the nearly $40,000 price tag. It is reported though, that the 2012 Taurus SHO will have a little more to be desired aesthetically.

Interior:

The 2010 Ford Taurus SHO undoubtedly offers one of the most attractive interiors we have ever seen at egmCarTech with its very driver oriented, cockpit-like styling. Perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, and 10-way power adjustable, leather trimmed seats with Miko Suede inserts only add to the overall experience. Standard features on the 2010 Taurus SHO SHO include; Keyless entry, keyless push button start, dual-zone climate control, instrument panels backlit with Ford’s Ice Blue lighting, 6 disc in-dash CD player with SIRIUS satellite radio and 6-month paid subscription, ambient lighting courtesy of Ford’s MyColor feature, and Ford’s MyKey feature which allows drivers to completely customize their driving experience and restrict driving modes available to other drivers. Also standard on the SHO is Ford’s Sync system, with MP3 player and iPod connectivity. The latest version of Sync also gets traffic reports, and and turn-by-turn directions with en route guidance.

read more : http://www.egmcartech.com/reviews/

• 2009 Honda Fit

#1

in Affordable Small Cars

Based on analysis of 26 Fit reviews and test drives.

Avg. Paid:$15,253 - $19,370

MSRP: $14,750 - $18,960

Invoice: $14,236 - $18,277

MPG: 27 City / 33 Hwy

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U.S.News Scores

Overall:	9.1
Performance:	8.2
Exterior:	7.3
Interior:	8.8
Safety:	9.8
Reliability:	8.0

Research we analyzed for this review

Pros and Cons

• Fun-to-drive
• Great visibility from front and rear rows
• Spacious seating
• Class-leading cargo options, including 10 cupholders
• IIHS "Top Safety Pick"

• A bloated price for the class
• No stability control option for the base trim

Prices

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The 2009 Honda Fit ranks 1 out of 35 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 26 published reviews and test drives of the Honda Fit, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Redesigned for 2009, the larger and sportier Fit has quality and utility that few subcompacts can match. Although it's an expensive car compared to other subcompacts and hatchbacks, the Fit is a good value over time. It's even the 2009 U.S. News Best Car for the Money in the subcompact class.

The Honda Fit has quickly became an auto industry darling for its fun driving dynamics, fuel efficiency and unique cargo and seating modes. It's been one of Car and Driver's "Top 10 Urban Vehicles" for 2008, and a "10Best" for both 2008 and 2009. It was also the recipient of Popular Mechanics' Automotive Excellence Award for 2007. Just two years later, Honda has introduced a new and improved Fit that's once again earned the press' approvabl by providing abundant personality and passenger and cargo space. In addition to a 10Best recognition, the Fit was a nominee for 2009 North American Car of the Year, it is a Consumer Guide Best Buy, and it was selected as one of Automobile Magazine's All-Stars for 2009. Forbes also recognized the Fit as one of the best fuel efficient vehicles for its price.

There are some perceived shortcomings -- its hefty price tag or not having stability control on the base trim to name a few -- but even these do not prevent the majority from calling the Fit one of the best small cars or hatchbacks. But if you consider the absense of stability a deal breaker, keep the impressive cargo space of the VW Rabbit or the fuel efficiency and low MSRP of the Toyota Yaris in mind.

The 2009 Fit is now slightly larger and has sacrificed some of the last generation's fuel efficiency to improve its all-around driving experience. The windshield has been moved forward by 4.7 inches to add to improve visibility and add to the sense of spaciousness. Rear passengers are treated to 1.6 extra inches of rear legroom. The engine's 9 horsepower increase and variable valve timing provides more pep out the gate, while a stiffer chassis facilitates tauter handling. Despite all the recent changes, the 2009 Fit still comes in two trims, the base model and the Fit Sport.

Be sure to check for current Honda deals that may be available on the new Fit.

• "If there's a better combination of thrift, practicality, and fun-to-drive, we haven't seen it yet." -- Car and Driver
• "The Fit is pretty near the top of my favorite-cars list, and not because it's so fast and awesome-looking -- because it oh-so ain't. It has the beauty of a certain well-wrought urn, exactly what it needs to be -- self-defined, lightly perfect." -- Los Angeles Times
• "The new Fit seems to do it all in spades. ... No doubt the Versa, Yaris and Scion vehicles will need to respond. Let's just hope their checklist is as long and as thorough as Honda's was this time around." -- Motor Trend
• "Although this entry-level hatchback is priced slightly higher than most of its competition, the Fit nevertheless offers an ample supply of features, versatility and, above all, that unbeatable Honda resale value." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "Good news: Though the 2009 Fit is an all-new design, it hasn't changed much -- it's still the champ when it comes to hauling people and stuff all at once." -- About.com

Fit Performance - 8.2 (Very Good)

Most test drivers say the changes made to the 2009 Honda Fit's powertrain and chassis made a great drive even better. Edmunds writes, "The 2009 Honda Fit drives a lot like the previous model, only better. Like all subcompacts, it's highly maneuverable and a great urban runabout. Where the Fit rises above the rest is in the way it actually drives." Read More

Fit Exterior - 7.3 (Good)

Newsday says the funny thing about subcompacts like the Fit is "the higher gas prices go, the bigger they look. And the better they look" -- a sentiment that's proven in the numerous reviews that appreciate the redesigned Fit's diminutive style. In fact, the 2009 Fit was one of nine finalists for Kelley Blue Book's Best Redesign Award. KBB writes, "The new look is more aggressive, with sharper-angled headlights and a super cab-forward design. Its tall roof line and large windows give the driver greater all-around visibility as well as a vast amount of headroom for all passengers." Read More

Fit Interior - 8.8 (Very Good)

With a spacious cabin featuring high quality amenities and the still popular Magic Seat, the 2009 Honda Fit has one of the most well-liked interiors of its class. Several auto writers also praise the car's glasshouse feel with its larger triangular windshield. Jalopnik says, "If ever the term 'Tardis-like' applied to a car, it's this one. There's room for four adults and their luggage or, start folding seats, and you can carry tall objects, long objects, big objects, small objects (lots of them), awkwardly shaped objects or just about anything really. While you're not going to mistake this interior for that of an Audi, all the materials are robust, the controls intuitive and the quality high." Read More

Fit Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)

The 2009 Fit does very well in federal government crash tests and is a "Top Safety Pick" with the insurance industry. Still there are a few complaints that electronic stability control is not available for the car's base model. Read More

Fit Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)

The 2009 Honda Fit reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2009 Honda Fit has a basic bumper-to-bumper warranty for the first three years or 36,000 miles, and powertrain coverage for the first five years or 60,000 miles.

Source: http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/rankings/

• 2010 Kia Forte

Not Yet Ranked

Avg. Paid:$14,398 - $18,317

MSRP: $13,695 - $18,195

Invoice: $13,430 - $17,330

MPG: 25 City / 34 Hwy

Get local dealer price quotes:

U.S.News Scores

Overall:	NA
Performance:	NA
Exterior:	NA
Interior:	NA
Safety:	NA
Reliability:	NA

Research we analyzed for this review

Pros and Cons

• Loaded with features, like Bluetooth and USB ports
• Stylish exterior
• Lots of high-end safety features
• Excellent handling
• Enormous trunk

• Underpowered engines
  
• Uncomfortable rear sea

Prices

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The automotive press is heaping praise on the trendy and feature-laden 2010 Kia Forte. While the Forte's predecessor, the Spectra, was a disappointment to most reviewers, the all-new Forte delivers on style, performance and available features.

The Forte is a class leader in cargo space with its 14.7 cubic feet of cargo volume that has reviewers very excited, but the trunk isn't the only great feature that the Forte has. Features like Bluetooth, SIRIUS satellite radio, USB ports, auxiliary input jacks and even iPod connectivity, which aren't even offered in some of the Forte's competitors, come standard in the Forte.

One of the strongest selling points for the Forte is the price. The Forte LX-the most basic model-starts at just over $13,500 and the LX (which has more features like air conditioning and adjustable head rests) at just under $14,500. That is a serious bargain in comparison to its competitors, the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, both of which start off at a base price of over $16,000.

The Forte hasn't been on the market long enough to compete for many awards, but it was NADAguide's "Car of the Month" in August.

Like many small cars, the Forte's weaknesses are its accelerating abilities and rear seat -- both get mixed reviews. The car doesn't accelerate as well as some would like but most agree that it was designed more as a commuter car than a joy-riding machine. The Forte's backseat is also a bit tight so despite the fact that the Forte is advertised as a five-seater, most reviewers say only four will be comfortable.

If you're looking for an affordable small car with excellent gas mileage, a stylish look and an engine that will get the job done, the Kia Forte is well worth a look. That said, if you are looking for something that is a little more fun to drive, you might also want to check out the Mazda3 or the Volkswagen Rabbit. Neither is as fuel efficient as the Forte, but both boast trims with more powerful engines.

The Kia Forte comes as either a sedan or a coupe. The sedan comes in three trims. The standard LX model and the more advanced EX and SX models. The Kia Forte also comes as the XK coupe (which Kia calls the Koup).

• "Built to go head-to-head with the likes of the holy trinity of compact cars -- the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Mazda3 -- the Forte bears no resemblance to nor shares a platform with the outgoing Spectra. Kia made it crystal clear this is a new car, inside and out." - Motor Trend
• "This compact is more than just a piece of transportation. It will take you from point A to B in comfort and style. When you arrive, you'll even have a little money left over to spend on something fun." - Detroit News
• "There can be little doubt that the 2010 Forte marks Kia's arrival as a serious player in this hotly contested segment." - Edmunds
• "In our minds, we had equated "cheap" with, well, cheap. But after putting nearly 500 miles on the Forte EX, which sits in the middle of the Forte line, we changed our stereotypical understanding of "cheap" to a more appropriate "inexpensive." In this instance, that meant remarkable value." - Washington Post

Forte Performance - NA

The Kia Forte's doesn't have as much speed or power as some of its competitors but it works well as a daily driver. Car and Driver sums it up pretty well in saying, "It would be difficult to deliver a driving experience as impressive as the exterior styling, and the Koup struggles. We'd say it's solidly average." Read More

Forte Exterior - NA

The new Kia Forte has a stylish appearance that is fresh and pleasing -- unlike its predecessor, the Spectra, which is seen by the automotive press as an ugly stepsister. According to Edmunds, "The Forte is undoubtedly one of the best-looking small sedans on the market." Read More

Forte Interior - NA

The automotive press says that the Kia Forte's interior is a notch above the competition. From its stylish cabin to its exceptionally roomy trunk to its impressive list of standard features, it's a whole lot of car in a surprisingly affordable package. The Detroit News says, "Where the Forte breaks loose from the pack is inside the cabin, which is well-executed, functional and spacious." Read More

Forte Safety - NA

The Kia Forte hasn't yet completed its crash tests and so it doesn't have ratings in all categories. Nonetheless, it's already impressing many in the automotive press. The Washington Post pointed out, "The Forte's standard safety features, including four-wheel disc brakes and full-length head-curtain airbags, match those found in substantially more expensive cars. " Read More

Forte Reliability - NA

The 2010 Kia Forte comes with a ten-year or 100,000 mile warranty, one of the lengthiest of the class. The Forte's limited powertrain warranty is good for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Read More

Source: http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/

2010 Nissan March/Micra Global Compact Car Drawings Revealed - First Look

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Nissan has released two sketches and a very short press release of what it calls its next “global compact car.” Of course, to Europeans this is just the next-generations Nissan March/Micra that they’ve been enjoying for several years now... Read more at eGMcarTech.com

2010 Nissan GTR Modified by Tommy Kaira

2010 Nissan GT-R
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These you have Tommy Kaira name a lot because of that heavily modified Toyota Prius we’ve showed you earlier. Now as it turned out there is another very fine car in the pipeline for the JDM... Read more at MotorWard.com

2011 Ford Super Duty Pickup Trucks Remain on Top - YouTube

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Price Range $29,900.00 - $43,805.00	Fuel Economy N/A city / N/A highway Base Engine 300-horsepower V8	Value Rating N/A Explore This Car More

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Most of you reading this site may not be too fond of pickups but they’re an exciting and important part of the automotive industry. There is one company that has remained on the top of the list for pickup shoppers, Ford – and there is a good reason for that... YouTube video #1 YouTube video #2 YouTube video #3 YouTube video #4 YouTube video #5 YouTube video #6 YouTube video #7 Read more at eGMcarTech.com

2010 Honda CRF450R Dirt Bike Available Now

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HONDA’S HERO CRF450R off-road racing bike, updated for the 2010 model year, is now available at Honda motorcycle dealers around Australia. The CRF450R has come in for a number of small but significant tweaks to both the engine and suspension systems, aimed at enhancing balance and control... Read more inside The Motor Report